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Berbercap is a patented dietary supplement manufactured by Thorne Research, Inc. This supplement is purported to support immune function, gastrointestinal health and healthy respiratory mucus membranes.
According to the manufacturer, this product “promotes healthy respiratory mucus membranes, helps maintain a healthy immune response [and] helps maintain the body’s normal intestinal flora.”
Berbercap contains the bioactive ingredient berberine – a natural plant alkaloid sourced from Indian barberry (Berberis aristata), also commonly called Tree Turmeric; not to be confused with turmeric (Curcuma longa).
Each capsule of Berbercap contains 200 milligrams (mg) of berberine hydrochloride sourced from B. aristata root extract. In addition to Barberry, this supplement also contains Oregon grape, goldenseal, and Coptis extract.
According to the manufacturer, users should take between 1 and 3 capsules daily, as recommended by a healthcare professional. [1]
Thorne Research’s Berbercap supplement can be purchased on Amazon or from other specialty health supplement stores. While this product typically sells for a higher price than other brands, Thorne Research has a strong reputation as a provider of high–quality supplements.
Heart Health
Immunity
Gut Health- Supports immune function & digestion
- Supports blood sugar metabolism
- Maintain cardivascular health & lipid levels
Top Berberine Products* ❯Berbercap Benefits
According to the manufacturers Thorne Research, Berbercap, “provides broad-spectrum immune and GI support.”
The active ingredient Berberine is said to help maintain the body’s normal intestinal flora (bacterial balance) and to maintain healthy immune response.
According to Dr. Josh Axe, berberine is also helpful for fighting off infection, improving digestion, preventing and treating diabetes, supporting cardiovascular health, combating metabolic syndrome and cleansing the gallbladder and liver. [2]
Multiple studies have shown that berberine possesses antibacterial, antiprotozoal and antifungal properties. It is believed to stop harmful microbes from attaching to cells by inhibiting a group of prokaryotic enzymes called sortases. [3]
By stopping pathogenic bacteria from attaching to cell membranes, berberine may combat certain infections. However, it has not been approved by the FDA as a treatment or preventative measure for any bacterial infections.
Some people use berberine supplements to prevent Candida albicans yeast infections, Candida tropicalis, E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Mycobacterium tuberculosis and other infections. [4]
Berberine has also been studied for its effects on a variety of inflammatory conditions in the body. It is used to reduce gastrointestinal, urinary tract and bladder inflammation caused by infection.
It has also been studied for its effects on sinusitis, bronchitis, respiratory tract infections, nasal congestion and sore throat. [4]
<h3 Berbercap for Digestion:
Berbercap is purported to be helpful for improving digestion by encouraging a healthy gut flora or microbiota.
Balance between the good bacteria and bad bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract is important for healthy immune responses, digestive function and for maintaining general well-being.
Consumption of berberine has been shown to cause the smooth muscles of the intestinal walls to relax. Some people use this herbal extract to relieve diarrhea and/or reduce gastrointestinal pain.
There is some evidence that berberine acts faster than certain commonly prescribed antibiotics to improve gastrointestinal imbalances. [4]
Berberine and Diabetes Research:
Indian barberry in Thorne Berbercap has also been traditionally used as a remedy for Diabetes symptoms, however it has not been approved by the FDA as a treatment for this medical condition.
In preliminary studies, it has shown positive effects on balancing blood glucose levels. More research is needed to understand the mechanism by which is lowers blood sugar levels.
In one study, 500 mg doses of berberine were administered 2 to 3 times daily for 3 months to patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. The results were compared to the common antidiabetic drug metformin.
Berberine controlled both blood sugar levels and lipid metabolism as effectively as metformin, and it did so without causing any side effects.
Some of the most common side effects of metformin include drowsiness, tiredness, cold/blue skin, vomiting, difficulty breathing and irregular heartbeat. [5]
Berberine and Heart Health:
Berberine extracts are also used to support cardiovascular health. Berberine has been studied for its effects on high blood pressure (hypertension), heart muscle disease (cardiomyopathy), irregular heartbeat (cardiac arrhythmia) and ischemic heart disease.
