Berberine
Berberine is a natural alkaloid found in various plants, including goldenseal, barberry, Oregon grape, goldthread, and tree turmeric. It has a long history of use in both Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. For over 3,000 years, people in China and South Asia have cultivated the barberry plant and related species, utilizing their leaves, stems, and bark for various purposes. Historical evidence suggests that berberine-containing plants were also used in traditional medicine across South America, the Middle East, and Europe to treat a range of conditions.
Benefits
Berberine offers several potential health benefits:
Lowering blood pressure Berberine may help lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure
Gut health It can protect the gut barrier from inflammation, kill harmful gut bacteria, and encourage the growth of healthy bacteria
Inflammation Berberine lowers inflammation by reducing oxidative stress, lowering the production of inflammatory proteins, and promoting immune regulation
Brain benefits It may help prevent dementia by protecting against brain damage and improving mental skills
Lowering cholesterol Berberine can lower total cholesterol, “bad” cholesterol, and triglycerides in people with high cholesterol
Heart health When combined with standard heart disease treatments, it may ease fatigue and irregular heartbeats, lowering the chance of death without apparent side effects
Blood sugar control Berberine may lower glucose levels in people with diabetes because it helps the body respond better to insulin and prevents the liver from creating more glucose
What is Berberine Good For?
Berberine is being studied for its potential benefits in managing diabetes and reducing risk factors for heart disease. Traditionally, infections, skin conditions, and digestive disorders are treated with this compound. Research suggests that it may help lower blood sugar, support weight loss, and improve heart health. It is also used for burns, canker sores, and liver disease. Additionally, its antimicrobial properties may help prevent recurrent urinary tract infections.
How to Take Berberine
Berberine is available over the counter as a dietary supplement, either alone or combined with other herbs and nutritional substances. Many studies suggest taking 900–1,500 mg per day. It is recommended that you speak to your healthcare practitioner and read the label of your supplement before consumption.
Supplements
Berberine is available over the counter as a dietary supplement, either on its own or combined with other herbs and nutrients to enhance its effects. It is commonly available in capsule or tablet form, but it is also available as a powder or liquid extract.
If considering supplements, it’s important to consult a healthcare practitioner to ensure they are safe for individual use, especially if taking other medications or managing a health condition.
Berberine Side Effects
Some of the common side effects include diarrhea, constipation, gas, and upset stomach.
Low blood pressure: Berberine’s blood pressure-lowering effects could cause blood pressure to drop too low, which can be dangerous
Digestive complications: It can lead to digestion problems, such as constipation, diarrhea, and flatulence
Is Berberine Safe?
It is recommended that if you have a medical condition or are taking any medications, speak with a healthcare professional before taking berberine. Also, it is not recommended for children, pregnant women, or breastfeeding mothers.
Summary
Berberine is a natural alkaloid found in plants like goldenseal and barberry, traditionally used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. Research suggests it may support gut health, reduce inflammation, protect brain function, lower cholesterol and blood pressure, and help control blood sugar. It is also used for infections, skin conditions, and UTIs. Available as a supplement, berberine may cause digestive issues or low blood pressure. It is not recommended for children, pregnant women, or breastfeeding mothers.
References
WebMD: Berberine: Benefits, Side Effects, and Weight Loss
Medical News Today: What to Know About Berberine
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH): Berberine and Weight Loss: What You Need to Know
Healthline: Berberine: A Powerful Supplement with Many Benefits
WebMD: Berberine: Benefits and Side Effects