Berberine Phytosome vs. Berberine HCL: What's the Difference?

If you're reading this article, surely you want to know the exact difference between Berberine Phytosome vs Berberine HCL. But first, what is Berberine in the first place?

Berberine is a naturally occurring compound found in philodendron, European barberry, and Oregon grape plants used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years[1].

 Berberine Phytosome has been clinically studied to help support healthy glucose and lipid metabolism◼.^†

Berberine is mainly offered in two forms: Berberine Phytosome and Berberine HCL. By learning about these different forms, you can choose which suits you.

What is Berberine Phytosome?

Berberine is the ingredient, but what's a phytosome? A phytosome is a nutrient delivery mechanism made from a lipid (fat) layer surrounding the nutrient to aid in the body's absorption by increasing its bioavailablity.

A Berberine Phytosome is when Berberine is encased in a phytosome matrix for higher bioavailability. One example is the BERBEVIS^® Berberine Phytosome, the specific ingredient Nature Made^® uses in our Berberine supplement, which uses Berberine from the roots of the Indian Barberry plant encapsulated in a phytosome matrix. So why go through all the effort of a phytosome?

Better Bioavailability

One of the main reasons to utilize a phytosome is for better bioavailability. Nature Made^® Better Absorption Berberine Phytosome Capsules have five times higher bioavailability than standard Berberine Hydrochloride (Berberine HCL).‡ By using a phytosome, the Berberine is more available for absorption.^†

What is Berberine HCL?

Berberine HCL, or Berberine Hydrochloride, is the hydrochloride salt form of Berberine.[2] It is bioavailable, water-soluble, and can be a supplement in capsule and powder forms.

Berberine as a hydrochloride salt is another way to deliver Berberine for the same purposes as Berberine Phytosome, like supporting healthy glucose and lipid metabolism.◼ While the exact mechanism of Berberine HCL is still being studied, it appears to suppress specific proteins and modulate the expression of genes.[2]^†

Clinically Studied Benefits of Berberine Phytosome

Berberine Phytosome is a clinically studied ingredient, with several health benefits supported by a clinical study. Here are some Berberine Phytosome benefits.

Enhanced Bioavailability

Berberine Phytosome is a lipid-based delivery mechanism for Berberine. Nature Made^®'s Berberine Phytosome has five times higher bioavailability than standard Berberine extract.‡ By encasing Berberine in a fat-soluble phytosome matrix, the resulting molecule is more bioavailable for absorption by the body.^†

Supports Cardiovascular Health

Another clinically studied benefit of Berberine Phytosome is supporting cardiovascular health. Nature Made^® Berberine Phytosome helps support cardiovascular health in older adults on a calorie-restricted diet.^†

Supports Healthy Glucose and Lipid Metabolism◼†

One of Berberine Phytosome's most well-known benefits is that it supports healthy glucose and lipid metabolism.◼ Our body uses glucose (a sugar) to produce cellular energy in the process known as glycolysis.^†

Berberine works to support healthy glucose metabolism in our body by supporting the liver's glucose uptake from the bloodstream and stimulating the conversion into cellular energy in glycolysis.[3]

Compared to placebo, adults on a calorie-restricted diet who were administered Berberine Phytosome in a clinical trial found a significant difference in blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglycerides on day 60.[3] 550 mg of Berberine helps support healthy glucose levels in older adults on a calorie-restricted diet if taken twice daily for at least two months.^†

In addition to the positive effects observed with Berberine on glucose metabolism [3], Berberine helps to improve insulin sensitivity and inhibit fat storage in the body in patients with metabolic syndrome who suffer from insulin resistance.[4]

Suggested Use for Your Health

Is Berberine safe? As always, consult your primary healthcare provider before starting or changing your supplement routine. Additionally, when taking dietary supplements, always follow the recommended dosage on the packaging. For Nature Made^® Berberine Phytosome, adults take one capsule two times daily with water for at least two months.

Key Differences Between Berberine Phytosome and Berberine HCL

The primary difference between Berberine Phytosome vs Berberine HCL is their bioavailability. While both formulations are bioavailable, Nature Made^® Berberine Phytosome is five times more bioavailable than Berberine Hydrochloride when taken on an empty stomach which means that the Berberine will be more available for absorption by the body.^†

Nature Made^® Berberine Phytosome is formulated by combining Berberine from the extract of the Berberis aristata root with a lipid phytosome matrix to enhance bioavailability. Our Berberine Phytosome is a clinically studied ingredient.

Shop Nature Made^®'s New Berberine Phytosome Supplement

Nature Made^® Better Absorption* Berberine Phytosome Capsules help support healthy glucose and lipid metabolism along with cardiovascular health,◼ and has five times the bioavailability of Berberine HCL.‡^†

If you want to incorporate Berberine Phytosome into your daily routine, follow the suggested use on the label. For Nature Made^®’s product, adults should take 1 capsule with water two times daily for at least 2 months.

With Nature Made^® Subscribe & Save, you can save 10% on your regular orders and free shipping directly to your door.

Berbevis and Indena Phytosome are registered trademarks of Indena S.p.A., Italy

‡Compared to berberine hydrochloride (HCL) when taken on an empty stomach

◼ In older adults on a calorie-restricted diet, 550 mg twice a day for at least two months

† These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

References

1. Och A, Podgórski R, Nowak R. Biological Activity of Berberine-A Summary Update. Toxins (Basel). 2020;12(11):713. Published 2020 Nov 12. doi:10.3390/toxins12110713
2. National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Compound Summary for CID 12456, Berberine Chloride. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Berberine-Chloride. Accessed Oct. 8, 2024.
3. Rondanelli M, Gasparri C, Petrangolini G, et al. Berberine phospholipid exerts a positive effect on the glycemic profile of overweight subjects with impaired fasting blood glucose (IFG): a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2023;27(14):6718-6727. doi:10.26355/eurrev_202307_33142
4. Yang J, Yin J, Gao H, et al. Berberine improves insulin sensitivity by inhibiting fat store and adjusting adipokines profile in human preadipocytes and metabolic syndrome patients. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012;2012:363845. doi:10.1155/2012/363845