Effect of berberine on enterotoxin-induced intestinal fluid accumulation in rats.

We have determined the effects of berberine (Berberis aristita) on intestinal fluid accumulation due to enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) heat-stable (ST) toxin in suckling (24-days old) Wistar rats. Intestinal fluid accumulation occurred in suckling Wistar rats by administration of culture filtrate containing ST-producing ETEC in serial dilutions up to 1/8 dilution by oral or intragastric route. When berberine (0.1 mg) and 1/8 dilution of ST-toxin were given together by oral or intragastric injection, a significant (p < 0.01) reduction in fluid accumulation was observed. Neither treatment with berberine orally before intragastric injection of ST-toxin nor intragastric administration of berberine after ST-toxin reduced the fluid accumulation due to ST-toxin.