Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Categories
Subscribe to the Magazine for free
Subscribe for free to keep reading! If you are already subscribed, enter your email address to log back in.
Thanks for subscribing!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Are you a healthcare practitioner?
Thanks for subscribing!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Berberine 101: What It Is, Benefits, and Side Effects

Medically reviewed by 
 
Berberine 101: What It Is, Benefits, and Side Effects

Berberine is a promising bioactive compound with applications to a broad range of health conditions. Derived from a variety of plants, including those of the Berberis (barberry) genus, berberine has been used medicinally for thousands of years in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine.

This article provides a detailed overview of berberine, including its mechanisms of action, health benefits, potential side effects, and practical considerations for its use in clinical practice.

[signup]

What is Berberine?

The Berberis plant genus encompasses approximately 500 species, and as its name suggests, these herbs are a primary natural source of berberine. This vibrant yellow compound is also extracted from several other plant genera. It is commonly derived from the roots, rhizomes, stems, or bark of the following botanical sources:

Extensively studied for its diverse health benefits, berberine exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulating actions, as well as having positive effects on the gut microbiome and blood sugar levels.

Berberine exerts its effects by activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), an enzyme that regulates cellular energy balance, improving glucose, lipid metabolism, body weight, and insulin response. AMPK is a therapeutic target in the treatment of metabolic diseases like type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and obesity

Berberine also increases the production of glucose metabolism proteins, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4), and activates the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) pathway, impacting cell growth and energy production.

Clinical Benefits of Berberine

Berberine can be particularly helpful for the following:

Metabolic Syndrome and Diabetes

Berberine has demonstrated promise in addressing metabolic conditions like T2DM, prediabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and hyperlipidemia, with notable improvements observed in lipid profiles, insulin resistance, and glucose levels. Evidence also suggests berberine’s positive effects on hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), postprandial glucose levels, body mass index (BMI), and inflammatory markers, especially when combined with conventional drugs.

While metformin and sulfonylureas are common pharmaceutical treatments for diabetes, berberine shows comparable efficacy and may offer additional benefits, particularly in lipid management. Other sources, however, report no difference. Larger, high-quality studies comparing berberine's effectiveness with standard medications are needed.

Cardiovascular Health

A recent study compared berberine’s effectiveness, alone or with statins, to other standard therapies for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). While no significant differences were found in lipid levels, berberine significantly reduced inflammatory markers like high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), as well as other measures like intima-media thickness (IMT) and stroke scale (NIHSS) scores, compared to routine therapies. Combining berberine with statins had notable benefits over pharmaceutical therapy alone, suggesting berberine may be a promising adjunctive treatment for CVD and atherosclerosis.

Evidence also suggests that berberine holds promise in improving heart failure by enhancing cardiac output and left ventricular ejection fraction, lowering blood pressure by blocking alpha-1 receptors in vascular smooth muscle cells and promoting blood vessel dilation, addressing arrhythmias by prolonging electrical signal duration, and reducing blood clot formation by inhibiting thromboxane production and blocking the entry of calcium into cells. Larger studies are necessary to confirm these benefits and fully understand berberine’s mechanisms of action.

Gastrointestinal Health 

Berberine has been commonly utilized for thousands of years for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, benefitting gastrointestinal health.

Research emphasizes berberine’s efficacy in infectious diarrhea, having broad-spectrum antibiotic activity against pathogens like Vibrio cholera, Shigella, and Escherichia coli. Evidence supports the use of berberine as a combination therapy with antibiotics, as it enhances the effectiveness of conventional antibiotics against drug-resistant bacterial strains. Proposed mechanisms include:

  • Preventing bacteria from pumping antibiotics out of their cells (antibiotic efflux), enhancing their ability to fight infections.
  • Disrupting bacterial biofilms, or protective barriers formed by bacteria, makes it easier for antibiotics to penetrate and kill the pathogens.
  • Balancing the immune response.
  • Restoring the gut microbiome.

In addition to its role in infectious conditions, berberine is widely used for non-infectious gastrointestinal issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional diarrhea. Research demonstrates significant improvements in diarrhea frequency, abdominal pain frequency, and urgency with berberine treatment. Its mechanisms of reducing inflammation and relaxing intestinal smooth muscle contribute to improved nutrient digestion and absorption, enhancing overall gut function.

