Berberine restrains the expansion of colorectal cancer organoids by blocking cell cycle progression and reducing lipid synthesis - Report - MDSpire

Berberine restrains the expansion of colorectal cancer organoids by blocking cell cycle progression and reducing lipid synthesis

  • By

  • Hefei Tian

  • Tianshuo Zhao

  • Banghui Liu

  • Yujun Huang

  • Xi Wang

  • Zhenni Xu

  • Lingxiao Huang

  • Xudan Lei

  • Mingyue Qu

  • Qiongying Hu

  • Dengqun Liu

  • July 10, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Berberine Inhibits Growth of Colorectal Cancer Organoids

Overview

Berberine (BBR) demonstrates significant inhibitory effects on colorectal cancer (CRC) organoids by inducing cell cycle arrest and disrupting lipid metabolism.

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, with rising incidence rates, particularly in younger populations. Current treatment options face challenges such as high recurrence rates and drug resistance, necessitating the exploration of novel therapeutic strategies. Natural compounds like berberine have gained attention for their potential anti-cancer properties, particularly in CRC.

Data Highlights

ParameterEffect of BBR
Growth InhibitionSignificantly inhibited in KPC and Caco-2 organoids
Ki67 and EdU Positive CellsDecreased ratio in CRC organoids
Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)Increased levels in organoids
Lipid SynthesisSignificantly blocked in CRC organoids
Epithelial PermeabilityIncreased as shown by FD4 staining

Key Findings

  • BBR did not adversely affect healthy colonic tissues.
  • Significant growth inhibition of CRC organoids was observed at various developmental stages.
  • BBR treatment resulted in decreased Ki67 and EdU positive cell ratios.
  • Increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were noted in treated organoids.
  • BBR induced cell cycle arrest and disrupted lipid metabolism in CRC organoids.

Clinical Implications

The findings suggest that berberine may serve as a potential therapeutic agent for colorectal cancer, targeting multiple pathways involved in tumor growth and metabolism. Further investigation into its clinical application and safety profile is warranted.

Conclusion

This study underscores the potential of berberine in suppressing colorectal cancer organoid growth through various mechanisms, warranting further exploration in clinical settings.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Author(s)/Org, Source, Year -- Title
  2. conexiant — Berberine Evaluated for Liver Fat
  3. Frontiers in Immunology — Baicalin suppresses colorectal cancer proliferation and induces M1 polarization of tumor-associated macrophages by promoting proteasomal degradation of HK2
  4. The ASCO Post — Experimental Drug Under Study in Liver Cancer
  5. The ASCO Post — Triple Inhibition May Cripple BRAF-Mutated Colorectal Cancer Related Articles
  6. Berberine Evaluated for Liver Fat
  7. Baicalin suppresses colorectal cancer proliferation
  8. Experimental Drug Under Study in Liver Cancer
  9. Triple Inhibition May Cripple BRAF-Mutated Colorectal Cancer
  10. Metastatic colorectal cancer: ESMO Clinical Practice Guideline
  11. FDA grants traditional approval to encorafenib for metastatic colorectal cancer

Original Source(s)

Berberine restrains the expansion of colorectal cancer organoids by blocking cell cycle progression and reducing lipid synthesis

  • by Hefei Tian, Tianshuo Zhao, Banghui Liu, Yujun Huang, Xi Wang, Zhenni Xu, Lingxiao Huang, Xudan Lei, Mingyue Qu, Qiongying Hu, Dengqun Liu

  • July 10, 2026

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