A number of studies suggest that the parts of the brain that are damaged in cases of Parkinson’s disease can be protected by taking berberine.

Berberine protects brain cells by a number of mechanisms, including:

• Reducing inflammation

• Increasing antioxidant enzyme generation

• Lowering nitric oxide

• Increasing mitochondrial stability

• Inhibiting cell destruction (apoptosis)

• Improving insulin receptor function

Several studies using animal models of human Parkinson’s have shown real promise. In one such study, berberine protected the dopamine-producing cells of the brain by increasing levels of a special antioxidant enzyme, SOD, thus reducing inflammation and inhibiting neuronprogrammed death (apoptosis).

In a second study, researchers produced Parkinson’s in mice using a special chemical and then gave one group of mice berberine in various doses for five weeks. Another group of mice were control subjects, and were not given berberine. The mice given berberine demonstrated significantly improved motor balance and coordination as well as improved short-term memory — a function that is often impaired in people with Parkinson’s disease.

But not all studies have supported berberine’s benefits in Parkinson’s. For instance, one study found that if berberine was given along with L-DOPA — the chemical precursor to the neurotransmitter dopamine — the damage in the special brain area worsened.