If you follow any natural health blogs or visit health food stores often, you’ve probably seen an advertisement or read an article about ‘berberine’, the active ingredient found in a number of plant extracts. It has gained a lot of traction in recent years and, perhaps, rightfully so! But why all the hype?
Well first of all, it is often talked about in the realm of weight loss and anything that claims to help us shed a few pounds is going to be popular! But perhaps more importantly – it actually has some robust research to support this.
To be fair, the research is actually in support of its ability to improve markers of metabolic function as a whole, which includes body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference. Specifically, berberine has been demonstrated to:
– Regulate blood sugar and improve insulin resistance
– Reduce total and LDL cholesterol, reduce triglycerides and increase HDL
– Improve body mass index (BMI) and reduce waist circumference
– Reduce systolic blood pressure
– Improve fatty liver
These are all exciting benefits for individuals with cardiovascular concerns, diabetics and the constellation of concerns that surround these conditions. But I would argue that there are two core reasons why berberine is getting so much attention:
- Berberine has been compared to metformin (the first line therapy option for diabetics) and found to yield comparable results when it comes to blood sugar regulation
- Berberine is touted as “the natural ozempic” – a herbal option to the wonder pharmaceutical medication that is technically indicated for diabetes and blood sugar control – but most well known for weight loss. Berberine and ozempic are quite different in many ways but even drawing a comparison is significant
Weight loss and blood sugar regulation are a big deal for almost everyone – even those without cardiovascular disease or diabetes. So the media hype has gained some traction over the years!
How does berberine work?
There are a number of identified mechanisms of action for berberine, but the most noteworthy is actually similar to metformin: it activates a molecule called AMPK. Without getting too into the nitty gritty, more AMPK means that our tissues can actually use glucose more efficiently by absorbing it from our bloodstreams. At the same time, our liver slows down the production of glucose. The net result? More balanced blood sugars – something extremely important for weight management, inflammation, cognitive function, energy and overall well-being.
Is berberine safe?
Generally speaking, berberine is a very safe compound. However, it does come with one more likely side effect: gastrointestinal upset (often constipation, but may also be cramping, abdominal pain, diarrhea or other digestive disturbances). These unwanted effects may occur in ~5-20% of individuals but are typically eliminated with dose reduction or dividing doses.
It should also be noted that clinical trials have found that berberine does not carry a greater risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) compared to placebo. Clinical trials have interestingly found that berberine used in combination with hypoglycemic medications like metformin are effective and safe. Studies have also found a beneficial effect on cholesterol when combined with statin drugs over time.
So, is berberine worth trying as a weight loss agent?
Some people have had fantastic results by incorporating berberine into their supplement regimen alongside physical activity and improved dietary intake. That being said, you should always be consulting with your healthcare practitioner to make sure that any natural health product is safe for you and with your concomitant supplements and medications.
If you feel like you could benefit from any of the berberine outcomes mentioned above (weight loss, blood sugar regulation, cholesterol balancing, etc) then speak with your Sprout Wellness practitioner for a more comprehensive and individualised assessment.
Dr. Colin ND
Select References:
- Dong et al. Evid Based Complement Alternative Med. 2012, Article ID 591654: 12 pages
- Yin et al. Metabolism. 2008 May ; 57(5): 712–717
- Yan et al. PLoS One. 2015 Aug 7;10(8): e0134172
- Hu et al. Phytomedicine. 2012 Jul 15;19(10):861-7
- Yang et al. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012;2012:363845
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