The press office of South Ural University reported that scientists from the university discovered the effectiveness of barberry in combating depression; treating depression with barberry fruit may be more effective than medication.
According to a source at the university, a team of scientists, along with colleagues from India, studied the molecular effects of berberine, a compound found in barberry fruit, on the human body. To achieve this, the scientists developed models and performed calculations to determine the impact of this substance on specific proteins and markers associated with depression.
The results showed that berberine has a strong binding affinity to one of these proteins, which is responsible for the survival of nerve cells. Furthermore, this binding affinity was stronger than that of antidepressant drugs.
The statement from the office reads: "The most important finding obtained by the researchers is that berberine binds to the same protein sites (active sites) that inhibitory drugs usually bind to. That is, berberine competes with these drugs for a site in the molecule. These results indicate that berberine, after being tested on animals and then on humans, may become a candidate for a drug or dietary supplement to treat depression."
According to a source at the university, berberine, as a natural compound, may be cheaper and safer than similar synthetic drugs.
The study results were published in the scientific journal Current Neuropharmacology
