Berberine is a natural compound present in various plants. Research indicates it might support weight reduction, improve blood sugar control, and offer protection against several chronic illnesses.
As a dietary supplement, berberine has been linked to a range of possible health advantages.
Specifically, berberine has been demonstrated to lower blood glucose, aid in weight loss, and bolster cardiovascular health.
It may also be associated with additional benefits and could be useful in managing conditions such as depression and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
This article explores berberine in detail — how it works and what effects it can have on your health.
What is berberine?
Berberine is a bioactive substance that can be isolated from multiple plants, including a cluster of shrubs known as Berberis.
Chemically, it is categorized among alkaloids. It has a yellow hue and has historically been used as a dye.
Berberine has a long-standing role in traditional Chinese medicine, where it was used to treat various ailments.
Contemporary research now suggests it may offer notable advantages for a variety of health issues.
SummaryBerberine is a plant-derived compound with a long tradition of use in traditional Chinese medicine.
How does it work?
Berberine has been examined in numerous studies.
One primary action of berberine is activating an enzyme inside cells called AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), as shown in some animal research.
AMPK plays an essential role in controlling metabolism and cellular energy balance and is present in cells throughout the body.
Berberine also influences other cellular molecules and may even modify which genes are expressed. These effects could help shield against many chronic diseases.
SummaryBerberine performs several functions within cells. A key effect is stimulation of AMPK, an enzyme that helps regulate metabolic processes.
It lowers blood sugar levels
Numerous studies indicate that berberine can meaningfully reduce blood glucose in people with type 2 diabetes.
It appears to work through several pathways and may help (, ):
- reduce insulin resistance, making insulin more effective at lowering blood sugar
- boost glycolysis, aiding the breakdown of glucose within cells
- limit glucose production in the liver
- slow carbohydrate digestion in the intestine
- increase beneficial gut bacteria
In a 2008 trial involving 116 individuals with diabetes, 1 gram of berberine per day lowered fasting glucose by about 20%.
It also decreased hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), an indicator of long-term glucose control, by 12% and improved blood lipid measures like cholesterol and triglycerides.
An older review of 14 studies found that berberine might be comparable in effectiveness to certain oral diabetes medications, including metformin, glipizide, and rosiglitazone.
It works particularly well alongside lifestyle modifications and can have additive effects when used with other glucose-lowering drugs.
SummaryBerberine has been shown to lower blood glucose and HbA1c and may be as effective as some diabetes medications.
Berberine may help you lose weight
Berberine may also serve as an effective aid for weight loss.
In a 12-week study of people with obesity, taking 500 milligrams (mg) of berberine three times daily produced an average weight loss of about 5 pounds. Participants also reduced body fat by 3.6% (14).
Furthermore, a review of 12 trials found that berberine supplementation led to significant declines in body weight, body mass index, and abdominal fat. It also lowered C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation.
Berberine appears to block fat cell development at the molecular level, which could support weight reduction.
Still, additional research is required to fully clarify berberine’s weight-loss effects.
SummarySome studies indicate berberine can help produce meaningful weight loss while improving various health markers.
It lowers cholesterol and may reduce your risk of heart disease
Cardiovascular disease is currently the leading cause of death worldwide.
There are many measurable blood markers linked to increased heart disease risk.
Berberine has been shown to improve several of these markers.
A review of 16 studies suggests it may:
- reduce total cholesterol
- lower LDL (bad) cholesterol
- decrease blood triglycerides
- raise HDL (good) cholesterol
Some older research also reported that berberine lowered apolipoprotein B by 13–15%, an important heart disease risk factor.
Research indicates berberine may inhibit an enzyme called PCSK9, which results in enhanced clearance of LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream.
Because diabetes, high blood glucose, and obesity are major contributors to heart disease risk, and because berberine appears to improve these conditions, it likely helps reduce cardiovascular risk as well.
Given its favorable effects on multiple risk factors, berberine could lower heart disease risk, although further studies are warranted.
SummaryEvidence indicates berberine reduces cholesterol and triglycerides while increasing HDL. Although more research is needed, it may ultimately lower heart disease risk.
Other health benefits
Berberine may offer a variety of additional health advantages:
- Depression: Animal research suggests it may alleviate depressive symptoms.
- Cancer: Laboratory and animal studies indicate it can inhibit growth and spread of several cancer types.
- Oxidative stress and inflammation: It has shown strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in some lab and animal studies.
- Infections: Test-tube studies suggest it can suppress growth of harmful microbes, including certain bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
- Fatty liver: It may reduce fat accumulation in the liver, potentially protecting against NAFLD.
- Heart failure: An older study reported improved symptoms and reduced mortality risk in people with heart failure.
More investigation is necessary before definitive recommendations can be made, but existing evidence looks encouraging.
SummaryInitial studies indicate berberine may help with depression, cancer, infections, fatty liver, and heart failure, and it exhibits strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Dosage and side effects
Many studies used dosages between 500 and 1,500 mg per day.
A common regimen is 500 mg taken three times daily before meals, totaling 1,500 mg per day.
Berberine can interact with some medications. Avoid taking it with cyclosporine (33).
If you have a medical condition or are on medications, consult a healthcare professional before starting berberine. This is particularly critical if you are taking blood glucose–lowering drugs.
Overall, berberine is generally well tolerated. The most common adverse effects affect digestion, with reports of diarrhea, constipation, and bloating.
SummaryA typical dosage is 500 mg three times daily, taken about 30 minutes before meals. Some people may experience digestive side effects.
The bottom line
Berberine is a plant-derived compound associated with multiple potential benefits, including reduced blood sugar, enhanced weight loss, and improved heart health.
If you’re considering a berberine supplement, many products are available online.
Be sure to consult a healthcare professional before adding it to your routine and follow the recommended usage.
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