What is berberine – a unique supplement with multiple benefits
Table of Contents
What is berberine?
Berberine is a yellowish-colored plant alkaloid extracted from the roots, stems, and bark of various plants such as Berberis, turmeric, and other species of this genus. Used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, it has also attracted the attention of modern science for its many beneficial properties.
Among its main benefits are improving metabolism, maintaining blood sugar levels, and supporting heart and liver health. In this article, we’ll take a look at what berberine is, its uses, and what to look out for when taking it.
Formula and mechanism of action
Berberine has a unique formula that allows it to influence several biological processes in the body. When ingested, it is absorbed in the intestines and reaches the bloodstream, where it influences cellular processes, including glucose metabolism and absorption.
What are the benefits of berberine?
- Maintaining blood sugar and insulin resistance
Berberine may be particularly useful for insulin resistance and for maintaining normal blood sugar levels. It increases insulin sensitivity and improves glucose metabolism in cells. Studies have shown that berberine can be effective for controlling blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes, and its effect is comparable to that of metformin, a popular drug for treating diabetes.
- Weight control and improving metabolism
Berberine has proven effective in maintaining a healthy metabolism and weight control. It activates the enzyme AMPK (adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase), which plays an important role in energy balance and lipid metabolism. Taking berberine can lead to less fat accumulation and weight loss with regular use. - Improving cardiovascular health
Due to its ability to improve the lipid profile, berberine can lower levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides as well as raise levels of good cholesterol (HDL). This makes it suitable for reducing the risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. According to studies, regular intake of berberine can improve the overall health of the heart and vascular system. - Detox and cleansing of the body
Berberine stimulates liver and colon functions, which helps to naturally cleanse and detoxify the body. It contributes to more efficient elimination of toxins and waste products while protecting cells from oxidative stress due to its antioxidant properties.
How do you take berberine?
- The usual dosage of berberine is 500 mg three times daily, before main meals.
- It is recommended to take about 30 minutes before meals to achieve optimal effects on blood sugar and metabolism.
- For optimal results, intake should be regular for at least several months and combined with a healthy lifestyle.
Are there contraindications and side effects?
Despite its many benefits, berberine also has contraindications and potential side effects. In some people, it can cause gastrointestinal upset such as nausea, diarrhea, or stomach pain. In addition, berberine is not recommended for pregnant or lactating women, or for people taking blood sugar-lowering medications or anticoagulants, without consulting a doctor.
Who is this supplement suitable for?
Berberine is an excellent choice for people with:
- People with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes
- People with metabolic syndrome
- People at increased risk of cardiovascular disease
- Individuals with obesity problems
- People with liver disease.
Sources:
- Zhang, H., Wei, J., Xue, R., Wu, J., Zhao, W., Wang, Z., et al. (2010). Berberine lowers blood glucose in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients through increasing insulin receptor expression. Metabolism: clinical and experimental, 59(2), 285-292. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19800084/
- Kong, W., Wei, J., Abidi, P., Lin, M., Inaba, S., Li, C., et al. (2004). Berberine is a novel cholesterol-lowering drug working through a unique mechanism distinct from statins. Nature Medicine, 10(12), 1344-1351. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15531889/
- Yan, H., Zhou, H., Hu, Y., Pham, K., Wang, Y., & Wang, Q. (2015). Berberine reduces lipid accumulation in hepatocytes by promoting autophagy. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 15(1), 14. https://bmccomplementmedtherapies.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12906-015-0531-9
- Hu, Y., Ehli, E. A., Kittelsrud, J., Ronan, P. J., Munger, K., Downey, T., et al. (2012). Lipid-lowering effect of berberine in human subjects and rats. Phytomedicine, 19(10), 861-867. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0944711311003448