Berberine is a naturally occurring compound with an extended history of use in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. In this edition of Supplement Spotlight, we’ll tell you what Berberine is, what it does, how to use it, and the suggested dosing range. Let’s dive right in!
What Is Berberine?
Berberine occurs naturally in such plants as barberry, turmeric, goldthread, goldenseal, Oregon grape, and greater celandine. (1)
What Are The Benefits?
The benefits of include: (2)
Diabetes
Berberine has shown potential as a remedy for diabetes. One way it does this is by lowering blood glucose levels. Another way it does this is by helping to regulate the symptoms of type II diabetes. It may also help improve insulin sensitivity. (3,4)
Cholesterol
Berberine may help lower high cholesterol, especially in those people coping with diabetic conditions.
Anti-Inflammatory
Berberine is an anti-inflammatory. That means it stimulates the AMPK enzyme (AMPK stands for adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase). This is an enzyme that is considered a metabolic “master switch” thanks to its regulatory effects on metabolism.
About Inflammation
Regarding inflammation, the entire body can be affected. Over time, it can damage cells, tissues, and organs. Tragically, it can help lead to arthritis and obesity. Not to mention, it can negatively affect digestion and cause the growth of unhealthy bacteria in your gut. Berberine can help offset this by reducing whole-body inflammation. In addition, it has properties that support digestion and the immune system. Plus, it has antibacterial properties.
Insulin and Fat Loss
Insulin is one of the body’s primary anabolic hormones. Yet it’s a double-sword because it can also cause the body to store unwanted fat. How does this work? Diets high in carbohydrates over the body’s energy needs are converted to body fat. This is especially true if a good portion of those carbs are from sugary sources, which cause insulin spikes, leading to fat storage.
What if you have insulin resistance? In this case, your cells don’t have enough glucose, which causes you to feel hungry. You might overeat, leading your body to store more fat from excess carbs.
How Does Berberine Help?
Berberine helps this dilemma by improving how the cells respond to insulin (known as insulin sensitivity). This improves glucose absorption into muscle and other cells. Once your cells have adequate glucose, you won’t feel as hungry, which should mean you will eat fewer calories.
How To Use Berberine
Berberine comes as a single-ingredient supplement or as part of a Glucose Disposal Agent (GDA). A GDA will be more effective in making productive use of your highest carbohydrate meals. Regarding using either type of product, make sure you read and follow all label directions. In the case of a GDA, you will take it with your two highest-carb meals of the day. It needs to be noted that GDAs are also known as Insulin Mimickers and Nutrient Partitioners – these are interchangeable terms.
Single-ingredient formulas, such as Hi-Tech Berberine, suggest 2 tablets up to 3 times a day.
A GDA, such as Hi-Tech Insuload, suggests 1 tablet 3 times a day with carbs.
What Is The Suggested Dose?
There’s no current recommended dose, but it’s common to see it dosed in the 350 to 500 mg range, and studies have been conducted using 1,000 to 1,500 mg per day.
Recap
Berberine is a common ingredient in GDA formulas and a popular single-ingredient supplement. As part of a GDA, it works with synergistic ingredients to make carbohydrates more productive. It does this by influencing insulin. Plus, it is effective taken by itself. Adding this impressive compound can make a difference – so stop by and stock up today!
References:
- Neag, M. A., Mocan, A., Echeverría, J., Pop, R. M., Bocsan, C. I., Crişan, G., & Buzoianu, A. D. (2018). Berberine: Botanical Occurrence, Traditional Uses, Extraction Methods, and Relevance in Cardiovascular, Metabolic, Hepatic, and Renal Disorders. Frontiers in pharmacology, 9, 557. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2018.00557
- Ye, Y., Liu, X., Wu, N., Han, Y., Wang, J., Yu, Y., & Chen, Q. (2021). Efficacy and Safety of Berberine Alone for Several Metabolic Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. Frontiers in pharmacology, 12, 653887. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2021.653887
- Ríos, J. L., Francini, F., & Schinella, G. R. (2015). Natural Products for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Planta medica, 81(12-13), 975–994. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0035-1546131
- Yin, J., Xing, H., & Ye, J. (2008). Efficacy of berberine in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Metabolism: clinical and experimental, 57(5), 712–717. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.metabol.2008.01.013
- McCarty, M. F., O’Keefe, J. H., & DiNicolantonio, J. J. (2015). Red Yeast Rice Plus Berberine: Practical Strategy for Promoting Vascular and Metabolic Health. Alternative therapies in health and medicine, 21 Suppl 2, 40–45.