Berberine is a plant-derived compound with a long history, and it has a reputation for supporting heart health, managing diabetes, and stimulating weight loss. Here, we look at why berberine is special, and then we share five of the most widely applicable and important benefits of berberine that are backed by science.
Is Berberine Special?
Berberine could be accurately called “special,” because of its variety of efficacious health applications, and because of its natural origin. As we wrote about earlier this year, research has established that berberine’s properties are so strong that it is used effectively as a natural medicine to treat and/or reduce risk of multiple types of chronic disease. However, the specific physiological benefits of berberine are so varied that it could meaningfully benefit almost anyone.
The history of berberine’s usage testifies to its value as a natural plant-based remedy. Berberine is found in a variety of different plants, each of which has been specifically harvested and used for centuries in Eastern medicine. These include European barberry, goldenseal, goldthread, Oregon grape, phellodendron, tree turmeric, and others. Berberine has a bright yellow color and a bitter taste, similar to turmeric and some other potent, plant-derived supplements.
Here, we consider the particular physiological benefits of berberine for what they are. Many of these are relevant to chronic disease risk, but they are also important in their own right for the general health of adult men and women.
The Benefits of a Berberine Supplement
Berberine’s natural benefits to the body are many. Here are some of the most important and widely beneficial things which a berberine supplement can offer almost anyone:
Support weight loss: Taking a berberine supplement for weight loss is one of the most touted benefits of this natural product, and it is supported by multiple scientific studies. The mechanism behind this effect is believed to occur at the cellular level: berberine is said to inhibit the growth of fat cells. Studies show that at least one gram of berberine taken daily can correspond with a loss of multiple pounds of fat. Other studies recommended 500mg taken three times daily for this benefit.
Reducing inflammation is a crucial benefit which can apply to many people, including those who are overweight or obese. Berberine has been studied for its ability to reduce inflammation, and the conclusion is that berberine helps reduce inflammation in multiple ways. One way is by reducing the inflammation that occurs in fatty adipose tissue, which results from the release of pro-inflammatory adipokines. By reducing this and other inflammatory mechanisms, berberine can reduce bodily inflammation in most anyone who takes it.
Mitigating depression as a byproduct of taking berberine is a very real possibility, according to some studies. Studies in animals regarding the relationship between berberine and depressive behaviors suggest that this benefit could apply to humans as well. This is a benefit especially relevant to our times since depression is a common experience in the 21st century.
Managing blood pressure: High blood pressure is a common factor in the development of many forms of heart disease. In those who have it, yet do not have heart disease, it is extremely important to manage it, and berberine can help do that. Berberine has been shown to help lower blood pressure when taken in tandem with medication recommended by a healthcare provider. Just be sure to discuss with your provider the possibility of unwanted interactions between berberine and a particular medication.
Improved gut microbiome health is a real possibility with regular berberine supplementation, according to initial studies. Evidence suggests that berberine has a litany of effects on specific types of gut bacteria. It could support the flourishing of two healthy bacteria, Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria, and also reduce the amounts and ratios of negative bacteria that are commonly found in the gut. This is very important for the prevention of long-term disease.
Berberine is a powerful natural supplement which can regulate some major health factors in people who are otherwise basically healthy. If any of these benefits apply to you, then consider how regularly taking berberine can help you. It is recommended that you talk to your healthcare provider before taking any supplement for the first time.