A supplement I take regularly is berberine. I take 500mg two times a day. Berberine benefits can contribute significantly to health and longevity.
Berberine is a compound found in several plants, including goldenseal, barberry, and Oregon grape. It has been studied extensively for its potential health benefits, and recent research suggests several advantages of taking berberine as a supplement:
- Blood Sugar Regulation: Berberine has shown promising effects in helping to regulate blood sugar levels. Studies indicate that it can improve insulin sensitivity, reduce insulin resistance, and lower fasting blood glucose levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes. [1]
- Weight Management: Research suggests that berberine may aid in weight management by influencing various metabolic pathways. It has been found to inhibit the growth of fat cells, increase fat burning, and improve lipid metabolism, leading to reductions in body weight and body mass index (BMI). [2]
- Cardiovascular Health: Berberine may benefit cardiovascular health by lowering cholesterol levels and improving lipid profiles. It can decrease total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels while increasing HDL cholesterol levels, which collectively contribute to a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases. [3]
- Anti-inflammatory Effects: Berberine exhibits anti-inflammatory properties that may help alleviate inflammation-related conditions. It can suppress the production of pro-inflammatory molecules and inhibit inflammatory signaling pathways, potentially offering relief for inflammatory disorders such as arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. [4]
- Antimicrobial Activity: Berberine possesses antimicrobial properties, demonstrating effectiveness against a wide range of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It has been investigated for its potential use in combating various infectious diseases, including bacterial infections, viral infections like influenza, and parasitic infections such as malaria. [5]
- Neuroprotective Effects: Emerging research suggests that berberine may have neuroprotective properties, offering potential benefits for cognitive function and neurological disorders. It has been shown to protect against neurodegeneration, reduce brain inflammation, and enhance neuronal survival and plasticity, indicating its potential in conditions like Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. [6]
Berberine benefits suggest supplementation is an intriguing option for promoting overall health and wellness. However, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions or are taking medications.
References:
- Yin, J., Xing, H., & Ye, J. (2008). Efficacy of berberine in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Metabolism, 57(5), 712–717.
- Zhang, H., Wei, J., Xue, R., Wu, J. D., Zhao, W., Wang, Z. Z., ... & Wang, S. K. (2008). Berberine lowers blood glucose in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients through increasing insulin receptor expression. Metabolism, 59(2), 285–292.
- Dong, H., Zhao, Y., Zhao, L., Lu, F., & The, L. (2012). Corrigendum to "Berberine in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systemic review and meta-analysis". Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2012, 591654.
- Li, X., Wang, Q., Zhang, X., & Zhang, H. (2019). Efficacy and safety of berberine for dyslipidaemias: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Phytomedicine, 62, 152956.
- Kumar, A., Ekavali, Chopra, K., Mukherjee, M., Pottabathini, R., & Dhull, D. K. (2015). Current knowledge and pharmacological profile of berberine: An update. European Journal of Pharmacology, 761, 288–297.
- Zhu, F., Qian, C. (2016). Berberine chloride can ameliorate the spatial memory impairment and increase the expression of interleukin-1beta and inducible nitric oxide synthase in the rat model of Alzheimer's disease. BMC Neuroscience, 17(1), 1–7.
