Pharmacokinetic and NMR metabolomics approach to evaluate therapeutic effect of berberine and Coptidis Rhizoma for sepsis

Abstract Objective Sepsis, a systemic response to infection, often leads to end-organ dysfunction. Despite its high rates of mortality and morbidity, its pathophysiology is still poorly understood. Coptidis Rhizoma and its main active alkaloid compound, berberine, have been as anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory drugs used in clinic. The objective of this study was to gain more insights towards understanding the sepsis associated with drug absorption and disposition and treatments of berberine and Coptidis Rhizoma dynamically. Methods Pharmacokinetic and metabolomic studies of Coptidis Rhizoma and its main active component berberine have been performed. Results Cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) induced sepsis showed marked changes of metabolites concerning energy metabolism and amino acids metabolisms, which could be reversed towards the normal state by Coptidis Rhizoma and berberine. Conclusion Berberine exhibited an equivalent and even better therapeutic effect than Coptidis Rhizoma.