What is berberine good for?
Berberine is compound that is extracted from several plants, primarily from a species of shrub called Berberis vulgaris, more commonly known as the barberry plant, and has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. Berberine is an alkaloid compound that has a strong yellow tint, and as such is often used as a dye.
Berberine for diabetes and blood sugar levels
One of the principal areas of interest for berberine supplementation is through its ability to lower blood sugar levels, particularly in people suffering from type 2 diabetes, and this property has been replicated in many studies.
For example, one study in 2008 that involved 116 people suffering from diabetes observed that by taking 1g of berberine daily managed to lower fasting blood sugar levels by a massive 20%. It also lowered hemoglobin by 12%, and improved levels of cholesterol and triglycerides.
It seems to achieve this through several ways, such as decreasing insulin resistance, decreasing the production of sugar in the liver, slowing the breakdown of carbohydrates in the digestive tract, and making your body more efficient at breaking down sugars inside cells, through a process known as glycolysis.
Further research suggests that berberine may be just as effective as certain diabetes medications.
Berberine for cholesterol and heart disease
As hinted at above, berberine has also shown potential for regulating cholesterol levels, not only decreasing LDL or "bad" cholesterol, but also increasing HDL or "good" cholesterol. It also decreases levels of triglycerides in the blood, and lowers overall total cholesterol levels. It is thought to achieve this by inhibiting a specific enzyme which results in a larger amount of LDL cholesterol being removed from the blood.
These effects, together with those mentioned previously regarding diabetes and blood sugar, make berberine a valuable tool against many cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease.
Berberine for weight loss
Aside from its cardiovascular benefits, berberine is also thought to be beneficial for weight loss. It is believed that it achieves this by inhibiting fat cell growth to some degree.
One three-month study involving obese adults involved taking 500mg of berberine three times daily resulting with an average loss of around 5 pounds, or roughly 2.3kg, which translated into approximately 3.6% of their total body fat. Other studies have shown similar results, and also revealed how berberine supplementation reduces body weight, belly fat, C-reactive protein levels and BMI significantly.
When should I take berberine?
Berberine should ideally be taken with a meal, in order to take full advantage of the blood sugar spike associated with eating. It is not recommended to take berberine on an empty stomach, as it could result in stomach upset, including stomach cramps and diarrhea.
What does berberine combine well with?
Folic acid with CoQ10, berberine, red yeast rice & astaxanthin, for blood sugar levels
One review in 2021 determined that by taking a combination of berberine, CoQ10 (ubiquinol), red yeast rice extract, policosanols, folic acid and astaxanthin, there was a significant improvement to blood sugar levels.
What should I avoid taking berberine with?
Avoid berberine with grapefruit juice, alcohol, blood-thinners, statins and antibiotics
Berberine could negatively interact with grapefruit juice or alcohol, and may also interact with certain medicines, such as blood thinners, statins and other cholesterol-lowering drugs, certain antibiotics, and medications for diabetes.
If you have any doubts, you are strongly advised to contact your doctor before starting berberine supplementation.
Who should avoid taking berberine supplements?
Avoid berberine during/after pregnancy
It is not advisible for pregnant women to take berberine, and the same applies to women who are actively breastfeeding.
What are natural sources of berberine?
There is no significant natural source of berberine that could feasibly be incorporated into a normal diet, as berberine is a compound that is extracted from the roots and rhizomes of various plants, chiefly the barberry plant, Berberis vulgaris, and not any food source.
Berberine data sources & further reading
Last updated by Asklepios on 30th January, 2025