Berberine
Health Benefits

Berberine Benefits, Dosage, & Side Effects

on Oct 13, 2023| Modified on Jan 01, 2025
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Berberine is a naturally occurring alkaloid in various plants such as goldenseal, barberry, and Oregon grape. This powerful compound has been utilized in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. Recent studies have highlighted berberine's wide range of health benefits, making it a popular supplement today.

Berberine's Historical and Cultural Significance

Traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic Medicine

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), berberine-rich plants like Coptis chinensis (Huang Lian) and Phellodendron amurense (Huang Bai) have been cherished for their ability to combat bacterial diarrhea and reduce inflammation. These plants were typically used in decoctions for relief.

Similarly, in Ayurvedic medicine, berberine-containing herbs such as Berberis aristata (Daruharidra) and Tinospora cordifolia (Guduchi) were used to treat skin diseases and digestive disorders. These herbs were believed to harmonize the body's three doshas and purify the blood.

Berberine in the Middle East

In the Middle East, barberry (known as "Zereshk" in Persian) and its therapeutic properties have been documented in ancient medical manuscripts. Beyond its medicinal uses, barberry features prominently in Persian cuisine, particularly in rice dishes like 'Zereshk Polo'. Traditionally, berberine was used for digestive health, liver protection, eye health, and various skin conditions.

Health Benefits of Berberine

Diabetes Management

  • Mechanism: Berberine improves insulin sensitivity and reduces glucose production in the liver, rivaling the efficacy of some pharmaceutical drugs.
  • Time to See Results: Most users notice changes in blood sugar levels within a few weeks.
  • Optimal Dosage: 500 mg, three times a day, before meals.

Weight Loss

  • Mechanism: Berberine activates an enzyme called AMPK, known as the “metabolic master switch,” leading to reduced fat storage in the liver and improved energy expenditure.
  • Time to See Results: Typically within 8 to 12 weeks of consistent use.
  • Optimal Dosage: 300-500 mg, thrice daily, 30 minutes before meals.

Heart Health

  • Mechanism: Berberine lowers total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties also benefit heart health.
  • Time to See Results: Noticeable improvement after 2-3 months.
  • Optimal Dosage: 500 mg, twice a day.

Antibacterial and Antiviral Properties

  • Mechanism: Berberine inhibits the growth of various harmful bacteria and viruses.
  • Time to See Results: Results vary depending on the specific infection, often within days to a week.
  • Optimal Dosage: Consult a healthcare professional for infection-related treatments.

Potential Side Effects and Medication Interactions

While berberine is generally considered safe, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects and medication interactions:

Side Effects

  • Digestive issues such as constipation, diarrhea, or stomach cramps.
  • Headache.
  • Allergic reactions (rare).
  • Lowered blood pressure.
  • Drowsiness.

Medication Interactions

  • Diabetes Medications: Berberine can enhance the effects of diabetes drugs, leading to hypoglycemia.
  • Blood Pressure Medications: Concurrent use may result in excessively low blood pressure.
  • Anticoagulants and Antiplatelets: Increased risk of prolonged bleeding.
  • Cyclosporine: Berberine may increase the absorption of cyclosporine, leading to increased effects or side effects.

Conclusion

Berberine is a potent natural compound with a rich history in traditional medicine. Modern research reveals its numerous health benefits, particularly for diabetes management and weight loss. However, using berberine wisely is crucial, considering potential side effects and medication interactions. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.

Related Links:

Diabetes Type II and Berberine: Dosage and Research
From Berberine to Vitamin D: Top Supplements for T2DM


The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.

Diabetes

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Nana Monster (Hannibal, New York) on 08/08/2016
★★★★★

I was using glyburide and my numbers were going up to around 300+ with a high of 429. The doc wanted me on Januvia which I refused so he kicked me out of his practice. THEN I found a new one and he switched me to Glimpiride...BAD stuff. After 3 weeks on it I was having headaches, severe muscle spasms, joint pain, chest pain (have heart issues), sugar numbers were going up and it kicked in the glucoama real bad to the point everything was fuzzy. He then wanted me on Farxiga which is super bad so I asked him about Berberine. He didn't know anything about so I went ahead and did more research and decided it was something I wanted to try.

