10 Berberine Benefits, Side Effects & How to Use

Berberine is a natural compound extracted from various plants and has been extensively studied for its health benefits. With its ability to help control blood sugar, lower cholesterol, and improve cardiovascular health, berberine is gaining attention from modern science.

Additionally, it has been researched for its effects on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and inflammation. In this article, we will explore the top 10 benefits of berberine and how it can support overall health.

What Is Berberine?

Berberine is an alkaloid belonging to the isoquinoline group, notable for its potent biological and pharmacological activity. It is extracted from the roots, stems, and bark of several plants, such as barberry and Chinese goldthread. Berberine has been used in traditional medicine, especially in traditional Chinese medicine, to help various conditions like infections and digestive disorders [1].

Recently, berberine has attracted attention due to its potential anti-cancer properties, particularly in stimulating apoptosis (cell death) and combating inflammation.

How Does Berberine Work for Health?

Berberine offers numerous health benefits through various mechanisms. First, it helps lower blood sugar by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing glucose production in the liver. This is particularly beneficial for those with diabetes, as it helps effectively control blood sugar levels [2].

Additionally, berberine has been shown to reduce cholesterol, terrible cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides, thereby decreasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. With its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, berberine also supports gut health, improving digestive conditions [2].

Finally, research indicates that berberine may aid in weight loss and reduce certain types of cancer. However, before using it, you should consult your doctor to ensure safety and effectiveness during treatment.

10 Berberine Benefits

Berberine Benefits For Men

Berberine provides numerous health benefits for men by supporting metabolic and hormonal issues. First, berberine can improve insulin sensitivity, help control blood sugar, and potentially reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, a common issue among men [3].

Moreover, studies suggest that berberine can lower levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides, thus supporting cardiovascular health. This is particularly important for men, who are at a higher risk for heart disease [3].

Furthermore, berberine has anti-inflammatory effects and supports gut health, thereby enhancing digestion and boosting energy levels.

Berberine Benefits For Women

Berberine offers several noteworthy benefits for women. One of its most prominent effects is supporting the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Research indicates that berberine can help reduce elevated testosterone levels and improve insulin resistance, thereby regulating menstrual cycles and alleviating symptoms associated with PCOS.

Additionally, berberine aids in digestion helps relieve symptoms of constipation and heartburn and provides comfort to users [3].

Furthermore, berberine positively impacts cardiovascular health by lowering bad cholesterol (LDL) and improving blood sugar levels, especially in individuals at risk for diabetes. With its natural antibacterial properties, berberine may help treat vaginal infections, promoting overall health.

Finally, berberine supports weight management by reducing fat and glucose storage while offering anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties to protect cells from damage [3].

Berberine Benefits For Weight Loss

In a small clinical trial, participants who took berberine daily for three months experienced significant weight loss. This effect primarily results from berberine’s impact on insulin and glucose levels. When insulin resistance occurs, our cells struggle to absorb enough glucose, leading to hunger and excess glucose being stored as fat.

Berberine improves cellular responsiveness to insulin, allowing glucose to enter cells more efficiently, thus reducing cravings. It also activates an enzyme called AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase), which plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism and appetite [4]. Moreover, it may inhibit the development of fat cells at the molecular level.

Berberine has gained attention as a natural weight loss aid and is referred to as “nature’s Ozempic” on social media. However, according to nutrition expert Tara A. Schmidt from the Mayo Clinic, viewing berberine as a miracle weight loss solution is unrealistic.

While some studies suggest berberine can aid in weight loss, its effects are not as potent as those of specialized weight loss medications and should be accompanied by lifestyle changes for optimal results [5].

One review reported that individuals taking 750 mg of barberry twice a day for three months experienced significant weight loss. Barberry is a plant that is rich in berberine [6]. A double-blind study found that individuals with metabolic syndrome taking 200 mg of barberry three times a day showed a reduction in body mass index (BMI) [7].