Other Potential Benefits

Berberine's benefits extend further, as scientific research reveals its multifaceted potential, including:

  • Anti-inflammatory properties benefit metabolic and gastrointestinal health, autoimmune disease, neurodegenerative disorders, and more.
  • Possible benefit in various cancers by inhibiting cancer cell growth, metastasis, and inducing cell death (apoptosis), while modulating gut microbiota, and enhancing anti-cancer drug effects.
  • Antidepressant effects through neurotransmitter regulation, neuron regeneration, and promoting hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis) function, coupled with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support.
  • Hormonal balance restoration via enhanced insulin sensitivity is particularly beneficial for conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Practical Use in Clinical Settings

If you're new to recommending berberine, here are more tips for practical use:

Dosage and Administration

Berberine is typically ingested orally at doses ranging from 0.4-1.5g/day, though the appropriate dosages depend on the specific condition being treated. Recent studies suggest an optimal daily dose of 1g/day (divided) for managing hyperlipidemia and body weight, while 1.8g/day is most effective for insulin resistance. For IBS, a dose of 400 mg 2x/day has shown effectiveness, whereas for ulcerative colitis, 300 mg 3x/day appears most beneficial.

Optimizing Absorption

Recent research aims to improve berberine absorption due to its limited oral bioavailability. Liposomal nanoformulations and phytosome technology improve absorption by encapsulating berberine or binding it with lipid molecules.

Combination therapy, involving natural bioenhancers like quercetin and alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), may enhance berberine’s intestinal permeability and therapeutic effects, although further research is necessary to validate and optimize these methods.

Patient Monitoring 

To ensure safe and effective berberine supplementation, patients should be monitored regularly. Physicians should conduct routine assessments to evaluate treatment responses and address any adverse reactions promptly. Basic laboratory markers, including a complete blood count (CBC), liver and kidney function tests, glucose, and lipid levels may be necessary to guide dose adjustments, especially when combining berberine with other medications.

Potential Side Effects and Interactions

Make sure to take note of the following before recommending berberine:

Common Side Effects

The most common potential side effects of berberine are gastrointestinal:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

For a cautionary approach, start with a lower dose and gradually increase over time. Additionally, take berberine with meals, stay hydrated, and most importantly, listen to your body and follow up with your physician if any adverse events occur.

Drug Interactions

Avoid combining berberine with cyclosporine.

Be cautious when combining berberine with:

  • Dextromethorphan, a cough medicine
  • Anti-diabetic drugs, including metformin
  • Anti-hypertensive drugs, including losartan
  • Anticoagulants/antiplatelet drugs
  • Sedative medications, including midazolam and pentobarbital
  • Tacrolimus, an immunosuppressive drug
  • Any medication that is a substrate of the following cytochrome P450 enzymes: CYP2C9, CYP2D6, or CYP3A4

Contraindications

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid berberine, as it has uterine-stimulating effects. It should not be given to infants, as it can cause or worsen jaundice and result in kernicterus, a life-threatening condition that causes brain damage.

Incorporating Berberine into Health Plans

Integrating berberine into holistic treatment plans requires careful consideration of the patient’s overall health, lifestyle factors, and medications. A comprehensive initial assessment determines berberine’s suitability based on individual needs, along with regular monitoring and dose adjustments as necessary. Patient education on lifestyle modifications, collaboration with dieticians for personalized nutrition plans, and involving pharmacists and other specialists like endocrinologists or cardiologists for medication management ensure safe and effective use.

Emerging Research and Future Directions

Research continues to emerge on berberine’s cardiometabolic benefits, significantly improving blood glucose, lipid profiles, reductions in liver fat, and liver enzymes with minimal safety concerns. It is also being extensively explored for its potential antidepressant effects and roles in various cancers, including gastrointestinal (esophageal, gastric, colorectal, liver, pancreatic), urological (prostate, kidney, bladder), lung, breast, and ovarian cancers. 

