[Effect of berberine on pharmacokinetics of digoxin after oral administration to rats].

Author(s): Ju Y, Qiu W, Jiang X, Liu C

Affiliation(s): Department of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730030, China. jy0912@sohu.com

Publication date & source: 2011-04, Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi., 36(7):918-21.

Publication type: English Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of berberine (BBR) on the pharmacokinetics of digoxin (DIG) in rats. METHOD: Rats were randomly assigned into DIG, low dose-BBR, middle dose-BBR and high dose-BBR group. After singe or a 2-week ig pretreatment with BBR, serum DIG concentration was determined by radioimmunoassay. Pharmacokinetic calculations were performed on each individual set of data using 3P97 practical pharmacokinetic software. RESULT: No significant difference was found between the control and 10 mg x kg(-1) BBR combined group. After pretreatment with BBR (30, 100 mg x kg(-1)), the pharmacokinetic parameters of ig DIG were significantly altered. The AUC(0-t) of DIG with BBR increased by 33% and 70% (single), 27% and 75% (2-week), respectively. CONCLUSION: BBR increases bioavailability of DIG, which may be related to its inhibition effect on intestinal P-gp.