A natural blend of whole berberine-rich herbs – not isolated extracts. Supports blood sugar balance (useful for Type 2 diabetes), cholesterol (reduces LDL and improves HDL), metabolic health, weight loss and immune defense. Strong, organic, and traditionally trusted.
Herbactive Berberine Tonic is a mix of the best high-berberine whole herbs. The use of whole herbs makes our tonic safer than tablets and capsules where the berberine has been isolated and extracted, and concentrated in a factory, making it an unnatural product i.e. a product you do not find in nature. Berberine Tonic is a natural mixture of whole woods, barks and roots from high-berberine plants as tincture extracts with strong berberine release.
💡 Product Highlights:
- Whole-Herb Extracts Only: No synthetic isolates – just pure bark, root & wood tinctures
- Includes:
- Golden Seal, Golden Thread, Barberry Bark (Berberis vulgaris), Mahonia Oregon Grape (Berberis aquifolium), Phellodendron bark, Curcuma rhizome (turmeric).
- Supports:
- Blood sugar regulation (type2 diabetes)
- Healthy cholesterol and triglycerides
- Liver, cardiovascular & metabolic function
- Immune health and skin conditions (e.g. psoriasis)
- Gut health (e.g. SIBO), mood, and weight management (weight loss)
- Naturally Activates AMPK: A key enzyme for metabolism and energy balance
🌱 Why Choose Herbactive Berberine Tonic?
Unlike capsules made with isolated, factory-processed berberine, this tonic delivers traditional, full-spectrum herbal extracts as nature intended. Carefully selected for their berberine content, these whole herbs offer strong yet balanced action with improved safety and bioavailability.
🧪 What is Berberine?
Berberine is a powerful plant alkaloid known for its ability to regulate blood sugar, support heart health, fight inflammation, and promote metabolic well-being. Research suggests it may rival pharmaceutical treatments for some metabolic conditions — but Herbactive delivers it the natural way.
Berberine is a bioactive compound that can be extracted from several plants, including a group of shrubs called Berberis. Technically, it belongs to a class of compounds called alkaloids. It’s yellow and is often used as a dye. Berberine has a long history in traditional Chinese medicine, where it has been used to treat various ailments. Now, modern science suggests that it has impressive benefits for many health concerns. Berberine is a compound that can be extracted from several plants. Berberine has been tested in hundreds of studies. Berberine is a constituent that has been associated with several potential health benefits. In particular, berberine has been shown to lower blood sugar, increase weight loss, and improve heart health. It may also be linked to other benefits and could aid in the treatment of conditions such as depression, skin disease, liver function, metabolic disease, diabetes, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
The use and action of berberine
Berberine is a compound found naturally in many plants. Some research suggests that it may help promote weight loss, enhance blood sugar regulation, and protect against several chronic conditions.
One of the main actions of berberine is to activate an enzyme inside cells called AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), according to some animal studies. AMPK plays a key role in regulating metabolism and energy levels and is found in cells throughout your body. Berberine also affects other molecules inside cells and may even affect which genes are turned on or off. It has shown that this could help protect against many chronic health conditions.
Berberine has a variety of functions inside cells. One of the main functions is activating an important enzyme called AMPK, which regulates metabolism. Berberine is a supplement that has been associated with several potential health benefits. These benefits include:
Lowering blood sugar and regulating how the body uses sugar in the blood e.g. diabetes
Increasing weight loss
Improving heart health including cholesterol and triglycerides
Aiding in the treatment of conditions such as depression and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
Strengthening the heartbeat
Killing bacteria e.g. SIBO
Skin disease including psoriasis
Supporting the immune system
Scientific evidence suggests that the use of berberine helps reduce blood glucose levels, as well as cholesterol and triglyceride levels. It also contributes to lowering the waist-hip ratio. According to scientific evidence, berberine helps reduce LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
This tonic has a strong action on the liver, the cardiovascular system, the immune system, the pancreas, and metabolic system.
———
What is Berberine and what does it do in the body?
Berberine hydrochloride or berberine is a natural compound found in various plants, including the European barberry, Oregon grape, goldthread, tree turmeric, and phellodendron. It has a yellow color and a bitter taste. It has been used by Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for thousands of years for various ailments (1).
