Berberine is still a relatively unknown compound, whose popularity is hard to find on world markets. This is mainly due to the fact that it is obtained from the common barberry - a shrub up to 2 meters high growing in Poland. However, the effects of berberine are extensive. Berberine taken for weight loss purposes is not the only reason for supplementation.
Berberine supplements are becoming increasingly popular and widely available. They offer potential health benefits, such as supporting conditions like diabetes and high cholesterol. However, it is important to consult a healthcare provider before use due to possible gastrointestinal side effects and interactions with other medications.
What is Berberine?
Berberine is a bioactive compound found in various plants, including goldenseal, barberry, and Oregon grape. It has been a staple in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, used to treat a variety of health conditions such as infections, skin diseases, and digestive disorders. In recent years, berberine has gained significant attention for its potential health benefits. One of the most notable benefits is its ability to lower blood sugar levels, making it a valuable supplement for those managing diabetes or insulin resistance. Additionally, berberine has been shown to improve cardiovascular risk factors, contributing to overall heart health. These potential health benefits have made berberine a popular choice for those looking to enhance their well-being naturally.
Berberine supplements - properties
Berberis, from which berberine is mainly extracted, is a tall shrub with grey bark, angular branches, elliptical leaves and yellow flowers. The fruit of the shrub is a red, elongated berry. In Poland it grows in fields, forests, thickets, hills and clearings, but there are areas in the country where it does not grow at all. For cosmetic and medicinal purposes, all parts of the plant are used, i.e. the root, bark, leaf and fruit. This is because each of them contains nutrients, including malic and citric acid, vitamin C, sugars, flavonoids, mineral salts, tannins, pectin and alkaloids.
Berberine - effects on lower blood sugar levels
The multidirectional action of berberine makes it an excellent dietary supplement for many conditions or problems with health or well-being. Berberine is mainly used in diabetes and insulin resistance. This is due to the compound’s ability to lower blood glucose levels and improve insulin sensitivity by activating AMP-activated protein kinase, which plays a crucial role in metabolic regulation and appetite control. The effect of berberine is so effective that it is compared with that of a first-line drug, namely metformin. It is also not without significance that it has a positive effect on the liver in case of liver failure. Additionally, berberine lowers blood sugar by enhancing insulin response and inhibiting glucose production in the liver.
Berberine facilitates weight loss, showing significant effects in reducing body weight. It enhances the activity of adiponectin, a hormone secreted by adipose tissue. Its task is to intensify the oxidation of fatty acids in metabolic processes. Berberine thus supports weight reduction - it has a positive effect on metabolism, aerobic metabolism and regulates appetite. What is more, berberine HCL shows comparable effectiveness to statins, i.e. cholesterol-lowering drugs. Berberine supplementation can also lead to improvements in body mass index and waist measurements among individuals diagnosed with metabolic syndrome.
The effects on the digestive system include not only weight reduction, but also improvement of the intestinal tract. Berberine not only affects the organ itself, but also the epithelial layer and tight junctions that serve as a barrier against the entry of pathogens and toxins into the bloodstream. This barrier protects against food allergies and even against autoimmune diseases. This compound can also be helpful in Irritable Bowel Syndrome as it reduces the amount of anaerobic bacteria in the gut.
In addition to its diabetes-supporting properties, berberine is being sought with hope as a cure for cancer. Research to date indicates a beneficial anti-cancer effect. Not only does it inhibit bone tumours, for example, but it can also inhibit and help with inflammation in the body, which often occurs with this type of cancer. Inhibiting and even stopping the progression of the disease also applies to liver cancer, which is particularly difficult to treat even with chemotherapy. Reducing the division of cancer cells and enhancing the death of pathologically changed cells.
Berberine is not only a physical action - it also has a positive effect on memory, thanks to improving the work of existing neurons, as well as influencing the formation of new ones. This compound also protects nerve cells which could be damaged as a result of e.g. blood clots, i.e. low blood supply. In addition, berberine is also used as a support in the fight against depression. It is not an antidepressant by itself, but it supports other antidepressants very well.
