Induction of interleukin-12 production in mouse macrophages by berberine deviates CD4+ T cells from a Th2 to a Th1 response.
Berberine is a compound that was made famous by goldenseal. In this study berberine was able to shift the cytokine balance from a Th2 to a Th1 mediated profile. In essence, this would help shift an asthma or allergy sufferer towards a more normal response. Interestingly, berberine is also well known to be an effective broad spectrum antibiotic, antihelminth and antiviral compound.