Getting to the Root of Berberine Supplements

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Berberine has become a popular supplement in recent years, making its mark on mainstream social media platforms, where people rave about its health benefits. However, this natural compound has been used for thousands of years in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. In fact, the earliest recorded use of berberine appears on clay tablets in the library of the Assyrian emperor Ashurbanipal, dating to 650 BC.

So, what exactly is it, and does it really benefit your health? Keep reading to learn what you need to know about berberine, including where it comes from, how it’s consumed, its risks and benefits and answers to commonly asked questions.

What Is Berberine?

Berberine is a natural alkaloid found in many plant roots, including goldenseal, barberry and Oregon grape, and is known for its antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. This natural compound has been used for hundreds of years in traditional medical approaches such as Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine to treat a variety of illnesses, including infections, bronchitis, skin conditions, diarrhea and other digestive issues.

One of the main ways berberine works is by activating a specific enzyme called AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which serves as an intracellular energy sensor. AMPK promotes the production of ATP, your cells’ main energy source, when it detects that ATP levels have dropped. Activated AMPK enzymes restore cellular energy by stimulating glucose uptake, glycolysis and fatty acid oxidation to produce more ATP. It also shuts down energy-intensive processes, such as protein, cholesterol and glycogen synthesis, to return your body to cellular energy homeostasis.

Consuming Berberine

While berberine is a naturally occurring alkaloid found in various plants, your body doesn’t produce it, and it isn’t present in everyday foods you can buy at your local grocery store. This means one of the only ways to get berberine into your system is through supplements or as a tea extract. However, berberine is usually consumed as a supplement because its high concentration can’t be obtained through dietary sources. You can find berberine supplements in many forms, including capsules, gummies and liquid drops.

To get the most out of your berberine supplement, it’s recommended that you take it right before or with a meal. Doing so maximizes your body’s ability to absorb it. It’s also generally recommended that you spread your dosages into two or three smaller doses rather than taking them all at once. This helps prevent potential side effects such as digestive discomfort.

What to Know About Berberine Patches

Another form of berberine consumption often promoted is transdermal patches. These are medicated adhesive strips applied directly to the skin for continual absorption into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system to avoid gastrointestinal side effects. While berberine patches are often marketed as over-the-counter GLP-1 medications, there is currently a lack of scientific evidence to support those claims, as well as their effectiveness and safety compared to oral supplements.

Benefits and Risks of Berberine Supplements

There are many potential metabolic health benefits associated with berberine, including:

While some of these benefits are supported by scientific evidence, berberine isn’t considered an approved treatment or prevention method for the conditions listed above. In fact, berberine supplements aren’t regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), meaning they aren’t screened for efficacy or safety. This also means that supplement manufacturers can put false claims on their packaging, making it vital that you do your research before buying and taking these supplements.

Berberine supplements also come with some potential side effects and risks, including:

  • Abdominal bloating or gas
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Low blood sugar
  • Nausea
  • Negative interactions with other medications, like blood thinners
  • Vomiting

Before taking berberine supplements or using patches, talk with your primary care provider to ensure it’s safe for you.

Does berberine help with weight loss?

Berberine can potentially help with weight loss. While berberine is often marketed as “nature’s GLP-1,” there is a lack of clinical studies to support this claim. Taking berberine supplements, in combination with other lifestyle changes, typically results in average weight loss.

Berberine supplements work by activating a specific enzyme called AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which helps regulate how the body generates and uses energy. It boosts your metabolism and the body’s ability to burn fat, as well as reduces the amount of fat stored in the body.

If you’ve been struggling to lose or maintain your weight, you aren’t alone. Our team of weight-loss experts is here to help you determine the best course of action to reach your health goals.

Does berberine suppress your appetite?

Berberine supplements don’t directly suppress your appetite, but they may indirectly support appetite suppression. By helping stabilize blood sugar levels, berberine supplements may curb appetite and control cravings, which can lead to weight loss or healthy weight management, making them a popular addition to many weight-loss plans.

Does berberine lower blood sugar or help with insulin resistance?

Yes, berberine can lower your blood sugar and help with insulin resistance. According to a study by the National Library of Medicine, berberine can effectively regulate blood glucose and lipid levels and alleviate insulin resistance.

It does this by activating the enzyme AMPK. This enzyme helps your cells respond better to insulin, allows your body to absorb glucose properly and reduces the amount of glucose your liver produces.

Does berberine lower cholesterol?

Yes, berberine can help lower your cholesterol. Research shows that berberine increases the number of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptors, which are responsible for clearing “bad” LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream. With more receptors, more LDL cholesterol can be removed. Studies also show that berberine may raise your “good” high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, which help clear LDL.

Is berberine safe?

Berberine is considered safe for most healthy adults. However, it can interact with other medications, potentially causing complications. You must talk to your healthcare provider before taking berberine to ensure it’s safe for you. Known side effects of berberine include nausea, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation and diarrhea.

Who should not take berberine?

According to the National Library of Medicine, exposure to berberine has been linked to a harmful buildup of bilirubin in infants, which can cause brain damage. It’s vital that women who are pregnant or breastfeeding avoid berberine. Others who should not take berberine include:

  • Infants and children
  • Individuals with liver or kidney disease
  • People with heart conditions
  • Those taking blood thinners or blood pressure medications
  • Those taking diabetes medication

Helping You Navigate Your Health With Confidence

When it comes to optimizing your health, you deserve expert care and compassionate guidance. That’s why at AdventHealth, we offer dedicated wellness care services to help you thrive in body, mind and spirit. If you’re wondering whether berberine is right for you and your health goals, our team is ready to help.

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