Comparative effects of tetrandrine and berbamine on acute and relapsing experimental allergic encephalitis in Lewis rats.

The effects of the bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids tetrandrine and berbamine on experimental allergic encephalitis (EAE) in Lewis rats was investigated. Amelioration of the acute-phase EAE was only minimal. However, the incidence of relapsing EAE was reduced by 41 and 65% for tetrandrine and berbamine, respectively, at the non-toxic treatment schedule of 60 mg/kg administered on alternate days. These results suggest that bisbenzylisoquinoline compounds may have a potential role in the therapy of progressive multiple sclerosis.