ArticleBMC complementary medicine and therapies2024
Exploring the relaxation effects of Coptis chinensis and berberine on the lower esophageal sphincter: potential strategies for LES motility disorders.
Article in BMC complementary medicine and therapies, 2024. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.
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Who cites it
2 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it.
- Treatment effects and safety of Chinese herbal medicine in gastroesophageal reflux disease: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials and a network meta-analysis with component analysis.Frontiers in pharmacology · 2026Pooled it
- Anti-Inflammatory Effects and Human Skin Safety of the Eastern Traditional HerbLife (Basel, Switzerland) · 2025Article
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Authors and funding
8 authors.
Funding
Abstract
backgroundEsophageal 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.
methodsThis 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.
resultsBoth 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.
conclusionsThis 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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