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Berberine Review - Benefits, Side Effects And Dosage

Also known as Berberine Hydrochloride, Berberine is naturally found in plants like Barberry, goldenseal, Oregon grape, goldthread, tree turmeric, and philodendron. The yellow-colored chemical might come with a bitter taste but gives sweeter results in the consumer's life.

Berberine
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Humans are vulnerable to various ailments and diseases that hinder our daily activities. From controlling our lifestyle to food habits, we get constrained by chains or precautions and control for the sake of living or a healthy survival. To survive and fight against our ailments, we need to resort to medicines and supplements to help us fight.

While we often need to depend on industrial and synthetic medicines, they are not the sole option. Cultured medicines come with a range of side effects that can weaken the internal dynamics of our bodies. Here something natural can come in handy.

Talking about everyday ailments, the first on the list happens to be none other than diabetes. Diabetes is when blood sugar levels remain irregular, causing perils in a person's life. Though people rely on the allopathic medicines available, some natural components or ingredients help mellow diabetes. One of the reliable natural ingredients is Berberine.

What is Berberine?

Also known as Berberine Hydrochloride, Berberine is naturally found in plants like Barberry, goldenseal, Oregon grape, goldthread, tree turmeric, and philodendron. The yellow-colored chemical might come with a bitter taste but gives sweeter results in the consumer's life.

With a history in ayurveda and Chinese traditional medicine for thousands of years, Berberine proved its prowess in treating diabetes and other related syndromes. In addition, clinical trials found out how this natural ingredient helps strengthen the heartbeat, which facilitates numerous patients with heart problems.

In addition, its effectiveness in killing bacteria keeps any bacterial diseases at bay and reduces any inflammation in the body. Besides these, Berberine flaunts its major use in mellowing cholesterol, other disturbing fats in the blood, and higher blood pressure. Nevertheless, the usage of these yellow chemicals focuses mainly on working against diabetes and sugar content in the blood.

The multiple effects of Berberine were substantiated by a 2014 review that stated its advantages to have a balanced distribution in the body that facilitates an overall positive effect to tackle numerous ailments.

Benefits of Berberine

The wide-ranging advantages of Berberine have taken the medical community by shock. The berberine benefits are not limited to a specific disease but multiple ones with true effectiveness and propelled treatment. In addition, regular consumption of Berberine can induce good effects on the body and help achieve a better lifestyle.

Let us now discover the benefits that Berberine brings to our health that would help us create a better understanding;

  • Tackling Bacterial Infections

As an antimicrobial agent, Berberine established its benefits for many people. In addition, a laboratory study in 2016 revealed that Berberine could stall the growth of Staphylococcus aureus.

This bacteria, named staphylococcus aureus, can have a fatal impact on a person's body and daily living;

  • Pneumonia.
  • Sepsis.
  • Meningitis.
  • Other range of skin ailments

An extended study revealed that Berberine could harm the protein and DNA of certain bacterial variants. Such bacterial variants can induce extensive harm to the human body.

  • Mellows Inflammation

Inflammation plays a crucial role in inducing numerous ailments related to the heart and liver, besides triggering diabetes. Inflammation mostly occurs due to some infection or bacterial attack requiring immediate treatment.

A 2014 research study substantiated the anti-inflammatory properties of this natural ingredient that helps tackle diabetes and other inflammation-related diseases or health conditions.

  • Counters High Cholesterol Levels

Cholesterol is of two types; HDL and LDL. Though HDL is good cholesterol, LDL becomes the root cause of numerous ailments, especially heart diseases. Low-density lipoprotein can trigger an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes, thus becoming fatal for the concerned individual.

A few pieces of evidence suggest that Berberine can help lower the triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein levels in human blood. In addition, studies conducted on a few animals and humans substantiated the same. So, in addition to reducing LDL levels, Berberine helps increase the High-density lipoprotein levels in human blood to promote a better life.

Clinical research studies stated that combining lifestyle changes and Berberine can benefit human health by lowering cholesterol levels.

A study conducted among hamsters revealed that Berberine triggers the movement of excess cholesterol to the liver, from where it gets drained after the body's internal processes. One of the positive impacts of Berberine, as stated by the researchers, exclaimed that Berberine acts similarly to medicinal drugs reducing cholesterol but does not induce any side effects that the latter might.

