Anti-cancer Potential of Alkaloid-Rich Extracts from the Berberis Genus: An In Silico and In Vitro Approach

Abstract

The Berberis genus, a widely distributed group of plants in the family Berberidaceae, is known for its diverse range of bioactive alkaloids, including berberine, palmatine, and berbamine. These compounds have gained significant attention due to their potential therapeutic applications in cancer treatment. This article aims to explore the anti-cancer potential of alkaloid-rich extracts from the Berberis genus through a combination of in silico and in vitro methodologies. Computational techniques, including molecular docking and quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) modeling, were employed to predict the binding affinity and mechanism of action of these alkaloids against key cancer-related targets. In parallel, in vitro experiments were conducted to evaluate the cytotoxic effects of Berberis alkaloid extracts on various cancer cell lines. The findings suggest that Berberis-derived alkaloids exhibit promising anti-cancer activity, providing a foundation for further development of these compounds as potential chemotherapeutic agents.