Comparison of Berberine and Metformin for the Treatment for MS in Schizophrenia Patients

Comparison of the Efficacy and Safety of Berberine and Metformin for Schizophrenia Patients With Metabolic Syndrome

Berberine is an isoquinoline alkaloid extracted from medicinal herbs, has been demonstrated to produce beneficial effects on diabetes and hyperlipidemia, fewer study reported its modification on lipid metabolism in schizophrenia. Metformin, have been used for metabolic abnormalities in schizophrenia, findings from these studies indicated that they did have some effect,which are still in experimental stage.This study is aim to compare the efficacy and safety of berberine and metformin for preventing metabolic dysfunction in schizophrenia patients.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 1) In accordance with criteria set out in the Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fourth Edition (DSM-IV )Axis I Disorders, Clinical Version;
• 2)Meet metabolic syndrome based on Guidelines for Prevention and Treatment of Blood Lipid Abnormality in Chinese Adults(2007);
• 3)Have taken stable dose of the current single antipsychotic drug for at least one month;
• 4) Female subjects will be enrolled to participate in the study if they are of non-childbearing potential or of child-bearing potential and willing to practice appropriate birth control methods during the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• 1)Individuals who refuse to provide informed consent;
• 2)Currently substance abuse or psychiatrically unstable per treating clinician's judgment;
• 3)One with significant medical illnesses including uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes, seizure disorder, severe cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, pulmonary, or thyroid diseases also not suitable for this trial;
• 4)Currently on anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressant medication including oral steroids and history of chronic infection (including tuberculosis, HIV and hepatitis), malignancy, organ transplantation, blood dyscrasia, central nervous system demyelinating disorder, and any other known autoimmune or inflammatory condition pregnancy or breastfeeding.