Counters obesity

Obesity has been a major cause of peril for numerous individuals. From restricting their food habits and preferences to their movements, their life becomes a living hell. Obesity also becomes the house for numerous diseases like;

  • Heart disease.
  • Type-2 diabetes.
  • Higher cholesterol levels.
  • High blood pressure.

A review states that 750mg of Berberine daily for three months resulted in drastic weight reduction. The trusted source of consumption here was Barberry, a fruit that contains Berberine in higher proportion.

Another double-blind study revealed that individuals consuming 200mg of Berberine thrice a day stood at the receiving end of a decreased body mass index. Another scientific study stated that Berberine causes the activation of brown adipose tissue that helps food consumed into body heat. It helps boost the activation, which in turn triggers the metabolism.

Another research suggests that Berberine is similar to the drug Metformin, often prescribed by doctors for treating type 2 diabetes. In addition, Berberine triggers changes in certain bacteria in the gut that can mellow obesity.

  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

PCOS, or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, is a condition that occurs among females when they have an increased amount of male hormones in their bodies. As a result, metabolism and hormonal imbalance occur due to this syndrome.

PCOS is linked to multiple issues that Berberine might be able to resolve;

  • High cholesterol.
  • High blood pressure.
  • Increased body weight
  • Higher levels of insulin and blood sugar.

Often doctors prescribe Metformin for treating PCOS. However, Berberine can be a safer alternative due to its natural occurrence.

  • Tackling Cancer

Cancer is a menace that the world wishes to avoid. The fatal disease destroys the affected individual and the people surrounding them, both mentally and financially. However, scientists have been trying hard to find probable medicines to cure cancer. Nevertheless, nature has a probable solution for all our problems, even if it's cancer. A review stated that Berberine has some serious effects in inhibiting the following types of cancer;

  • Ovarian cancer
  • Lung cancer
  • Prostate cancer
  • Colorectal cancer
  • Cervical cancer
  • Liver cancer.

An additional study suggests that Berberine plays an influential role in hindering the progress of existing cancer and affecting its regular life cycle. Often it might end up killing some of the cancer cells. Numerous scientists suggest that Berberine might be an effective and affordable alternative to treat cancer in the long run.

Boosting Gut Health

Research published in 2020 suggested that as a natural ingredient that helps fight cancer, diabetes, cancer, and other related ailments, Berberine helps boost an individual's gut health. Studies claim that Berberine aids in killing the gut's disease-causing bacteria and promotes good bacteria health and growth.

While a few studies have been conducted on rodents and humans, scientists call for comprehensive research and clinical trials to substantiate its effects for human use.

Precautions Concerning Berberine's Consumption

There are certain precautions that one needs to take while consuming Berberine. Every natural ingredient has a particular limit concerning its consumption that we must adhere to. Failing to maintain the limits might push us into some trouble. Let us discuss some of the possible precautions that people of all ages and sections must take to stay on the safer side;

  • For oral consumption: Clinical studies deemed it safe when it comes to oral consumption of Berberine among adults. In addition, 1.5 grams of daily consumption for six months has had safe results among consumers. Some common side effects during this consumption period might be upset stomach, diarrhea, constipation, or acidity.
  • Skin application: Berberine is completely safe for skin application among adults.
  • Pregnancy-related issues: Some doctors recommend that it is not so safe for pregnant women to consume Berberine orally. Studies claim that Berberine can transcend the Placenta's boundaries and directly impact the fetus. In addition, newborn Infants getting exposed to Berberine can suffer from brain damage named Kernicterus.
  • For breastfeeding infants: Berberine might not be advisable for the mothers breastfeeding their infants as it can get transferred to the child through the breast milk and induce its effects.
  • For administration among children: There is no solid clinical evidence that supports Berberine's consumption among elderly children. However, consumption of Berberine might induce brain damage called Kernicterus for children of the lower age group.
  • It might cause instability in the bilirubin levels: Bilirubin is a chemical produced upon breaking down red blood cells. The liver remains responsible for eradicating bilirubin from the body. However, Berberine can tweak or influence this mechanism by preventing the liver from disposing of bilirubin as fast as it generally does. Such delay can lead to brain issues, especially among infants.

