9 evidence based health benefits of berberine

Berberine is a compound in several plants, including barberry, goldenseal, tree turmeric and Oregon grape. Berberine has been a part of Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years that work in multiple ways within the body’s cells. Berbarine is traditionally used to make jams and jellies. Many studies of berberine have showed improvement in several metabolic health conditions, including diabetes, obesity, and heart problems, inflammation and it is also used to treat skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, acne, and minor wounds.

Although berberine appears to be safe and cause few side effects that include upset stomach and nausea. A person should speak with a doctor before taking it.

Here’s a rundown to it:

1.Lowers blood sugar and insulin levels:

Several studies show that supplementing on berberine lowers blood sugar and reduce insulin resistance in people especially with metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. The effects of berberine on type 2 diabetes patients are comparable to those who are consuming metformin, (a diabetes drug) and found that berberine is equally effective for improving insulin sensitivity and lowering blood sugar as of metformin and other drugs.

 How Berberine Lowers Insulin Resistance

• It allows the blood sugar-lowering hormone i.e. insulin to work better
• Increases insulin sensitivity
• Boosts sugar metabolism, which helps body to utilize sugar properly
• Decreases sugar production in liver
• Reduces absorption of sugar during digestion
• Raises beneficial gut bacteria

Berberine pairs well with a healthy lifestyle and also work in conjunction with other drugs for lowering blood sugar.

2.Decreases inflammation

Excessive inflammation is related to many health conditions including diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, cancer, dementia, heart disease and many more. An unhealthy diet or certain health issues, like insulin resistance can destroy the balance of inflammation. But anti-inflammatory foods especially berberine can help reduce inflammation in body, protecting the cells of brain, heart, and central nervous system.

3.Anti-cancer effects

One group of scientists researching on berberine has called it “an epiphany against cancer”.

Inflammation, insulin resistance and oxidative stress are all linked to an increased risk of cancer. So, there’s a surprizing news for you all that berberine helps in preventing the growth of cancerous cells. It targets cancer cells for destruction without harming healthy cells and make it harder for the cancer cells to grow and spread. Animal studies indicate that berberine is effective for breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and pancreatic cancer.

4.Improves heart health

Berberine help protect the heart by reducing inflammation in the smooth cells lining, veins and arteries. A study concluded that berberine improved heart health and decreased heart injury by preventing cell death. It also reduced blood levels of C-reactive protein and other markers of inflammation.

In a separate study of heart failure patients, 1.2 to 2 grams of berberine given daily for eight weeks strengthen their heart function, reduced their risk of death and improved their quality of life.

5.Reduces cholesterol level

Berberine appears to be effective for treating high levels of “bad” cholesterol.

Different studies on human subjects found strong evidence on berberine’s ability to lower cholesterol and other blood lipids, particularly bad cholesterol. It improves cholesterol by increasing the number of LDL receptors to control its level more effectively. It also reduces the synthesis of fat molecules in the liver.

6.Lowers blood pressure

Berberine is extremely safe and effective for lowering blood pressure due to its increased bioavailability of nitric oxide (a molecule that relaxes blood vessels). Because high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes often occur together. Some scientists have suggested that berberine could be an ideal therapy to help with these issues, especially in patients who have difficulty in affording expensive prescription drugs.

7.Improves gut health

In traditional medicine, berberine has been used to relieve digestive issues especially diarrhoea. Its gut health enhancement occurs partly by reducing inflammation. In rats, berberine restores gut health by regulating sugar metabolism and reducing inflammation.

8.Relieves depression symptoms

Preliminary evidence suggests that berberine is a helpful supplement for people with depression. There is a link between depression and inflammation. People with depression are more likely to have high levels of inflammation in their body, and simultaneously inflammation increases the symptoms of depression. By inhibiting inflammation and its symptoms through supplementing on berberine reduces the likelihood of depression.

Another way berberine helps in depression is by increasing the production of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and noradrenaline that increases the euphoric feeling in you and thus eases depression.

9.Helps with weight loss

Berberine is an effective supplement for weight loss as it enhances weight loss by regulating leptin, insulin and adiponectin. It inhibits the growth of fat which improves metabolism and fat-burning process.

In a 12-week study of obese people, 500 milligrams of berberine taken three times daily caused an average of 5 pounds of weight loss and increased metabolism.

No one should blindly take a supplement without any reason or knowledge. But if you’re looking for a health supplement that is highly effective with minimal risk then berberine should be your preference, especially if you’re overweight or have insulin resistance.