Potential benefits of berberine may include reducing inflammation, oxidative stress, blood sugar, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high triglycerides, improving liver health, circulation, gut health, and supporting fat burning. In this article, I also discussed how it may be a safer alternative to Ozempic. Berberine is generally safe, though it may cause an upset stomach or nausea in some.
Health Benefits of Berberine
There are many health benefits of berberine. Let’s look at them one by one.
Balances Blood Sugar Levels
One of the most sought-after health benefits of berberine is its potential to balance blood sugar levels. It may be a great supplement for reducing the risk of blood sugar fluctuation, insulin resistance, pre-diabetes, and type 2 diabetes, or aiding the treatment of these conditions. According to a 2019 literature review and meta-analysis published in the Endocrine Journal, berberine may be more effective than a placebo when it comes to decreasing blood sugar levels (2).
Researchers found that combining berberine with blood-sugar-lowering medications may be more effective than using the same drugs without berberine. Thus, berberine may be an option for those who are and those who are not currently taking medication for blood sugar issues.
Medications don’t come without risks. This is when berberine can be truly helpful. According to 2014 research published in Biochemistry and Cell Biology, berberine may be a good option for the treatment of diabetes in those who are unable to use current anti-diabetes medications due to kidney problems, liver failure, or heart disease (3).
A 2015 review published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology has found that when combined with lifestyle changes, berberine may be particularly effective and better than lifestyle changes alone when it comes to decreasing blood sugar (4).
So, how does this work? Why is berberine so good for your blood sugar levels? According to a 2006 article published in Pharmacology and Therapeutics, berberine also activates AMP-K (AMP-activated kinase), which is a crucial cellular protein that acts as a sensor of energy levels within the cell (5).
This may allow your body to better regulate the use of blood sugar, reduce the risk, and support the treatment of diabetes and related health problems, including high cholesterol and obesity.
According to a 2020 meta-analysis published in Clinical Nutrition ESPEN, berberine may help to improve metabolic parameters and reduce body weight and obesity without increasing liver enzymes (6). However, we still need some bigger double-blind studies on the safety and efficacy of berberine.
I will get into the potential risks and side effects later; however, it’s important that you speak with your healthcare professional before using berberine for blood sugar and diabetes.
Turns on Fat Burning
Another popular health benefit of berberine is fat burning and weight loss. As mentioned in the previous section, according to a 2020 meta-analysis published in Clinical Nutrition ESPEN, berberine may help to lower body weight and obesity and improve metabolic parameters (6).
This is important because obesity is a risk factor for chronic inflammation, high blood pressure, heart disease, high cholesterol, diabetes, and other health issues.
According to a 2017 review published in the Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences, using 750 milligrams (mg) of barberry, which contains high amounts of berberine, twice a day for 3 months, results in significant weight loss (7).
A 2018 review published in Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome, and Obesity has found that berberine may have pharmacological activities and positive effects on obesity risk factors by suppressing adipocytes, regulating glucose metabolism by reducing insulin resistance, and boosting insulin secretion (8). It may also show some antihyperlipidemic, antihypertensive, and endothelial-protecting effects.
According to 2018 research published in the American Journal of Translational Research, berberine may also help to activate brown adipose tissue (9). This brown adipose tissue helps your body create body heat from food. Increased activation of the brown adipose tissue may help to reduce obesity and metabolic syndrome.
While I will get into this topic later, it’s worth mentioning that according to 2015 research published in Science Reports, berberine may work similarly to metformin, a medication commonly prescribed for obesity (10). It may also have the ability to change the gut microbiome, which can help to improve diabetes and reduce obesity as well.
Reduces Oxidative Stress & Inflammation
Reducing oxidative stress and inflammation is another important health benefit of berberine. Chronic inflammation is the root cause of most modern-day chronic health issues, and oxidative stress may also increase chronic inflammation and the risk of cancer and other diseases.
According to 2022 research published in the Journal of Food Biochemistry, berberine offers anti-inflammatory effects (11). It helped to downregulate mRNA and protein expression of inflammatory biomarkers.