Possible Side Effects of Berberine

Irregular administration of Berberine can have some side effects. However, one can avert any side effects upon regulated consumption of Berberine, preferably under the guidance of some medical expert. A research study by the National Centre for Complementary and Integrative Health stated that short-term consumption of Goldenseal containing Berberine does not affect oral consumption.

However, in the longer run, the assurance against side effects is still behind the cloud. Some patients can go through digestive side effects like nausea, upset stomach, or constipation. Some might end up experiencing a headache or rashes on their skin.

Before experimenting on humans, clinical trials were conducted on animals to discover the possible side effects of Berberine. Depending on the animal's breed and size, Berberine can induce the following effects;

  • Muscle tremor.
  • Vomiting
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea.
  • Enlarged size of liver and kidneys.
  • Gastric ulcers.
  • Abridged number of white blood cells in the blood.

Provided a patient or an individual faces any allergic reaction, they should stop its consumption immediately. Here the best option is to consult medical personnel or a doctor who can analyze the concerned patient's reports and conditions to adjudicate the possible consumption of Berberine. Safe certifications or doctor prescriptions will always keep you on the safer side.

Is the Consumption of Berberine Safe?

Speaking to the doctors becomes important before consuming any natural ingredient like Berberine. NCCIH exclaimed the possible risks associated with Berberine's consumption among individuals;

  • People consuming Metformin can face interactions upon consumption of Berberine.
  • Sometimes people consume Berberine through supplements. Here one might face difficulties as the dosages of Berberine might be irregular in the supplements and might cause wrong doses among the individuals.
  • Excessive consumption of Berberine is a difficulty that people often bring upon themselves. Then, in addition, comes the people who might have negative effects concerning Berberine and still decide to consume it.
  • There is an absence of scientific information regarding the safe consumption of Berberine among individuals.
  • As discussed above, Berberine is not safe for consumption among pregnant or breastfeeding mothers as it might affect the unborn or newly born children.

Possible Interactions Caused Due to Berberine

Berberine's side effects raise their head upon interaction with other reactive drugs. Putting them into categories will help get a clearer understanding;

Excessive interaction

  • Cyclosporine: Berberine has an instant reaction with Cyclosporine as it slows down the process of Cyclosporine's breakage. Reduced speed of its breakage will allow its side effects to cause more trouble. This combination is a strict no!

Moderate Interaction

When we talk about components that moderate interaction with Berberine, the concerned individual must be cautious about its consumption.

  • Medicines that get broken down by the liver: Certain medications like Cytochrome P450 3A4 owe their breakage to the liver. Berberine messes with the breaking procedures and often causes an increased effect or side effects of the concerned medicines.
  • Medicines that reduce blood clotting: Some medicines can lower the blood clotting process. An added influence of Berberine can cause a further slowdown of blood clots that might cause profuse bleeding and increased bruise risks.
  • Medicines that lower diabetes: Berberine is influential in reducing blood sugar levels . Its consumption with any diabetes medicines can result in a drastic drop in blood sugar levels, leading to sickness.
  • Medicines for Blood pressure: People consume numerous medicines to keep their blood pressure under check. As discussed above, Berberine plays a part in reducing high blood pressure. Combined consumption of both can sink the blood pressure to an abnormally lower level.
  • Antidepressants or sedative medicines: There has been an increased consumption of antidepressants among people due to their daily stress. Such sedating medicines cause slowed breathing and sleepiness. On the other hand, Berberine induces slowed breathing and sleepiness. A combined combination of both can be detrimental as it would promote excessive sleepiness and breathing difficulties.
  • Dextromethorphan: Dextromethorphan has a direct interaction with Berberine, slowing down its breaking or elimination from the body. The slowed breakage leaves traces of Dextromethorphan for longer, causing its side effects to pop up.
  • Losartan: Losartan owes its working efficiency to the liver. Berberine here can hinder the process of activating losartan in the liver, leading to minimal effects of the medicine.
  • Midazolam: Our body is responsible for breaking down Midazolam to facilitate its disposal. Here Berberine slows down the process of eliminating Midazolam, causing the side effects to pop up.
  • Pentobarbital: Pentobarbital is a medicine that doctors prescribe for sleep or insomnia. Consequently, Berberine is also responsible for drowsiness and sleepiness. Their interaction will boost the effects of drowsiness, which can cause troubles in daily activities.
  • Tacrolimus: Liver aids in the removal of Tacrolimus in our body to prevent any untoward effects. Berberine slows down this elimination procedure, making us vulnerable to the effect of Tacrolimus.
  • Metformin: Clinical trials proved that Berberine could interact with Metformin and increase its effects by manifolds. Such symptoms arise when one consumes Berberine two hours before Metformin. Consuming both simultaneously won't cause any effects and remains safe against any side effects.

