From the FDA Drug Label
Hydrastis canadensis 1M Less than 10 -12 mg hydrastine, berberine alkaloids per pellet (**contains 0.443 mg of the active ingredient per pellet)
- Berberine is an alkaloid found in several plants, including Hydrastis canadensis.
- The provided drug label does not provide evidence for the effectiveness of berberine for any specific use.
- The label only lists the composition of the product, which contains berberine alkaloids.
- There is no direct information in the label about the evidence base for berberine 1.
From the Research
Berberine is a natural compound with evidence-based benefits for metabolic conditions, particularly for type 2 diabetes management, and its use is supported by the most recent and highest quality study 2. Berberine is a natural compound found in several plants like goldenseal, barberry, and Oregon grape that has gained popularity as a dietary supplement.
- It shows promising evidence-based benefits, particularly for metabolic conditions, with the most recent study published in 2022 indicating its glucose-lowering effect in type 2 diabetes patients 2.
- Research indicates berberine can help lower blood glucose levels with effectiveness comparable to some prescription medications like metformin, making it potentially useful for type 2 diabetes management.
- It also appears to improve cholesterol profiles by reducing LDL ("bad") cholesterol and triglycerides while increasing HDL ("good") cholesterol.
- Berberine works through multiple mechanisms, including activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which regulates metabolism, and influencing gut microbiota.
- Typical dosing ranges from 900-1500mg daily, divided into 2-3 doses taken with meals to minimize gastrointestinal side effects like diarrhea, constipation, or stomach pain.
- While generally considered safe for short-term use, berberine may interact with certain medications, particularly those processed by the liver, as noted in a 2021 study 3.
- It should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and its long-term safety and efficacy are still being researched, with a 2020 study highlighting its potential benefits and limitations 4.
- As with any supplement, consulting with a healthcare provider before starting berberine is important, especially for those taking other medications or with existing health conditions, as emphasized in a 2015 meta-analysis 5 and a 2008 study 6.