This may help to lower the risk of inflammatory health issues and support the treatment of diabetes. According to a 2018 study published in Frontiers in Pharmacology, berberine may help to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in diabetes, improving treatment (12).
Moreover, a 2019 review published in Frontiers in Pharmacology has found that berberine may have cancer-inhibitory effects on prostate, colorectal, ovarian, cervical, liver, and lung cancer (13). According to a 2015 study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, berberine may help to decrease the progression and life cycle of cancer cells (14).
Improves Cholesterol & Triglycerides
Another health benefit of berberine is improving cholesterol and triglyceride levels. This is important because high triglycerides and high cholesterol may contribute to the increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
A 2017 review published in the Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences has found that berberine may help to lower cholesterol, according to both human and animal studies (15). Berberine may help decrease LDL, also known as bad cholesterol, and improve HDL, or good cholesterol.
A 2015 review published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology has found that when combined with lifestyle changes, berberine may be particularly effective for improving cholesterol levels and may be more effective than lifestyle changes alone (4). A 2017 study published in Oncotarget has also noted that the effects of berberine on cholesterol may be similar to metformin but without the side effects of the medication (16).
Promotes Healthy Circulation
Another health benefit of berberine is promoting healthy circulation and improving heart health. Improving cholesterol and triglyceride levels, as mentioned earlier, is critical for your heart health and lowering inflammation, oxidative stress, and obesity.
A 2015 review published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that when combined with lifestyle changes, berberine may be particularly effective for reducing blood pressure, even more effective compared to just lifestyle changes alone (4).
A 2015 animal study published in Clinical and Experimental Hypertension has found that berberine may also delay the onset of or reduce the risk of high blood pressure (17). It may also decrease the severity of high blood pressure if it develops.
A 2018 review published in Chronic Diseases and Translational Medicine has found that berberine may help to dilate the blood vessels and reduce blood pressure (18). It may help to improve relaxation by acting on the endothelium and the vascular smooth muscle underneath. It may also have antiplatelet effects and antiarrhythmic effects. Overall, berberine may offer some incredible benefits for circulation and heart health.
Improves the Gut Microbiome
A study published in Science Reports in 2015 demonstrated that berberine may work similarly to metformin, a medication commonly prescribed for obesity (10). It may also have the ability to change the gut microbiome, which can help to improve diabetes and reduce obesity as well.
A 2021 review published in Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology has found that it may be beneficial for the gut microbiome, which may help to improve insulin resistance, lipid levels, and other health factors (19).
A 2020 study published in Pharmacological Research has found that berberine’s beneficial effects on the gut microbiome may be one of the reasons behind its positive effects on diabetes, inflammation, cancer, and other health issues (20).
Berberine may have antibacterial effects that may help to reduce harmful bacteria in your gut and allow your body to improve balance and have more healthy bacteria. A 2014 study published in Global Advances in Health and Medicine has found that berberine may have antibiotic effects and may help to improve SIBO safely (21).
Supports Liver Health
According to a 2020 meta-analysis published in Clinical Nutrition ESPEN, berberine may help to improve metabolic parameters and reduce body weight and obesity without increasing liver enzymes (6). It may even help to improve liver health.
A 2016 study published in Evidence-Based, Complementary, and Alternative Medicine has found that berberine may help to reduce triglycerides, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels, which also helps to support liver health and lower the risk of liver damage from diabetes, hepatitis, or other issues (22).
A 2015 study published in BMC Endocrine Disorders has also found that berberine may offer anti-dyslipidemic and anti-hyperglycemic effects and may help to improve glucolipid metabolism (23). These factors are common root issues behind fatty liver disease; thus, by reducing the risk of these underlying issues, berberine may lower the risk of fatty liver disease.
Comparing Berberine with Metformin
Berberine is often touted as a natural alternative to metformin. I mentioned earlier that 2015 research published in Science Reports has found that berberine may work similarly to metformin, a medication commonly prescribed for obesity (10).
It may also have the ability to change the gut microbiome, which can help to improve diabetes and reduce obesity as well. A 2017 study published in Oncotarget has also noted that the effects of berberine on cholesterol may be similar to metformin but without the side effects of the medication (16). Let’s talk more about what metformin is and how metformin and berberine compare.
