Berberine for Candida Albicans & Vaginal Yeast Infections – Does It Work?

Is Berberine effective for preventing or alleviating Candida yeast infections in women?

Berberine is the active phytochemical found in the Golden seal (Hydrastis canadensis), Barberry (Berberis vulgaris), Oregon grape (Berberis aquifolium), and Goldthread (Coptis chinensis) plants.

Preliminary research suggests that this plant alkaloid exhibits antibacterial, antiparasitic and antifungal effects that can support immune function and help maintain female vaginal health.

Berberine has been shown to inhibit the growth of the pathogenic yeast candida albicans when taken orally or used in teas, liquid tinctures, topical solutions or suppositories. One research project found that it could combat the growth of fluconazole-resistant Candida and Cryptococcus neoformans strains.

To help address recurring yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis, it is typically combined with other herbs and natural products including Apple Cider Vinegar, Grapefruit Seed Extract and Pau D’Arco.

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 for Candida

Berberine is a plant alkaloid that can be extracted from the rhizomes, stem bark and roots of specific plants, including Optis Chinensis, Berberis aquifolium, Berberis vulgaris, Berberis aristata, Hydrastis canadensis and Phellodendron amurense.

The Natural Medicines Database reports that, in addition to its use as a dye, berberine has been used a supplement for several different purposes, including heart health, diabetes and other ailments.

Berberine has also been used for the fungal infection candidiasis, which occurs when yeasts belonging to the genus Candida overgrow and cause symptoms in various parts of the body.

At this time, the United States Food and Drug Administration has not approved berberine for the treatment of candidiasis. However, some studies have shown that berberine may possess antifungal properties that could make it effective for this purpose.

More research is needed to validate this use of the alkaloid. User reviews suggest that this supplement may have benefits, but further clinical study is required to determine efficacy.

Below is some additional information about berberine for candida, its potential side effects and how to take it safely if you have candidiasis.

Understanding Candidiasis

Candidiasis results when fungi from the genus Candida overgrow in a specific part of the body, such as the vagina or the throat.

This pathogenic yeast may also enter the bloodstream, leading to a serious condition known as “invasive candidiasis.”

The CDC reports that more than 20 different species of Candida are capable of infecting humans. However, a common cause of yeast infections in humans is the Candida albicans strain.

The symptoms of candidiasis vary based on the nature of the infection. When this yeast infects the throat, for example, symptoms may include difficulty swallowing, redness and soreness.

When the fungi infect the vagina, the most common symptoms are itching, burning and unusual vaginal discharge. Candida infections of the blood typically cause fever and chills. If left untreated, systemic infections can be fatal.

Berberine for Yeast Infection

The Natural Medicines Database reports that one study showed berberine to have antifungal properties against several different fungi, including Candida albicans.

Specifically, the study tested the effectiveness of a concentration of 10 mg/mL of berberine against Candida albicans and produced positive results.

Another study sought to identify the mechanism by which berberine was able to kill Candida. In this study, researchers found that berberine treatment caused mitochondrial dysfunction in Candida, as evidenced by the fungi’s poor growth.

Furthermore, a third study found that when berberine was combined with the fungicide fluconazole and used against fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans, a synergistic effect occurred.

Thus, berberine may aid in treating mutations of Candida albicans that are resistant to standard treatments.

Although the results of these studies support berberine’s anti-fungal effects and indicate that it may be effective against certain types of Candida infections, further research is needed in order to validate these findings.

Berberine Dosage for Candida

Because the FDA has not approved berberine to treat Candida infections, standardized dosing guidelines are not available.

However, according to the Natural Medicines Database, oral berberine dosages of up to two grams daily have been used without serious adverse effects for up to eight weeks at a time.

A number of natural medicine practitioners recommend using this herbal extract as part of a whole treatment regiment to support a healthy female vaginal microflora.

According to Eric Bakker, N.D., this supplement should not be used by itself for more than two weeks at a time. He suggests using a lower dose of this herbal alkaloid as part of a formula for longer periods of time.

He remarks that long-term use of berberine can be irritating to the mucous membrane and that this supplement should not be used by pregnant women.

Bakker developed a product called Canxida Remove which contains Berberine Concentrate HCl 85% along with 11 other ingredients that support vaginal health. The other ingredients combined with berberine include:

• Garlic 2% Allicin
• Caprylic Acid
• Undecylenic Acid
• Betaine HCL
• Grapefruit Seed Extract 45% Flavonoid
• Black Walnut Hull Extract
• Pau D’arco 4:1 Extract
• Neem 4:1 Extract
• Clove 4:1 Extract
• Biotin
• Oregano Oil

Does Berberine Cause Side Effects?

Although berberine has been generally well tolerated in past research studies and is considered possibly safe when used appropriately, it may still cause side effects in some people.

Some of the most common side effects experienced by people taking supplements include:

• Gastrointestinal complaints, such as nausea or vomiting
• Hypoglycemia
• Hypotension
• Low heart rate
• Headache

These side effects may be dose dependent. In addition, at very high doses, toxicity may result. In animal studies, the lethal dose of oral berberine was found to be 329 mg/kg.

Berberine supplements are not recommended for children, pregnant women or breastfeeding women.

Taking Berberine for Candida Safely

Because of the risk of adverse effects when taking berberine, it is important to take the proper dosage of this supplement. When taking this plant alkaloid for the first time, start with a low dosage and gradually increase the amount you take until the desired effect is achieved.

Before taking this product, talk to your doctor to make sure that this supplement is appropriate for you. Your doctor may also be able to recommend the best dosage for your needs.

If you experience any serious adverse effects while taking berberine, stop using the supplement and talk to your doctor before resuming. Never take more than your doctor recommends, and don’t exceed the maximum dosage recommended by the manufacturer.

Keep in mind that the FDA has not approved berberine as a drug to treat Candida infections on its own. In addition, some studies have shown that berberine may be more effective against Candida when used in combination with other medications.

If you think you may have a Candida infection, do not attempt to diagnose or treat yourself. Instead, make an appointment with your doctor for evaluation and treatment.

If your infection doesn’t improve or worsens while you are undergoing treatment with berberine and/or any other substance, seek medical attention immediately.

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