Berberine

Table of Contents

Other names

Berberine HCl
Berberine Sulfate
Berberine Extract (from Barberry, Goldenseal, or Coptis)

Synopsis

Berberine is a bright yellow alkaloid compound found in the roots, rhizomes, and bark of various plants, including Berberis vulgaris (barberry), Coptis chinensis (goldthread), Hydrastis canadensis (goldenseal), and Phellodendron amurense (Amur cork tree). It has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese, Ayurvedic, and Unani medicine for its antimicrobial, digestive, and metabolic-regulating properties.

Modern research has confirmed that berberine exerts powerful effects across multiple systems. It is best known for its ability to:

  • Support blood sugar regulation by activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), enhancing glucose uptake and insulin sensitivity
  • Lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides
  • Improve gut microbiome balance and reduce intestinal inflammation
  • Combat infections due to its antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and antiparasitic activity
  • Act as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, protecting tissues from oxidative damage

Clinically, berberine is widely used to help manage:

  • Type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance
  • Metabolic syndrome and dyslipidemia
  • Gut infections such as SIBO, Candida overgrowth, and H. pylori
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
  • Cardiovascular risk factors

It is typically taken in capsule or tablet form, often in divided doses (e.g., 500 mg two to three times daily) due to its short half-life. It is commonly combined with milk thistle, alpha-lipoic acid, or chromium to enhance its metabolic and liver-supportive effects.

Historical Use:

Berberine-rich plants have been used in traditional medicine for over 2,000 years, particularly in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda. In TCM, Coptis chinensis (Huang Lian) and Phellodendron (Huang Bai) were used to clear heat, dry dampness, and treat conditions such as dysentery, diarrhea, infections, and inflammatory skin issues. In Ayurveda, Berberis aristata (Daruharidra) was used to support liver function, purify the blood, and treat eye diseases, skin disorders, and digestive disturbances.

In Unani medicine, berberine-containing plants were applied for wound healing, infections, and gastrointestinal issues, often in compound preparations.

Today, berberine is recognized as a well-studied botanical compound with clinical applications in blood sugar management, lipid control, gut health, and chronic inflammation. Its broad spectrum of action, long-standing traditional use, and growing scientific validation have made it a cornerstone in integrative and functional medicine protocols.

Uses: Health Conditions

Abdominal Pain (Traditional)
Abscesses (Traditional)
Acne (Traditional)
Addictions (sugar or refined carbohydrates) (Traditional)
Adenitis (Traditional)
Antibiotics (alternatives to) (Traditional)
Dysentery (Traditional)
Metabolic Syndrome (Traditional)

Body Systems

Digestive System (Science)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Science)
Immune System (Science)
Liver (Science)
Pancreas Head (Traditional)
Pancreatic Tail (Traditional)