Advancing in vitro elicitation of berberine: techniques and trends (2014–2024)

Berberine is a prominent alkaloid in the isoquinoline class, widely distributed among medicinal plants of Berberidaceae, Ranunculaceae, and Menispermaceae families. Owing to its diverse biological and therapeutic activities, it has attracted considerable commercial interest and global demand. Environmental and biological limitations often constrain conventional extraction methods; hence, in vitro culture systems offer a viable alternative for sustainable and enhanced production. This study reviews current approaches to berberine production through in vitro techniques, including elicitation strategies that stimulate the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. A comprehensive analysis of 376 publications over the past decade indicates a steady 2.92% annual growth in research output. Despite increasing interest, significant gaps remain in our understanding of the underlying biosynthetic pathways, regulatory genes, and enzymatic processes. Furthermore, the scale-up potential through hairy root and adventitious root cultures in bioreactors offers considerable future scope for research and development. The bibliometric analysis highlights India’s leading role in producing natural resources and underscores the need for advanced biotechnological interventions to optimise berberine production in vitro. In vitro culture systems, especially hairy and adventitious root cultures, offer sustainable solutions for enhanced berberine production, addressing extraction limitations and enabling future biotechnological innovations through elicitation and biosynthetic pathway insights. Moreover through bibliometric analysis provides trending studies and future scope in past decade.