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Alkaloids

Berberine

Also known as Umbellatine, Berberin, Berbericine

CAS 2086-83-1Formula C20H18NO4+Molar mass 336.37 g/molEC 218-229-1
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Berberine chemical structure, C20H18NO4+, CAS 2086-83-1
2D chemical structure

Key facts

What buyers check first

All properties
CAS number
2086-83-1
Formula
C20H18NO4+
Molar mass
336.37 g/mol
EC number
218-229-1
HS code
293979
Category
Alkaloids

What is Berberine?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

Berberine is a berberine alkaloid, an organic heteropentacyclic compound, an alkaloid antibiotic and a botanical anti-fungal agent. It has a role as a geroprotector, an antioxidant, a metabolite, a hypoglycemic agent, an EC 3.1.3.48 (protein-tyrosine-phosphatase) inhibitor, an antineoplastic agent, an antilipemic drug, an EC 3.1.1.8 (cholinesterase) inhibitor, an EC 3.1.1.7 (acetylcholinesterase) inhibitor, an EC 1.1.1.21 (aldehyde reductase) inhibitor, an EC 3.1.1.4 (phospholipase A2) inhibitor, a potassium channel blocker, an EC 3.4.14.5 (dipeptidyl-peptidase IV) inhibitor, an EC 1.13.11.52 (indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase) inhibitor, an EC 3.4.21.26 (prolyl oligopeptidase) inhibitor, an EC 1.1.1.141 [15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (NAD(+))] inhibitor, an EC 1.21.3.3 (reticuline oxidase) inhibitor, an EC 2.1.1.116 [3'-hydroxy-N-methyl-(S)-coclaurine 4'-O-methyltransferase] inhibitor, an EC 2.7.11.10 (IkappaB kinase) inhibitor and an EC 2.1.1.122 [(S)-tetrahydroprotoberberine N-methyltransferase] inhibitor.

Berberine is a quaternary ammonium cation.

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
16,17-dimethoxy-5,7-dioxa-13-azoniapentacyclo[11.8.0.02,10.04,8.015,20]henicosa-1(13),2,4(8),9,14,16,18,20-octaene
CAS number
2086-83-1 CAS number cross-checked
EC number
218-229-1
Molecular formula
C20H18NO4+
UNII
0I8Y3P32UF
MDL number
MFCD01175817
InChIKey
YBHILYKTIRIUTE-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/C20H18NO4/c1-22-17-4-3-12-7-16-14-9-19-18(24-11-25-19)8-13(14)5-6-21(16)10-15(12)20(17)23-2/h3-4,7-10H,5-6,11H2,1-2H3/q+1
SMILES (canonical and isomeric)
COC1=C(C2=C[N+]3=C(C=C2C=C1)C4=CC5=C(C=C4CC3)OCO5)OC