In preliminary studies, berberine has also been found to reduce triglyceride and blood low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol density.
More research is being conducted on the effects of berberine in clogged arteries (atherosclerosis) and coronary artery disease (CAD). [6]
Metabolic syndrome:
Metabolic syndrome is a blanket term for a combination of disorders involving elevated blood glucose levels, hypertension, abdominal obesity, high triglyceride counts and/or low HDL (“good”) cholesterol.
One 2014 human study explored the effects of Indian barberry on 106 patients who had been diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. Three daily 200 mg doses over a 6-week period significantly lowered PAB (pro-antioxidant balance) in treatment group members. [6]
Researchers concluded that berberine supplementation can reduce the body’s oxidative burden. This may have positive effects on some of the complications associated with Metabolic Syndrome, but more research is needed to understand the link. [6]
Gallbladder/Liver Health:
Some people use Thorne Berbercap capsules for gallbladder and liver health. The berberine is Berbercap has been shown to aid in the secretion of bile.
The gallbladder’s main function is to store bile. The liver secretes bile to help digest fats, store nutrients and metabolize hormones.
Bile is produced in the liver, and is rich in cholesterol. Almost all excessive cholesterol is excreted from the body via bile. This is believed to be the mechanism by which berberine helps to modulate cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Barberry extract can support gallbladder and liver function, as well as aid the processes of digestion. [6]
Thorne Research Berbercap Review
Thorne Berbercap is generally well-reviewed by users on internet vendor websites like iHerb and Amazon. Some users report improvements to IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), parasitic/bacterial/yeast infections, immune system strength and cholesterol levels.
A few negative reviews of Berbercap state unpleasant side effects like stomach upset, lack of appetite and inability to stay warm after administration. Some users report that they experienced no noticeable effects or side effects at all.
Berbercap conatains 200 mcg of Berberine HCL from Indian Barbarry extract, which is a lower dose than other comparable supplements on Amazon.
Thorne Research also sells a Berberine-500 supplement that contains 500 mg per capsule, with a recommended serving size of two capsules or 1 g (1,000 mg).
Thorn Research states that the Berbercap product, “Does not contain dairy, soy, corn, egg, peanuts, yeast, sugar, magnesium stearate, binders, coatings, disintegrants, artificial colors, artificial flavors, or artificial sweeteners… [or]… Genetically Modified Organisms.”
Other ingredients found in this product include Hypromellose (derived from cellulose) in the capsule, Mycrocystalline, Cellulose, Leucine and Silicon Dioxide.
Thorne is a reliable manufacturer that has received the NSF International NSF International Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certification as well as the and Certified for Sport label.
Berbercap Side Effects
Products that contain berberine are not recommended for those who are pregnant or nursing. In newborns, berberine has been associated with multiple deaths due to a brain disorder called kernicterus. Do not give Berbercap to children. [4]
Healthy adults rarely experience adverse effects when taking Berbercap or other berberine supplements appropriately.
In adults, berberine has been used orally in doses as high as 2 grams daily over 8 weeks without causing side effects. Berberine has been applied topically for up to 20 consecutive days with no adverse effects. [4]
Berbercap may interact with drugs that are metabolized by the liver. It has ben shown to decrease the activity of the cytochrome p450 (CYP) enzymes CYP2D6, CYP2C9, and CYP3A4.
As with any natural supplement, you should discuss using Thorone Berbercap with your doctor before taking this product.
- Thorne Research Berbercap
- Dr. Axe - Barberry
- Kim SH1, Shin DS, Oh MN, Chung SC, Lee JS, Oh KB. Inhibition of the bacterial surface protein anchoring transpeptidase sortase by isoquinoline alkaloids. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2004 Feb;68(2):421-4.
- Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database
- Medicinenet.com - Metformin
- Mohammadi A1, Sahebkar A2, Kermani T1, Zhilaee M1, Tavallaie S1, Ghayour Mobarhan M3. Barberry administration and pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance in patients with metabolic syndrome. Iran Red Crescent Med J. 2014 Dec 14;16(12):e16786. doi: 10.5812/ircmj.16786. eCollection 2014.
Article last updated on: July 24th, 2018 by Nootriment