Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Berberine and Tocopherol in Managing Diabetic Neuropathy: A Comprehensive Approach towards Alleviating Chronic Neuropathic Pain

Biomedicines. 2023 Jun 15;11(6):1726. doi: 10.3390/biomedicines11061726.

Abstract

Diabetic neuropathy (DN) causes sensory dysfunction, such as numbness, tingling, or burning sensations. Traditional medication may not ease pain and discomfort, but natural remedies such as Berberine (BR) and vitamin E or Tocopherol (TOC) have therapeutic potential to reduce inflammation while improving nerve function. Novel substances offer a more potent alternative method for managing severe chronic neuropathic pain that does not react to standard drug therapy by targeting various pathways that regulate it. Rats with diabetic control received oral doses of BR + TOC that showed significant changes in serum insulin levels compared to DN controls after 90 days, suggesting a decrease in sensitivity to painful stimuli partly by modulating the oxidative stress of the inflammatory pathway such as TNF-α suppression or stimulation of TNF-α depending on the amount of dose consumed by them. NF-kB also played its role here. Administering doses of BR and TOC reduced heightened levels of NF-kB and AGEs, effectively counteracting inflammation-targeted key factors in diabetes, promising possibilities for the benefits of these molecules revealed through in vivo investigation. In summary, treating neuropathy pain with a more comprehensive and organic approach can involve harnessing the powerful capabilities of BR and TOC. These compounds have been found to not only considerably decrease inflammation but also provide effective nerve protection while enhancing overall nerve function. With their multifunctional impacts on various neuropathic pain pathways in the body, these naturally occurring substances offer an exciting possibility for those who encounter high levels of neuropathic distress that do not respond well to conventional medication-centred therapies.

Keywords: Berberine; Tocopherol; diabetes; diagnostic evaluation; neuropathic pain; pain management.

Grants and funding

The authors extend their appreciation to Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University for funding this research work through the project number (PSAU/2023/01/23006).