A yellow plant compound from barberry and goldenseal roots.
Why it’s used: Studied for its role in normal glucose and fat metabolism.
Berberine is a bright yellow plant compound, an alkaloid, found in the roots, stems and bark of several plants, including barberry, goldenseal, Oregon grape, Chinese goldthread and phellodendron. Its strong colour meant it was once used as a natural dye for wool and leather.
Plants containing berberine have a long history in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic practice. Today it is one of the most researched plant compounds sold as a supplement, and researchers have studied it for its role in normal glucose and fat metabolism. Many trials have been small or short, and berberine has no authorised health claim in the UK.
On labels you will see berberine HCl (hydrochloride), the most common form, or plant sources such as Berberis aristata extract or barberry root extract, sometimes standardised to a percentage of berberine. Because berberine is not well absorbed and is cleared quickly, it is usually taken two or three times a day with meals rather than in one go.
3 findings behind this ingredient. Hover a card for the detail and the source.
This review graded 11 meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials. Berberine improved glucose, insulin resistance, lipids and body measures; constipation and diarrhoea were common side effects.
A meta-analysis of randomised placebo-controlled trials found berberine reduced triglycerides, fasting glucose, waist circumference, LDL and total cholesterol, with safety similar to placebo.
A meta-analysis of 46 randomised controlled trials found berberine reduced HbA1c (-0.73), fasting and after-meal glucose, insulin resistance and triglycerides, and raised HDL cholesterol.
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Only after speaking to your GP or pharmacist. Berberine may add to the effect of glucose-lowering medicines, raising the chance of low blood sugar. It should never replace prescribed treatment, and your medicines may need monitoring if you take both.
Berberine is poorly absorbed and cleared from the body fairly quickly. Splitting the daily amount into smaller doses with meals is how it has usually been used in research, and taking it with food may also reduce stomach upset.
The most common side effects are digestive, such as nausea, diarrhoea, constipation and bloating. Starting with a lower amount and taking it with food can help. It also interacts with several medicines, so check with a pharmacist if you take any.
Information only, not medical advice. If you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, speak to your GP or pharmacist first.
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