Study on the interactions of berberine displace other drug from their plasma proteins binding sites

AIM To study the interaction induced by berberine(Ber) displacing protein binding of warfarin(War),thiopental(Thi) and tolbutamide(D 860 ). METHODS Using the balance dialysis method, observed effect of Ber on War concentration in dialysate of dialysis tubing outside; using the slide method, observed effect of Ber on coagulation time of the mice administrated War; using right reflex method, observed effect of Ber on sleep time of the mice administrated Thi; determining level of blood glucose of the mice, observed effect of Ber on action of D 860 . RESULTS War concentration of the solution out dialysis tubing of War+Ber group were higher( P 0 01), compared with War+PBS group. Ber can prolong coagulation time of the mice po War( P 0 01). Ber can prolong sleep time of the mice ip Thi( P 0 01). Ber can decrease the level of blood glucose of the mice po D 860 (compared with D 860 +NS group, P 0 01). CONCLUSION Ber can displace War, Thi and D 860 from their protein binding site, increase the blood level of free drug of them, and enhance their actions or toxicity.