Current trends are focused on strategies to enhance bioavailability through novel drug delivery systems, along with considerations of standard dosage, route of administration, and treatment duration. Rigorous randomized controlled trials are necessary to assess the impacts of long-term berberine use, especially among different patient populations, while carefully evaluating potential interactions with medications.

[signup]

Key Takeaways

Berberine presents myriad potential health benefits by modulating cellular energy balance through AMPK activation and other metabolic pathways.

Evidence from clinical studies consistently supports the safety and efficacy of berberine in addressing various conditions, from metabolic syndrome and diabetes to gastrointestinal ailments like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Practitioners should approach the integration of berberine into treatment plans with caution, considering individual needs, medications, and contraindications. Given the ongoing advancements in research and evolving guidelines across diverse health domains, it is imperative to stay informed to uphold safety and optimize patient outcomes.

The information provided is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider before taking any dietary supplement or making any changes to your diet or exercise routine.
Learn More
No items found.

Lab Tests in This Article

No items found.

Alam, M., Abbas, K., Raza, M. T., Yahya, H., Saifi, M. F., & Kamal, S. (2024). Evaluation of Berberis vulgaris Phytochemicals for Targeting PIM1 Kinase in Prostate Cancer: An In silico Approach. International Research Journal of Oncology, 7(1), 60–72. https://journalirjo.com/index.php/IRJO/article/view/148

Aleissa, M. S., AL-Zharani, M., Alneghery, L. M., & Aleissa, A. M. (2023). Berberine enhances the sensitivity of radiotherapy in ovarian cancer cell line (SKOV-3). Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal, 31(1), 110–118. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsps.2022.11.009

Amirhossein Davoodvandi, Sadeghi, S., Amin, M., Seyedeh Shaghayegh Alavi, Jafari, A., Khan, H., Aschner, M., Hamed Mirzaei, Sharifi, M., & Zatollah Asemi. (2023). The therapeutic effects of berberine for gastrointestinal cancers. Asia-Pacific Journal of Clinical Oncology, 20(2). https://doi.org/10.1111/ajco.13941

Askari, V. R., Khosravi, K., Baradaran Rahimi, V., & Garzoli, S. (2024). A Mechanistic Review on How Berberine Use Combats Diabetes and Related Complications: Molecular, Cellular, and Metabolic Effects. Pharmaceuticals, 17(1), 7. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17010007

Bertagna, B. (2023, December 18). Berberine For Diabetes: The Holistic Benefits for Managing Type 2 Diabetes (J. Christie, Ed.). Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/berberine-for-diabetes-the-holistic-benefits-for-managing-type-2-diabetes

Bhasin, J., Thakur, B., Kumar, S., & Kumar, V. (2022). Tree Turmeric: A Super Food and Contemporary Nutraceutical of 21st Century - A Laconic Review. Journal of the American Nutrition Association, 41(7), 728–746. https://doi.org/10.1080/07315724.2021.1958104

Blake, K. (2023, November 14). Integrative Strategies for Neurodegenerative Disease Management. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/integrative-strategies-for-neurodegenerative-disease-management

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019a). Cholera - Vibrio cholerae infection . Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/cholera/index.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019b). Shigella – Shigellosis. CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/shigella/index.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, December 1). E. coli (Escherichia coli). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/index.html

Christie, J. (2023, January 6). A functional medicine approach to obesity and weight management. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/an-integrative-approach-to-obesity

Christie, J. (2024, April 1). A Root Cause Medicine Protocol for PCOS. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/a-root-cause-medicine-protocol-for-pcos

Cleveland Clinic. (2023, May 3). Carotid Intima-Media Thickness (CIMT) Test: What It Is and What To Expect. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/24944-carotid-intima-media-thickness-cimt-test

Cloyd, J. (2023a, March 29). An Integrative Medicine Guide to Ulcerative Colitis. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/an-integrative-medicine-guide-to-ulcerative-colitis

Cloyd, J. (2023b, April 5). Treatment of Antibiotic Resistance Through Functional Medicine. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/treatment-of-antibiotic-resistance-through-functional-medicine

Cloyd, J. (2023c, April 20). Antibiotics 101: What You Need To Know. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/antibiotics-101-what-you-need-to-know

