Berberine is an alkaloid found in several plants and herbs. This article discusses its health benefits, the current state of research on the compound, precautions, and its impact on the body.

Uses of Berberine

People use it to supplement Diabetes treatment, weight loss, and cardiovascular health by lowering cholesterol. It is a common ingredient in Chinese medicine, Ayurveda and other traditional medicines worldwide.

Berberine and Cardiovascular Health

Berberine is an alternative for heart patients who cannot tolerate statins, low-risk patients who do not require statin therapy, and those hesitant to statin therapy. Statins are drugs that can assist in lowering the level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the blood. Berberine increases cholesterol metabolism and inhibits cholesterol absorption within the intestine. Lipid accumulation levels decrease when Berberine.

Berberine and Weight Loss

Berberine is known to help suppress appetite and to assist with obesity treatments. It does this through the modulation of gut microbiota, gene regulation, intestinal permeability and Hepatic Gluconeogenesis.

Berberine and Diabetes

Berberine is known to help reduce blood sugar levels, reduce sugar cravings and assist in managing Diabetes.

A 2008 study sought to understand the benefits of Berberine for Type 2 Diabetes patients. People with recent diagnoses and poorly treated Diabetes formed the subject group for the study. The subject group totalled 84 participants. Of the 84 participants, 36 subjects received a diagnosis within the near past. A subset of the group took Berberine for three months, while the remainder took metformin. The study recorded observations for the first five weeks from the beginning. After the period, they took them every four weeks until the end of the study. Each measurement recorded each subject's blood glucose level, serum insulin, C-peptide, HbA1c and several other metrics related to the disease.

The findings from the research concluded that it is a potent oral hypoglycemic agent with beneficial effects on lipid metabolism.

Berberine Precautions

Berberine can cause adverse effects and may interact with prescription drugs that one may be taking and impact its efficacy. Children and pregnant women should not take Berberine. Finally, Berberine is not suitable for long-term use. Any person that takes Berberine should consult with their medical practitioner before use.

Conclusion

Berberine is effective in treating an assortment of ailments and conditions. It is an alternative for individuals to consider taking in combination with their required medication.

Biopharma has a complete range of Diabetes supplements to help manage, control and prevent the disease, including Berberine. Visit the online supplement store to learn more.