Berberine and Its Health Benefits

Berberine is a compound found in many plants, including barberry (Berberis vulgaris).

It is used in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine. In Chinese medicine berberine is frequently used as part of a regimen to control type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension. It has become a popular supplement for its purported benefits for a variety of digestive problems, inflammatory disorders, and even infectious diseases. 

One of the primary actions of berberine is to turn on an enzyme called activated protein kinase (AMPK), which we will discuss further in this series of articles. AMPK is an important energy sensor that helps regulate cellular metabolism. When AMPK is activated by a deficiency in nutrient availability it serves as a guide for repair of damaged components inside of cells.  These include damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as free radicals. 

Since this type of damage leads to aging, berberine might be considered an “anti-aging” supplement. Another anti-aging effect of AMPK is its role in autophagy, and adaptive process in which dead cells are scavenged during times of low energy availability.

Berberine has been shown to help lower blood sugar and HbA1c in people. HbA1c is a marker of prolonged blood sugar elevation. berberine may be as effective as some diabetes medications. Berberine also appears to be helpful in people with “dyslipidemia,” such as elevation of LDL (“bad cholesterol”) and triglycerides and increase HDL (“good cholesterol”). 

This remarkable chemical also helps people lose weight as effectively as weight loss supplements. One mechanism is that berberine appears to inhibit the growth of fat cells.

Berberine even inhibitory effects on various cancers, including colorectal cancer, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, liver cancer, and cervical cancer.

Berberine has an excellent safety profile. The main side effects, which are uncommon, include diarrhea, constipation, and bloating.

Note: Although I am a physician, the content in this article is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent illness or disease in the reader – it is for educational purposes only.

References

• Xie W, Su F, Wang G, et al. Glucose-lowerng effect of berberine on type 2diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Pharmacol 2022;13: 1015045. PMID 36467075
• Zhang Y, Li X, Zou D, et al. Treatment of type 2 diabetes and dyslipidemia with the natural plant alkaloid berberine. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2008;93(7):2559-65. PMID 18397984.
• Liu D, Meng X, Wu D, et al. A Natural isoquinoline alkaloid with antitumor activity: Studies of the biological activities ofb. Front Pharmacol. 2019; 10: 9. PMID: 30837865