MODULATION BY GOLDENSEAL, BERBERINE, AND METFORMIN ON GLYCOLYTIC FLUX AND MITOCHONDRIAL RESPIRATION: A SEAHORSE XF24 ANALYSIS

*Kiran Kumar Kandunuri and Kenneth White

Mitochondrial dysfunction is closely associated with type 2 diabetes, contributing to impaired insulin sensitivity and production. Abnormal mitochondrial activity has been observed in diabetic patients, affecting cellular energy generation. In this study, Seahorse XF analysis was employed to investigate mitochondrial respiration dynamics, including oxygen consumption rate and extracellular acidification rate, reflecting glycolysis. The findings showed that three treatments—metformin, berberine, and goldenseal extract—significantly improved glucose metabolism, increased metabolic flux linked to adenosine triphosphate generation, and raised lactate production rates (p<0.01). Goldenseal extract was less effective in enhancing glucose metabolism compared to the pure alkaloid compound berberine. Despite this, both treatments showed promise for the development of novel oral anti-diabetic agents targeting mitochondrial function and metabolic regulation. These findings align with existing literature, further emphasising the therapeutic potential of these compounds.