Effects of the major alkaloid of Hydrastis canadensis L., berberine, on rabbit prostate strips

Previous studies (Palmery et al., 1996) have shown that Hydrastis canadensis L. displays adrenolytic activity possibly ascribable to berberine (Ber), its principal alkaloid. The aim of this study was to compare the activity of H. canadensis extract (HCE) with that of Ber on rabbit prostate strips. Both HCE and Ber inhibited prostate contraction mediated by norepinephrine (NE) and phenilephrine (PHE). The effect of HCE is less pronounced than that of Ber at the same dose on NE-induced prostate contraction. These results suggest that other factors with adrenergic activity may modulate NE response. Moreover, HCE seems to be, at least at some doses, more effective than Ber on PHE-mediated prostate contraction. Studies on the effect of other alkaloids present in the extract will contribute to the understanding of this phenomenon. This study also points to a possible therapeutic use of Ber in prostatic hypertrophy. Copyright © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.