Exploring the relaxation effects of Coptis chinensis and berberine on the lower esophageal sphincter: potential strategies for LES motility disorders.

BMC Complement Med Ther

Department of Pediatrics, E-Da Hospital, I-Shou University, No. 1, Yi-Da Road, Yan-Chao District, Kaohsiung City, 82445, Taiwan, R.O.C..

Published: December 2024

AI Article Synopsis

  • Esophageal achalasia is a condition that affects the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), leading to symptoms like difficulty swallowing, chest pain, and weight loss, with traditional treatments providing limited relief.
  • This study investigates the effectiveness of Traditional Chinese Medicine, specifically Coptis chinensis and its active component berberine, in promoting LES relaxation as a potential alternative treatment.
  • Results indicate that both C. chinensis extract and berberine significantly relax the LES by activating potassium channels, suggesting further research is warranted for their therapeutic use in esophageal disorders like achalasia.

Article Abstract

Background: Esophageal achalasia, a primary disorder impacting the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), presents symptoms such as dysphagia, regurgitation, chest pain, and weight loss. Traditional treatments, including calcium channel blockers and nitrates, offer limited relief, prompting exploration into alternative therapies. This study examines the efficacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), focusing on Coptis chinensis (C. chinensis) and its principal component, berberine, for modulating LES relaxation, offering a new perspective on treatment possibilities.

Methods: This research evaluated the impact of C. chinensis extract and berberine on the relaxation of LES contraction pre-induced by carbachol, observing the effects across different concentrations. We employed a series of inhibitors, including tetrodotoxin, ω-conotoxin GVIA, rolipram, vardenafil, KT5823, KT5720, NG-nitro-L-arginine, tetraethylammonium (TEA), apamine, iberiotoxin, and glibenclamide, to investigate the underlying mechanisms of berberine-induced LES relaxation.

Results: Both C. chinensis extract and berberine induced significant, concentration-dependent relaxation of the LES. The relaxation effect of berberine was significantly reduced by TEA, indicating the involvement of potassium channels in this process.

Conclusions: This study demonstrates that C. chinensis and berberine significantly promote LES relaxation, primarily through potassium channel activation. These findings provide a foundation for further investigation of these compounds' potential therapeutic applications in esophageal motility disorders, such as achalasia.

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Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12906-024-04720-xDOI Listing
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11658121PMC

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Department of Pediatrics, E-Da Hospital, I-Shou University, No. 1, Yi-Da Road, Yan-Chao District, Kaohsiung City, 82445, Taiwan, R.O.C..

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  • Esophageal achalasia is a condition that affects the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), leading to symptoms like difficulty swallowing, chest pain, and weight loss, with traditional treatments providing limited relief.
  • This study investigates the effectiveness of Traditional Chinese Medicine, specifically Coptis chinensis and its active component berberine, in promoting LES relaxation as a potential alternative treatment.
  • Results indicate that both C. chinensis extract and berberine significantly relax the LES by activating potassium channels, suggesting further research is warranted for their therapeutic use in esophageal disorders like achalasia.
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