Berberine Benefits For Blood Pressure

A study published in the Journal of Molecular Endocrinology (2017) found that berberine can lower blood pressure and improve vasodilation in diabetic mice. When given to mice at a dose of 100 mg/kg/day for eight weeks, berberine not only reduced blood sugar levels but also lowered blood pressure and improved vascular function.

The study suggests that berberine could serve as a potential combination therapy for controlling blood sugar and blood pressure in diabetic patients by activating calcium-dependent big potassium channels (BKCa) [8].

However, the effectiveness of berberine for high blood pressure needs further investigation. Research on berberine for reducing high blood pressure shows that the evidence for its efficacy is weak and of low quality. In seven studies involving 614 participants, none followed up on long-term side effects. Results indicated that berberine was no better than amlodipine alone, although it did reduce systolic blood pressure compared to metformin [9].

Berberine Benefits For Diabetes

Diabetes causes high blood sugar and many serious complications, while current medications often come with side effects.

Berberine helps lower blood sugar, increases insulin secretion, and improves insulin resistance through the AMPK pathway while also possessing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Although many studies have been conducted, the exact mechanism of berberine still needs clarification, but it is considered a safe natural therapy for diabetes [10].

Research shows that berberine is effective in treating type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, and high blood pressure without causing severe side effects. From 27 clinical trials with 2,569 patients, results indicated [11]:

• Type 2 Diabetes: Berberine combined with a healthy diet reduces blood sugar more effectively than lifestyle changes or single medication alone.
• Dyslipidemia: Berberine, along with a healthy lifestyle, helps lower bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol.
• High Blood Pressure: Berberine is more effective in reducing blood pressure when combined with a healthy lifestyle.

Although there were no significant differences compared to hypoglycemic medications, berberine still showed effectiveness in lowering triglycerides and increasing good cholesterol. According to a study in 2014, berberine shows promise as a diabetes treatment, especially for those who cannot use standard diabetes medications due to issues like heart disease, liver failure, or kidney failure [12].

Some studies suggest that berberine acts similarly to metformin, a popular medication often prescribed to type 2 diabetes patients. Interestingly, berberine also can modulate the gut microbiota, which not only helps control blood sugar but may also aid in weight loss [13].

Berberine Benefits For Skin

Berberine has shown positive effects on skin health. It helps reduce inflammation by reducing the activity of pro-inflammatory proteins in the skin while also enhancing collagen production, an essential substance for maintaining skin elasticity and health. Due to these properties, berberine may support the improvement of skin conditions and combat aging [14].

Berberine is also an excellent solution for reducing symptoms of allergic dermatitis. It helps alleviate itching, inflammation, and the number of inflammatory cells in the skin. Additionally, berberine inhibits inflammatory substances like eotaxin and IL-4, helping to improve inflammatory conditions. As a result, berberine can support the treatment of skin issues caused by inflammation [15].

Berberine Benefits For the Brain

Berberine offers various benefits for brain health, helping to improve cognitive function by reducing search times in memory tests and enhancing spatial memory. It also regulates levels of beta-amyloid precursor protein, a factor associated with Alzheimer’s disease, indicating protective potential for the brain and slowing the progression of neurological diseases [16].

Berberine shows promise in reducing neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s. It inhibits neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and endoplasmic reticulum stress, helping to reduce neuronal damage. Despite advances, the specific mechanisms of berberine still need further investigation [17].

Berberine Benefits For PCOS

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age. This condition causes hormonal imbalance, leading to symptoms such as irregular periods, excessive hair growth, acne, rapid weight gain, and diabetes.

A recent study examined the effects of berberine on women with PCOS. After analyzing 12 trials, researchers found that berberine helps lower testosterone levels, improve the LH/FSH hormone ratio, and reduce cholesterol and waist circumference compared to metformin.

Notably, there was no significant increase in digestive issues or pregnancy complications compared to the placebo group. Although berberine did not increase survival rates, it has the potential to improve insulin sensitivity and lower androgen levels, which is crucial for reproductive health [18].

