Berberine enhances cisplatin efficacy in ehrlich ascites carcinoma via modulation of apoptotic pathway and efferocytosis

Abstract Berberine, a bio-alkaloid from medicinal plants, shows therapeutic potential against various ailments, including cancer. This study evaluated berberine’s effects on the PI3K/Akt pathway and efferocytosis in an adenocarcinoma model to reduce cisplatin chemotherapy side effects and Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) proliferation. Eighty Swiss albino mice were divided into eight groups: control, berberine, cisplatin, cisplatin & berberine, EAC, EAC & berberine, EAC & cisplatin, and EAC & cisplatin & berberine. Tumor response, weight change, cell count, survival analysis, biochemical analysis, molecular studies, and histopathological assessment were performed. Results showed berberine enhanced cisplatin’s antitumor efficacy in EAC-bearing mice by reducing tumor volume and cell counts. Berberine ameliorated cisplatin’s hepato-renal toxicity and downregulated Akt1, Axl, Mertk, and Gas6 gene expression. Histopathological analysis showed berberine’s ability to recover cisplatin’s lethal effects on liver tissue. In conclusion, berberine showed promising effects on the PI3K/Akt pathway and efferocytosis, reducing cisplatin’s side effects and EAC proliferation.