A Green Extraction Method for Berberine -Rich Extract and Its Use in Pharmaceutical Composition

Abstract

The present invention relates to a novel method for preparing a berberine-rich extract (BRE) from Berberis lycium root bark using a green microwave-assisted extraction (GMAE) process, followed by fractionation with a biodegradable hydrophobic resin column. The method yields a berberine-rich extract containing at least 58% w / w berberine, demonstrating significant bioequivalence to commercially available berberine. The extract exhibits therapeutic potential in antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, and anticancer applications. The invention further provides a pharmaceutical composition containing BRE as an active ingredient for the treatment of inflammatory conditions, wherein administration of BRE at an optimized dose range of 75 mg / kg to 125 mg / kg results in effective inhibition of inflammatory biomarkers IL1α, IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6, and significant reduction of paw edema in inflammation models. Additionally, BRE enhances the efficacy of antibiotics such as azithromycin and ciprofloxacin against various pathogenic bacterial strains, reducing the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) by at least 50%. The extract can be formulated as oral dosage forms including tablets, capsules, or liquid suspensions.