Berberine: Potential Health Benefits, Safety, & Usage

Berberine is a natural compound found in many plants. Research suggests that it may support healthy blood sugar levels and help with weight management*.

In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at berberine, how it works, and how it can support your health.

And if you're looking for a high quality berberine supplement, consider our  Triberine formula.

What is Berberine?

Berberine is a plant phytochemical that’s part of the alkaloid family of compounds. It is bitter-tasting and has a bright yellow color.

It’s found in the bark, leaves, twigs, and roots of a variety of different plants, including Oregon Grape Root, Goldenseal, and Indian Barberry.

It is known for its various potential health benefits and has a history of use in various traditional medicine systems, particularly in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

Potential Health Benefits of Berberine:

Recent research indicates that berberine may provide the body with many different potential health benefits, especially for metabolic health. Listed below are the most well-supported health benefits of berberine. 

1. Blood Sugar Support*

Berberine is well-loved for its potential ability to support healthy blood sugar levels*.

Based oncurrent evidence, berberine may support healthy blood sugar levels within the normal range based on its ability to stimulate beta-cells in the pancreas. 

In aclinical study, researchers discovered that taking berberine daily helped to support healthy blood sugar levels*. The researchers also noted that the study participants experienced added heart health benefits as well.

2. Heart Health*

Research indicates that berberine may also help to support healthy cholesterol levels*.

Researchers believe that this is due to a few mechanisms. For example, berberine seems to be able to improve LDL receptor function and activity, especially in liver cells. This is important because LDL receptor cells are a part of your body's internal process for managing cholesterol levels.

Additionally, a clinical trial found that supplementing with 1,000mg of berberine (500mg 2x/day) helped to support healthy cholesterol levels*.

3. Weight Management*

Berberine may also be helpful for weight management*.

A12-week study discovered that taking berberine helped the study participants to maintain a healthy weight. 

It should be noted that larger clinical trials are needed to confirm this potential health benefit.

4. Liver Health*

Berberine may also help to support live health*.

Aclinical trial found that taking 500mg of berberine daily helped to support liver function. It also seemed to help support healthy fatty tissue levels in the liver*.

Again, larger clinical trials are needed to confirm these potential health benefits.

Berberine Dosage & Safety:

Berberine is typicallywell tolerated by most individuals.

Berberine is typically taken in a dose of 500–1,500 mg per day. It’s common to take 500mg two times per day before meals, for a total of 1,000mg per day.

Berberine can interact with some medications. It’s suggested that you not take berberine if you are on cyclosporine.

If you have a medical condition or are taking any medications, speak with a healthcare professional before taking berberine. This is especially important if you are currently taking blood sugar-lowering medication.

Overall, berberine has a solid safety profile. The main side effects are related to digestion, and there are somereports of diarrhea, constipation, and bloating.

How To Add Berberine To Your Diet:

Adding berberine to your diet is a great natural way to support metabolic health*.

The easiest way to add berberine to your diet is through taking a berberine supplement, typically in capsule form.

Berberine has a strong bitter taste that is unpleasant. Taking a berberine supplement helps you to get all of the benefits of berberine without the bad taste.

At Utzy Naturals, our Triberine formula contains 1,000mg of berberine in an easy-to-take daily formula. We suggest taking 1 capsule in the morinng (with breakfast) and 1 capsule at lunch/dinner. This may help to give your body a blood sugar stabilizing effect.

If you're interested in berberine, give our  Triberine formula a try.

Conclusion:

Berberine is a natural plant compound that has been associated with several potential health benefits.

As a supplement, it is typically well tolerated by most individuals, provided your healthcare provider approves.

If you are looking for a natural supplement for metabolic health, consider adding berberine to your routine.