Introduction: Chronic liver diseases represent a worldwide major health problem, where fibrosis is implicated in the pathogenesis with evident impact on liver functions. Berberine (BBR) is a herbal drug that possesses a variety of pharmacological actions. However, it suffers from limited membrane permeability due to its hydrophilic nature. In this context, the current study aimed to elaborate a hydrophobic ion pair complex of berberine-oleate (BBR-OL) integrated with liposomal nanoplatform and to study its therapeutic efficacy on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced liver fibrosis in adult male albino rats, in comparison with free berberine.
Materials and Methods: Berberine-oleate complex was prepared and loaded into liposomes. Then, its therapeutic effect was investigated in CCl4 induced liver fibrosis rat model compared to free BBR. Biochemical, histological, histomorphometric, and immunohistochemical assessments of blood and liver samples were performed in different groups and followed by statistical analysis of the results.
Results: The proposed integrated nanoliposomes showed a nanometric size (192.2±1.07nm) and a sustained release pattern with minimum drug leakage. Histologically, rats that received BBR-OL loaded liposomes showed evident amelioration of hepatic changes and collagen deposition than those that received free BBR. Biochemically, serum level of albumin was restored to control level in BBR-OL group and the serum levels of aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase decreased significantly in BBR-OL group in comparison to CCl4 induced liver fibrosis group.
Conclusion: A novel integrated nano-assembly of BBR-OL loaded liposomes was successfully elaborated as a promising tool for effective treatment of liver fibrosis. The histological, immunohistochemical and biochemical evaluations have demonstrated the efficacy of BBR-OL loaded liposomes in restoring the liver structure and functions.