Cloyd, J. (2023d, April 27). Unlocking the Health Benefits of Nitric Oxide: How This Molecule Supports Cardiovascular Health, Exercise Performance, and More. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/nitric-oxide

Cloyd, J. (2023e, July 20). A functional medicine PCOS protocol: Comprehensive testing, therapeutic diet, and supplements. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/a-functional-medicine-pcos-protocol-comprehensive-testing-therapeutic-diet-and-supplements

Cloyd, J. (2023f, July 28). A Functional Medicine Diarrhea Protocol: Comprehensive Lab Testing, Therapeutic Diet, and Supplements. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/a-functional-medicine-diarrhea-protocol-comprehensive-lab-testing-therapeutic-diet-and-supplements

Cloyd, J. (2023g, October 9). Rhythms of the Heart: Demystifying Common Types of Heart Arrhythmia. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/rhythms-of-the-heart-demystifying-common-types-of-heart-arrhythmia

Cloyd, J. (2023h, November 8). Quercetin 101: Getting to Know This Powerful Substance and How You Can Use it For Your Health. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/quercetin-101-getting-to-know-this-powerful-substance-and-how-you-can-use-it-for-your-health

Cloyd, J. (2023i, November 13). The Anti-Inflammatory Lifestyle: From Diet to Mindfulness. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/the-anti-inflammatory-lifestyle-from-diet-to-mindfulness

Cloyd, J. (2023j, December 11). How to Interpret Your CRP Blood Test. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/how-to-interpret-your-crp-blood-test

Cloyd, J. (2024a, January 2). A Functional Medicine Approach to Prediabetes. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/a-functional-medicine-approach-to-prediabetes

Cloyd, J. (2024b, January 17). HbA1c Testing: A Crucial Tool for Diabetes Management in Functional Medicine. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/hba1c-testing-a-crucial-tool-for-diabetes-management-in-functional-medicine

Cloyd, J. (2024c, January 22). Interpreting Liver Enzyme Tests: ALT, AST, and ALP in Liver Health Monitoring. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/interpreting-liver-enzyme-tests-alt-ast-and-alp-in-liver-health-monitoring

Cloyd, J. (2024d, January 25). What is the Gut Microbiome? Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/what-is-the-gut-microbiome

Cloyd, J. (2024e, February 27). Exploring Neurotransmitter Testing: A Functional Medicine Perspective on Mental Health. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/exploring-neurotransmitter-testing-a-functional-medicine-perspective-on-mental-health

Cloyd, J. (2024f, March 1). What is Hyperlipidemia? Symptoms, Testing, and Treatments. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/what-is-hyperlipidemia-symptoms-testing-and-treatments

Cloyd, K. (2023a, October 4). Inflammation and Gut Health: Understanding the Impact on Overall Well-Being. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/inflammation-and-gut-health-understanding-the-impact-on-overall-well-being

Cloyd, K. (2023b, December 19). How to interpret your lipid panel results. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/how-to-interpret-your-lipid-panel-results

Costello, R. A., & Shivkumar, A. (2020). Sulfonylureas. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513225/

Cross, L. V., & Thomas, J. R. (2020). Safety and Efficacy of Dietary Supplements for Diabetes. Diabetes Spectrum, 34(1), 67–72. https://doi.org/10.2337/ds19-0068

Daglis, S. (2024a, February 21). Decoding the Glucose Level in Your Basic Metabolic Panel. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/decoding-the-glucose-level-in-your-basic-metabolic-panel

Daglis, S. (2024b, March 7). Emerging Biomarkers for Lipid Disorders: Beyond Traditional Lipid Profiles. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/emerging-biomarkers-for-lipid-disorders-beyond-traditional-lipid-profiles

DePorto, T. (2023, January 5). Signs you have an electrolyte imbalance & how to fix it. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/electrolytes

Diorio, B. (2023, March 17). How to test for hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/what-is-the-hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal-hpa-axis

Dong, H., Wang, N., Zhao, L., & Lu, F. (2012). Berberine in the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2012, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/591654