Trusted Supplements Containing Berberine

With such detailed information about Berberine, it is time to find some reliable sources available. Consuming raw Berberine might be an added difficulty to the existing dilemma of searching for the right sources. Here supplements come in handy to help garner the right doses of Berberine. Following are a few reliable options available in the market that would help you grab authentic Berberine without fail.

  • Glucoredi

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Glucoredi

Discussions concerning the best supplements containing authentic Berberine cannot begin without the mention of Glucoredi. Glucoredi is now among the top supplements in the industry that vouches to sell authentic natural ingredients processed into one product. Over the years, numerous individuals and patients consumed this product to achieve extraordinary results.

Pros

  • Primarily promoted and established as a sugar-controlling supplement, Glucoredi uses Berberine appropriately.
  • The inclusion of Berberine makes it a trusted product, punched with authentic natural ingredients to help mellow rising blood sugar levels among people. Berberine supports your immune system, fights against invading radicals, and helps maintain an optimal radical balance of microbes in the body. In addition, comes its anti-bacterial and anti-cancer properties that keep fatal diseases like cancer at bay.
  • Activating AMPK is another advantage, which gets considered the body's metabolism switch.
  • The quick action formula of this supplement does wonders to meet its objectives.
  • Besides the presence of Berberine, Gymnema Sylvestre makes for the primary component. Also known as the "Sugar destroyer," this component helps lower sugar levels drastically, besides keeping them under check. In addition, the component helps your pancreas function properly by storing the fat in your muscles for later energy.
  • Glucoredi also contains Commiphora Mukul, which helps treat gout, rheumatism, lipid metabolism disorders, obesity, etc.
  • The other components of Glucoredi, like liquorice, Magnifera Indica, etc., facilitate anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help fight against disease and possible bacterial attack.
  • The product has all the GMO certifications and is free of any preservatives or synthetic additions.

Cons

  • The only possible disadvantage of this product is its limited use. Consumers must follow the directives of their medical experts concerning their consumption. Excessive consumption can lead to side effects.
  • Sometimes it will take time for people to suit the product in their daily routine. Issues like diarrhea or upset stomach can arise at times. Nevertheless, there is nothing to worry about if consumed under expert directions.
  • NutriJa Berberine HCL 500MG Capsules

Another reliable product on this list is one of the best sellers on Amazon. Characterized by a 98% purity of Berberine, the NutriJa Berberine HCL 500MG Capsules are one of the most reliable sources of authentic Berberine. In addition, the bio supplement comes with a concentrated 82:1 formula that makes the 500mg worth having.

Pros

  • The presence of Berberine helps avert insulin resistance and leads to improved blood sugar levels. Thus, people with scanted blood sugar levels will reach an optimal position. Consequently, the ones with abnormally high blood sugar will have balanced sugar levels.
  • NutriJa Berberine HCL 500MG Capsules help increase the metabolism rate of your body which averts the storage of excessive fat in cells. Thus, with the supplement in place, you can prevent increased body-fat percentage and obesity.
  • Insulin sensitivity stays on a track that helps your body regulate its use and release.
  • The natural supplement offers extra fuel to your immune system, which helps prevent disease or promotes a sustained fight against the germs and ailments in your body.
  • The product has excellent customer reviews on Amazon that can instate any individual's faith in the product.

Cons

  • Some of the customers might find the product costly for their pockets.
  • There can be certain repercussions, like upset stomach and diarrhea, as it might take time for the body to adapt to this new addition. In addition, the digestive system can get burdened.
  • Not for consumption among children.
  • HealthyHey Nutrition Berberis

The third on this list of Berberine products is Nutrition Berberis, brought by HealthyHey, which goes around the market as a reliable product. With over 95% of Berberin presence, the supplement claims to be an authentic addition to your diet. In addition, the 60 capsules in the container come with milk thistle, giving that extra knack to your nutritional diet.