Synonyms

  • Umbellatine
  • Berberin
  • Berbericine
  • Majarine
  • Thalsine
  • Umbellatin
  • Berberone
  • Benzo(g)-1,3-benzodioxolo(5,6-a)quinolizinium, 5,6-dihydro-9,10-dimethoxy-
  • Benzo[g]-1,3-benzodioxolo[5,6-a]quinolizinium, 5,6-dihydro-9,10-dimethoxy-
  • 16,17-dimethoxy-5,7-dioxa-13-azoniapentacyclo[11.8.0.02,10.04,8.015,20]henicosa-1(13),2,4(8),9,14,16,18,20-octaene
  • 9,10-dimethoxy-5,6-dihydro[1,3]dioxolo[4,5-g]isoquino[3,2-a]isoquinolin-7-ium
  • 9,10-Dimethoxy-5,6-dihydro(1,3)dioxolo(4,5-g)isoquino(3,2-a)isoquinolin-7-ium
  • 5,6-Dihydro-9,10-dimethoxy-1,3-benzodioxolo(5,6-a)benzo(g)quinolizinium
  • 16,17-dimethoxy-5,7-dioxa-13$l^(5)-azapentacyclo(11.8.0.0^(2,10).0^(4,8).0^(15,20))henicosa-1(13),2,4(8),9,14,16,18,20-octaen-13-ylium
  • 16,17-dimethoxy-5,7-dioxa-13$l^{5}-azapentacyclo[11.8.0.0^{2,10}.0^{4,8}.0^{15,20}]henicosa-1(13),2,4(8),9,14,16,18,20-octaen-13-ylium
  • 16,17-dimethoxy-5,7-dioxa-13-azoniapentacyclo(11.8.0.02,10.04,8.015,20)henicosa-1(13),2,4(8),9,14,16,18,20-octaene
  • 9,10-Dimethoxy-5,6-dihydro-[1,3]dioxolo[4,5-g]isoquinolino[3,2-a]isoquinolin-7-ium
  • 5,6-Dihydro-9,10-dimethoxybenzo[g]-1,3-benzodioxolo[5,6-a]quinolizinium
  • Berberal
  • 9,10-Dimethoxy-2,3-(methylenedioxy)-7,8,13,13a-tetrahydroberbinium
  • BER
  • Berbinium
  • Beriberi
  • berberine dimer
  • Coptis rhizome
Show all 32 synonyms
  • Berberinechloride
  • 5,6-Dihydro-9,10-dimethoxybenzo(g)-1,3-benzodioxolo(5,6-a)quinolizinium
  • Umbellatine (6CI)
  • Berbinium, 7,8,13,13a-tetradehydro-9,10-dimethoxy-2,3-(methylenedioxy)-, chloride
  • 7,8,13,13a-tetradehydro-9,10-dimethoxy-2,3-(methylenedioxy)berbinium
  • ACon1_0019
  • DivK1c_000265

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values and descriptors computed from the structure

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values, check the supplier specification for your grade

No measured properties are recorded for this substance yet. Ask suppliers for a technical data sheet.

Values vary by grade. Ask suppliers for the COA or TDS of the batch you buy.

Computed descriptors

Calculated from the structure, useful for screening and formulation

Molecular weight
336.37 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
336.123 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
3.1calc.
Topological polar surface area
40.8 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
0calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
4calc.
Rotatable bonds
2calc.
Heavy atoms
25calc.
Rings
5calc.
Aromatic rings
3calc.
Fraction sp3 carbons
0.25calc.
Formal charge
1calc.
Stereocentres
0calc.
Lipinski rule of five
Passes (0 violations)calc.

Calculated for screening. Confirm critical figures with the supplier.

Murcko scaffold

The ring system that remains when every side chain is removed

Murcko scaffold of this chemical, c1ccc2c[n+]3c(cc2c1)-c1cc2c(cc1CC3)OCO2

c1ccc2c[n+]3c(cc2c1)-c1cc2c(cc1CC3)OCO2

5 rings, 21 atoms.

40 other chemicals share this scaffold

Safety and hazards

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet

No GHS hazard classification is recorded for this substance yet. That does not mean it is harmless.

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet (SDS). Classifications can differ by supplier, grade and concentration. Always check the supplier's SDS.

Berberine suppliers

Sponsored listings first, then the documented ranking: membership, verification, replies, completeness, freshness and ratings

All 63 suppliers
30 of 30 offers

Suppliers marked Unclaimed profile have not claimed their profile yet. They are not verified by CompoundList, their offers are price on request and details may have changed, so please confirm them with the supplier. Company representatives can claim a profile with a business email on the company's own website domain. Our team verifies each claim and sends the result by email.

