Berberine Health Benefits: 5 Ways It May Support Wellness
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5 Health Benefits of Berberine

Photo of Cooper Complete Berberine Complex detailing health benefits

Known for its powerful effects on various aspects of health, especially blood sugar control†, berberine is a yellow compound that can be found in the roots, stems, leaves, and bark of several plants. Berberine has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine; however, modern science has recently discovered and confirmed its impressive benefits†. What does scientific research indicate regarding the potential health benefits of berberine?

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Berberine Complex supplement is physician-formulated to support healthy glucose metabolism, cholesterol levels, and immune balance.†    

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Summary: Berberine is a plant compound that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for a long time and is now being increasingly studied in modern research. Today, it is recognized for its wide range of potential benefits, from supporting healthy blood sugar† and cholesterol levels†, to aiding digestion† and promoting weight management†. This article reviews the science behind berberine and explores how it may contribute to overall wellness†.

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How Berberine Works in the Body

When taken by mouth, berberine is ingested and then transported into the bloodstream before entering the body’s cells. It binds to several “molecular targets” (also known as cellular or tissue structures) inside the cells and changes their function†. This is comparable to how pharmaceutical drugs work.

Berberine has a cholesterol-lowering effect†, which may improve heart health†. It also has the potential to help lower blood sugar†, prevent type 2 diabetes†, fight bacteria†, aid digestion†, and may even support weight loss†. Berberine is one of the very few supplements that research has shown could be as effective as a drug†.

What Are the Potential Health Benefits Of Berberine?

1. Regulates Blood Sugar†

One in 10 Americans has diabetes – 90 to 95 percent of those have Type 2.

Mechanisms of Blood Sugar Regulation†

Numerous studies have shown that berberine can significantly reduce blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes.  Research suggests the powerful compound does this by:

  • Increasing insulin sensitivity†
  • Promoting insulin production†
  • Regulating metabolism†
  • Increasing glycolysis or its breakdown†
  • Reducing glucose production in the liver†
  • Increasing nitric oxide production, which helps widen arteries†
  • Slowing carb absorption from the gut†

Clinical Research on Berberine and Type 2 Diabetes†

Some clinical research also shows that taking berberine, 500 mg two to three times daily for two to three months, can reduce glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c)†, fasting plasma glucose (FPG)† and postprandial glucose (PPG)†.

A bonus benefit is its affordability. Berberine supplements are typically inexpensive, making them an attractive option for many.

2. Berberine Lowers Cholesterol and Supports Heart Health†

A leading cause of death in the United States is heart disease, and high cholesterol is a major culprit. As it turns out, Berberine has been shown to improve many things that lead to this†.

Effects on LDL and HDL Cholesterol†

LDL Cholesterol: LDL is the “bad” cholesterol that attaches to blood vessels and increases the chance of health problems. Berberine is thought to reduce LDL cholesterol†. “In a meta-analysis of six trials, 229 patients with high cholesterol who took between 900-1,500 mg of berberine supplements per day saw improved LDL cholesterol levels with reductions of 20-50 mg/dL (about 25 percent reduction from the baseline) …†” Read more about how berberine can lower LDL†.

HDL Cholesterol: Berberine may help with Hyperlipidemia†, lowering cholesterol† and triglyceride levels† while raising the HDL (“good” or “hero”) cholesterol†. According to Natural Medicine, “Clinical research shows that taking berberine orally, alone or in combination with other ingredients, reduces total cholesterol†, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol†, and triglycerides†, and increases high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol†.”

Berberine and Blood Pressure†

Hypertension: It can also have added benefits for reducing blood pressure† when used in combination with amlodipine (a drug used to help treat high blood pressure). A meta-analysis shows that taking 0.9 grams of berberine each day, in combination with amlodipine, for two months lowers systolic blood pressure by 5 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by 2 mmHg, compared with taking amlodipine alone†.

3. Improves Body Composition†

Clinical Studies on Weight Management†

Berberine may also be effective in shedding those unwanted pounds†. Studies have shown that it can cause significant weight loss† and improve all sorts of health markers†. For example, over a three-month study, participants who took 500 mg of berberine three times daily experienced remission of metabolic syndrome† and a reduction in waist circumference†.

Impact on Metabolic Syndrome†

In another study, 37 men and women with metabolic syndrome took 300 mg of berberine three times a day for three months. The participants dropped their body mass index (BMI) levels from 31.5 to 27.5†. They also lost belly fat and experienced better overall health†.

4. Inhibits Bacteria and Aid in Digestive Relief†

Gut Microbiome Support†

Known for its anti-bacterial† and anti-inflammatory properties†, Berberine may support the gut microbiome† and keep it in balance†. Healthy gut flora can influence many areas of our health†.

H. pylori Inhibition†

H. pylori (Helicobacter pylori) is a bacterium that can cause an infection in the stomach or duodenum (first part of the small intestine). It’s the most common cause of peptic ulcer disease and can also inflame and irritate the stomach lining. A recent study revealed that berberine can effectively inhibit and kill H. pylori in vitro†, even in strains that have become resistant to multiple drugs†.

5. PCOS Support†

Metabolic Benefits for PCOS†

Berberine may improve some metabolic characteristics in women with the hormonal disorder Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)†. Taking berberine has been found to possibly lower blood sugar levels†, improve cholesterol and triglyceride levels†, decrease testosterone levels†, and reduce the waist-to-hip ratio in individuals with PCOS†.

Fertility and Reproductive Health†

Although more research is needed, the compound is thought to offer benefits, including improved fertility† and a reduced risk of metabolic complications† associated with this condition†. A study published in Clinical Endocrinology showed that women who took berberine had higher pregnancy rates than those who took an insulin-sensitizing medication (Metformin)†.

Insulin Sensitivity and Hormonal Balance†

Many women with PCOS have insulin resistance†, which means their cells don’t respond well to insulin, resulting in elevated insulin and blood sugar levels. Research shows berberine may play a role in treating insulin resistance by increasing the body’s production and activity of the compounds known to help minimize insulin resistance†.

While berberine has been shown to have several health benefits†, it’s essential to note that the evidence is still limited. Be sure to discuss any supplements you plan to take with your physician or health care provider.

How Do I Take Berberine Supplements?

Berberine is not typically found in foods we eat, but is taken as a supplement. Cooper Complete offers Berberine Complex for glucose metabolism support† and cardiometabolic balance†. This custom formulation contains berberine along with alpha lipoic acid to sustain proper insulin function† and vitamin C for additional antioxidant support†. Each serving of 3 vegetarian capsules contains 1 gram of berberine hydrochloride hydrate, 200 mg of alpha lipoic acid, and 10 mg of vitamin C.

Final Thoughts on the Health Benefits of Berberine†

Berberine has garnered increasing attention for its potential to support blood sugar regulation, heart health, digestive balance, weight management, and concerns related to PCOS†. While research continues to expand, current studies suggest this natural compound may be a valuable tool for maintaining overall wellness†. As with any supplement, it is important to consult with your physician or health care provider to determine if berberine is right for you. For those seeking a high-quality option, Cooper Complete Berberine Complex combines berberine with alpha lipoic acid and vitamin C for comprehensive support†.

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