Pros

  • Every tablet of HealthyHey Nutrition Berberis offers 500 mg of Berberine that supports healthy metabolism levels. With increased glucose metabolism, there is minimal chance for you to gain or retain fat. Individuals suffering from obesity or increased body fat percentage can heave a sigh of relief with this enlightening solution available.
  • The product has all the necessary certifications and approvals from the FDA in the United States as well as the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. Such authentications make the product eligible for market circulation.
  • The product is completely vegan and is free from any form of animal cruelty. There are no animal ingredients included in the product, as it is of 100% natural plant ingredients derived from nature.
  • The makers vouch for the ultimate quality of their products. GMP certification and free of GMO ensure that the Berberin offered is of the highest quality.

Cons

  • The product might feel a little pricey.
  • There might be side effects like upset stomach, constipation, or diarrhea.
  • The product is of inappropriate use among children below the age of 18 years.
  • Health Berberine Supplements by Sushrut Ayurved Industries

The Health Berberine supplements by Sushrut Ayurved Industries contain authentic Berberine that has been a part of ayurveda for thousands of years. Every tablet offers around 500mg, which allows one to consume around two to three tablets daily.

Pro

  • The herbal product offers a range of advantages like its predecessors;
  • The Berberine supplements offer a valuable addition to your daily lifestyle. It helps you maintain healthy levels of glucose in the blood. In addition, comes an overall development in your health and well-being.
  • Completely Vegan: The supplement has no traces of animal meat or fat that could bother vegetarians. The supplement plays a role against animal cruelty through its vegan being and promotes pure natural resources.
  • Powerful supplement: A major cause of concern among vegans is their lack of protein and nutrient sources. While non-vegetarians consume eggs, fish, and meat to fulfill their nutritional requirements, vegans do not have that choice. Here the Berberine supplement emerges as a savior to offer the right nutrients for a healthy lifestyle.
  • High quality: The Health Berberine supplements by Sushrut Ayurved Industries offer 95% authentic Berberine resources through consumption. The dominating presence of Berberine speaks volumes about the quality offered.
  • Necessary certifications: The product passed the GMO and GMP tests to prove its efficacy for human consumption. The GMP certification is a testimony of its authentic presence and ensures that every consumer derives the best results.
  • Compared to its predecessors, the product comes at a lower price. Thus, this product is a good choice for people with budgetary restrictions.

Cons

Just like its set of pros, the product has a few cons to look into;

  • Consuming the product can cause mild side effects like diarrhea, upset stomach, acidity, or constipation.
  • Strict medical recommendations should be taken before consuming products with such ingredients.

Final Thoughts

Including natural products like Glucoredi in your diet can positively impact your overall lifestyle. The increased energy and higher metabolism might take you by surprise. In addition, such products are best to remove the pain and suffering of diabetic patients who must refrain from their favorite food items. Gone are those days of ultimate control, and the blessing of a normal life is on the way.

Nevertheless, it would help if you remain cautious about your habits. Breaking all boundaries owing to such supplements would do more harm than good. The goal is to teach flexibility in our lives while abiding by the routine we must strictly adhere to.

FAQs

1. Are products like Glucoredi natural?

Yes, products like Glucoredi get developed in state-of-the-art laboratories. Authentic plant extract is derived from natural resources like forests, which are then cultured in the laboratory. The goal behind making such products is to ensure the passage of all essential nutrients to humans.

2. Are they safe for consumption?

The products pass through all the necessary tests and certifications before making their way into the market. The lab tests and reports authenticate that the product is safe for human consumption. However, there might be a few side effects that one might have to deal with.

3. What is the optimal dose for products like Glucoredi?

The decisions concerning Glucoredi doses lie on your doctor. After evaluating your test reports and medical conditions, they will advise a particular dose suitable for you. Apart from individually customized doses, any healthy individual can take two to three tablets daily.

4. Is there a need for a doctor's prescription?

There is no requirement for a doctor's prescription to purchase products like Glucoredi. However, consider taking a piece of expert advice before consuming.

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