Barberry, a plant that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, contains a substance called berberine that is increasingly being studied for its many health benefits. Berberine can help reduce inflammation in the body, improve blood sugar, and lower cholesterol levels. It can also help boost the immune system and protect against cardiovascular disease. Additionally, studies have shown that berberine may have anti-cancer effects, especially against breast, liver, lung, and prostate cancer. Berberine may work by inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, inducing their apoptosis (programmed cell death) and preventing their spread in the body. However, more research is needed to better understand berberine's mechanisms of action and to determine its potential use as a cancer treatment in humans and animals.