Mitochondrial Health Through Nicotinamide Riboside and Berberine: Shared Pathways and Therapeutic Potential

Mitochondrial dysfunction(definition) represents a central hallmark of aging and a broad spectrum of chronic diseases, ranging from metabolic to neurodegenerative and ocular disorders. Nicotinamide riboside (NR), a vitamin B3 derivative and efficient precursor of NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), and berberine (BBR), an isoquinoline alkaloid widely investigated in metabolic regulation, have independently emerged as promising mitochondrial modulators. NR enhances cellular NAD+ pools, thereby activating sirtuin-dependent pathways, stimulating PGC-1α–mediated mitochondrial biogenesis, and triggering the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt). BBR, by contrast, primarily activates AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) and interacts with respiratory complex I, improving bioenergetics, reducing mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, and promoting mitophagy and organelle quality control. Importantly, despite distinct upstream mechanisms, NR and BBR converge on shared signaling pathways that support mitochondrial health, including redox balance, metabolic flexibility, and immunometabolic regulation. Unlike previous reviews addressing these compounds separately, this article integrates current preclinical and clinical findings to provide a unified perspective on their converging actions. We critically discuss translational opportunities as well as limitations, including heterogeneous clinical outcomes and the need for robust biomarkers of mitochondrial function. By outlining overlapping and complementary mechanisms, we highlight NR and BBR as rational combinatorial strategies to restore mitochondrial resilience. This integrative perspective may guide the design of next-generation clinical trials and advance precision approaches in mitochondrial medicine.