Berberine for weight loss
Berberine is recommended in particular to people who struggle with the problem of obesity and excess weight. Studies have shown berberine supplementation is associated with significant reductions in body mass index, particularly in individuals struggling with obesity. Its action consists in accelerating the rate of fat tissue burning, as well as in increasing the feeling of satiety and supporting the utilisation of fats for energy needs. Berberine activates the AMPK enzyme, whose role is to regulate the metabolism process. This substance also influences the secretion of hormones - leptin, insulin and adiponectin - responsible for the formation of fat tissue and the feeling of satiety. What is more, berberine supports the use of energy substrates during exercise and regulates hormones that affect fat storage. Berberine might affect how medications are metabolized in the body, thereby altering their effects and side effects. All these properties make berberine often referred to as an excellent “fat burner”.
Berberine with curcumin for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Preparations containing berberine and curcumin are designed for athletes who need strong support for the digestive system and intensive joint regeneration. The berberine present in such products helps maintain normal blood glucose levels, lowers cholesterol and speeds up metabolism. It also supports maintenance of reproductive functions. Curcumin, in turn, acts on the immune system, facilitates digestion and supports liver function. It also has a strong antioxidant effect, supports blood circulation and heart function and helps maintain healthy bones and joints as it reduces inflammation. Berberine and curcumin therefore make an ideal duo to support the body during periods of increased physical exertion.
Berberine - posology
The dosage of berberine depends on several factors. First of all, it depends on the form in which it is taken. Berberine HCL, i.e. containing a pure form of alkaloids, usually has a predetermined dosage which should not be exceeded. In the case of plant extracts, it is most often the dried form that is used to prepare an infusion. This can be taken 2-3 times a day, preferably immediately after eating. However, it is important that the amount of the infusion is not large, as no more than 250 ml should be consumed per day. Berberine has been shown to lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and combining it with hypertension medication can result in more significant blood pressure reduction.
A dose of 300-400 mg per day is thought to have a preventive effect, i.e. it should support glucose utilisation. A higher dose of up to 1000 mg will lower cholesterol levels, while a dose of 1500 mg already shows a strong blood sugar lowering effect. Berberine is effective in lowering blood sugar levels and may work synergistically with other treatments for diabetes.
Berberine - Contraindications and risk factors
Berberine is not recommended for newborns or breastfeeding mothers as it is absorbed into the breast milk and can exacerbate jaundice. This compound may also react with other components of medicines, so before supplementation, one should make sure that it will not affect the medicines being taken. Individuals with high blood pressure should consult their healthcare provider before taking berberine, as it may enhance the effectiveness of blood pressure medications. Pregnant women should also not take berberine, as it may lead to fetal hypoxia and developmental disorders. In small children it may cause nausea.
Berberine has shown promise in potentially improving metabolic and endocrine markers in women suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome.
Berberine - side effects
The side effects mainly relate to long-term use of berberine. It takes a long time to be excreted from the body, which is why it may accumulate in the heart, pancreas and liver. For this reason, berberine may overload these organs, as well as disrupt their proper functioning or lead to their damage. Berberine might affect how medications are metabolized in the body, thereby altering their effects and side effects. Nevertheless, used correctly, it is a great support for the organism and helps in many diseases.
Cancer Prevention and Other Potential Benefits
Berberine has shown promise in the realm of cancer prevention, although more research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness. Some studies suggest that berberine may help prevent the growth and spread of cancer cells, while others indicate that it can induce apoptosis, or programmed cell death, in cancer cells. Beyond its potential anti-cancer properties, berberine also exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. These properties can help protect against chronic diseases such as heart disease and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. By reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, berberine may offer a protective shield against these and other chronic conditions, highlighting its broad spectrum of potential health benefits.
Choosing the Right Berberine Supplement
When it comes to choosing a berberine supplement, quality is key. Look for a supplement that contains a standardized extract of berberine, ensuring a potency of at least 95%. This guarantees that you are getting a product with a consistent and effective dose. Additionally, check the label for any potential allergens or fillers that could affect your health. Opt for products manufactured by reputable companies to ensure safety and efficacy. It’s also crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before taking berberine, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are on medications, such as diabetes medications. This step is essential to avoid any adverse interactions and to tailor the dosage to your specific health needs.