Metformin is an oral prescription medication that is commonly used for patients with type 2 diabetes. It is usually used as the first treatment option before reaching for insulin treatment. Why?
Metformin helps to reduce blood sugar levels by decreasing insulin resistance, allowing your body to absorb and use sugar more effectively, reducing sugar absorption in the intestine, and improving glucose uptake in both the adipose tissue and the skeletal muscle. One risk of metformin, similar to other drugs for diabetes, is that it may increase the risk of low blood sugar or hypoglycemia. However, it is still considered effective and generally safe.
Berberine, on the other hand, is an herbal natural supplement that may also help to improve blood sugar levels, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and other health conditions, as indicated by the earlier section explaining the health benefits of berberine. Berberine and metformin have similar benefits when it comes to glucose metabolism. So, what’s the difference?
Metformin is FDA-approved and regulated for diabetes. There are also alternatives to metformin that are FDA-approved. Berberine, on the other hand, is a supplement; therefore, it’s not regulated by the FDA. Since everyone can sell supplements and they are not regulated, berberine supplements on the market may not be equal. Moreover, there are more clinical studies on metformin than on berberine.
Though current clinical evidence suggests that berberine is safe and effective, without regulation, scientific evidence can’t vouch for every supplement. We also need even more research to fully understand berberine. Buying quality supplements is critical, whether it’s berberine or something else.
A 2008 study published in Metabolism looked at the effects of berberine and 0.5 grams of metformin three times a day in participants with diabetes (24). They found that both berberine and metformin had similar blood sugar-reducing effects.
Berberine helped to reduce hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C), fasting blood sugar, postprandial blood glucose, triglycerides, and cholesterol. Researchers concluded that berberine may be a good candidate for treating diabetes.
A 2021 review and meta-analysis published in Health has also looked at the benefits of berberine and metformin (25). They found that just like metformin, berberine also has hypoglycemic effects. They noted that using berberine and metformin together may be a safe and effective treatment strategy for type 2 diabetes.
Most studies suggest that berberine becomes effective after about 3 months of use in most cases, though in some, we may observe a blood sugar reduction within a month. Metformin, on the other hand, is much faster. Full benefits become apparent within 4 to 5 days. Many studies suggest that combining metformin with berberine may be a great way to go. This strategy can help to replace metformin partially, even if you will still need the medication.
Of course, it’s important that you talk to your healthcare professional and only reduce or stop metformin and/or start berberine supplementation with the guidance of your doctor if it’s applicable to your situation. Everyone’s body and health situation are different. Both metformin and berberine may cause some gastrointestinal side effects in some individuals.
Metformin may cause gas, bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, and a loss of appetite. Berberine may cause abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, and flatulence. Using milk thistle along with berberine may support the absorption of berberine. Berberine may still be easier to tolerate, and side effects are less likely. Again, talk to your doctor to see what’s right for your situation.
When to take it
Always take it with or shortly after a meal to experience the full benefits for your blood sugar and lipid levels. Higher dosages may lead to an upset stomach, pain, or diarrhea. If you are experiencing these side effects, you may need to lower the dose. Spreading your intake across the day in multiple doses can also help to reduce these side effects. Of course, always work with your health practitioner to figure out the right dose.
Other benefits
Finally, some people may experience skin health benefits. When used directly on the skin, berberine may help to improve burns, and bacterial infections, like trachoma, fungal infections, and protozoa that affect the skin. Check with your practitioner if topical treatment is right for you.
