Berberine and metabolism: what does the research say?

What is berberine?

Berberine is a naturally occurring isoquinoline alkaloid found in the roots, stems, and bark of various plants, including Berberis vulgaris (barberry), Berberis aristata (tree turmeric), Hydrastis canadensis (goldenseal), and Coptis chinensis. It has been used for a long time in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine and has been extensively studied in modern nutritional and pharmaceutical research.

Berberine is not a vitamin or mineral, but a bioactive plant compound, just like curcumin, resveratrol, and quercetin. Therefore, there is no EFSA-approved health claim for berberine under EU Regulation 1924/2006. We describe the research as accurately as possible, without making any health claims.

What has been researched

Much research has been conducted on berberine, especially in relation to metabolism. A 2012 meta-analysis (Dong et al., Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine) aggregated 14 randomized studies on berberine and blood sugar regulation in people with type 2 diabetes. A 2008 study (Zhang et al., Metabolism) followed people with type 2 diabetes for three months. Research has also been conducted on the blood lipid profile, including in a 2015 meta-analysis (Lan et al., Journal of Ethnopharmacology).

Important context: the majority of these studies were conducted on people with a metabolic condition, such as type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, or a disturbed lipid profile. This research says little about the use of berberine by healthy people. Moreover, the results do not apply to a specific product, and they are not a substitute for medical advice or medical treatment.

The comparison with Ozempic: what is true about it?

In popular media, berberine is sometimes called 'the natural Ozempic'. That comparison is incorrect.

Ozempic (semaglutide) is a prescription medication: a GLP-1 receptor agonist that mimics a gut hormone and is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. Berberine is a plant compound that influences the energy sensor AMPK in the cell, among other things. The mechanism of action is different, and the research results are not comparable.

Never use berberine as a substitute for prescribed medication. If you have type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, or are overweight and under treatment, always consult your doctor.

The challenge: absorption

Standard berberine is poorly absorbed when taken orally. It is rapidly converted in the gut and liver, meaning only a small portion reaches the bloodstream. Researchers have therefore looked at other forms of administration, including liposomal formulations.

The liposomal approach

PPH Berberine 500 mg uses dry liposomal technology: berberine HCl (97% pure) is encapsulated in a sphere of phospholipids. This liposomal packaging is designed to protect the substance during digestion.

The PPH formula

Berberine HCl 500 mg (97% pure) per capsule
Liposomal delivery
No EFSA health claim: we describe the research honestly, without claims
Plant-based HPMC capsule, GMO-free, no preservatives

Important: berberine can interact with diabetes medication, blood pressure medication, and some antibiotics. If you are taking prescription medication, consult your doctor before using berberine. Do not use berberine during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Conclusion

Berberine is one of the most studied plant compounds, especially in relation to metabolism. It is not a medication and should not be presented as such. If you have a metabolic condition, berberine should only be used alongside, and never instead of, your medical treatment, and only in consultation with your doctor.

View PPH Liposomal Berberine.

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Frequently asked questions

In studies, berberine was used in dosages of 500 mg, two to three times a day, for periods of up to three months. It was generally well tolerated, although gastrointestinal complaints such as constipation or nausea were sometimes reported. Less is known about the safety of use longer than six months. Always stick to the recommended daily dosage on the packaging.

If you use diabetes medication, berberine may enhance its effect on your blood sugar, with the risk of blood sugar becoming too low (hypoglycemia). Therefore, always consult your doctor before you start using berberine.

Most studies lasted 8 to 12 weeks. We make no promises about effects or timeframes when using our product.

Sources

Dong H. et al. (2012). Berberine in the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systemic Review. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
Zhang Y. et al. (2008). Treatment of type 2 diabetes and dyslipidemia with the natural plant alkaloid berberine. Metabolism. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18442638/
Lan J. et al. (2015). Meta-analysis of the effect and safety of berberine in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25498346/