Nano-carrier Systems for Berberine Delivery: A Literature Review of Nano-formulations and Their Applications

Berberine is a safe alkaloid with specific therapeutic effects on various diseases such as cancers and diabetes. However, the therapeutic effects of berberine are limited by several factors, including low water solubility and little absorption. This article reviewed different berberine nanoformulations designed so far to increase berberine bioavailability. The relevant articles were extracted from scientific databases Scopus, ISI Web of Knowledge, and PubMed using appropriate keywords. Based on the reviewed papers, berberine nano-encapsulated drug delivery systems could increase water solubility and permeability of berberine by modifying its physical properties. Most of the systems could successfully goal the drug directly near the place of the act and deliver a sufficient dose to the site of action. Besides, the unwanted adverse effects of the drug were reduced compared to the free form of the medicine. Therefore, nanosystems can increase the therapeutic effects of berberine.