Sources in This Article Include:
- Funk RS, Singh RK, Winefield RD, Kandel SE, Ruisinger JF, Moriarty PM, Backes JM. Variability in Potency Among Commercial Preparations of Berberine. J Diet Suppl. 2018 May 4;15(3):343-351. doi: 10.1080/19390211.2017.1347227. Epub 2017 Aug 9. PMID: 28792254
- Liang. Effects of berberine on blood glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic literature review and a meta-analysis. Endocrine Journal. 2019 Link Here
- Chang. Berberine as a therapy for type 2 diabetes and its complications: From mechanism of action to clinical studies. 2014 Link Here
- Lan. Meta-analysis of the effect and safety of berberine in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, hyperlipemia and hypertension. 2015. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. Link Here
- Berberine, a Natural Plant Product, Activates AMP-Activated Protein Kinase With Beneficial Metabolic Effects in Diabetic and Insulin-Resistant States. Link Here
- Asbaghi. The effect of berberine supplementation on obesity parameters, inflammation and liver function enzymes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. 2020. Clinical Nutrition ESPEN. Link Here
- Tabeshpour J, Imenshahidi M, Hosseinzadeh H. A review of the effects of Berberis vulgaris and its major component, berberine, in metabolic syndrome. Iran J Basic Med Sci. 2017 May;20(5):557-568. doi: 10.22038/IJBMS.2017.8682. PMID: 28656091
- Firouzi S, Malekahmadi M, Ghayour-Mobarhan M, Ferns G, Rahimi HR. Barberry in the treatment of obesity and metabolic syndrome: possible mechanisms of action. Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes. 2018 Nov 8;11:699-705. doi: 10.2147/DMSO.S181572. PMID: 30519065
- Hu X, Zhang Y, Xue Y, Zhang Z, Wang J. Berberine is a potential therapeutic agent for metabolic syndrome via brown adipose tissue activation and metabolism regulation. Am J Transl Res. 2018 Nov 15;10(11):3322-3329. PMID: 30662589
- Zhang, X., Zhao, Y., Xu, J. et al. Modulation of gut microbiota by berberine and metformin during the treatment of high-fat diet-induced obesity in rats. Sci Rep 5, 14405 (2015). Link Here
- Naz I, Masoud MS, Chauhdary Z, Shah MA, Panichayupakaranant P. Anti-inflammatory potential of berberine-rich extract via modulation of inflammation biomarkers. J Food Biochem. 2022 Dec;46(12):e14389. doi: 10.1111/jfbc.14389. Epub 2022 Sep 19. PMID: 36121315
- Ma X, Chen Z, Wang L, Wang G, Wang Z, Dong X, Wen B, Zhang Z. The Pathogenesis of Diabetes Mellitus by Oxidative Stress and Inflammation: Its Inhibition by Berberine. Front Pharmacol. 2018 Jul 27;9:782. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00782. PMID: 30100874
- Liu D, Meng X, Wu D, Qiu Z, Luo H. A Natural Isoquinoline Alkaloid With Antitumor Activity: Studies of the Biological Activities of Berberine. Front Pharmacol. 2019 Feb 14;10:9. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00009. PMID: 30837865
- Berberine and Coptidis Rhizoma as potential anticancer agents: Recent updates and future perspectives. 2015.Journal of Ethnopharmacology Link Here
- Tabeshpour J, Imenshahidi M, Hosseinzadeh H. A review of the effects of Berberis vulgaris and its major component, berberine, in metabolic syndrome. Iran J Basic Med Sci. 2017 May;20(5):557-568. doi: 10.22038/IJBMS.2017.8682. PMID: 28656091
- Wang H, Zhu C, Ying Y, Luo L, Huang D, Luo Z. Metformin and berberine, two versatile drugs in treatment of common metabolic diseases. Oncotarget. 2017 Sep 11;9(11):10135-10146. doi: 10.18632/oncotarget.20807. PMID: 29515798
- Guo. Anti-hypertensive and renoprotective effects of berberine in spontaneously hypertensive rats 2015 Link Here
- Xia LM, Luo MH. Study progress of berberine for treating cardiovascular disease. Chronic Dis Transl Med. 2016 Jan 12;1(4):231-235. doi: 10.1016/j.cdtm.2015.11.006. PMID: 2906301
- Zhang L, Wu X, Yang R, Chen F, Liao Y, Zhu Z, Wu Z, Sun X, Wang L. Effects of Berberine on the Gastrointestinal Microbiota. Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2021 Feb 19;10:588517. doi: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.588517. PMID: 33680978
- Berberine pharmacology and the gut microbiota: A hidden therapeutic link. 2020. Pharmacological research. Link Here
- Chedid V, Dhalla S, Clarke JO, Roland BC, Dunbar KB, Koh J, Justino E, Tomakin E, Mullin GE. Herbal therapy is equivalent to rifaximin for the treatment of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Glob Adv Health Med. 2014 May;3(3):16-24. doi: 10.7453/gahmj.2014.019. PMID: 24891990
