It has been used throughout history in Traditional Chinese Medicine for the treatment of gastrointestinal infections in humans, such as bacterial diarrhea, notably due to antibacterial properties. Berberine has been shown to promote epithelial barrier integrity and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects (1, 2).
Short-term exposure to berberine alters the populations of intestinal bacteria by reducing the activity of Clostridium cluster XIVa and IV, and their bile salt hydrolase (BSH), thus leading to the accumulation of taurocholic acid (TCA).
Several studies have shown that berberine may modulate the gut microbiota through enriching short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria and reducing microbial diversity.
The mechanism for berberine extract is very unclear. For decades it has been a well-researched herbal treatment for intestinal infections, like Giardia, but it came with the warning to avoid long-term use due to the potential undesirable and antimicrobial effect in the gut.
Research has suggested that berberine can help treat diabetes, obesity, and inflammation, among other conditions. However, side effects can include upset stomach and nausea. Berberine has been a part of Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years.
Typical side effects for a healthy individual with no medical conditions may include diarrhea, constipation, gas and upset stomach. Berberine can cross the placenta and may cause harm to the fetus. Kernicterus, a type of brain damage, has developed in newborn infants exposed to it.
The effects of berberine are not immediately felt if you take it for only a few days. Instead, taking it for more extended periods is necessary to see its effects. Some studies suggest that berberine's effects can be seen when taking supplements for at least three months.
Berberine possesses anti-inflammatory activity and suppresses proinflammatory responses by inhibiting mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling and cellular reactive oxygen species production9.
The results of the Probiotics and BBR on the Efficacy and Change of Gut Microbiota in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes (PREMOTE) study indicated that combining berberine, an established lipid-lowering agent, with a multi-strain probiotic led to greater effects than berberine alone for lowering postprandial ...
Pregnancy: It's likely unsafe to take berberine by mouth if you are pregnant. Berberine can cross the placenta and might cause harm to the fetus. Kernicterus, a type of brain damage, has developed in newborn infants exposed to berberine. Breast-feeding: It's likely unsafe to take berberine if you are breast-feeding.
The amount of berberine in supplements can vary. MedlinePlus notes that it has typically been used by adults taking a 0.4 to 1.5 g dose daily; they also say that it's been safely used when taken for up to six months. Check with your doctor about what dosage might be right for you — and for how long you should take it.
The recommended dosage of berberine is 500 mg three times a day. It should be taken half an hour before meals.
Berberine is one of the most potent insulin sensitizers in the world. That means it can make you more insulin sensitive, and it does this by tricking your muscles into thinking they're low on energy.
While there is limited scientific research specifically focused on the timeline for berberine's effectiveness in weight loss, some studies have indicated that it may produce noticeable results within a few weeks to a few months.
Fenugreek is one of the best anti-inflammatory herbs because of its many benefits for digestive health and cardiovascular health. It can reduce inflammation of the stomach and has been shown to improve inflammatory issues, like mouth ulcers, bronchitis, chronic coughs and metabolic disorders.
The standard dose of berberine is 900-2,000mg a day, divided into three to four doses. Berberine should be taken with a meal, or shortly after, to take advantage of the blood glucose and lipid spike associated with eating. Too much berberine at once can result in stomach upset, cramping, and diarrhea.
Sodium caprate was able to promote the absorption of berberine significantly at various intestinal segments (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01; Fig. 2). The absorption of berberine increased approximately about 1.5–5.2-fold, when berberine was co-incubated with sodium caprate for 90 min at concentrations of 0.2% (w/v).
Sub-chronic toxicity of berberine has reported to damages lung and liver by increasing alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), significantly (Ning et al., 2015).
Berberine may be able to help with high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and obesity, with a heavy emphasis on using the supplement to fight cardiovascular issues associated with those conditions, according to research.
Results: Administration of BBR significantly inhibited histological damage to the pancreas and lung and decreased serum level of amylase and lipase, myeloperoxidase activity, cytokine production, and the mortality rate.
Berberine, a bioactive compound hailing from various plants, is fast making a name for itself as a health-promoting supplement in Australia. With a rich spectrum of benefits encompassing blood glucose regulation and cardiovascular health improvement, Berberine stands tall in the landscape of wellness.
Emerging research suggests that berberine is beneficial for balancing hormones, especially when it comes to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Berberine provides numerous benefits for women living with PCOS, including improved fertility, weight loss, and reduced inflammation.
The most effective form of berberine is berberine hydrochloride, which is the most common form of berberine found in supplements. It has been shown to have the highest bioavailability and absorption rate, making it more effective than other forms of berberine.