Berberine – what are its medicinal properties and what diseases can it cure?

Berberine is a highly valued substance not only among health-conscious individuals, but also in traditional Chinese medicine. The scientific world has long been interested in berberine, researching its rich anti-inflammatory properties, cholesterol-lowering effects and diabetes prevention benefits. What should you know about berberine, where can you find it, and how can you benefit from its properties?

Berberine HCL – what is it?

Berberine is a bioactive compound belonging to the group of alkaloids, substances found in various plant species, including shrubs belonging to the Berberis family, which can also be found in the UK. Despite this, the plant itself has not gained popularity in Poland and the West, unlike in distant East Asia, where berberine has been successfully used for about 3,000 years in traditional Chinese medicine.

Berberine HCl is a pure substance extracted from Berberis shrubs in the form of hydrochloride (HCl). It is a yellow substance that has been used in the past as a dye in many regions of the world.

Berberine hydrochloride has been shown to have a number of benefits for various biological systems in the human body. Once ingested, it is absorbed and transported directly through the bloodstream.

What are the properties of berberine? Discover unknown facts!

To understand how berberine can benefit our bodies, it is necessary to understand its most important properties and mechanism of action. After ingestion, berberine is transported directly into the bloodstream and then stored in the body's cells, where it begins to release its beneficial effects.

It then activates the AMP/AMPK enzyme, which is extremely important for our functioning and is found in the cells of various organs, including the kidneys, brain, heart and liver. This enzyme regulates metabolism, ultimately translating into properties such as:

• Antimicrobial activity
• Hypoglycaemic agent
• Anti-inflammatory effect
• Neuroprotective properties

Berberine – everything you need to know about its uses and effectiveness!

Traditional Chinese medicine and Indian Ayurveda have been using berberine for hundreds of years to treat many ailments. Currently, pure berberine extract in the form of hydrochloride is undergoing numerous evaluation studies, which have shown that the substance can be used for conditions such as:

• Diabetes – taking oral preparations containing berberine appears to lower blood sugar levels in people with type II diabetes;
• High cholesterol – berberine products may help lower total cholesterol, ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in people with high cholesterol;
• High blood pressure – taking berberine supplements orally every day along with high blood pressure medication may help to further normalise high blood pressure;
• Hormonal disorders – berberine may lower testosterone levels in women. Furthermore, it has also been shown that berberine can combat mild episodes of depression associated with hormonal imbalance;
• Infections – the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of berberine can be used to combat harmful microorganisms.

For weight loss – does it really work?

In addition to the above uses, berberine is also associated with possible weight loss. Some studies conducted over the last two decades seem to show that taking berberine hydrochloride at a dose of 500 mg three times a day for approximately 12 weeks resulted in a weight loss of 2 kg in overweight or obese patients.

The main factor causing weight loss is probably the improvement in the function of hormones closely related to the regulation of body fat (including adiponectin, insulin and leptin). Despite this, further research is still needed to update the current state of knowledge.

Berberine for cholesterol – how does it lower cholesterol?

In addition to the weight loss effects of berberine described above, the substance also shows satisfactory results in lowering cholesterol levels, contributing to a visible preventive effect against cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction and stroke.

Furthermore, when combined with medication and a balanced diet, berberine also helps to raise levels of ‘good’ cholesterol or HDL, acting as a specific protective agent for the cardiovascular system.

Berberine for diabetes – what do the studies say and is it worth trying?

Studies conducted on berberine hydrochloride have shown that the use of berberine-based supplements in people diagnosed with type II diabetes and metabolic syndrome helped to balance blood sugar levels by improving the functioning of insulin, a hormone necessary for transporting glucose to the body's tissues and maintaining normal blood sugar levels.

This effect is similar to that of various drugs used to treat diabetes, and berberine appears to be an effective supplement that enhances their action, in accordance with the guidelines provided by a doctor, of course. Berberine is therefore a natural weapon against diabetes.

When is the best time to take berberine – in the morning or in the evening?

Berberine can be taken at any time of the day, although the recommended method is to take berberine in three or four divided doses throughout the day. The usual dose of berberine used in supplementation is approximately 500 to 1500 mg per day.

It should be noted that doses above 1500 mg bring us dangerously close to a possible overdose, which is associated with a number of side effects, which we will discuss in a moment. Berberine should be taken during or shortly after a meal so that it has a positive effect on blood sugar and lipid levels while eating.

Berberine – what are its side effects and how to avoid them?

Berberine should always be taken after consulting a doctor. This is particularly important for people who are already taking medication for various conditions related to metabolism or cardiovascular function. It is known that berberine interacts strongly with certain medications.

As there are currently no long-term studies on the use of berberine, it is worth remembering that the recommended maximum dose of 1500 mg per day is considered relatively harmless. Despite this, in some people who are sensitive to the effects of the substance, even lower doses can lead to potential side effects, including:

• Stomach upset
• Cramps
• Diarrhoea

The above effects are directly related to the regulation of the body's metabolism and are relatively harmless. However, if we consume too much berberine (i.e. more than 1500 mg), the substance will begin to have a toxic effect on our body. The following symptoms may then occur:

• Drowsiness
• Nausea
• Diarrhoea
• Kidney irritation
• Sensitivity to UV rays
• Allergic reactions
• Nosebleeds

To avoid the above effects, it is recommended to determine the correct dosage of berberine with your doctor and to read the leaflet or packaging of the product containing berberine.

Bibliography

‘Meta-analysis of the effect and safety of berberine in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, hyperlipemia and hypertension’ – J. Lan et al., Journal of Ethnopharmacy, Elsevier, 2015.

‘Effect of Berberine Administration on Metabolic Syndrome, Insulin Sensitivity, and Insulin Secretion’ – K. G. Pérez-Rubio et al., scientific journal Metabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders, Mary Ann Liebert, 2013.

‘Berberine is a novel cholesterol-lowering drug working through a unique mechanism distinct from statins’ – W. Kong et al., scientific journal Nature Medicine, Nature Publishing Company, 2004.

‘Relationship between the clinical effects of berberine on severe congestive heart failure and its concentration in plasma studied by HPLC’ – X. Zeng, X. Zeng, scientific journal Biomedical Chromatography, John Wiley & Sons, 1999.

Developmental toxicity evaluation of berberine in rats and mice – G. D. Jahkne, C. J. Price, M. C. Marr, C. B. Myers, J. D. George, scientific journal Birth Defects Research Part B: Developmental and Reproductive Toxicology, John Wiley & Sons, 2006.

‘Anti-atherogenic effect of berberine on LXRα-ABCA1-dependent cholesterol efflux in macrophages’ – L. Tzong-Shyuan et al., scientific journal Journal of Cellular Biochemistry, John Wiley & Sons, 2010.

‘The effect of berberine supplementation on obesity parameters, inflammation and liver function enzymes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials’ – O. Asbaghi et al., Clinical Nutrition ESPEN scientific journal, Elsevier, 2020.

‘Effect of Berberine on C-reactive protein: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials’ – M. Beba, K. Djafarian, S. Shab-Bidar, scientific journal Complementary therapies in medicine, Elsevier, 2019.

‘Berberine promoted myocardial protection of postoperative patients through regulating myocardial autophagy’ – Y. Qing, X. Dong, L. Hongli, L. Yanhui, Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy scientific journal, Elsevier, 2018.