- Wei X, Wang C, Hao S, Song H, Yang L. The Therapeutic Effect of Berberine in the Treatment of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Meta-Analysis. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2016;2016:3593951. doi: 10.1155/2016/3593951. Epub 2016 Jul 3. PMID: 27446224
- Zhao, L., Cang, Z., Sun, H. et al. Berberine improves glucogenesis and lipid metabolism in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. BMC Endocr Disord 17, 13 (2017). Link Here
- Yin J, Xing H, Ye J. Efficacy of berberine in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Metabolism. 2008 May;57(5):712-7. doi: 10.1016/j.metabol.2008.01.013. PMID: 18442638
- Wang. Berberine and Metformin in the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials Health 2021 Link Here
- Goldenseal Link Here
- Sigh. Toxicological Effects of Berberine and Sanguinarine Link Here
- Nguyen H, Gupta V. Alpha-Lipoic Acid. [Updated 2022 Sep 26]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Link Here
- Capece U, Moffa S, Improta I, Di Giuseppe G, Nista EC, Cefalo CMA, Cinti F, Pontecorvi A, Gasbarrini A, Giaccari A, Mezza T. Alpha-Lipoic Acid and Glucose Metabolism: A Comprehensive Update on Biochemical and Therapeutic Features. Nutrients. 2022 Dec 21;15(1):18. doi: 10.3390/nu15010018. PMID: 36615676
With grateful thanks to (c) Dr David Jockers
———
How to take Berberine Tonic
Take as directed on the bottle. Shake well before use. Best results with consistent use.
——————
Understanding Berberine and Ozempic
Berberine is a natural bioactive compound extracted from different plants, including barberry, goldenseal, golden thread, barberry, Oregon grape, tree turmeric, and others in the Berberaceae family. It is a bitter-tasting, yellowed-colored compound that is frequently used as a dye and sold as a supplement in capsules filled with yellow powder.
Berberine has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine and is widely used to treat diarrhea and other gastrointestinal complaints. More recently, modern science is capitalizing on its benefits for various health conditions.1 Research on berberine points to its benefits, including reducing blood sugar levels, decreasing insulin resistance, increasing beneficial bacteria in the gut, improving blood lipids, promoting weight loss, and protecting against fatty liver.2
The prescription medication Ozempic is intended for individuals with type 2 diabetes to manage blood sugar levels concurrently with diet and exercise changes. Ozempic may also help lower the risk of heart attack and stroke for those who have both heart disease and diabetes. Recent research (and lots of anecdotal evidence) has shown that Ozempic is effective for weight loss as well.3 Studies on Ozempic have proven users lose weight for several years. Although this is buzzing now it’s been going on for a long time.
Ozempic, also called semaglutide, is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, which means that it helps the body to increase insulin secretion from the pancreas, inhibit glucagon release, and suppress hepatic gluconeogenesis, or glucose release from the liver.4 The main mechanism of the drug is delayed gastric emptying which suppresses appetite. According to Dr. Charlie Seltzer, MD, a board-certified physician in obesity medicine and internal medicine, “the reason that Ozempic causes weight loss is that it suppresses appetite very strongly.” A reduced appetite means less food intake which means weight loss.
Berberine vs. Ozempic: Examining the Similarities and Differences
Berberine is gaining traction in the media as “Nature’s Ozempic” due to its potential effects on the body.5 Zhang M, Yang H, Yang E, Li J, Dong L. Berberine Decreases Intestinal GLUT2 Translocation and Reduces Intestinal Glucose Absorption in Mice. Int J Mol Sci. 2021;23(1):327. Published 2021 Dec 28. doi:10.3390/ijms23010327
One of the main actions of berberine is the activation of an enzyme called AMPK, which plays a role in regulating metabolism and energy levels. It lowers blood sugar by increasing the amount of glucose that is taken into muscle cells.6
Both Work in Various Ways to Reduce Blood Sugar
Similar to Ozempic, berberine seems to work via a number of different ways to lower blood sugar levels, including decreasing insulin resistance, increasing glycolysis (the process that helps the body break down sugars inside cells), decreasing sugar production in the liver, and creating antimicrobial benefits to help alleviate gastrointestinal complaints and improve the gut microbiome.7 However, studies on berberine are small and short. You can’t really compare as if the two products were apples to apples.
