Have you been hearing about berberine? It has long been incorporated into Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurvedic medicine, and we’re hearing about it more due to its benefits. It is antibacterial, as well as can help reduce both inflammation and blood glucose levels. Berberine is a compound found in the roots, stems and bark of plants or shrubs. One example is barberry, which is pictured below. Others plants/shrubs include: goldenseal, Oregon grape, Chinese goldthread, and turmeric tree – different than the turmeric spice.
Berberine Benefits
- Anti-microbial – it can be beneficial when addressing bacteria, yeast, or viruses, by inhibiting their growth and destroying these microorganisms. It can be especially helpful with dysbiosis (imbalance of gut bacteria) as it can knock back problematic bacteria without hindering beneficial gut bacteria. It also functions as a biofilm buster and has been a successful addition for addressing antibiotic resistant bacteria. Biofilms serve as a protective shield around bacteria.
- Blood sugar regulation – berberine decreases blood glucose and increases insulin sensitivity when individuals have an elevated Hemoglobin A1C. This is a measurement of blood sugar for the past 3 months, and when elevated levels can be an indication of type 2 diabetes.
- Lower lipids – berberine can lower total cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides.
- Anti-inflammatory – A recent study indicated berberine can inhibit inflammatory pathways in the immune system, which can be especially beneficial for certain autoimmune conditions and inflammatory diseases.
- Weight loss – berberine can activate an enzyme (AMPK) that boosts fat burning and ultimately can help decrease fat accumulation. It also facilitates the production of GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide 1), a natural hormone our bodies produce regulating blood sugar and appetite. The amount produced is lower than the GLP-1 receptor agonist semaglutide drugs (e.g., Mounjaro, Ozempic, Wegovy, etc.).
Before Supplementing
Berberine is available in many different forms. Dihydroberberine and berberine phytosomes are better absorbed. Before making changes to your current supplement routine, please talk to a member of your health care team to determine if it’s a good fit.