What is the source of berberine?

From the Guidelines

Berberine is made from various plants, primarily from the Berberis genus, including barberry, Oregon grape, goldenseal, goldthread, tree turmeric, and Chinese goldthread. The extraction process typically involves isolating the berberine from plant materials using solvents, followed by purification steps to obtain the concentrated form used in supplements 1. Although the provided study does not directly discuss the composition of berberine, it mentions berberine as a nutraceutical with potential lipid-lowering effects, highlighting its relevance in the context of cardiovascular health. The bright yellow substance has been used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, valued for its potential health benefits, including blood sugar regulation, cholesterol management, and antimicrobial properties. Key points to consider about berberine include:

• It is a natural alkaloid compound extracted from the roots, rhizomes, stems, and bark of plants in the Berberis genus
• The compound has been studied for its potential health benefits, although more research is needed to fully understand its effects and long-term safety
• When purchasing berberine supplements, it's crucial to choose products from reputable manufacturers to ensure purity and appropriate dosage.

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 made from Hydrastis canadensis, which is a plant that contains berberine alkaloids.

• The active ingredient is berberine. 2

From the Research

Sources of Berberine

• Berberine is a quaternary ammonium salt from the protoberberine group of isoquinoline alkaloids, found in various plants, including:
  • Berberis species (e.g., Berberis aquifolium, Berberis vulgaris, Berberis aristata) 3, 4, 5
  • Hydrastis canadensis (goldenseal) 3, 4
  • Xanthorhiza simplicissima (yellowroot) 3
  • Phellodendron amurense (Amur corktree) 3
  • Coptis chinensis (Chinese goldthread) 3, 4, 6
  • Tinospora cordifolia 3
  • Argemone mexicana (prickly poppy) 3
  • Eschscholzia californica (Californian poppy) 3

Plant Parts Containing Berberine

• The berberine alkaloid can be found in the roots, rhizomes, and stem bark of the plants 4, 5