Both May Aid in Weight Management
Berberine may also help with weight management. According to Justine Chan, MHSc, RD, CDE, “while the results are still preliminary, in studies targeting cells and involving rats, berberine was shown to stimulate the same gut hormone that Ozempic targets. This hormone helps you feel full for a longer time, making you eat less. Berberine may also reduce leptin levels, which can act as a natural appetite suppressant.” Note that we cannot compare animal studies to human studies, however, we can use the learnings from animal studies to inform future human studies or to hypothesize about potential benefits or mechanisms in humans.
It’s important to note that the results from taking each product are drastically different. Berberine use may yield a small amount of weight loss, whereas Ozempic can yield a large amount. Additionally, neither product is a replacement for behavioral and lifestyles changes like diet and exercise.
Ozempic Has a Larger Impact on Appetite
The most profound difference between berberine and Ozempic is its effect. “There are a few studies that show berberine can suppress appetite, but the impact is negligible compared to Ozempic,” says Seltzer. Additionally, since berberine is a supplement, it is not regulated by the FDA, whereas Ozempic is approved for use as second-line treatment in type 2 diabetes (but not necessarily solely for weight loss).4
Dose and Delivery Method
Another key difference: berberine is a supplement that is taken in a capsule by mouth whereas Ozempic is a weekly injection. While limited studies have been done, the suggested effective dose of berberine is 500 milligrams taken 2 to 3 times daily with meals. The dose of Ozempic is prescribed in conjunction with your healthcare provider based on your individual needs. Individuals generally start at 0.25 milligrams weekly and work up to 1 or 2 milligrams weekly.
The Scientific Evidence Behind Berberine
So, what does the research say about berberine? And is it worth trying?
In one mice study, researchers examined the effect of berberine on GLUT2 translocation and intestinal glucose absorption in type 2 diabetes mouse model. Mice were given berberine for 6 weeks and found that it improved glucose tolerance and systemic insulin sensitivity in diabetic mice.5
Limited studies in humans and animals indicate that berberine could play a role in weight loss, but there aren’t large enough, high-quality clinical trials to use this in practice.8
In another review of 12 studies, researchers found that supplementing with berberine resulted in significant reductions in body weight, body mass index, and belly fat.9
Other small trials suggest that berberine can help lower cholesterol and reduce your risk of heart disease. In a review of 16 studies, berberine was found to help with lowering total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and blood triglycerides, and increasing HDL cholesterol.10
It’s important to note that high blood sugar is a major risk factor for heart disease, which is shown to be improved with berberine.
Note that much of the research on berberine is done in small studies or in animal models and many of these benefits need more robust research before any definitive recommendations can be made.
Expert Opinions and Recommendations
As the popularity of berberine and Ozempic are increasing, clinicians are gaining more experience with these supplements and medications for their patients.
“While berberine falls behind Ozempic in terms of its potential health benefits, it may curb your appetite a bit since it slows down carbohydrate digestion in the stomach,” explains Catherine Karnatz, MPH, RD. Dr. Seltzer adds, “It may be worthwhile to try berberine, but I would not expect too much from a weight loss standpoint.”
While berberine is generally recognized as safe, there are some risks to taking it for some individuals. Taking berberine may result in digestive issues such as gas, constipation, diarrhea, or bloating. “Individuals prescribed blood sugar management medications like metformin should proceed with caution if they are considering taking berberine, as the supplement may negatively interact with this drug class and cause hypoglycemia,” states Karnatz.
Safety, Side Effects, and Precautions
As is the case with all supplements, berberine is not regulated by the FDA. If you do decide to incorporate the supplement into your routine, look for berberine that is independently verified for purity and potency by a company such as USP, NSF, or ConsumerLab. This indicates that the product is free of potentially dangerous ingredients and contains what it claims on the label.
Known side effects of berberine are gastrointestinal-related and may include vomiting, diarrhea, gas, and bloating.
