Berberine is a natural compound with a long history of medicinal use, as well as a range of modern uses, including weight loss and mitigating disease. Here, we look at berberine, and discuss four of its most prominent benefits.
What Is Berberine?
Berberine is a natural, bioactive compound extracted from various plants, including the Berberis family of shrubs. Classified as an alkaloid, berberine has a prominent yellow pigment, and a long history of use as a medicinal remedy. Indian and Chinese natural medicinal traditions have used berberine for centuries.
In modern natural medicine, berberine has a variety of uses. One of these is weight loss, which has earned it the moniker of “nature’s Ozempic” by some health practitioners. Research supports this use, and others as well. Berberine’s benefits are the result of a couple of different mechanisms. First, berberine activates an enzyme in cells called AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which helps regulate metabolism and energy levels. Second, berberine has positive effects on the molecular chemistry within cells which can reduce the risk of chronic disease. Below, we take a look at the particular benefits you could attain by supplementing with berberine.
The Benefits of Berberine
Berberine has multiple beneficial properties, but it’s most useful when taken for the purpose of attaining a specific, desired benefit. Here are the benefits you could get by taking an oral berberine supplement:
Weight loss: Berberine has long been used to support weight loss. Multiple studies have shown that taking an oral berberine supplement correlates with decreases in both body weight and body mass index (BMI). A positive effect is most likely to occur when at least 1 gram of berberine is taken daily, and for eight or more weeks. Those who are most likely to see these benefits with berberine are those with a chronic condition such as diabetes or fatty liver disease.
Regulating blood sugar is another highly-acclaimed benefit of berberine. This can be crucial for persons with diabetes. Studies show that diabetic individuals who take berberine daily are likely to see a decrease in fasting blood sugar levels, and in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels as well. Berberine does this because it decreases insulin resistance, slows gut metabolism of carbohydrates, and catalyzes glycolysis within the body’s cells.
Regulate cholesterol: Berberine has been shown to help lower unhealthy low-density (LDL) cholesterol, and potentially increase healthy high-density (HDL) cholesterol as well. By regulating cholesterol levels, berberine reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke.
PCOS treatment can be assisted by taking berberine. PCOS, short for polycystic ovarian syndrome, is a hormonal condition which can cause weight gain, irregular menstruation, and an increased risk for infertility in women. Research shows that berberine could reduce these symptoms in women, and increase fertility as well. It’s also been shown to be more effective than a common PCOS medication for improving body composition and hormone status. For these reasons, berberine could feature prominently in a woman’s ability to successfully manage PCOS.
While it is merely a plant-derived compound, berberine has strong properties that make it very effective in contributing to weight loss, and regulating other aspects of bodily health in both men and women. It’s recommended that you talk to your healthcare provider before taking berberine or any dietary supplement for the first time.