Top Berberine Uses for Health – Effects & How to Take it Safely

What is Berberine used for and is their research evidence to support these uses?

Berberine is a chemical called an alkaloid that is derived from several species of medicinal plants, including goldenseal, phellodendron, Oregon grape and barberry (Berberis Vulgaris). [1]

This alkaloid is found in the stem bark, rhizomes and roots of these plants and is associated with health benefits as an oral supplement and in topical form.

Berberine has been used in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. It is also used in supplement form for its anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Berberine might also have antimicrobial properties that help eliminate harmful bacteria in the body. It is purported to help support a healthy microflora in the intestinal tract and urogenital tract by inhibiting the colonization of harmful bacteria and yeast colonies.

Consumers who want to take berberine supplements should be aware of its mechanism of action, the potential side effects it can cause and possible interactions with certain medications.

Those who plan to use berberine should also know more about what it is used for and how it is used, such as dosage amounts and supplement forms.

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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Common Uses of Berberine

Oral forms of berberine are used for a number of medical conditions, including congestive heart failure, diabetes, high cholesterol and glaucoma.

It has also been used for obesity, diarrhea, osteoporosis and stomach ulcers resulting from H. pylori infections. Some people use it for weight loss, but there is limited human research available to evaluate this use.

Other uses for berberine supplements include managing the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, thrombocytopenia, menopausal symptoms and metabolic syndrome.

Berberine has topical uses as well. It has been applied to the skin for burns and to the eye for a bacterial infection called trachoma. It has been studied in other eye disorders such as glaucoma.

It has been studied in preliminary clinical research trials for the prevention of radiation-induced lung injury among patients being treated for non-small cell lung cancer.

Berberine has also been studied for its ability to reduce markers of liver damage, such as aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). It continued to be studied for hepatitis and in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

While there are many proposed medicinal uses for this phytoalkaloid, many of the common uses require more research to validate. The FDA has not approved this supplement as an ingredient in drugs for the treatment of any medical conditions.

Effects and Benefits of Berberine Supplements

Berberine’s main mechanism of action is the activation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase, or AMPK, which is an enzyme that plays a role in metabolism and energy use.

AMPK signals a low-energy status, which may increase metabolic activity. Exercise also produces many of its benefits for the human body by increasing activation of AMPK.

The effects of berberine in cellular metabolism might help promote fat loss. This herbal extract might also be effective at lowering lipid levels in those with high cholesterol.

A 2008 study published in Metabolism found that berberine decreased cholesterol levels significantly in patients with type 2 diabetes, along with reducing fasting plasma insulin levels. [2]

Berberine was rated Possibly Effective for people diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, according to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. [3] It may help to regulate blood glucose levels, lowering fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and post-prandial glucose (PPG) measurements.

Berberine might also inhibit protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1B, which could help improve insulin sensitivity. It appears to increase the expression of insulin receptors on cells and to make cells more responsive to this hormone, increasing the transportation of glucose into cells.

A 2010 study published in Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications showed that berberine improved insulin resistance and lowered blood glucose levels in diabetic mice. [4]

This supplement is also rated as Possibly Effective for use in addressing high blood cholesterol levels. In one study, use of a 500mg berberine supplement twice per day for 3 months was shown to reduce total serum cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels among diabetic patients.

The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database states that there is insufficient evidence on the efficacy of berberine for congestive heart failure, diarrhea, glaucoma, H. pylori infections, menopausal symptoms, obesity, osteoporosis and PCOS. [3]

This means that more research is needed to more accurately determine whether berberine is effective if used for these conditions.

How to Use Oral Berberine Pills

Berberine supplements are available in different forms for consumers to use orally, including capsules, tablets and softgels. It is also available in powder form, which can be added to beverages.

Many of these products are available as berberine hydrochloride, a water-soluble form that might provide faster absorption in the bloodstream.

Some of the brands that make berberine products include Thorne Research, Dr. Whitaker’s, Swanson and Integrative Therapeutics. The berberine in these products comes from different herbs, such as Oregon grape, barberry, goldenseal and Coptis.

Berberine products come in a wide range of dosages. Some manufacturers provide 400 MG per dose, while others offer higher amounts, such as 900 MG or 1,200 MG per dose. There is no standardized recommended dosage for berberine supplements established by the US FDA.

Consumers who are interested in using berberine products should ask a healthcare provider how much to take. This amount will vary based on a few different factors, including health and age.

According to NMCD, this supplement is typically taken at a dose of 500 mg twice daily or 300mg three times per day.

Another form known as berberine sulfate has been used in a single dose of 400 mg for the alleviation of infectious diarrhea.

A derivative of tetrohydorprotoberberine known as Levo-tetrahydropalmatine (L-THP) is significantly more concentrated. This product has been used in dosages of 30mg twice per day in the treatment of drug addiction.

Research shows that this alkaloid has low oral bioavailability when taken on its own. It is sometimes used with other agents to increase its absorption from the gut and improve bioavailability.

Natural supplements that inhibit P-glycoprotein may be able to increase the bio-assimilation of this molecule into the bloodstream. Supplements like chrysin, capsicum (capsaicin), ecdysteroids and milk thistle extract (silymarin) all function as P-glycoprotein inhibitors.

In customer testimonials posted online, many users reported that berberine products have helped them with lowering cholesterol, maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, reducing PCOS symptoms and managing parasitic infections.

A small number of consumers who take berberine products stated that they did not produce any noticeable results.

Side Effects of Using Berberine

Berberine supplements are associated with some mild side effects, although these are not common. These side effects include vomiting and nausea, high blood pressure and headaches.

Other possible adverse effects include respiratory difficulties and paresthesia, or tingling in the hands, feet and other parts of the body. Nausea and other gastrointestinal side effects mainly occur when large amounts of berberine are taken at once.

This supplement is generally well tolerated, according to data from clinical trials. NMCD rates it as Possibly Safe if used in dosages of up to two grams per day for eight weeks at a time.

This means that there is no evidence from research trials of serious harmful side effects when the supplement is used appropriately by health adults.

Berberine has the potential to interact with several medications, including anticoagulants, CNS depressants, insulin and midazolam, according to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. [3]

Some of these interactions might result in stronger effects of one substance or the other. Other interactions could decrease the efficacy of one substance or the other.

There is a Major Interaction noted for this supplement and cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune). NMCD cautions users not to take this combination as it could increase serum levels of cyclosporine and inhibit the normal metabolism of this drug.

Berberine supplements might also interact with medications used for high blood pressure, as well as dextromethoprhan, losartan and cytochrome. Those who take one or more of these medications should check with a doctor before using this product.

Consumers with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or hypotension, should use caution when taking berberine supplements and consult a doctor before using any of these products.

According to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, berberine is contradicted for pregnant women, nursing women and children to use. [3] Berberine might cause harmful effects in fetuses, newborns and infants who breastfeed.

Before using berberine extract to address a specific health goal or complaint, it is important to consult with a doctor. Your doctor can help you decide whether this supplement is appropriate for you and how to take it safely.

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