The gut microbiota influences brain function through microbial-derived metabolites production such as the Dopamine level that is a predominant neurotransmitter closely related to the brain function. Intestinal bacteria, such as Enterococcus spp., are producers of dopa/dopamine, providing a possible chemical link between gut and brain. Berberine (BBR), a natural compound isolated from herbs, such as Coptis chinensis and Berberis vulgaris, in vitro and in vivo increases the dopa/dopamine production in the gut microbiota by stimulating the intestinal bacteria to produce it. BBR supplied H• through dihydroberberine and promotes the production of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) an important coenzyme that enhanced tyrosine hydroxylase TH activity, which accelerates the production of L-dopa by the gut bacteria. Hence, BBR might improve the brain function by upregulating the biosynthesis of L-dopa in the gut microbiota through a vitamin-like effect.
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