Berberine is found in nature in the following plants: European barberry, Goldenseal, Goldthread, Oregon grape, Phellodendron, and Tree tumeric.
Berberine has been used in Eastern medicine for years to treat Diabetes mellitus.
Berberine has many positive health effects:
- Helps reduce blood sugar levels
- Helps lower cholesterol
- Supports the mitochondria in the cells
- Helps lower blood pressure by increasing nitric oxide production in the inner tissue lining of the blood vessels
- Berberine has anti-inflammatory properties and can change or influence the gut bacteria in the microbiome
- The inflammation caused by Testosterone in Polycystic ovary disease (PCOS) can also be reduced with the help of Berberine
The dosage of Berberine is 1000-1500 mg per day (500 mg taken 3 times per day).
Berberine and any supplement, medication, or medical intervention should not be started before consulting a healthcare provider. Ask a healthcare provider first before using Berberine, especially if you have diabetes or high blood pressure, and/or are taking the following medications:
• Blood thinners
• Dextromethorphan (cough syrups like Robitussin)
• Tacrolimus (Prograf)
• Sedatives like phenobarbital and midazolam
If you are scheduled for surgery, let your anesthesia team know if you take Berberine. It can interact with medications broken down in the liver and you will need to stop taking it before surgery. Do not take Berberine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. It can increase the risk of jaundice, cerebral palsy, vision and hearing disturbances,
and brain development.