Gao, Y., Nie, K., Wang, H., Dong, H., & Tang, Y. (2024). Research progress on antidepressant effects and mechanisms of berberine. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 15. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2024.1331440

Greenan, S. (2021a, October 11). 7 Early Signs Of Insulin Resistance. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/what-is-insulin-resistance

Greenan, S. (2021b, November 5). A Functional Medicine Approach To IBS. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/a-functional-medicine-approach-to-ibs

Guo, J., Chen, H., Zhang, X., Lou, W., Zhang, P., Qiu, Y., Zhang, C., Wang, Y., & Liu, W. J. (2021). The Effect of Berberine on Metabolic Profiles in Type 2 Diabetic Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2021, 2074610. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/2074610

He, J.-M., & Mu, Q. (2015). The medicinal uses of the genus Mahonia in traditional Chinese medicine: An ethnopharmacological, phytochemical and pharmacological review. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 175, 668–683. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2015.09.013

Ionita-Radu, F., Patoni, C., Nancoff, A. S., Marin, F.-S., Gaman, L., Bucurica, A., Socol, C., Jinga, M., Dutu, M., & Bucurica, S. (2024). Berberine Effects in Pre-Fibrotic Stages of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease—Clinical and Pre-Clinical Overview and Systematic Review of the Literature. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 25(8), 4201. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25084201

Kesarwani, K., & Gupta, R. (2013). Bioavailability enhancers of herbal origin: An overview. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, 3(4), 253–266. https://doi.org/10.1016/s2221-1691(13)60060-x

Khakham, C. (2023a, April 6). Understanding Your Risk of Cardiovascular Disease With Functional Medicine Labs. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/understanding-your-risk-of-cardiovascular-disease-with-functional-medicine-labs

Khakham, C. (2023b, May 8). An Integrative and Functional Medicine Approach to Blood Clotting Disorders. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/an-integrative-and-functional-medicine-approach-to-blood-clotting-disorders

Kim, J., Yang, G., Kim, Y., Kim, J., & Ha, J. (2016). AMPK activators: mechanisms of action and physiological activities. Experimental & Molecular Medicine, 48(4), e224–e224. https://doi.org/10.1038/emm.2016.16

Kresge, K. (2022, December 22). Common Symptoms Of Functional GI Disorders. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/what-are-functional-gastrointestinal-disorders-diagnosis-and-treatment

Lei, L., Li, J., & Wang, B. (2023). Efficacy and Safety Profile of Berberine Treatment in Improving Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized, Double-blind Trials. Cardiology Discovery, 3(2), 112–121. https://doi.org/10.1097/cd9.0000000000000087

Lu, M., Qiu, Q., Luo, X., Liu, X., Sun, J., Wang, C., Lin, X., Deng, Y., & Song, Y. (2019). Phyto-phospholipid complexes (phytosomes): A novel strategy to improve the bioavailability of active constituents. Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 14(3), 265–274. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajps.2018.05.011

Magerman, R. (2024, February 14). The Top 4 Herbal Antimicrobials for Your Functional Medicine Toolkit. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/the-top-4-herbal-antimicrobials-for-your-functional-medicine-toolkit

Maholy, N. (2023a, May 10). A Functional Medicine Immune Support Protocol. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/a-functional-medicine-immune-support-protocol

Maholy, N. (2023b, May 23). A Functional Medicine Treatment Protocol for Metabolic Syndrome: Testing, Nutrition, and Supplements. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/a-functional-medicine-treatment-protocol-for-metabolic-syndrome-testing-nutrition-and-supplements

Malani, S. (2023, February 22). Inflammatory Markers 101: How To Interpret. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/inflammatory-markers-101-what-do-they-mean

Manikandan, P., & Nagini, S. (2018). Cytochrome P450 Structure, Function and Clinical Significance: A Review. Current Drug Targets, 19(1). https://doi.org/10.2174/1389450118666170125144557

McNally, L. (2023, November 27). The Association Between the Microbiome and Cancer. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/the-association-between-the-microbiome-and-cancer

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. (2022, July 1). Huanglian | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Www.mskcc.org. https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/huanglian

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. (2023, June 12). Berberine | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Www.mskcc.org. https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/berberine

