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.
- It is an active ingredient in certain medications, with a specified amount per pellet. The FDA drug label does not fully answer the question of what berberine is, only that it is an alkaloid and an active ingredient 1.
From the Research
Berberine is a natural compound with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects, primarily used to manage blood sugar levels, improve cholesterol profiles, and support weight loss efforts, with a recommended dosage of 500-1500 mg daily, as supported by the most recent study 2.
Key Points
- Berberine is an isoquinoline plant alkaloid with several pharmacological activities, including anti-microbial, glucose- and cholesterol-lowering, anti-tumoral, and immunomodulatory properties 3.
- The compound works by activating an enzyme called AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which regulates metabolism and helps cells take up glucose from the bloodstream, and may also influence gut bacteria composition and reduce inflammation 2.
- Typical dosages range from 500-1500 mg daily, usually divided into 2-3 doses taken with meals to minimize potential digestive discomfort, with a recommended starting dose of 500 mg daily, gradually increasing as tolerated 2.
- Berberine has been shown to have a glucose-lowering effect, which is related to the baseline fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels of patients, and may be safe for use in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, without increasing the incidence of total adverse events and the risk of hypoglycemia 4.
- While generally considered safe for short-term use, berberine can interact with certain medications, particularly those processed by the liver, and should not be taken during pregnancy, with common side effects including digestive issues like constipation, diarrhea, or stomach pain 2.
Important Considerations
- Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting berberine, especially if you have existing health conditions or take other medications 2.
- Berberine may have beneficial effects on lipid metabolism, with significant decreases in total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol observed in clinical trials 5.
- The efficacy and safety of berberine in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus have been demonstrated in several clinical trials, with berberine showing a potent oral hypoglycemic effect and beneficial effects on lipid metabolism 5.