Many plants, including Hydrastis canadensis (Goldenseal), Phellodendron amurense (Amur cork tree), and a number of shrubs in the Berberis genus, contain the bioactive chemical berberine.
It has long been used to cure infections and other health problems in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. It’s interesting to note that studies indicate berberine has potent impact on decreasing blood sugar. This article examines how berberine affects blood sugar levels and how it might be used to treat diabetes.
Berberine and glucose in the blood
Diabetes and prediabetes are characterized by elevated blood sugar levels because of a decrease in insulin synthesis or a decrease in insulin sensitivity.
While certain blood sugar fluctuations are typical during the day, persistently high blood sugar levels can lead to a number of health issues, including damage to organs.
Numerous animal studies indicate that berberine may reduce blood sugar levels in a number of ways, including the following.
- boosting sensitivity to insulin
- encouraging the synthesis of insulin
- controlling metabolism
- accelerating the breakdown of glucose, or glycolysis
- lowering the liver’s synthesis of glucose
- boosting the synthesis of nitric oxide (NO), which facilitates artery widening
- decreasing the gut’s absorption of carbohydrates
Taking 600–2,700 mg of berberine daily has been linked to a 20% and 12% reduction in long-term blood sugar levels, respectively, in trials involving individuals with type 2 diabetes. This effect is most pronounced when berberine is taken in conjunction with blood sugar therapy.
Comparably, berberine was shown to lower blood sugar levels and appear to be just as effective as standard blood sugar drugs including metformin (Glucophage), rosiglitazone (Avandia), and glipizide (Glucotrol) in an analysis of 14 research.
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Additionally, studies indicate that berberine, when used in conjunction with other diabetes treatments, may enhance its ability to decrease blood sugar.
As a result, berberine seems to be a potential medication for decreasing blood sugar. Those who have liver, renal, or heart illness who are unable to take diabetes drugs may find this to be extremely helpful.
Summary
According to research, berberine may help persons with type 2 diabetes lower their blood sugar levels and may even be as effective as certain traditional diabetic treatments.
Dosage and Ruggestions
As of right now, there’s no standard dosage for berberine supplements.
The majority of trials, however, have used daily doses of 1,000–1,500 mg.
Berberine doesn’t stay in your system for very long because of its several-hour half-life. The majority of berberine supplements come in 500 mg capsule form, and the labels frequently advise taking the supplement three times a day, just before meals.
This means consuming 1,500 mg each day in total.
Supplement stores and internet retailers sell berberine in powder or capsule form. Having stated that, before including berberine into your regular regimen, see your doctor.
Summary
The majority of research advise consuming two to three capsules during the day, or 1,000 to 1,500 mg of berberine every day. Always consult your physician before using any berberine supplements.
Precautions and safety
Berberine seems to be safe and well-tolerated overall. Berberine may occasionally result in adverse effects on the digestive system, including flatulence, diarrhea, constipation, and stomach pain.
Because of the possibility of drug interactions, it’s crucial to see your doctor before using berberine if you currently take any other medications.
Berberine in particular may interact with drugs that lower blood sugar, raising the possibility of hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. Additionally, it might interfere with drugs that the liver processes.
Summary
Although berberine seems to be safe and well-tolerated, some people may experience digestive problems from it. Before using berberine, make sure to discuss any medicine you may be taking with your healthcare professional.
The final word
Berberine is a herbal supplement that’s generally safe and well accepted by persons with type 2 diabetes.
Based on research, it has potent effects on blood sugar and may be just as effective as a number of traditional type 2 diabetes drugs, including glipizide (Glucotrol), rosiglitazone (Avandia), and metformin (Glucophage).
Because of the possibility of drug interactions and low blood sugar, it’s crucial to see your doctor or healthcare provider before taking berberine if you’re currently on any medications.
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