Berberine chloride hydrate
[CAS# 141433-60-5]

Identification

• Classification: Biochemical >> Chinese herbal medicine ingredients
• Name: Berberine chloride hydrate
• Synonyms: 5,6-Dihydro-9,10-dimethoxybenzo[g]-1,3-benzodioxolo[5,6-a]quinolizinium chloride hydrate
• Molecular Formula: C₂₀H₁₈NO₄.Cl.H₂O
• Molecular Weight: 389.83
• CAS Registry Number: 141433-60-5
• SMILES: COC1=C(C2=C[N+]3=C(C=C2C=C1)C4=CC5=C(C=C4CC3)OCO5)OC.O.[Cl-]

Properties

• Solubility: 87 mg/mL (DMSO), <1 mg/mL (water), 87 mg/mL (ethanol)
• Melting point: 200 °C

Discovery and Applications

Berberine chloride hydrate is a compound with significant importance in both medicinal and pharmaceutical fields. It is the chloride salt of berberine, a naturally occurring alkaloid with a long history of use in traditional medicine. The hydrate form of berberine chloride enhances the stability and solubility of the compound, making it suitable for various applications.

The discovery of berberine can be traced back to its identification in the 19th century. Berberine is derived from several plants, including *Berberis* species, which have been used in traditional medicine across different cultures, particularly in Asia. The chloride salt of berberine, combined with water to form the hydrate, was developed to improve the handling and efficacy of the compound in pharmaceutical formulations.

Berberine chloride hydrate is known for its wide range of biological activities. It has been extensively studied for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. The compound acts on various biological pathways, including the inhibition of microbial growth and the modulation of immune responses. This makes it a valuable candidate for developing treatments for infections, chronic inflammation, and cancer.

In the pharmaceutical industry, berberine chloride hydrate is utilized in the development of dietary supplements and herbal medicines. Its therapeutic properties are harnessed to create formulations aimed at improving health and treating various conditions. The compound's effectiveness in treating gastrointestinal infections, metabolic disorders, and cardiovascular diseases has been well documented.

One of the key applications of berberine chloride hydrate is in the management of metabolic disorders such as diabetes and obesity. Research has shown that berberine can regulate glucose and lipid metabolism, making it a promising agent for controlling blood sugar levels and reducing body fat. Clinical studies have demonstrated its potential as an adjunct therapy for managing type 2 diabetes and related conditions.

The compound is also used in the formulation of topical products for skin conditions. Its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties make it suitable for treating acne and other skin infections. Berberine chloride hydrate can be incorporated into creams, ointments, and gels to enhance their therapeutic efficacy.

In addition to its medicinal uses, berberine chloride hydrate is of interest in academic research. Scientists study its mechanisms of action and interactions with biological targets to better understand its therapeutic potential and to develop new applications. The compound serves as a model for exploring the effects of natural alkaloids on human health and disease.

The synthesis of berberine chloride hydrate involves the reaction of berberine with hydrochloric acid, followed by crystallization to obtain the hydrated form. The process requires careful control of conditions to ensure the formation of a stable and pure product. Characterization techniques such as spectroscopy and crystallography are used to confirm the structure and purity of the compound.

Overall, berberine chloride hydrate is a compound with diverse applications in medicine and pharmaceuticals. Its natural origins, combined with its broad range of biological activities, make it a valuable substance for developing therapeutic agents. Continued research into its properties and applications is likely to yield further insights and expand its use in healthcare.

References

2024. Conductive poly (vinyl alcohol)/berberine/AgNWs gellable composite film with antibacterial activity for wound dressing and acute massive hemorrhage warning. Advanced Composites and Hybrid Materials. Jiahui Lin, Mengman Weng, Yongshuang Xiao, Shengdong Liu, Qing Xiang, Hassan Algadi, Dalal A. Alshammari, Ahmed M. Fallatah, Zheng Zhao, Yonggang Min, Mohamed M. Ibrahim, Jintao Huang.
DOI: 10.1007/s42114-024-01112-0

2024. Berberine-loaded iron oxide nanoparticles alleviate cuprizone-induced astrocytic reactivity in a rat model of multiple sclerosis. Biometals : an international journal on the role of metal ions in biology, biochemistry, and medicine. Ghadha Ibrahim Fouad, Mostafa Mabrouk, Sara A. M. El-Sayed, Mohamed F. Abdelhameed, Maha Z. Rizk, Hanan H. Beherei.
DOI: 10.1007/s10534-024-00648-4

2019. The first 13-vinyl derivatives of berberine: synthesis and antimicrobial activity. Chemistry of Heterocyclic Compounds. Oleg D. Demekhin, Aleksander D. Zagrebaev, Oleg N. Burov, Mikhail E. Kletskii, Natal’ya V. Pavlovich, Elena A. Bereznyak, Marina V. Tsimbalistova, Sergey V. Kurbatov.
DOI: 10.1007/s10593-019-02589-0