Coincidentally, weight-loss drugs have gotten more accessible, particularly because many have realized the positive, secondary impacts of diabetes drugs (Ozempic and Wegovy among them). With the ensuing shortages and higher prices of these medication, consumers are now seeking alternatives. Berberine has cropped up as a worthy one, for its natural weight-loss effects. But, get this, Berberine does way more. And, let's finally leave the diabetes medications for those who really need them.
Background and Benefits
Berberine is a bioactive compound, innate to a variety of plants, namely a group of shrubs known as Berberis. Berberine is a member of a compound class known as
alkaloids, that not only protect plants and regulate their growth but, also, in health and wellness settings, drive anesthetic, cardio-protective, and anti-inflammatory benefits. Berberine is a long-standing staple of Chinese medicine, used to treat a range of conditions. The herb is yellow, and, consequently, is often used as a dye. One of berberine's main functions is to activate an enzyme
—AMP-activated protein kinase or
AMPK—which is native to many cells throughout the body, and is instrumental in regulating metabolism and energy levels. Berberine also helps with other conditions, as we'll see below. (Gunnars, 2023)
With this potent chemical structure, berberine has also been shown to have a significant impact on diabetes. In a 2008 study, including 116 diabetes patients, subjects taking one gram of berberine daily
lowered their fasting blood sugar, on average, by 20% (Gunnars, 2023). The latter finding, particularly, indicates that berberine may serve as an effective, organic diabetes medication.
Additionally, berberine has proven effective regarding heart health. The compound has remedied
heart palpitations, specifically eliminating arrhythmias (irregular heart rates) and
tachycardias (a rapid heart rate that is out of proportion to age and level of activity) (Xia & Mei-Hong, 2015; Zhang, Feng, & Chen, 2016), and has been shown to improve the
quality of life for patients with heart failure (Mount Sinai, n.d.). The best part is berberine seldomly results in side effects.
The plant-based compound has also been shown to help in managing depression, fatty-liver disease, and
cancer spread or metastasis. Furthermore, the anti-oxidabt and anti-inflammatory capabilities of berberine have also relieved infections. (Gunnars, 2023).
Most importantly though, berberine works best when supported by healthy lifestyle changes. Even if you're taking berberine daily, you'll only experience the full impact of the herb if you eat a wholesome, balanced diet; exercise daily; and, get adequate rest (ideally, six to eight hours of sleep). Berberine can be just one part of an overall commitment to wellness and well-being.
How to Integrate it into Your Diet
Though supplements can be helpful, they're just that
—supplements. To get berberine's full benefit, you want to consume it in its purest form. Add ground berberine to smoothies or sprinkle it into teas, soups, and stews. Taking a teaspoon, with each meal, is another way to boost your metabolism, enhance your heart health, and realize all the other benefits of this potent compound. Seminal's
Baseline is a reliable
berberine source for your daily diabetes and heart-health needs.
Berberine is definitely a worthwhile addition to your routine. Just remember the impacts go far beyond a number on a scale.
References
Gunnars, K. (2023). Berberine: A powerful supplement with many health benefits. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/berberine-powerful-supplement#other-benefits
Heinrich, M., Mah, J., & Amirkia, V. (2021). Alkaloids used as medicines: Structural phytochemistry meets biochemistry
—An update and forward look.
Molecules, 26(7), 1836.
https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/26/7/1836
Zhang, M., Feng, L., Li, J., & Chen, L. (2016). Therapeutic potential and mechanism of berberine in cardiovascular disease.
Current Pharmacology Reports, 2016(2), 281-292.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s40495-016-0070-1