One standout plant-derived supplement now presumably known to millions of health-conscious people is the popular herb berberine, which has a long history of use as a natural remedy. Today, it is predominantly known for its two-fold abilities to support weight loss and to help regulate blood-sugar levels. But berberine provides other benefits as well. Here we take a stroll off berberine’s beaten path and look of three of its lesser-known yet highly effective characteristics.
Berberine: What Is It, and What Is It Known For?
We have discussed berberine numerous times on this website in light of its most prominent benefits. Berberine is a bioactive chemical that occurs naturally in a variety of plants including European barberry, goldenseal, Oregon grape, and tree turmeric. Its historical usage and reputation heralds from China, where it has been used for centuries as a remedy for various ailments.
In modern science, berberine has been studied for its physiological interactions and its health benefits.
The primary action of berberine in the body is the activation of the enzyme AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). In doing so, berberine can improve and regulate metabolism. The properties of berberine have led to its specified utilization for the purpose of blood sugar control, making it medically valuable to those with type-II diabetes. Berberine has also been found to assist in weight loss. Studies show consistent berberine supplementation can lead to a reduction in body weight and body mass index.
Berberine’s properties are powerful enough that it provides a range of potential benefits, next to those of regulating blood sugar and encouraging weight loss. In the next section, we look at further but not as prominent benefits which could make berberine an effective herbal supplement for your health needs.
Several Lesser-Known, Yet Effective Benefits of Berberine
Heart health: Benefitting heart health is another major benefit of taking berberine. While oft-touted for its ability to support weight loss and regulate blood sugar, berberine also has a strong regulating benefit on cholesterol levels. Studies on the relationship between berberine and cholesterol show that it reduces blood levels of unhealthy LDL cholesterol, as well as total cholesterol levels, yet it also helps raise levels of HDL cholesterol, the generally healthy (“good”) type of cholesterol. As a result of berberine’s regulating effect on cholesterol, as well as its benefits to blood sugar and weight, it could have a meaningful long-term benefit in that it can reduce the risk of heart disease. All heart-health factors play into the risk of heart disease, and berberine helps at least three of them. Choosing berberine for your long-term heart health is highly recommended.
Reducing inflammation: Berberine has been shown to reduce bodily inflammation. First, berberine helps protect the gut from excessive inflammation, which supports the health of the gut microbiome. Berberine also reduces the production of inflammatory proteins as well as oxidative stress. By reducing inflammation, berberine could contribute to a reduction of the symptoms associated with inflammatory conditions such as arthritis.
Women’s health: Research has given us clear evidence that a berberine supplement can help with certain health issues common only to women. Berberine can improve insulin sensitivity, which is good news for women experiencing polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), an endocrine disorder that can occur in reproductive-age women. It helps by regulating blood sugar, improving ovulation, and regulating important hormones. A berberine supplement can also help women better tolerate the rigors of passing through menopause.
Berberine is such a powerful natural supplement that even its lesser-known benefits are worth knowing about. If any of these benefits seem applicable to you or your spouse, then consider how it can contribute to a healthy lifestyle. It’s recommended that you always talk to your healthcare provider before taking berberine or any other health supplement.