What are the health benefits of berberine?

Health Benefits of Berberine

Berberine is a compound found in many plants including goldenseal, tree turmeric, European barberry, goldthread, oregon grape and phellodendron. Berberine can be extracted from the roots, stems and leaves of many plants and has become a popular supplement due to its proven health benefits. 

Berberine is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurveda and other medicinal traditions to treat inflammatory disorders, infections and diarrhea. In China, berberine is frequently used to treat type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia and hypertension. 

Berberine has anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. Berberine is used to treat bacteria, fungus, parasites, viruses and other microbes. 

Berberine may help reduce blood sugar levels. Studies have shown that taking 1 gram of berberine a day lowered fasting blood sugar levels by 20%.It also showed that it lowered hemoglobin A1C by 12% and improved cholesterol and triglycerides levels. Other studies showed that berberine blood sugar lowering effects were comparable to metformin. 

Berberine may also reduce cholesterol and triglycerides levels while increasing good cholesterol levels.

Berberine may help treat PCOS. Some studies have shown women with PCOS helped control their cholesterol, lower their waist-to-hip ratio and increased their response to insulin. 

Berberine may also treat recurring Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) and the bladder inflammation known as cystitis. 

Berberine may help with weight loss. In a small study of 37 men and women with metabolic syndrome who took 300mg of berberine 3x a day for 3 months saw their body mass indexes (BMI) drop from an obese range to an overweight range. THey also lost an average of 2 inches around their waists. Berberine combined with a healthy diet and exercise regimen may enhance weight loss. More research is needed. 

Berberine may also help improve digestion, depression, cancer, infections, fatty liver and heart failure.  

Berberine may interact with certain medications. 

As always consult with your physician. 

Sources:

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/berberine-powerful-supplement

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325798

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/berberine-for-insulin-resistance-weight-loss/

https://naturopathic.org/news/565580/6-Potential-Benefits-of-Berberine-You-Should-Know-About.htm