Why do people take Berberine?

Berberine is a bioactive compound belonging to a class called alkaloids. It is found naturally in roots, rhizomes, stems, and bark of a variety of plants which include barberry, goldenseal, oregon grape, phellodendron and tree turmeric. It has a strong yellow colour and a bitter taste.

Berberine has a long history of uses in Chinese medicine, and modern science and research suggests a variety of impressive health benefits for many ailments.

Common uses for berberine include…

• Lowering blood sugar levels – There has been a lot of research to suggest that berberine can significantly lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes [1].

Research has shown multiple methods that berberine has a positive effect. It decreases insulin resistance and regulates glucose metabolism.

• Lowering risk of heart disease – Studies have shown Berberine to improve factors associated with increased risk of heart disease. This includes decreasing total cholesterol, decreasing LDL (bad) cholesterol, increasing HDL (good) cholesterol, and decreasing blood triglycerides [2].

• Weight Loss – Studies of supplementing with berberine have shown significant reductions in body weight, body mass index and waist circumference [3].

• Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects – Antioxidant effects of berberine have been comparable to that of Vitamin C [4]. Studies have shown berberine to lower C-reactive protein (CRP), a biomarker of inflammation [2].

A recent addition to Hellenia’s portfolio of products we have introduced a formula that gives 500g per capsule of this beneficial herbal extract. We use premium grade, water extracted, wild harvest Berberis aristata root. For further product details and to order click here. As with any new supplement we would always recommend discussing with a health care professional before adding in to your diet, particularly if you are taking any existing medication.