<b>Berberine attenuates cognitive dysfunction and hippocampal apoptosis in rats</b><b>with pre-diabetes</b>

Model rats showed significant glucose intolerance, elevated lipids and insulin resistance. After treatment with berberine, their conditions were improved, i.e., Berberinereduced glucose intolerance, lowered lipids and restored insulin sensitivity. In addition, oxidative stress and apoptosis levels were significantly increased in the hippocampus of pre-diabetic rats. The Model rats exhibited much lower Bcl2 levels and higher Bax levels. However, the administration of berberineeffectively decreased the levels of oxidative stress and apoptosis in the hippocampus of pre-diabetic rats.