Of all herbal supplements on the market, berberine is one of the most well-known. This herb has a lengthy list of potential benefits. Here we take a look at what are some of the most important and most credible touted benefits of berberine. What is Berberine? Berberine is a chemical that is found in multiple different plants. These include European barberry, goldenseal, goldenthread, phellodendron, and others. It is yellowish in color, and has a bitter taste. It is most commonly extracted and used in the form of an oral supplement. One reason berberine is a standout among herbal supplements is because it has been scientifically shown to work just as well as prescription medication for some uses. The most renowned uses of berberine relate to controlling blood sugar, reducing inflammation, and improving gut health. 10 Uses of Berberine The following uses have all been attributed to berberine in its supplemental form. Each of these potential benefits is backed by varying levels of science. But, considering the attention and efficacy that has been attributed to berberine, they are all worth considering.
- Lowering blood sugar is a powerful benefit of berberine, and is especially useful for individuals with type-II diabetes. Berberine does this by lowering blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin levels, and improving lipid metabolism. It's been found to lower blood sugar just as well as the diabetes drug metformin.
- Lowering LDL (negative) cholesterol can be done by taking berberine. This can help protect against heart disease and stroke. This effect has been shown in some studies to be just as prominent as with some prescription medications.
- Managing PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) is a significant potential use of berberine. This is because of its combined positive effects on blood sugar, cholesterol levels, and testosterone levels.
- Reducing inflammation: Berberine can help reduce inflammation, which is a common factor in many types of disease. It does this by reducing blood sugar, and activating AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) pathways.
- Supporting heart health: The combined effects of berberine reducing blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood lipid levels are all beneficial to the heart.
- Canker sores can be treated by a topical ointment containing berberine.
- Improving gut health can be done by taking berberine. Berberine does this because of its antimicrobial effect. It reduces the presence of negative microbes in the gut, and helps support the flourishing of positive microbes as well.
- Weight loss: The benefits of berberine on the body have been shown to help individuals lose weight, according to some scientific studies. Such weight loss could be attributed to berberine's capacity to help keep insulin in check and control other hormones that regulate your fat cells.
- Improving antibiotic effectiveness: Some animal studies have suggested that berberine could help improve the effectiveness of antibiotics when used alongside them. This is likely because it disrupts the biofilm that covers invading bacteria.
- Combating high blood pressure might be accomplished by taking berberine. Per medicalnewstoday.com. Studies have shown berberine to help further the effectiveness of a blood pressure-lowering drug when taken alongside it.