Narade, S., & Pore, Y. (2019). Optimization of ex vivo permeability characteristics of berberine in presence of quercetin using 32 full factorial design. Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science, 9(1), 73–82. https://doi.org/10.7324/japs.2019.90111

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2019, April). Traditional Chinese medicine: What you need to know. NCCIH. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/traditional-chinese-medicine-what-you-need-to-know

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2021, March). Goldenseal. NCCIH. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/goldenseal

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2023, June). In the News: Berberine. NCCIH. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/in-the-news-berberine

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2022, March 24). Heart Failure - What Is Heart Failure? | NHLBI, NIH. Www.nhlbi.nih.gov. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/heart-failure#:~:text=Heart%20failure%2C%20also%20known%20as

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute . (2023). Calculate your BMI - standard BMI calculator. Nih.gov; U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/educational/lose_wt/BMI/bmicalc.htm

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2023). NIH Stroke Scale. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/public-education/know-stroke/health-professionals/nih-stroke-scale

National Library of Medicine. (2024, February 22). Berberine: MedlinePlus Supplements. Medlineplus.gov. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/natural/1126.html#:~:text=What%20is%20it%3F

Neag, M. A., Mocan, A., Echeverría, J., Pop, R. M., Bocsan, C. I., Crişan, G., & Buzoianu, A. D. (2018). Berberine: Botanical Occurrence, Traditional Uses, Extraction Methods, and Relevance in Cardiovascular, Metabolic, Hepatic, and Renal Disorders. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 9(557). https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2018.00557

Pahwa, R., & Jialal, I. (2019, April 17). Atherosclerosis. Nih.gov; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507799/

Pathania, R., Sharma, A., & Gupta, V. (2019). Efflux pump inhibitors for bacterial pathogens: From bench to bedside. Indian Journal of Medical Research, 149(2), 129. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijmr.ijmr_2079_17

Penn Medicine. (2022). Ejection Fraction: What the Numbers Mean. Pennmedicine.org. https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/heart-and-vascular-blog/2022/april/ejection-fraction-what-the-numbers-mean#:~:text=Ejection%20fraction%20is%20measured%20as

Petrangolini, G., Corti, F., Ronchi, M., Arnoldi, L., Allegrini, P., & Riva, A. (2021). Development of an Innovative Berberine Food-Grade Formulation with an Ameliorated Absorption: In Vitro Evidence Confirmed by Healthy Human Volunteers Pharmacokinetic Study. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2021, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/7563889

Preston, J. (2023, October 12). Alpha-Lipoic Acid 101: Testing, Foods, and Supplements. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/alpha-lipoic-acid-101-testing-foods-and-supplements

Rena, G., Hardie, D. G., & Pearson, E. R. (2017). The mechanisms of action of metformin. Diabetologia, 60(9), 1577–1585. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00125-017-4342-z

Ríos, J., Francini, F., & Schinella, G. (2015). Natural Products for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Planta Medica, 81(12/13), 975–994. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0035-1546131

Rozwadowska, P., Bator, P., Razik, M., Ramian, J., Rybak, J., Magiera, B., Magiera, K., & Razik, W. (2024). Anticancer properties of berberine - analysis of the latest reports. Journal of Education, Health and Sport, 61, 73–86. https://doi.org/10.12775/JEHS.2024.61.005

Rucker, D., & Dhamoon, A. S. (2020). Physiology, Thromboxane A2. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539817/

Rupa Health. (n.d.). Basic Laboratory Markers Testing. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/health-categories/basic-laboratory-markers

Saeidnia, S., Gohari, A., Kurepaz-Mahmoodabadi, M., & Mokhber-Dezfuli, N. (2014). Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of Berberis Species. Pharmacognosy Reviews, 8(15), 8. https://doi.org/10.4103/0973-7847.125517

Savoji, A. B., Kaheni, Y., Rezaei, P., Farkhondeh, T., Pourhanifeh, M. H., & Samarghandian, S. (2024). Therapeutic Effects of Berberine against Urological Cancers: Biological Potentials Based on Cellular Mechanisms. Www.ingentaconnect.com. https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/ben/cmm/pre-prints/content-bms-cmm-2023-202

