Type “what is berberine” into Google and you’ll see thousands of answers to this question. In fact, it’s been used as a natural herbal remedy for thousands of years. But berberine has been experiencing a surge in popularity recently, thanks to social media users dubbing it “nature’s Ozempic,” reports WomanEL with reference to MigNews.
ContentWhat is berberine? Does berberine help you lose weight? Are berberine supplements safe?
Ozempic is a popular weight-loss drug that is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Studies show that berberine has similar mechanisms of action in the body to the type 2 diabetes drug metformin. And some functional medicine practitioners believe that its supplements may be beneficial. Below, we’ll discuss the potential pros and cons of berberine and whether you should take it.
What is berberine?
Berberine is a dark yellow compound that can be extracted from the roots, stems, and bark of plants such as Indian barberry, Chinese coptis, yellow root, and Mahonia padubolista (most berberine supplements on the market contain an extract of Berberis aristata, or Indian barberry).
Traditionally, plants containing berberine have been used in Ayurvedic medicine and traditional Chinese medicine to treat a variety of conditions, from gastrointestinal disorders to wound healing. Today, berberine is often used in China as an adjunct therapy (i.e., in addition to conventional treatment) for type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and elevated blood lipid levels.
Unlike some drugs and supplements with one or two mechanisms of action, berberine interacts with multiple targets in the body, affecting a variety of physiological processes and conditions.
Berberine is not found in any common food sources. As mentioned, it is obtained from the roots, stems, and bark of plants. Therefore, if you want to try berberine, it is best to get it from supplements.
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Does berberine help you lose weight?
Scientific studies on berberine are still limited. And taking supplements can lead to side effects, Source: freepik.com
Many of the claims about berberine have not been supported by large, peer-reviewed studies. And most of the research has been conducted on mice, not humans, experts say.
A meta-analysis of 49 studies published in 2022 in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition found that berberine may have beneficial effects on metabolism in humans, primarily the heart. Although there may be a small benefit for weight loss.
According to Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford, studies show that “the effect is between a quarter of a BMI point and one BMI point, which is not at all like what is seen on average with semaglutide,” she says, referring to the drug in Ozempic.
“A pharmaceutical active like berberine is not something you should just take,” experts say. What’s more, Cohen says, it remains unclear how the supplement contributes to weight loss, if at all.
“People say it's like metformin, but it's not,” says Dr. Holly Lofton, referring to the drug people with diabetes use to lower blood sugar. She does not recommend taking berberine for weight loss.
Are berberine supplements safe?
Berberine supplements appear to be relatively safe for most adults in doses up to 1.5 grams (1,500 mg) per day for 6 months. However, it should not be taken by children or by pregnant or breastfeeding women. Side effects are usually mild and may include diarrhea, constipation, gas, and upset stomach.
Berberine can cause unwanted side effects when combined with many medications. For example, when combined with antidiabetic drugs such as metformin, berberine can cause blood sugar levels to go too low. Berberine may also interact with medications such as cyclosporine, dextromethorphan, blood pressure medications, anticoagulants, and others. If you are taking medications, be sure to consult your doctor before taking berberine.
Like all supplements, berberine supplements are not regulated for safety and effectiveness. Therefore, choose a product that has been independently tested to ensure that it contains the ingredients listed on the label in the correct amounts and is free of harmful additives.
In addition, many people online say that turmeric helps them lose weight. But is it true? Read on in this article.
