People use berberine most often for diabetes, high levels of cholesterol or other fats in the blood, and high blood pressure. It is also used for burns, canker sores, liver diseases, and many other conditions, but there is no solid scientific evidence to support many of these uses. Regular intake of berberine supplements seems to lower total cholesterol, “bad cholesterol” and triglycerides in people with high cholesterol. It works differently than current standard cholesterol medications, so it can help treat people who are resistant to other cholesterol-lowering drugs.
Berberine appears to activate AMP-activated protein kinase, which can help regulate the way the body uses blood sugar. Researchers believe that this activation may help treat diabetes and related health problems, such as obesity and high cholesterol. Berberine, or berberine hydrochloride, is a compound in several plants, such as gold seal, barberry, Oregon grape, and tree turmeric. Although berberine seems to be safe and causes few side effects, a person should talk to a doctor before taking it.
Another study states that berberine helps treat cancer by interfering with its progression and typical life cycle. Today, berberine is being investigated as a treatment for diabetes, high cholesterol, and even polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). A study with berberine found that it can cause digestive problems, such as constipation, diarrhea, and flatulence in some people. Many studies on berberine have indicated that it can treat several metabolic conditions, such as diabetes, obesity and heart problems.
In addition, a hamster study found that berberine helps move excess cholesterol to the liver, where the body can process and eliminate it. Some research suggests that berberine works in a similar way to the drug metformin, which doctors often prescribe to treat type 2 diabetes. The first traces of berberine used for medicinal purposes were found more than 3000 years ago, when the barberry plant and its relatives were cultivated in China and South Asia. The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) notes that berberine supplements are available as supplements or capsules.
The NCCIH advises people not to use the gold seal, which contains berberine, during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Scientists say that berberine and metformin share many characteristics and that both could be useful in treating type 2 diabetes. However, the AANP urges people to talk to a doctor before taking berberine to check that it is safe to use and how much they can take. This may be due to the way berberine helps control insulin and other hormones that regulate fat cells.
In addition, results from a study in rats indicate that berberine may delay the onset of high blood pressure and, when it develops, help reduce its severity.
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