I've been on it for 5 weeks now and my lowest starting number was 110 and the highest nite time was 189. I'm staying between 120-170 on an average low to high range. I can definitely live with this as it's well over half of what I was running with big pharma's stuff. I feel a lot better, more energy, skin is soooooo soft.

Still have some residual from the Glimpiride with the headaches and chest pain mainly but every now and then the muscles let go. I'm hoping that the numbers continue to improve. I go in 2 weeks for a blood draw for the A1C and then the following week for a checkup. I'll let you know how the doctor handles me not doing the drug and instead going for the plants. I use a brand which has Barberry and Oregon Grape Seed. Will post again in about a month and let you know how I'm doing. Dropped about 10 pounds so far too :)

Replied by El
(Washington, DC)
12/31/2024

Thank you! How do you take it, when, and how often?

Art
(California)
01/01/2025
2395 posts

Hi El,

You are replying to a post from 2016 suggesting that the poster may not answer, so I will.

Dosing for Berberine for type diabetes has been shown in at least one study to be 1500 mg of Berberine total per day in three divided doses of 500 mg each taken at breakfast, lunch and dinner as discussed here :

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2410097/

Here is a relevant quote from the study regarding dosing and the multiple positive beneficial health effects of berberine in people type 2 diabetes :

' In study A, 36 adults with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes were randomly assigned to treatment with berberine or metformin (0.5 g t.i.d.) in a 3-month trial. The hypoglycemic effect of berberine was similar to that of metformin. Significant decreases in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c; from 9.5% ± 0.5% to 7.5% ± 0.4%, P<0.01), fasting blood glucose (FBG; from 10.6 ± 0.9 mmol/L to 6.9 ± 0.5 mmol/L, P<0.01), postprandial blood glucose (PBG; from 19.8 ± 1.7 to 11.1 ± 0.9 mmol/L, P<0.01) and plasma triglycerides (from 1.13 ± 0.13 mmol/L to 0.89 ± 0.03 mmol/L, P<0.05) were observed in the berberine group. In study B, 48 adults with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes were treated supplemented with berberine in a 3-month trial. Berberine acted by lowering FBG and PBG from one week to the end of the trial. HbA1c decreased from 8.1% ± 0.2% to 7.3% ± 0.3% (P<0.001). Fasting plasma insulin and HOMA-IR were reduced by 28.1% and 44.7% (P<0.001), respectively. Total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were decreased significantly as well. During the trial, 20 (34.5%) patients suffered from transient gastrointestinal adverse effects. Functional liver or kidney damages were not observed for all patients. In conclusion, this pilot study indicates that berberine is a potent oral hypoglycemic agent with beneficial effects on lipid metabolism. '

These results are comparable to the diabetes prescription drug, Metformin, but berberine does not have many of the side effects associated with the use of Metformin as described here :

https://www.drugs.com/sfx/metformin-rosiglitazone-side-effects.html

On the other hand, if you are already taking Metformin and tolerating it well, the addition of Berberine is likely to be additive as mentioned here :

https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation?paperid=113351

Here is a relevant quote from the link :

' Metformin (mM) and berberine (µM) at combination ratios of 2:40, 1:20, 0.5:10, and 0.25:5 exhibited a synergistic lipid-lowering effect on HepG2 cells. These ratios could significantly decrease total lipid content and triglyceride level in HepG2 cells. The lowest dose of the combination [Metformin (0.25 mM) and berberine (5 μM)] also synergistically reduced the expression of the FAS and SREBP-1c genes in HepG2 cells treated with high glucose. The combination of Metformin and berberine exerted synergistic lipid-lowering effects on HepG2 cells by reducing total lipid content, triglyceride level, and the expression of the genes involved in lipogenesis. '

Art