Berberine
Berberine is a natural compound found in plants like barberry, goldenseal, and Oregon grape. It has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years, especially in China and South Asia, to treat infections and digestive issues. Berberine is yellow and bitter-tasting, and today it is commonly taken as a supplement.
Is this used to correct a deficiency or achieve supramaximal levels?
Supramaximal
Is it taken for life span or health span?
Both, improving cholesterol and diabetes management can improve lifespan
Is it targeting a specific disease? Or general health?
General health, diabetes, hyperlipidemia
Any genetic involvement?
Genes that make you overproduce the enzyme PCSK9
Is there a biomarker to track its effects?
N/A
MOA of supplement
Berberine works through many mechanisms to improve metabolic health. It weakly activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which helps regulate energy balance by promoting the use of stored fat and reducing glucose production in the liver, thus lowering blood sugar levels. Additionally, berberine inhibits the enzyme PCSK9, which normally breaks down LDL receptors in the liver. These receptors are responsible for clearing LDL (bad cholesterol) from the bloodstream, so by preventing their breakdown, berberine allows the liver to maintain more LDL receptors, effectively lowering cholesterol levels.
Risk vs reward
+ Can reduce LDL levels and insulin resistance
+ May reduce risk of colorectal cancer recurrence
+ May decrease HBA1c, making it suitable for diabetics/ pre diabetics
+ May reduce risk of developing metabolic syndrome
+ Antioxidant properties which reduces ROS
- Cam cause GI disturbances
- Can interact with certain drugs e.g anticoagulants
- Poor bioavailability
Evidence for it?
Berberine vs placebo RTC berberine significantly reduced total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol in men with hyperlipidemia, with a possible increase in testosterone levels. However, it did not affect other cardiovascular risk factors such as triglycerides, blood pressure, or body mass index. No serious adverse events were reported, suggesting that berberine may be a promising treatment for cholesterol management.
Berberine vs placebo RTC 553 participants received berberine and 555 received a placebo to assess its effect on colorectal adenoma recurrence after polypectomy. After 2 years, 36% of the berberine group and 47% of the placebo group had recurrent adenomas. No colorectal cancers were detected. Constipation was the most common side effect, with no serious adverse events. Berberine (0.3 g twice daily) was found to be safe and effective for preventing adenoma recurrence.
Metabolic syndrome In a study of 80 patients with metabolic syndrome, berberine was added to standard treatment for the observation group. After one month, berberine significantly improved blood glucose levels, insulin resistance, blood lipids, and inflammatory markers (hs-CRP, IL-6, TNF-α) compared to the control group. The results suggest that berberine effectively helps manage glucose, lipids, insulin resistance, and inflammation in metabolic syndrome patients.
Evidence against it?
-
Best bioavailable form?
Powder or powder capsules
Advice on taking it?
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