Furthermore, berberine helps enhance fertility and pregnancy outcomes. Women with PCOS often experience insulin resistance, negatively affecting reproduction. Berberine helps lower blood sugar and improve insulin levels, thereby supporting women with PCOS in achieving safer pregnancies [19].

A randomized study in 2022 investigated the effects of taking 500 mg of berberine hydrochloride twice daily, 500 mg of metformin hydrochloride twice daily, and 1000 mg of Myo-inositol twice daily on 136 patients with PCOS [20].

Berberine Benefits For Gut Health

Berberine positively impacts the gut microbiome, helping to treat conditions such as obesity, diabetes, atherosclerosis, and metabolic disorders. With low toxicity, berberine provides clinical benefits by modulating this microbiome, reducing lipids, and improving insulin resistance. It has been studied in clinical trials related to cardiovascular, digestive, and endocrine diseases [21].

Berberine can also improve bacterial balance by enhancing beneficial bacteria and reducing harmful bacteria. Its anti-inflammatory properties help decrease inflammation in the gut and protect the mucosal barrier, reducing toxins from entering the bloodstream.

Additionally, it promotes the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and improves digestive function while supporting blood sugar control and lipid metabolism [22]. In summary, berberine is a promising natural compound for gut health.

Berberine Benefits For Hair

Berberine has numerous benefits for hair health, primarily due to its anti-inflammatory properties. By reducing inflammation on the scalp, berberine helps improve hair loss caused by inflammation [23].

Additionally, berberine regulates hormones, which helps reduce hair loss related to hormonal imbalances, especially in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It also enhances blood circulation, providing better nutrition to hair follicles.

Finally, by reducing oxidative stress, berberine protects hair cells from damage. Overall, berberine has the potential to support the health of hair and the scalp.

Berberine Dosage and Side Effects

When using berberine, adhering to the dosage is crucial to achieve the best effects and minimize side effects. The commonly recommended dosage is 500 milligrams (0.5 grams), taken three times a day before meals. However, to allow your body to adjust, you should start with a single dose each day and gradually increase it [4].

Berberine can be safe when taken in the correct dosage, but it should be avoided by children, pregnant women, or those who are breastfeeding. Some common side effects include nausea, constipation, diarrhea, and bloating. However, it is essential to note that berberine can interact with various medications, such as anticoagulants and diabetes medications [24].

If overdosed or if there is a high sensitivity, users may experience side effects. Therefore, before starting to use berberine, make sure to talk to your doctor to ensure safety!

Good Sources of Berberine

Currently, there are not many common foods that contain berberine. This compound is primarily extracted from the roots, stems, and bark of several plants such as barberry, Chinese goldthread, goldenseal, turmeric, and Oregon grape.

While these are used in traditional medicine, they are not everyday foods that are easily accessible. Therefore, if you want to supplement with berberine, it may be challenging to get enough from regular foods.

The best solution to provide your body with sufficient berberine is to use supplements. These products often come in tablet or capsule form, making it easy for you to control the dosage. When selecting a supplement, pay attention to the source and quality to receive optimal benefits from berberine without encountering unwanted side effects.

Who Should Not Take Berberine?

The following groups should not use berberine:

• Children: Due to the risk of jaundice and brain damage, berberine should not be used for children unless prescribed by a pediatrician [25].
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women: Berberine may adversely affect the fetus or newborn, so pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid its use.
• People with diabetes or using insulin: Berberine can interact with diabetes medications and alter blood sugar levels, so you need to seek professional advice before use.
• Individuals with severe conditions: Those with serious conditions like cancer or other complex health issues should consult a doctor before use.
• People with a history of allergies: If you have had allergic reactions to berberine or other medications, you should exercise caution when using it.

Conclusion

These are the 10 benefits of berberine and how to use it. From improving blood sugar and lowering cholesterol to aiding weight management, it also has anti-inflammatory properties and hormone-regulating effects, which can be beneficial for those with PCOS.

Although current research is promising, more clinical trials are needed to determine the long-term impacts of berberine. While considered a relatively safe option, always consult your doctor before using berberine.