Top Berberine Health Benefits for Blood Glucose, PCOS & More

Berberine benefits are purported to include better blood sugar regulation, support for healthy lipid (cholesterol) levels, antibacterial and antifungal effects, as well as support for intestinal health.

In research studies, it has been found to exhibit anti-inflammatory effects, help to lower high blood pressure, act as a mild sedative, combat the growth of the Candida Albicans yeast and improve well-being for patients with PCOS.

Berberine is an alkaloid that is found in a number of plants, such as Oregon grape, European barberry, goldenseal, phellodendron and goldthread, according to MedlinePlus. [1]

Berberine comes from a few different parts of these plants, including the roots, stem bark and rhizomes. This alkaloid has been studied for its potential health benefits when taken as an oral supplement or applied to the skin in topical form.

It has a wide range of activities in the body and may support benefits related to anti-aging, skin health, cognitive function, mood regulation, heart health, circulation, joint health and immune function.

There has been significant animal and in vitro research into this plant alkaloid and some of its effects have been validated in human research trials. However, not all of the purported benefits of this supplement are well-studied and more research is needed to evaluate many of the claims made.

Berberine

Herbal Extract

Heart Health

Immunity

Gut Health

How It Works:

• Supports immune function & digestion
• Supports blood sugar metabolism
• Maintain cardivascular health & lipid levels

Dosage:

Between 900 - 1200 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

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Berberine Health Benefits

Berberine is used in traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine and has certain properties that are associated with different medicinal uses, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic properties.

It has also been used for weight loss, high cholesterol, diarrhea, yeast infections, skin ailments, liver disease, menopause, osteoporosis, Metabolic syndrome, and certain types of radiation-induced injuries.

Some sources online suggest that it acts as an adaptogen, helping to restore balance (homeostasis) to the body and promoting health on a number of different levels at once.

According to the Natural Medicines Database, berberine appears to be effective at moderately reducing elevated blood sugar levels and improving metabolism of glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes.

This supplement is also rated as Possibly Effective in helping to maintain normal cholesterol levels. It has been shown to reduce total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides in hypercholesterolemic patients.

According to Dr. Mercola, there is preliminary evidence suggesting this alkaloid may positively affect health in the following ways:

Acts as an antioxidant

• Helps to support healthy fat metabolism in the liver; Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
• May inhibit or suppress the growth of tumos
• May promote a positive mood by increasing noradrenaline and serotonin
• Anti-viral effects to protect against infections

Consumers who want to take berberine for the health benefits it might provide should know how it works and what the direct effects are. It is also important for consumers to understand the potential risks that are associated with the use of berberine supplements in some individuals.

Three of the main reasons it is used are to address PCOS, Diabetes and Candida Overgrowth. These subjects are covered in more detail below.

Berberine Benefits for PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is a condition that affects the endocrine system and can become worse with obesity.

Women who have this condition might have complications from it, such as a higher risk of type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol levels, metabolic syndrome and high blood pressure, according to the Mayo Clinic. [2] Berberine has been studied for its effects on women who have this condition.

According to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, preliminary clinical evidence shows that 500 MG of berberine taken three times a day for three months reduces cholesterol levels, fasting plasma glucose levels, triglycerides and waist-to-hip ratio. [3]

These benefits of berberine for women indicate that these supplements might help limit harmful metabolic effects of this disorder.

A 2012 study published in the European Journal of Endocrinology showed that berberine resulted in a more significant decrease in LDL cholesterol and triglycerides and a more significant increase in HDL than metformin in women with PCOS. [4]

This herbal compound works by activating adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), an enzyme that is involved with metabolism.

The activation of this enzyme by berberine might inhibit the synthesis of cholesterol and triglycerides, which helps lower the levels of these in the body.

Berberine also has the potential to inhibit protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1B, or PTP1B, which might help improve insulin resistance in women with PCOS.

Berberine Benefits for Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a disease that occurs when the body’s cells become insulin-resistant, causing sugar to accumulate in the bloodstream.

This can lead to several serious health complications, such as heart disease, vision loss, neuropathy, increased risk of brain disorders, skin problems, circulatory issues, the need for limp amputation and kidney failure, when this condition is poorly managed, according to the Mayo Clinic. [5]

Berberine has been studied for its potential to improve insulin resistance and lower blood sugar levels in diabetics.

It may work by increasing activation of an enzyme called Adenosine Monophosphate-Activated Protein Kinase (AMPK). As a result of this, it has a normalizing effect on blood sugar, causing it to be reduced only if levels are elevated.

Berberine’s inhibition of PTP1B is associated with the potential to improve insulin sensitivity in those with type 2 diabetes. This supplement is considered likely effective for this condition, according to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. [3]

The results of a 2010 study in Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications found that berberine led to improvements in insulin resistance and reduced blood glucose levels when used in diabetic mice. [6]

Berberine Benefits for Candida

Candida refers to yeast infections that can affect different parts of the body, including the vagina, skin, mouth and esophagus.

According to MedlinePlus, candida is normally kept under control, but illnesses or other factors can lead to an increase of this fungus and cause an infection. [7] Berberine has been shown to have antifungal properties that might help manage these infections.

Berberine has been used in traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine for its antifungal properties for thousands of years. Researchers have studied these properties for the management and prevention of Candida infections.

A 2011 study published in the Archives of Oral Biology showed that it was effective at inhibiting the growth of Candida to a significant degree when synergized with a miconazole, an antifungal medication. [8]

Berberine’s effects on glucose levels might also help lower the risk of Candida infections in those with diabetes. Elevated glucose levels in diabetics have been associated with the occurrence of Candida infections of the skin.

Risks of Berberine Use

Berberine is rated Possibly Safe to use on a short-term basis and in small to moderate amounts. According to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, berberine has been used safely when taken in dosages of 2 grams or less for 8 weeks. [3]

Larger doses can lead to gastrointestinal side effects, such as upset stomach and vomiting. Berberine might also cause headaches and high blood pressure, although these side effects are not common.

Consumers who take certain medications or have certain medical conditions should check with a doctor before taking this supplement. Berberine might affect those with diabetes or hypotension. It might also interact with some medications, including insulin, anticoagulants, high blood pressure medications, midazolam and CNS depressants.

Women who are pregnant and those who are breastfeeding should not take products that contain this ingredient. These supplements are considered likely unsafe due to the potential to cause harmful effects in newborns, breastfed infants and fetuses, according to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. [3]

While there are many purported health benefits of berberine, more research is needed to understand its clinical efficacy for use in the treatment of specific health conditions. This supplement has not been approved as a drug by the FDA for the treatment or prevention of any medical ailments.

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