Berberine promoted glucose consumption in a dose-dependent manner in HepG2 hepatocytes and C2C12 myotubes.

Cells were cultured in 96-well plates firstly. During experiments, culture medium was replaced by serum-free DMEM supplemented with 0.25% BSA and 15 mM D-glucose. Glucose consumptions were measured after 24-hour incubation with increasing concentrations of berberine or metformin. A: Effect of berberine on glucose consumption in HepG2 cells. B: Effect of metformin on glucose consumption in HepG2 cells. C: Effect of berberine on glucose consumption in C2C12 cells. D: Effect of metformin on glucose consumption in C2C12 cells. Data are expressed as means ± SEM from at least four independent experiments. **P<0.01 and ***P<0.001 vs. corresponding control (0 mol/L).