What is Berberine and What Does It Do?

Berberine may not be one of the most common supplements, but that doesn't mean that this ingredient hasn't been around for a while. Berberine is a naturally occurring compound with a long history of use in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for thousands of years.[1] So what is Berberine, and what does Berberine do?

What is Berberine?

Berberine has a naturally occurring origin in plant life. Berberine is a compound that is found in plants of the Berberis genus. This includes Indian Barberry (or Berberis aristata), along with European barberry, goldenseal, Oregon grape, and more. Nature Made^® Berberine Phytosome is a clinically studied ingredient.

How Does Berberine Work?

What does Berberine do? Berberine increases the expression of insulin receptors, increasing how much glucose tissues take in. It may do this by increasing the activity of the AMPK enzyme, which ups glucose intake and reduces glucose production in the liver.[2]

Berberine also interacts with our lipid metabolism by enhancing the liver's low-density lipoproteins (LDL) uptake, increasing cholesterol excretion in our waste, and decreasing intestinal cholesterol absorption. Berberine is a complex, naturally occurring compound that interacts with our glucose and lipid metabolisms.[2]

Is Berberine safe to take? A Berberine supplement is generally considered safe to take for most adults. Berberine is a clinically studied ingredient that has been shown in a systematic review to be well-tolerated by humans.[3] However, everyone is different; always consult with your primary healthcare provider before starting or changing your supplement routine, they are best equipped to give you personalized guidance.

The Health Benefits of Berberine

So now that we know the answers to what is Berberine, what does Berberine do, and where does Berberine come from, let’s ask why someone would be interested in taking it? Here are some Berberine Phytosome benefits.

Supports Healthy Glucose and Lipid Metabolism

The Berberine Phytosome in Nature Made^® products is a clinically studied ingredient that helps support healthy glucose metabolism and lipid metabolism ^◼. It does so by interacting with specific enzymes and proteins that increase the tissue intake and lower the liver production of glucose, helping to regulate blood glucose levels.[2]^†

Supports Cardiovascular Health

The systems in our bodies are often interlinked in ways we might not always expect. Berberine's effects on glucose and lipid metabolism can help support cardiovascular health.^◼†

Supports Healthy Glucose Levels

Maintaining healthy glucose levels can benefit those with certain conditions; Berberine can help this process by modulating glucose production in the liver, which complements a balanced diet and other healthy lifestyle choices.^†

When Should You Consider a Berberine Supplement?

Any adult might consider a Berberine supplement. Consult with your primary care provider before adding Berberine to your supplement routine.^†

What Makes Berberine Phytosome Unique?

Nature Made^® Berberine is delivered in a form known as a Berberine Phytosome. What the heck does that mean? A Phytosome is a container made out of lipids (fats) that incorporates the ingredient (in this case, Berberine) into its structure.

By encasing Berberine in a lipid phytosome matrix, the body can more easily dissolve and absorb the ingredient. Other bioavailable forms of Berberine include Berberine Hydrochloride (HCL). We have a blog that breaks down the difference between Berberine Phytosome vs. Berberine HCL here.

Nature Made^® Berberine Phytosome is five times more bioavailable than Berberine HCL, another common bioavailable form of Berberine.‡^†

When is the Best Time to Take a Berberine Phytosome Supplement?

Always follow the suggested use and dosages: Adults should take one capsule two times daily with water for at least two months. The best time to take a Berberine Phytosome supplement is a regular time when you'll remember to take it consistently.

One recommendation is taking one capsule each before brushing your teeth in the morning and night. This has two benefits: Attaching your Berberine phytosome to a routine helps you remember to take it consistently. By taking one when you wake up and one before you sleep, you space your doses throughout the day, giving you a consistent routine of taking one capsule in the morning and one in the evening.

Embracing the Benefits of Berberine

Berberine is a naturally occurring compound used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine, extracted from plants in the Berberis genus.[3] Nature Made^® Berberine Phytosome encases Berberine extract in a phytosome matrix to improve bioavailability.^{◼ †}

Any adult looking to support their cardiovascular health and healthy glucose and lipid metabolism might consider a Berberine supplement.^◼ Always consult with your primary care provider or another healthcare provider before beginning or changing your supplement routine; they are best suited to give you personalized advice that suits your needs.^†

Check out Nature Made^® Better Absorption‡ Berberine Phytosome Capsules, and Subscribe & Save for a 10% discount and free regular shipping right to your door.

◼In older adults on a calorie-restricted diet

‡Compared to Berberine Hydrochloride (HCL) when taken on an empty stomach

† 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. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version [Internet]. Stockton (CA): Therapeutic Research Faculty; c1995-2018. Berberine; [reviewed 2024 Feb 22; cited 2024 May 15]; Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/natural/1126.html#References 
2. Natural Medicines, Berberine, May 2024 https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/databases/food,-herbs-supplements/professional.aspx?productid=1126#mechanismOfAction
3. In the News: Berberine. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Published June 2023. Accessed December 11, 2024. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/in-the-news-berberine