Where suppliers are based

63 suppliers in 14 countries

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Berberine price

Indicative price range per kg from live supplier offers

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Uses and applications

What the substance is used for, by industry and function

Roles

  • anticholesteremic drug
  • antilipemic drug
  • antineoplastic agent
  • antioxidant
  • biophysical role
  • enzyme inhibitor
  • geroprotector
  • hypoglycemic agent
  • membrane transport modulator
  • metabolite
  • pharmaceutical
  • potassium channel blocker
  • potassium channel modulator
  • protective agent
  • protein kinase inhibitor

Pharmacology

Berberine is a quaternary ammonium salt of an isoquinoline alkaloid and active component of various Chinese herbs, with potential antineoplastic, radiosensitizing, anti-inflammatory, anti-lipidemic and antidiabetic activities. Although the mechanisms of action through which berberine exerts its effects are not yet fully elucidated, upon administration this agent appears to suppress the activation of various proteins and/or modulate the expression of a variety of genes involved in tumorigenesis and inflammation, including, but not limited to transcription factor nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB),

Read more

myeloid cell leukemia 1 (Mcl-1), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), B-cell lymphoma-extra large (Bcl-xl), cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-12, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), E-selectin, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), C-X-C motif chemokine 2 (CXCL2), cyclin D1, activator protein (AP-1), hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR), arylamine N-acetyltransferase (NAT), and DNA topoisomerase I and II. The modulation of gene expression may induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, and inhibit cancer cell proliferation. In addition, berberine modulates lipid and glucose metabolism.

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

No regulatory list memberships are recorded for this substance yet. Always check the rules of the importing and exporting country before trade.

HS code and trade data

Customs classification and reported world trade statistics

Global trade

World import and export statistics for the HS code Berberine is traded under.

HS 2939.79Indicative HS code

Alkaloids of vegetal origin, other than cocaine, ecgonine, salts, esters and other derivatives, not elsewhere…

World exports in 2024
$701M
+18.9% vs 2023, imports $830M
2019 to 2024
Top exporters
  1. Switzerland * partner reported25.3%
  2. Germany21.4%
  3. India * partner reported14.9%
Top importers
  1. United States20.9%
  2. Germany14.7%
  3. Italy14.6%

* Partner reported figures, a lower bound.

Reported customs values in USD, not prices.Full trade data

The HS code shown for Berberine is indicative (it was assigned by structure rules). Confirm the classification with your customs broker before shipping.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about Berberine, based on the data on this page

What is Berberine?

Berberine is a berberine alkaloid, an organic heteropentacyclic compound, an alkaloid antibiotic and a botanical anti-fungal agent.

What is the CAS number of Berberine?

The CAS registry number of Berberine is 2086-83-1.

What is the molecular formula and weight of Berberine?

The molecular formula of Berberine is C20H18NO4+ and its molar mass is 336.37 g/mol.

What is Berberine used for?

Known uses and roles of Berberine include anticholesteremic drug, antilipemic drug, antineoplastic agent, antioxidant, biophysical role and 10 more.

Is Berberine hazardous?

No GHS hazard classification for Berberine is recorded on CompoundList yet. That does not prove it is safe. Always read the supplier safety data sheet.

What is the HS code of Berberine?

Berberine is usually classified under HS code 293979 (Alkaloids, natural or reproduced by synthesis, and their salts, ethers, esters and other…). This is indicative, confirm it with your customs broker before shipping.

Where can I buy Berberine?

CompoundList lists 63 suppliers of Berberine in China, United States, India, United Kingdom and 10 more. Send one free request to get and compare quotes. Your contact details stay private until you accept a quote.

Where can I buy Berberine in India?

9 suppliers in India list Berberine on CompoundList. Filter the suppliers list by country and send a request to compare prices, grades and delivery times.

What is the price of Berberine?

Suppliers quote Berberine on request because prices depend on grade, purity, quantity and destination. A free request on CompoundList gets you several quotes to compare.

Guides for buyers

Practical guides that help when you source, ship or handle Berberine

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Data last updated 7 Oct 2026. Details may have changed, please confirm them with the supplier. Report an error on this page
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