Berberine may be contraindicated in individuals taking other medications for diabetes that may lower blood sugar, so always check with a healthcare provider before adding the supplement. Further, berberine may not be considered safe for those taking drugs or herbs that improve blood clotting. Additionally, “pregnant or breastfeeding individuals or anyone trying to conceive should steer clear of berberine as the supplement can respectively transfer through the placenta and breast milk to baby,” adds Karnatz,
Making an Informed Decision
Current research on berberine is promising for lowering blood sugar, playing a role in weight loss, decreasing the risk of heart disease, and more. However, sometimes supplements are marketed with benefits that seem too good to be true. In this case, more research needs to be done before firm recommendations can be made. It is agreed upon amongst many experts, however, that berberine’s effect is negligible compared to Ozempic, though it’s worth a try if Ozempic isn’t indicated. Additionally, the studies conducted are not long-term, so we do not know the long-term side effects of berberine.
Berberine Tonic
Herbactive has a tonic called Berberine Tonic made from the whole parts of berberine-rich herbs, i.e. golden seal root, golden thread bark, barberry root bark, Oregon grape also known as mahonia roots and bark, curcuma extract from turmeric rhizome, cork tree bark.
www,herbactivehealth.com
With thanks to Very Well Fit and author Rebecca Jaspan, MPH, RD
Published on June 27, 2023
Medically reviewed by Barbie Cervoni MS, RD, CDCES, CDN
Resources
Neag MA, Mocan A, Echeverría J, et al. Berberine: Botanical Occurrence, Traditional Uses, Extraction Methods, and Relevance in Cardiovascular, Metabolic, Hepatic, and Renal Disorders. Front Pharmacol. 2018;9:557. Published 2018 Aug 21. doi:10.3389/fphar.2018.00557
Lan J, Zhao Y, Dong F, et al. Meta-analysis of the effect and safety of berberine in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, hyperlipemia and hypertension. J Ethnopharmacol. 2015;161:69-81. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2014.09.049
Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S, et al. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. N Engl J Med. 2021;384(11):989-1002. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2032183
Mahapatra MK, Karuppasamy M, Sahoo BM. Semaglutide, a glucagon like peptide-1 receptor agonist with cardiovascular benefits for management of type 2 diabetes. Rev Endocr Metab Disord. 2022;23(3):521-539. doi:10.1007/s11154-021-09699-1
Zhang M, Yang H, Yang E, Li J, Dong L. Berberine Decreases Intestinal GLUT2 Translocation and Reduces Intestinal Glucose Absorption in Mice. Int J Mol Sci. 2021;23(1):327. Published 2021 Dec 28. doi:10.3390/ijms23010327
Jin Y, Liu S, Ma Q, Xiao D, Chen L. Berberine enhances the AMPK activation and autophagy and mitigates high glucose-induced apoptosis of mouse podocytes. Eur J Pharmacol. 2017;794:106-114. doi:10.1016/j.ejphar.2016.11.037
Xie W, Su F, Wang G, et al. Glucose-lowering effect of berberine on type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Pharmacol. 2022;13:1015045. Published 2022 Nov 16. doi:10.3389/fphar.2022.1015045
Ilyas Z, Perna S, Al-Thawadi S, et al. The effect of Berberine on weight loss in order to prevent obesity: A systematic review. Biomed Pharmacother. 2020;127:110137. doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110137
Asbaghi O, Ghanbari N, Shekari M, et al. The effect of berberine supplementation on obesity parameters, inflammation and liver function enzymes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Clin Nutr ESPEN. 2020;38:43-49. doi:10.1016/j.clnesp.2020.04.010
Ju J, Li J, Lin Q, Xu H. Efficacy and safety of berberine for dyslipidaemias: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Phytomedicine. 2018;50:25-34. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2018.09.212
Here’s a link to a podcast episode about Barberine: https://barefootautismwarriors.com/berberine-eat-carbs-without-insulin-spikes/
Other tonics to consider:
LiverDetox Tonic
PancreasMore Tonic
Heart and Circulation Tonic
HerbShield Tonic
InfectionLess Tonic
WeightLess Tonic
Fatty Liver (FLD) Tonic
Palpitations Tonic
ABC Daily Herbal NutriPowder Plus (powder or liquid)
Related products
