Everything You Need To Know About Berberine

This phytochemical activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) production, which encourages energy production in the cells, restoring energy homeostasis and improving mitochondrial health. AMPK production also helps reduce aging at the cellular level.

Berberine HCl also increases your sensitivity to insulin, therefore lowering blood glucose levels and mimicking the action of diabetic drug Metformin.

This more effective glucose processing and energy production can also lead to weight loss and a smaller waist circumference in those who take Berberine consistently.

In fact, Berberine helps improve all five markers of your metabolic health, including what we’ve already talked about – blood sugar levels and waist circumference, along with triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels, and blood pressure!

Lowering your blood pressure can improve your overall heart health and decrease your risk for a heart attack or stroke.

If you have PCOS, you may be aware that the side effects include disproportionate cholesterol levels, insulin resistance and increased weight – so you can see where Berberine will help you, naturally

Top Health Benefits of Berberine

By regulating oxidative stress and supporting AMPK activity, berberine may benefit several aspects of health that can deteriorate with age.

Supports Healthy Blood Sugar

Berberine activates the AMPK pathway, which pulls glucose (sugar) from the blood into cells for energy, allowing the compound to show support for maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. In addition, berberine has been found to increase glucokinase activity, an enzyme that supports healthy glucose metabolism.

One recent study found that individuals who took berberine for one month experienced significant reductions in fasting blood glucose and blood glucose two hours after a meal compared to those taking a placebo. These results indicate that berberine supplementation does not need to be taken long before experiencing blood sugar management.

Notably, both human and animal studies have found that taking 500 milligrams (mg) of berberine three times per day is equally as effective as several leading pharmaceutical drugs for blood sugar management, which also target the AMPK pathway.

Supports Healthy Aging

Berberine may increase the activity of the sirtuin protein called SIRT1, which plays a role in supporting longevity and the health of various organs, including the heart and brain. This antioxidant-rich compound may also support healthier aging by protecting DNA and limiting cellular senescence — a buildup of dysfunctional cells that can no longer replicate but remain in the body, causing harm and inflammation.

One recent study found that both yeast colonies and aged mice treated with berberine had extended lifespans by 28% and 16%, respectively. The berberine-supplemented mice also showed significantly improved health markers at their old age, including thicker fur and better behavioral function.

While we don’t know for sure if berberine supplements would also extend lifespan in humans, these initial results are promising and warrant more research.

Supports Healthy Liver Function

Berberine has been shown to reduce an accumulation of fat in the liver, which is a well-known marker of poor liver health. In addition to lowering hepatic fat levels, berberine may also support liver health by encouraging a healthy inflammatory response and scavenging for harmful ROS and free radicals in the liver.

Supports a Healthy Weight

With all of these reported mechanisms related to metabolism and inflammation, many people wonder about using berberine for weight loss. Similar to how berberine reduces fat in the liver, the compound may also support healthier body weight and fat levels.

Although becoming overweight or obese is multifactorial, inflammation and dysregulated glucose metabolism are both known to play a role — and, as we’ve seen, berberine may help to support these processes. In addition, berberine has been found to reduce adipocyte (fat cell) maturation by regulating the activity of specific genes involved in that process.

In a study with mildly overweight adults, those who took berberine for one month had reductions in body weight and increases in brown adipose tissue activity.