Berberine Alleviates Anxiety, Depression, and Motor Impairment Associated with Alcohol Withdrawal in Mice: A Preclinical Study

Alcohol withdrawal is a serious condition that often leads to heightened anxiety, depressive symptoms, and problems with motor coordination, all of which can significantly affect quality of life. These effects are largely tied to chemical imbalances in the brain, particularly involving GABA and glutamate systems, as well as oxidative stress. Berberine, a natural plant alkaloid long recognized for its therapeutic potential, is known to have calming, mood-stabilizing, and neuroprotective properties. In this study, mice were exposed to repeated alcohol intake (10% v/v, 2 g/kg p.o) followed by withdrawal, which produced marked behavioral changes resembling anxiety, depression, and poor motor performance. When treated with berberine (10 or 30 mg/kg p.o.) , however, these animals showed a clear reversal of withdrawal-induced problems. At both lower and higher doses, berberine reduced anxiety-like behavior, improved exploratory activity, lessened depressive signs, and improved motor coordination, with the higher dose offering stronger benefits. Importantly, berberine by itself did not cause any harmful effects, suggesting that it is safe in this context. These findings indicate that berberine may offer meaningful protection against the emotional and motor disturbances caused by alcohol withdrawal. Its ability to ease anxiety and depression while supporting brain function makes it a promising candidate for managing alcohol withdrawal syndrome.