What is Berberine?
Berberine is a compound that can be extracted from several different plants, including barberry, goldenseal, Oregon grape, and tree turmeric. It has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine as an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent. More recently, berberine has been gaining popularity in the West as a natural supplement to help manage conditions like type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and more.
Where Does Berberine Come From?
Berberine can be derived from the roots, rhizomes, stems, and bark of several different plants, including:
- Barberry (Berberis vulgaris)
- Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)
- Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium)
- Tree turmeric (Berberis aristata)
- Amur cork tree (Phellodendron amurense)
- Chinese goldthread (Coptis chinensis)
The berberine alkaloid gives these plants their bright yellow color. It's usually found in the roots and bark in concentrations of around 5-10%. Supplements are made by extracting and purifying berberine from these various plant sources.
History of Medicinal Use
Berberine-containing plants like goldenseal and barberry have a very long history of use in traditional medicine systems. In traditional Chinese medicine, huang liang was used to treat bacterial diarrhea and intestinal infections. The Ayurvedic medical system utilized daruharidra, made from barberry, to treat infections. The roots and bark of berberine plants contain many active compounds and have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulating, antidiarrheal, antioxidant, and antitumor properties.
Potential Benefits of Berberine
Modern scientific research has confirmed many of the traditional medicinal uses of berberine plants. Purified berberine supplements may offer several health benefits:
May Help Manage Blood Sugar
There is quite a bit of evidence from clinical research that taking berberine supplements can help manage blood sugar levels, especially for those with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes. Berberine works through several different mechanisms to reduce blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity, including:
- Increasing insulin release from pancreatic beta cells
- Inhibiting enzymes that break down carbohydrates and turns them into glucose
- Improving glucose uptake in cells
- Reducing new glucose production by the liver
Multiple studies have found that taking 500-1000 mg of berberine 2-3 times per day for 2-3 months can lower fasting blood sugar levels similarly to the diabetes drug metformin. Berberine also lowers hemoglobin A1C, a marker of long-term blood sugar control.
May Improve Cholesterol Levels
High cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease. Berberine supplements may help lower total and LDL "bad" cholesterol while raising HDL "good" cholesterol. Possible mechanisms include:
- Increasing LDL receptor expression in the liver, which pulls more cholesterol out of the blood
- Reducing fat storage and lipid production in fat cells
- Lowering intestinal cholesterol absorption
Clinical studies have found that taking 500-1500 mg per day of berberine for 2-3 months can lower total cholesterol by 12-28% and LDL cholesterol by 25% or more.
May Reduce Blood Pressure
Due to its effects on glucose metabolism and cholesterol levels, berberine may also help reduce high blood pressure. Additionally, berberine acts as a vasodilator, relaxing blood vessels and increasing blood flow.
In a review of 11 clinical trials with over 800 participants, berberine supplements reduced systolic blood pressure by an average of 7 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by 4 mmHg compared to a placebo. Larger reductions were seen in people who already had high blood pressure.
Has Antimicrobial Properties
Berberine displays broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties against bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoans, and helminths. It likely works by impairing microbial ability to attach to and infect host cells. Berberine has shown effectiveness against numerous infection-causing microbes, including:
- Staphylococcus
- Streptococcus
- Salmonella
- Escherichia coli
- Giardia
- Candida albicans
- Herpes viruses
The anti-microbial effects of berberine mean it may help fight bacterial diarrhea and intestinal infections, especially when used alongside conventional antibiotics.
May Reduce Inflammation
Chronic inflammation is involved in many illnesses, including diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and autoimmune disorders. Berberine seems to have anti-inflammatory properties. It inhibits the activity of pro-inflammatory pathways, cytokines, NF-kB signaling, and more.
This anti-inflammatory activity likely contributes to many of berberine's health benefits. It may also specifically help reduce inflammation-related conditions like osteoarthritis or inflammatory bowel diseases.
May Protect Against Cancer
Some early cell culture and animal model research indicates berberine may help fight cancer development and growth. Possible anti-cancer mechanisms include:
- Inducing cancer cell apoptosis (programmed cell death)
- Inhibiting blood vessel growth in tumors
- Reducing cancer cell invasion and metastasis
- Protecting against DNA damage
- Enhancing the cancer-fighting effects of chemotherapy drugs
More clinical studies are needed to confirm whether berberine has anti-cancer benefits in humans. But the preliminary research is promising.
May Support Gut Health
Traditional uses of berberine included treating bacterial diarrhea and intestinal parasites. Modern research indicates berberine may help support a healthy gut microbiome balance. It may inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria while having a protective, prebiotic-like effect on beneficial Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli species.
Berberine also seems to help reduce intestinal inflammation and intestinal permeability ("leaky gut"). This may help explain its usefulness for treating loose stools and stomach discomfort.
May Improve Liver Health
Some research indicates that berberine may reduce fat buildup in the liver and protect liver cells from damage. This could make it useful as part of a fatty liver disease treatment plan. Berberine also seems to help stimulate bile acid secretion, which supports healthy digestion and detoxification.
Potential Side Effects and Safety Concerns
Berberine is generally well-tolerated with a low risk of side effects at appropriate dosages. However, there are some potential side effects and cautions to be aware of when using berberine supplements:
May Affect Blood Sugar
Because berberine can significantly lower blood sugar, it can potentially lead to dangerously low blood sugar levels if it interacts with other diabetes medications. Blood sugar monitoring is essential when taking berberine.
Digestive Upset
In some people, berberine may cause mild digestive upset like diarrhea, constipation, flatulence, and/or stomach pain. This seems more common with high doses.
Slowed Metabolism of Other Drugs
Berberine inhibits CYP3A enzymes, which are involved in metabolizing many medications. Taking berberine alongside other medications may increase drug levels in the blood to potentially unsafe levels. Consult with a doctor when combining berberine with prescription medications.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Safety
There is insufficient research on berberine use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It is best avoided during these times due to
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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