Berberine
what is Berberine
Berberine is an alkaloid isolated from Rhizoma coptidis and has broad applications, especially as an antibacterial agent in the clinic with a long history in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Studies show that this natural product and its derivatives have high activity against both cancer and inflammation. Berberine and its derivatives are as anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic and anti-tumor agents in the digestive system.[1] Truly, Berberine is a chemical found in some plants such as barberry (Berberis Vulgaris), goldenseal, goldthread, Oregon grape, phellodendron, and tree turmeric. It can improve intestinal health and lower cholesterol levels. It is able to reduce glucose production in the liver. It may also synergize with anti-depressant medication and help with body fat loss. Berberine is able to activate an enzyme called Adenosine Monophosphate-Activated Protein Kinase (AMPK) while inhibiting Protein-Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B (PTP1B). Actually, Berberine is one of the few supplements that establish them to be as effective as pharmaceuticals.[2] Berberine has neuroprotective effect and is beneficial for various neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Benefits Berberine
Berberine has been used in traditional Chinese medicine as well as in Ayurvedic medicine around 3000 BC. Berberine is a powerful dietary supplement with nootropic benefits and has a long history of use to get relief of various ailments. This ancient herbal medicine is effective in relieving of diarrhea, dysentery, stomatitis and hepatitis. It has also been used for a number of medical conditions, including congestive heart failure, diabetes, stomach ulcers, high cholesterol and glaucoma, improving weight loss, and metabolic syndrome. Ongoing experimental and clinical studies have illuminated great potential of berberine in regulation of glucose and lipid homeostasis, cancer growth and inflammation.[3] The common health benefits of Berberine include:
- Improves cognitive function [4]
- Improves learning and memory [5]
- Helps with diabetes [6]
- Lowers high cholesterol [7]
- Improves weight loss [8]
- Helps people who have Alzheimer’s disease [9]
- Has therapeutic effect on hyperlipidemia and hypertension [10]
- Relieves of intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) [11]
- Improves heart health [12]
- Has anti-inflammatory effects [13]
- Reduces blood pressure and improves vasodilation [14]
- Helps people fight cancer and balance energy homeostasis [15]
- Helps with menopausal symptoms [16]
- Combats ageing and age related diseases [17]
- Reduces depression [21]
- Helps women with ovarian disorder called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) [22]
Berberine might cause stronger heartbeats. This might help people with certain heart conditions. It might also help regulate how the body uses sugar in the blood, which might help people with diabetes. It may also be able to kill bacteria and reduce swelling. Some people apply berberine directly to the skin to relieve of burns and canker sores.
How it works
The main mechanism of action of berberine is the activation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase, or AMPK, which is an enzyme that plays a role in metabolism and energy use. AMPK can signal a low-energy status that may enhance metabolic activity. The efficacy of berberine in cellular metabolism may help promote fat loss. This herbal extract might also be effective at lowering lipid levels in those with high cholesterol.[19] In a study, researchers believe that berberine exerts therapeutic effects such as anti-cancer, anti-microbial, anti-diabetic, anti-diarrhea and hypolipidemia has along with anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic actions. Furthermore, there are several studies that show the neuroprotective effects of berberine through in vivo or in vitro studies in Alzheimer’s disease, diabetic neuropathy, Parkinson disease, forebrain ischemia, mental depression and anxiety. Interestingly, some studies revealed that berberine has inhibitory effect on neuronal apoptosis in cerebral ischemia due to its high blood brain barrier permeability. On the other hand, berberine protects brain from ischemic injuries by combating against oxidative stress and inhibiting mitochondrial apoptosis. Long term administration of berberine is able to ameliorate cognitive impairment in streptozotocin-induced diabetic animals via its anti-apoptotic property. Accordingly, it is plausible to consider berberine as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders including CCH.[20] Again, berberine is able to inhibit AchE activity and also protect cholinergic neurons in the hippocampus. Moreover, berberine boosts the enzymatic ChAT and AchE activities, which in turn leads to improving the function of entire cholinergic circulation pathway.[20]
Considerations
Berberine supplements are generally safe and well tolerated when taken in moderate dosage. However, though not common, there might be some mild side effects like vomiting and nausea, high blood pressure and headaches. Some other possible adverse effects may include respiratory difficulties and paresthesia, or tingling in the hands, feet and other parts of the body. If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, berberine may be unsafe for you. According to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, berberine may interact with several medications, including anticoagulants, CNS depressants, insulin and midazolam. NMCD cautions users not to take this combination as it could increase serum levels of cyclosporine and inhibit the normal metabolism of this drug. It might also interact with medications used for high blood pressure, as well as dextromethoprhan, losartan and cytochrome. You are recommended to consult your doctor before using this supplement.
Recommendations
Berberine supplements come in a wide range of dosages. But there is no standardized recommended dosage for berberine supplements established by the US FDA. Many studies recommend dosages of 900 to 1,500 milligrams per day. And it is most commonly recommended to take 500 milligrams 3 times per day for a total of 1,500 milligrams daily. You should take it with a meal or shortly after in order to take advantage of the blood glucose and lipid spike that comes with eating a meal. However, it’s better to consult your healthcare provider to choose an appropriate dose for you.