Shakeri, F., Kiani, S., Rahimi, G., & Mohammad Hossein Boskabady. (2024). Anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects of Berberis vulgaris and its constituent berberine, experimental and clinical, a review. Phytotherapy Research. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.8077

Sharma, D., Misba, L., & Khan, A. U. (2019). Antibiotics versus biofilm: an Emerging Battleground in Microbial Communities. Antimicrobial Resistance & Infection Control, 8(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13756-019-0533-3

Stanford, J. (2024, March 19). Exploring the Link Between Insulin Resistance and Obesity. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/insulin-resistance-obesity

Sun, Y., Lenon, G. B., & Yang, A. W. H. (2019). Phellodendri Cortex: A Phytochemical, Pharmacological, and Pharmacokinetic Review. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2019, 1–45. https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/7621929

Sun, Y., Zhou, Q., Chen, F., Gao, X., Yang, L., Jin, X., Wink, M., Sharopov, F. S., & Sethi, G. (2023). Berberine inhibits breast carcinoma proliferation and metastasis under hypoxic microenvironment involving gut microbiota and endogenous metabolites. Pharmacological Research, 193, 106817. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106817

Sweetnich, J. (2023a, March 28). Calcium 101: Testing, top foods, & supplements. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/calcium-101-testing-top-foods-supplements

Sweetnich, J. (2023b, April 25). Complementary and Integrative Medicine Approaches to Type 2 Diabetes Management. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/complementary-and-integrative-medicine-approaches-to-type-2-diabetes-management

Sweetnich, J. (2023c, June 30). Top 5 Antioxidants That Can Improve Your Health and How To Test Your Patient’s Levels. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/top-5-antioxidants-to-improve-your-health

Tanaka, T., Narazaki, M., & Kishimoto, T. (2014). IL-6 in Inflammation, Immunity, and Disease. Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology, 6(10), a016295–a016295. https://doi.org/10.1101/cshperspect.a016295

Taylor, B. N., & Cassagnol, M. (2019, March 24). Alpha Adrenergic Receptors. NIH.gov; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539830/

Teeter, L. A. (2023a, March 23). What is Ayurvedic Medicine? Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/what-is-ayurvedic-medicine

Teeter, L. A. (2023b, April 25). Complementary and Integrative Medicine for The Treatment of Autoimmune Diseases. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/complementary-and-integrative-medicine-for-the-treatment-of-autoimmune-diseases

Teng, Y., Fan, Y., Ma, J., Lu, W., Liu, N., Chen, Y., Pan, W., & Tao, X. (2021). The PI3K/Akt Pathway: Emerging Roles in Skin Homeostasis and a Group of Non-Malignant Skin Disorders. Cells, 10(5), 1219. https://doi.org/10.3390/cells10051219

Thuan Thi Duong, Antti Isomäki, Urve Paaver, Ivo Laidmäe, Arvo Tõnisoo, Thi, T., Kogermann, K., Ain Raal, Jyrki Heinämäki, & Pham, T.-M.-H. (2021). Nanoformulation and Evaluation of Oral Berberine-Loaded Liposomes. Molecules/Molecules Online/Molecules Annual, 26(9), 2591–2591. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26092591

Tyagi, S., Gupta, P., Saini, A. S., Kaushal, C., & Sharma, S. (2011). The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor: A family of nuclear receptors role in various diseases. Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology & Research, 2(4), 236–240. https://doi.org/10.4103/2231-4040.90879

University of Rochester Medical Center. (2020). Two-Hour Postprandial Glucose - Health Encyclopedia - University of Rochester Medical Center (C. Haldeman-Englert, R. Turley, & T. Novick, Eds.). Rochester.edu. https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=167&contentid=glucose_two_hour_postprandial

Utami, A. R., Maksum, I. P., & Deawati, Y. (2023). Berberine and Its Study as an Antidiabetic Compound. Biology, 12(7), 973. https://doi.org/10.3390/biology12070973

Vargas, E., Podder, V., & Carrillo Sepulveda, M. A. (2022, May 8). Physiology, Glucose Transporter Type 4 (GLUT4). PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537322/

