Berberine provides a range of health benefits and may positively influence insulin resistance, obesity, and symptoms associated with metabolic syndrome such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure. (7)(9)(10)(11)(19) Berberine also demonstrates antifungal activity and may influence certain hormones. (4)(13)(17) It truly is a remarkable herbal medicine. 

What is berberine?

Berberine is a natural compound found in several plants, including goldenseal, Oregon grape, tree turmeric, and barberry. It has been a staple of Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years and grows in moderate and semi-tropical regions of Asia, Europe, Africa, North America, and South America. (14) 

What does berberine do?

In the human body, berberine’s key mechanism of action is the activation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK). (15) This is an important enzyme, sometimes referred to as “the metabolic master switch” because it helps regulate certain biological activities including lipid, glucose, and energy metabolism. Because berberine is an aldose reductase inhibitor, berberine may also have a positive effect on blood sugar regulation and diabetes. Aldose is an enzyme that has been shown to negatively affect blood sugar issues in individuals with diabetes. (8) 

7 Berberine supplement benefits

The list of potential health benefits of berberine is long and diverse. Berberine has been the focus of numerous studies.

1. Blood sugar

One of the most well-known conditions associated with elevated blood sugar levels is diabetes. Research has demonstrated that berberine may help lower blood glucose levels, specifically fasting blood sugar and the blood glucose marker hemoglobin A1C, by helping increasing insulin receptor expression. (20) In fact, berberine has been used to aid the treatment of diabetic patients in traditional Chinese medicine for hundreds of years. (21) 

According to a 2012 meta-analysis of 14 different studies featuring more than 1,000 people, berberine was able to help with glycemic control as much as the standard diabetes medications metformin, glipizide, and rosiglitazone. Furthermore, it helped with an additional improvement on cholesterols. And when berberine was examined in co-interventions alongside these medications, an additive effect was noted.

2. Blood pressure

There is some research demonstrating that berberine may help lower blood pressure via vasodilation and relaxing smooth muscle cells within blood vessel walls. Berberine may work in conjunction to calcium channel blocker medications by helping reduce vascular hardening in the arteries and high blood pressure. (1)

3. Cholesterol 

Having high cholesterol means you havinge an increased risk of heart disease. Berberine may help improve cholesterol levels by clearing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in the liver as it upregulates LDL-receptor expression. (16) A 2013 meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials demonstrated that berberine was safe and effective at helping lower LDL, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and raising high-density lipoprotein (HDL). (6)

4. Candida

Berberine may have antifungal properties, specifically against the yeast Candida. A 2016 in vitro study demonstrated that berberine was effective at killing fluconazole-resistant strains of candida. (3) Research suggests that berberine kills yeast by attacking the cell membrane. (22)

5. PCOS

When cysts develop on the ovaries, a hormonal condition known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can develop. This condition is characterized by a hormone imbalance that may cause women to skip menstrual periods and have difficulty getting pregnant. Women and individuals with ovaries who have this condition can often have glycemic control issues. A 2015 study involving Chinese women with PCOS demonstrated that berberine alone was effective at helping improve the menstrual pattern and ovulation rate of the women, perhaps partially by improving insulin resistance. (12)

6. SIBO

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is becoming more common in clinical practice and in some cases, oral antibiotics are used to treat this condition.

7. Weight loss 

Given berberine’s positive supportive effects on metabolic syndrome, it’s not surprising that it may also help with weight loss. A 2012 study that featured patients diagnosed with metabolic syndrome showed that three months of berberine supplementation resulted in a decreased body mass index (BMI) and leptin levels (hormone that helps regulate satiety), demonstrating that it may help improve insulin sensitivity and inhibit fat storage. (18) 

The bottom line 

Given the many therapeutic applications of this substance, berberine intake may be appropriate for most individuals. Researchers continue to examine the potential benefits of berberine to human health. These benefits include potentialhaving positive effects on conditions such as SIBO, PCOS, and diabetes, having antifungal properties, and positively affecting weight, cholesterol, and blood pressure levels. Negative side effects of berberine may include symptoms such as bloating or upset stomach.