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) The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Berberine dihydroberberine (DHB) is primarily used as a dietary supplement for blood sugar management, cholesterol reduction, and weight loss, with typical dosages ranging from 100-200mg taken 1-3 times daily with meals. The most recent and highest quality study on berberine, published in 2024 1, highlights its potential to treat diabetes, Alzheimer's, cancer, and cardiovascular disease due to its multi-target pharmacological effects, including antimicrobial, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperlipidemic, neuroprotective, and cholesterol-lowering properties. Key benefits of berberine include:
- Improving insulin sensitivity and secretion by pancreatic β-cells in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
- Reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, IL-1β, TLR4, and TNF-α
- Lowering LDL cholesterol levels by increasing low-density lipoprotein receptor expression, reducing intestinal cholesterol absorption, and promoting cholesterol excretion from the liver to the bile
- Providing anti-inflammatory benefits and supporting gut health However, it is essential to note that berberine may have potential interactions with medications, especially those for diabetes or blood pressure, and people taking these medications should consult healthcare providers before using DHB. Additionally, a systematic review and meta-analysis published in 2022 2 found that berberine has a glucose-lowering effect, which is related to the baseline fasting plasma glucose and HbA1c levels of patients, and does not increase the incidence of total adverse events and the risk of hypoglycemia. Another study published in 2023 3 demonstrated that berberine protects mice against type 2 diabetes by promoting PPARγ-FGF21-GLUT2-regulated insulin sensitivity and glucose/lipid homeostasis. Overall, the current evidence suggests that berberine, including its dihydroberberine form, may be a useful adjunctive therapy for managing blood sugar, cholesterol, and weight, but its complete safety and efficacy profile is still being established.