Abstract
Despite therapeutic advancements, lung cancer remains the principal cause of cancer
mortality in a global scenario. The increased incidence of tumor reoccurrence and progression and
the highly metastatic nature of lung cancer are of great concern and hence require the investigation of
novel therapies and/or medications. Naturally occurring compounds from plants serve as important
resources for novel drugs for cancer therapy. Amongst these phytochemicals, Berberine, an alkaloid,
has been extensively explored as a potential natural anticancer therapeutic agent. Several studies
have shown the effectiveness of Berberine in inhibiting cancer growth and progression mediated
via several different mechanisms, which include cell cycle arrest, inducing cell death by apoptosis
and autophagy, inhibiting cell proliferation and invasion, as well as regulating the expression of
microRNA, telomerase activity, and the tumor microenvironment, which usually varies for different
cancer types. In this review, we aim to provide a better understanding of molecular insights of
Berberine and its various derivative-induced antiproliferative and antimetastatic effects against
lung cancer. In conclusion, the Berberine imparts its anticancer efficacy against lung cancers via
modulation of several signaling pathways involved in cancer cell viability and proliferation, as well
as migration, invasion, and metastasis.