Berberine

What is the best Berberine?

Berberine supplements are not easily absorbed and can sometimes cause mild intestinal irritation.

Although berberine metabolites are relatively much better absorbed, the same is not true of berberine itself. The absorption of unchanged (unmetabolized) berberine is very low.

Another drawback for some people is the occurrence of mild intestinal irritation after taking standard berberine supplements.

The solution: Phytosomes

The use of so-called Phytosomes is the solution to these two drawbacks of standard berberine supplements.

Thorne has therefore modified their berberine formula. They now use the patented Berbevis® Phytosome from the Italian company Indena. This Berberine Phytosome® is more than nine times more absorbable than other berberine supplements.

In addition, Berbevis® also contains grape seed extract. This antioxidant protects the intestines from any intestinal irritation caused by the berberine.

This antioxidant protects the intestines from any intestinal irritation caused by the berberine.

What is berberine?

Berberine is an alkaloid with a yellow color that has impressive benefits for our health (cholesterol, blood sugar, liver, heart and blood vessels).

Berberine has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years and today berberis is also enjoying the attention of Western science as an alternative medicine with few side effects.

Much scientific research has been done on berberine over the past twenty years, and new insights about this versatile substance are constantly being added.

What are sources of berberine?

Berberine is found in several plants of the genus Berberis, such as European Barberry (Berberis vulgaris), Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis), Goldthread (Coptis chinensis), Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium), Cork tree (Phellodendron) and Indian berberis (Berberis aristata).

How does berberine work?

Berberine has a beneficial effect on lipid metabolism and therefore maintains normal cholesterol levels. Several studies show a positive effect on triglyceride levels*.

It also plays a role in glucose metabolism by activating the enzyme AMPK (adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase). It has a beneficial effect on the HbA1c. This is a substance that gives an indication of blood sugar levels in the long term.*

This enzyme plays a role in cells in the absorption and oxidation of glucose and fatty acids. Thus, berberine supports the maintenance of healthy blood sugar levels. In addition, berberine contributes to liver health. And it supports healthy heart and blood vessels.*

Berberine experiences

Berberine is found only in plants and not in fruits and vegetables, which is why we can get this bioactive compound mainly through supplements. Berberis (berberine) supplements are generally well tolerated and users report positive experiences. It is in the top 3 most sold herbs at Smeets & Graas.

Berberine side effects

Pure berberine can be used for long periods of time without any problems. Only at higher doses may possibly slight complaints occur such as bloating, flatulence, nausea or diarrhea. With lowering the dosage, these complaints disappear again.

Can berberine be dangerous?

Berberine is a safe supplement. Diabetes patients taking metformin and in general, anyone with type 2 diabetes (and 1) we recommend to consult with their doctor before using berberine. And the same goes for other medications that may make insulin more effective.

Do not use berberis in combination with macrolides or statins.

If you have health problems, a medical condition or if you are taking other medications then we recommend consulting a doctor first. Berberine may affect the effects of some medications.

Medications for losing weight

If you use medications to lose weight such as Ozempic, Wegovy or Mounjaro, even then consult with your treating physician first.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

During pregnancy and lactation it is advised not to use berberine.

If you have, or suspect that you have, elevated blood sugar visit your doctor.

How much berberine per day?

The standard daily dosage is 500 mg berberine per capsule up to 1000 mg (500 mg twice daily) per day with a meal. Unless otherwise prescribed by the attending physician or therapist.

In scientific studies of the effect on blood sugar with one gram of berberine per day, berberis was safe and effective.

Used dosage in studies

The dosage used in research ranges from 500 mg to 1500 mg (and sometimes 2000 mg) of berberine per day. However, our advice is to stick to the daily dosage as stated on the label.

Do not use berberine and other dietary supplements as a substitute for a healthy lifestyle.

What is the difference between berberine and berberine HCl?

Berberine is the substance as found in plants. Supplements usually contain berberine HCl. In these, a salt is attached to the compound to make it more soluble and absorbable.

What foods contain berberine?

Berberine is found primarily in certain herbs and medicinal plants, rather than in common foods. Berberine is not found in significant amounts in typical fruits, vegetables, grains or animal foods.

The plants containing berberine, as mentioned above, are not used as main ingredients in Western or even Eastern cuisine. They are more often used in traditional and herbal medicines.

Although some of these plants, such as the barberry or Oregon grape, produce berries that can technically be eaten, they are not common in most diets and are usually not eaten because of their berberine content.

In addition, even if these foods were to be consumed, the concentration of berberine in them is usually relatively low, so they would not constitute a major dietary source of berberine. Therefore, for therapeutic use, berberine is almost always taken in supplement form.

Is berberine the same as berberis?

Berberine and berberis are not the same thing. Berberis is a large genus of deciduous and evergreen shrubs. And its species include plants such as berberis (Berberis vulgaris).

Berberine, on the other hand, is a chemical found in several plants, including Berberis. It is a yellow-colored naturally occurring alkaloid.

So Berberis is a type of plant, and berberine is a substance found in some of these plants.

The berberine-rich herb Berberis aristata is good for*:

• Heart and Blood vessels
• Liver and Bile
• Blood sugar
• Cholesterol

* EC approval health claim(s) pending.

Written by: Marcella van der Wel and Wouter Olthof
Reviewed by: Liesbeth Thoen

Updated: June 30, 2023