[Separation of choline from Coptidis Rhizoma and impact on glucose metabolism of berberine in HepG2 cells].

OBJECTIVE

To investigate action of hydrophilic constituents from Coptidis Rhizoma on glucose-lowering effect metabolism of berberine in HepG2 cells.

METHOD

Hydrophilic fractions of Coptidis Rhizoma were prepared by high speed counter current chromatography and separated by silica gel column chromatography. MTT assay was used to monitor the proliferation of HepG2 cells, and Kit was used to test the glucose consumption in culture solution.

RESULT

Choline was separated from Coptidis Rhizoma for the first time. Cell assay showed choline can significantly increase the glucose lowering effect of berberine and improve the cytotoxicity of berberine within test concentration. Compared with same dose of berberine, berberine 38 mg x L(-1) in combination with choline 100 mg x L(-1) can make glucose consumption increase by 34% and elevate cell livability up to 75% in HepG2 cells.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that choline had a synergistic effect on improving glucose absorption of berberine and decreasing cytotoxicity of berberine.