Berberine

What is Berberine?

Berberine is a bright yellow compound found in several different plants such as European barberry, goldenseal, goldthread, Oregon grape, and tree turmeric. It has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine as an antimicrobial agent and for treating gastrointestinal issues. More recently, berberine has been studied for other potential health benefits.

How Does Berberine Work?

Research indicates that berberine works in multiple ways within the body. Some of the main mechanisms of action include:

AMPK Activation

AMPK (adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase) is an enzyme that regulates metabolism and energy production. Berberine has been shown to activate AMPK, which can stimulate the uptake of glucose into cells, improve insulin sensitivity, and have other beneficial metabolic effects.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Studies suggest that berberine exhibits anti-inflammatory properties. It appears to inhibit some of the signalling pathways that trigger inflammation and reduce the production of certain pro-inflammatory cytokines. This may contribute to berberine’s usefulness for conditions involving inflammation.

Alteration of Gut Bacteria

Emerging research shows that berberine can positively alter the microbial balance in the digestive system. It may inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria while promoting the proliferation of beneficial bacteria. This could have implications for gut health and conditions like diarrhoea or SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth).

What Are the Potential Benefits of Berberine?

May Help Support Healthy Blood Sugar Levels

There is substantial research showing that berberine may be useful for supporting healthy blood sugar regulation. Multiple clinical trials have found that taking berberine supplements daily for several months helps lower fasting blood glucose and HbA1c levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Berberine also appears to improve insulin sensitivity similarly to common diabetic medications.

May Support Heart Health

Through its effects on blood glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides, berberine shows promise for supporting cardiovascular health. Some research additionally suggests the compound may reduce chronic inflammation within blood vessels and assist with vascular function.

May Aid Digestive System Function

Historically berberine-containing plants have been used to address digestive issues from diarrhoea to parasites. Modern studies confirm that berberine appears helpful for reducing the frequency and severity of diarrhoea in different conditions. Research also suggests it may eliminate gastrointestinal pathogens and support the growth of beneficial gut flora.

Has Antimicrobial Properties

In vitro studies have found that berberine has antimicrobial activity against bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses. However more human research is still needed to confirm berberine’s usefulness as an antimicrobial therapy. Some early studies suggest it could help fight oral bacteria and chlamydia infections when used topically or taken internally as a supplement.

Might Support Liver Function

Emerging cell and animal research indicates that berberine may help reduce fat buildup in the liver, protect liver cells from harmful toxins, and decrease injury or fibrosis in chronic liver disease. More studies are still needed to evaluate these potential benefits.

In What Situations is Berberine Useful?

Currently, there is enough evidence to suggest berberine may be useful in the following circumstances:

Assisting With Blood Sugar Regulation

If you have prediabetes, type 2 diabetes or metabolic issues, berberine used consistently for 2-3 months may help support healthy blood sugar regulation already in the normal range. Lifestyle adjustments are still important as well for optimal results.

Promoting Cardiovascular Function

Berberine’s effects on blood glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides may promote cardiovascular health in those with high normal range levels. Berberine on its own is likely not a substitute for cholesterol or blood pressure medication prescribed by a doctor.

Easing Digestive Discomfort

Berberine supplements may help ease occasional digestive discomfort, particularly types involving diarrhoea. Berberine reduces the frequency and severity of loose stools in conditions like traveller’s diarrhoea and diarrhoea-predominant IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome).

Fighting Microbes Topically

Applying berberine topically to cuts, wounds or skin infections may combat harmful microbes. This can help prevent infection and speed healing. It also may treat some microbial skin conditions like acne vulgaris according to initial research.

What Is the Recommended Dosage for Berberine?

Most clinical trials use dosages of 900-1500mg of berberine per day, usually split into three doses taken before meals. At appropriate doses, berberine is generally well tolerated with few side effects in most people. However it’s best to start with a low dose like 500mg per day and gradually increase to the desired dosage.

Follow dosage directions on any berberine product labels closely and consult your naturopath or other healthcare provider if you have questions. The required dosage can vary based on the condition it’s being used to address.

How Quickly Does Berberine Work?

It can take some time for berberine’s effects to manifest since it interacts with multiple metabolic pathways and bodily systems. Most studies observe measurable results after around 2-3 months of consistent daily supplementation.

However, some people do report noticing positive impacts, like improved digestion, more quickly than that. It may depend on existing individual factors like gut microflora composition, insulin sensitivity set point and so on. Adhering to the suggested supplementation regimen consistently seems to produce the best outcomes.

Is It Safe To Take Berberine?

Berberine has a history of safe use in traditional medicine systems for centuries. For healthy adults, berberine is generally well tolerated when using appropriate doses for limited periods of time under the guidance of a natural health practitioner.

However, the following people should exercise more caution with berberine:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women – There have not been sufficient studies evaluating berberine’s safety for foetal or infant development so it is best avoided.
• Children – Berberine should not be given to young children without medical supervision due to lack of safety data.
• Those scheduled for surgery - Berberine could potentially interact with anaesthesia so supplementation should be stopped at least 2 weeks prior to a scheduled surgery.
• People taking medications – Berberine may interact with some prescription medications like antibiotics or antidiabetic agents. See next section for details.

Always talk to your doctor before taking berberine if you have any medical conditions or take any medications to confirm supplement use is appropriate for your situation.

Does Berberine Interact With Medications?

Berberine inhibits certain liver enzymes involved in metabolizing medications and may impact how quickly some pharmaceutical drugs clear from the body. This could potentially increase side effects or alter therapeutic effects for affected medications.

Examples of drugs reported to interact with berberine so far include:

• Cyclosporine
• Metformin
• Simvastatin
• Other statin drugs
• Some blood pressure medications

Berberine also may enhance the activity of oral hypoglycaemic agents and insulin. This could raise the risk of low blood sugar in diabetics who combine berberine supplements with glucose-lowering medication.

Doctors sometimes deliberately prescribe berberine along with pharmaceuticals for its synergistic effects. But combining berberine with any prescription or over the counter medication should be closely medically supervised.

If you take any medications regularly, consult your doctor before adding berberine supplements to confirm it is safe for you.