Many potential health benefits have been associated with berberine. It has been demonstrated that Berberine dietary supplements reduces blood sugar, increases weight loss, and improve heart health. As well as having other benefits, it may also improve the liver’s health and treat conditions such as depression and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Several plants produce berberine, including a group of shrubs called Berberis. Berberine dietary supplements are bioactive compound that can be extracted from various plants. A yellow substance, it is often used as a dye. It belongs to a class of compounds called alkaloids. The herb has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat various illnesses. In recent years, modern science has confirmed its impressive benefits for various diseases.
What is its purpose?
Hundreds of studies have now been conducted on berberine. In some animal studies, berberine activates AMPK, an enzyme that plays a role in cell signaling. The enzyme is found in all cells in the body and is important for regulating metabolism and energy levels. It can even affect the activation of genes within cells, which may help mitigate many chronic diseases. Berberine also affects various other molecules inside cells.
Lowers blood sugar – Many studies support the use of berberine in reducing blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Berberine works via several mechanisms and may help:
- Reducing insulin resistance makes insulin more effective at lowering blood sugar
- By increasing glycolysis, the body can digest sugars inside cells more efficiently
- Liver sugar production is decreased
- Ensure that carbohydrates are broken down slowly in the gut
- Enhance gut flora with beneficial bacteria
One gram of berberine daily reduced fasting blood sugar by 20% in 116 people with diabetes in a 2008 study. Moreover, it improved blood lipids, such as cholesterol and triglycerides, and reduced hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), a measure of long-term blood sugar control, by 12%. Based on an older review of 14 studies, it is possible that berberine can be as effective as some oral diabetes drugs like metformin, glipizide, and rosiglitazone for treating diabetes. Lifestyle modifications and other blood sugar-lowering medications have additive effects when combined with this drug.
Concluded remarks
The compound Berberine has been shown to have several health benefits, such as lowering blood sugar levels, accelerating weight loss, and improving cardiac health. There are several berberine supplements available online if you are interested. If you wish to add it to your daily routine, it is recommended that you consult a healthcare professional.
