4 Key Benefits and Potential Side Effects of Berberine

Berberine is a powerful plant-based alkaloid compound with several metabolic benefits. Traditional doctors and herbalists have used herbs containing berberine for thousands of years, and modern research confirms its healing benefits.

Today's article will dive into the benefits and potential side effects of berberine. Discover if berberine is right for you as we discuss:

• 4 key berberine benefits
• Potential side effects of berberine
• The advantage of liposomal berberine

Benefit #1 - Blood Sugar Balance and Insulin Resistance

Insulin is a primary hormone involved in blood glucose (sugar) regulation. Over time, a high processed carbohydrate diet, sedentary behavior, and other lifestyle choices contribute to insulin resistance and rising blood sugar levels. Insulin resistance is a significant factor in metabolic syndrome, weight gain, prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. (Source 1)

Berberine supplements combat insulin resistance by balancing blood sugar and improving insulin sensitivity. A 2021 meta-analysis of 46 clinical trials showed berberine supplements support:

• Lower hemoglobin A1C levels (a measurement of average blood glucose)
• Lower BMI (body mass index
• A better lipid profile (lower triglycerides and total cholesterol and higher HDL cholesterol) (Source 2, 3)

"Berberine supplements combat insulin resistance by balancing blood sugar and improving insulin sensitivity."

Read more about berberine and insulin resistance here.

Benefit #2 - Gut Health

Berberine has anti-microbial actions, reduces inflammation, and may help modulate the gut microbiome, which supports all aspects of health, including metabolism. It may be especially beneficial in people with dysbiosis (gut microbiome imbalances) and overgrowth. (Source 4)

Read about the gut microbiome and berberine here.

Benefit #3 - Weight Management

Reducing insulin resistance and improving blood sugar balance supports a healthy weight, which is one reason berberine may be a helpful supplement for weight management. Additionally, berberine promotes glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) secretion, aiding in satiety and weight loss. Addressing the underlying metabolic imbalances is key for sustained weight loss and long-term success. (Source 4)

"Additionally, berberine promotes glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) secretion, aiding in satiety and weight loss."

In one study of 12 clinical trials, berberine supplementation helps reduce:

• Body weight
• BMI
• Waist circumference
• C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation (Source 5)

Read more about berberine and weight management here.

Benefit #4 - Lower Blood Pressure

To add to the metabolic benefits, berberine may also play a role in lowering and managing hypertension (high blood pressure) and hypertension headaches. A review of 27 clinical trials of berberine supplementation suggests that berberine, along with lifestyle interventions (diet and exercise), helps reduce blood pressure more than lifestyle alone or placebo. (Source 6)

Read more about berberine and blood pressure here.

Side Effects of Berberine

While berberine has many benefits, it's not without potential side effects. Research on berberine supplements reports potential gastrointestinal symptoms, including:

• Nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Bloating
• Constipation
• Diarrhea

These side effects may be partly due to berberine's poor water solubility and absorption rate and its impact on the gut microbiome and digestion.

Further, berberine may interact with some medications. Always discuss new supplements with your healthcare provider before use.

The Liposomal Berberine Advantage

Liposomal berberine is an advanced berberine delivery system where lipids that mimic the phospholipid membranes of human cells encapsulate berberine molecules. The advantages of using liposomal supplements include:

• Improved absorption and bioavailability
• Decreased risk of gastrointestinal side effects
• Berberine health benefits at lower dosages

Core Med Science is a leader in liposomal technology and offers liposomal berberine as an alternative to traditional berberine supplements.

Core Med Science Liposomal Berberine Capsules offer high-quality berberine extract in a sunflower-based liposomal formula for superior absorption, bioavailability, and tolerance. Each serving contains 300 mg of berberine to support metabolic and total body wellness.

Berberine has a rich history in traditional medicine, and Core Med Science brings you the best of berberine plus modern science for increased benefits.

"Berberine has a rich history in traditional medicine, and Core Med Science brings you the best of berberine plus modern science for increased benefits."

References:

1. Petersen, M. C., & Shulman, G. I. (2018). Mechanisms of Insulin Action and Insulin Resistance. Physiological reviews, 98(4), 2133-2223.
2. https://examine.com/faq/how-does-berberine-reduce-blood-sugar/
3. Guo, J., Chen, H., Zhang, X., Lou, W., Zhang, P., Qiu, Y., Zhang, C., Wang, Y., & Liu, W. J. (2021). The Effect of Berberine on Metabolic Profiles in Type 2 Diabetic Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity, 2021, 2074610.
4. Zhang, L., Wu, X., Yang, R., Chen, F., Liao, Y., Zhu, Z., Wu, Z., Sun, X., & Wang, L. (2021). Effects of Berberine on the Gastrointestinal Microbiota. Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology, 10, 588517.
5. Asbaghi, O., Ghanbari, N., Shekari, M., Reiner, Ž., Amirani, E., Hallajzadeh, J., Mirsafaei, L., & Asemi, Z. (2020). The effect of berberine supplementation on obesity parameters, inflammation and liver function enzymes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Clinical nutrition ESPEN, 38, 43-49.
6. Lan, J., Zhao, Y., Dong, F., Yan, Z., Zheng, W., Fan, J., & Sun, G. (2015). Meta-analysis of the effect and safety of berberine in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, hyperlipemia and hypertension. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 161, 69-81.