Berberine bridge enzyme (BBE) is a central enzyme in the biosynthesis of berberine, a pharmaceutically important alkaloid. The enzyme itself hasn't had extensive research carried on, and has very limited, if any, specific medical application. On the other hand, berberine is highly regarded for its interactions with several diseases. Berberine has been known to influence weight loss, and this antiobesity effect may benefit all conditions related to increased body mass such as hypertension, dyslipidemia or pre-diabetes. This may reduce the likelihood of getting sedentary diseases such as heart failure or other problems related to this issue. By being an AMPK activator like Metformin, it acts similar, affecting metabolism in a way that may reveal useful applications to treat type-2 diabetes.
Overall, this alkaloid might be useful in the treatment and study of diseases like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), some types of cancer, heart problems or dyslipidemia.