Wang, H., Zhu, C., Ying, Y., Luo, L., Huang, D., & Luo, Z. (2017). Metformin and berberine, two versatile drugs in treatment of common metabolic diseases. Oncotarget, 9(11), 10135–10146. https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.20807

Weinberg, J. L. (2023, June 1). If You’re Feeling Fatigued And Losing Weight Unexpectedly, Ask Your Practitioner For These 6 Lab Tests. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/a-functional-medicine-non-alcoholic-fatty-liver-disease-nafld-protocol-testing-nutrition-and-supplements

Weinberg, J. L. (2024, February 2). A Functional Medicine Approach to Jaundice. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/a-functional-medicine-approach-to-jaundice

Xia, L.-M., & Luo, M.-H. (2015). Study progress of berberine for treating cardiovascular disease. Chronic Diseases and Translational Medicine, 1(4), 231–235. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cdtm.2015.11.006

Xia, S., Ma, L., Wang, G., Yang, J., Zhang, M., Wang, X., Su, J., & Xie, M. (2022). In vitro Antimicrobial Activity and the Mechanism of Berberine Against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Bloodstream Infection Patients. Infection and Drug Resistance, Volume 15, 1933–1944. https://doi.org/10.2147/idr.s357077

Xiong, R.-G., Huang, S.-Y., Wu, S.-X., Zhou, D.-D., Yang, Z.-J., Saimaiti, A., Zhao, C.-N., Shang, A., Zhang, Y.-J., Gan, R.-Y., & Li, H.-B. (2022). Anticancer Effects and Mechanisms of Berberine from Medicinal Herbs: An Update Review. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 27(14), 4523. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27144523

Xu, L., Zhang, Y., Xue, X., Liu, J., Li, Z.-S., Yang, G.-Y., Song, Y., Pan, Y., Ma, Y., Hu, S., Wen, A., Jia, Y., Rodriguez, L. M., Tull, M. B., Benante, K., Khan, S. A., Cao, Y., Jovanovic, B., Richmond, E., & Umar, A. (2020). A Phase I Trial of Berberine in Chinese with Ulcerative Colitis. Cancer Prevention Research, 13(1), 117–126. https://doi.org/10.1158/1940-6207.capr-19-0258

Yang, L., Zhu, W., Zhang, X., Zhou, X., Wu, W., & Shen, T. (2023). Efficacy and safety of berberine for several cardiovascular diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Phytomedicine, 112, 154716. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2023.154716

Ye, Y., Liu, X., Wu, N., Han, Y., Wang, J., Yu, Y., & Chen, Q. (2021). Efficacy and Safety of Berberine Alone for Several Metabolic Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2021.653887

Yin, J., Xing, H., & Ye, J. (2008). Efficacy of Berberine in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Metabolism, 57(5), 712–717.

You, K., Gu, H., Yuan, Z., & Xu, X. (2021). Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha Signaling and Organogenesis. Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology, 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcell.2021.727075

Yu, M., Jin, X., Liang, C., Bu, F., Pan, D., He, Q., Ming, Y., Little, P., Du, H., Liang, S., Hu, R., Li, C., Hu, Y. J., Cao, H., Liu, J., & Fei, Y. (2020). Berberine for diarrhea in children and adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Therapeutic Advances in Gastroenterology, 13, 1756284820961299. https://doi.org/10.1177/1756284820961299

Zamani, M., Mahnaz Zarei, Mahlagha Nikbaf-Shandiz, Hosseini, S., Farideh Shiraseb, & Omid Asbaghi. (2022). The effects of berberine supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors in adults: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis. Frontiers in Nutrition, 14(9). https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2022.1013055

Zhou, H., Wang, W., Cai, L., & Yang, T. (2023). Potentiation and Mechanism of Berberine as an Antibiotic Adjuvant Against Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria. Infection and Drug Resistance, Volume 16, 7313–7326. https://doi.org/10.2147/idr.s431256

Subscribe to the Magazine for free to keep reading!
Subscribe for free to keep reading, If you are already subscribed, enter your email address to log back in.
Thanks for subscribing!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Are you a healthcare practitioner?
Thanks for subscribing!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.