What is Berberine HCL? Berberine is an isoquinoline alkaloid extracted from a variety of plants, including barberry, tree turmeric, goldenseal, Amur cork trees, and the Oregon grape. The roots, stems, and bark are the richest sources of berberine. Berberine has a bitter taste, as is the case for most alkaloids. It is a vibrant yellow color, and dye makers use it to make the pigment Natural Yellow 18. Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese (TCM) cultures historically used berberine supplements in several homeopathic remedies. Berberine’s earliest uses were to support gastrointestinal health, heart health, and the immune system. Berberine hydrochloride (HCL) is the most popular form of berberine supplement available on the market. As a result, scientific studies often use the HCL variant. Potential Berberine Benefits Berberine for Heart Health A significant portion of scientific research on berberine focuses on its heart health-boosting properties. Berberine is able to protect heart tissue from oxidative injuries by regulating AMPK phosphorylation. Berberine also conveys protective effects following an acute injury to the heart. Berberine also acts as a vasorelaxant, meaning it may reduce vascular pressure. Berberine also interacts with cholesterol and triglycerides, which may improve heart health. One study found that berberine supplements reduced LDL cholesterol by 25% in participants with high plasma levels of cholesterol. Berberine also increases LDL receptor synthesis while also reducing its degradation. LDL receptors reduce cholesterol levels by pulling LDL cholesterol from the blood. Berberine has positive implications for triglyceride levels as well. The body stores triglycerides as fat to use for energy later. However, excess triglycerides increase the risk of several heart health complications. One study noted that participants taking berberine supplements for four weeks saw a 16% reduction in their triglyceride levels. Another study examined participants for 12 weeks and noted an even greater decrease in triglycerides of 23%. Berberine can help reduce blood sugar levels, too. It exerts this effect through a number of mechanisms. Berberine supplements decrease insulin resistance, boost the body’s ability to break down sugar, lower sugar synthesis in the liver, slow carbohydrate breakdown during digestion, and increase levels of good gut bacteria. Berberine for Weight Loss Berberine may help individuals trying to lose weight. One study found that berberine improves insulin sensitivity and inhibits fat storage in individuals with metabolic syndrome. After three months of study, the participants lowered their body mass index (BMI) from an average of 31.5 to 27.4. Individuals with a BMI over 30 are considered obese and at much higher risk of developing obesity-related health complications. Berberine may impede fat cell growth as well. Other Potential Berberine Benefits Research is ongoing into berberine’s many beneficial properties. Some other areas of interest are berberine’s ability to: Improve cognitive function and memory Boost mood Reduce inflammation Enhance the immune system Exert antioxidant activity Potential Berberine Side Effects The most common berberine side effects are gastrointestinal. Some individuals may experience upset stomach, gas, constipation, or diarrhea. Do not take berberine while on antibiotics, as the combination is toxic. Berberine may interact with diabetes medication. Consult with a physician before taking a new supplement. References https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2410097/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21046728 https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/2353 https://www.medchemexpress.com/berberine.html https://www.britannica.com/science/alkaloid https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23179953 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12910687 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15531889 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21204732 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17341006 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22739410 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11607041 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12812656/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17202835/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25861268
