The Natural Product Berberine is a Human Prolyl Oligopeptidase Inhibitor

• DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.200600303
• Publication Date: 2007-02-13T11:12:36Z
• Authors: Teresa Tarrago; Nessim Kichik; Josep Seguí; Ernest Giralt
• Keywords: Oligopeptidase; Natural product

Abstract Prolyl oligopeptidase is a cytosolic serine peptidase that hydrolyzes proline‐containing peptides at the carboxy terminus. This has been associated with schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorder, and related neuropsychiatric disorders, therefore may have important clinical implications. Among strategies used to find novel prolyl inhibitors, traditional Chinese medicinal plants provide rich source of unexplored compounds. We 19 F NMR spectroscopy search for new inhibitors in library medicine plant extracts. Several extracts were identified as powerful this peptidase. The alkaloid berberine was inhibitory molecule isolated from Rhizoma coptidis extract. Berberine inhibited dose‐dependent manner. As natural compound safely administered humans, it opens up perspectives treatment diseases. results described herein suggest initiation trials patients or diseases which cognitive capabilities are affected should be undertaken either extract pure BBR.