Potential Neuroprotective effects of Berberis aristata in Neurodegenerative Disorders: A Comprehensive Review of Preclinical and Clinical Evidence

Neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs), including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and Huntington’s disease (HD), are characterized by progressive neuronal loss, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and neuroinflammation. Despite advances in research, effective therapeutic interventions remain limited. Berberis aristata, a medicinal plant rich in berberine, has gained attention for its neuroprotective potential due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and mitochondrial-supporting properties. This review highlights the phytochemical profile of Berberis aristata and its multiple neuroprotective mechanisms, including inhibition of oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis, neuroinflammation, and excitotoxicity. Preclinical in vitro and in vivo studies suggest that berberine enhances synaptic plasticity, modulates neurotransmitter levels, reduces amyloid-β accumulation in AD, protects dopaminergic neurons in PD, and facilitates autophagic clearance of protein aggregates in HD. Additionally, Berberis aristata exhibits synergistic effects with conventional neuroprotective therapies. However, clinical evidence remains scarce, necessitating further human trials to determine its efficacy, bioavailability, and long-term safety. Standardization of extracts, optimization of dosing, and elucidation of molecular mechanisms are crucial for future therapeutic applications. Given its multi-targeted neuroprotective effects, Berberis aristata holds promise as a complementary or alternative strategy in the management of neurodegenerative disorders.