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Berberine

Roots, rhizomes, stems, and bark

Berberine is a compound found in plants like goldenseal, barberry, goldthread, tree turmeric, and Oregon grape. It has been used for centuries in holistic medicine. It is known to lower blood glucose, increase insulin sensitivity, lower lipids in the blood, protect against cardiovascular disease and cancer, regulate heart arrhythmias, and lower blood pressure.

Because of its ability to stabilize blood sugar, berberine is known as an effective weight loss remedy. Studies have shown significant loss of body fat when at least 1 gram of berbine is taken daily for at least 8 weeks.

Caution

Few side effects occur when taken as part of the plant. However, taking berberine as a supplement can have side effects. Always follow the instructions on the supplement bottle.

Resources

1) Xia, L., Luo, M., Xia, L., & Luo, M. (2015). Study progress of berberine for treating cardiovascular disease. Chronic Diseases and Translational Medicine, 1(4), 231–235. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cdtm.2015.11.006
2) Berberine benefits, supplement dosage and side effects - Dr. Axe. (2025, February 12). Dr. Axe. https://draxe.com/nutrition/berberine/
3) Yin, J., Xing, H., & Ye, J. (2008). Efficacy of berberine in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Metabolism, 57(5), 712–717. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.metabol.2008.01.013
4) Berry, J. (2025, April 14). Everything to know about berberine. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325798#benefits

Benefits

Improves skin conditions
Increases insulin sensitivity
Inhibits the growth of staphylococcus bacteria, which causes staph infections
Lowers blood glucose
Lowers cholesterol in the blood
Lowers blood pressure
Lowers body fat
Prevents blood clots
Protects against cancer
Protects agains heart failure
Reduces inflammation
Regulates heart rhythms
Supports digestive health
Treats infections

Herbal Actions

Antiarrhythmic (treat and prevent abnormal heart rhythms)
Antidiabetic (reduces blood sugar)
Anti-heart failure (prevent, manage, or treat heart failure)
Antihyperglycemic (lowers blood glucose)
Antihypertensive (lowers blood pressure)
Anti-hyperlipidemia (lowers elevated lipids in the blood)
Anti-Inflammatory (controls inflammation)
Anti-insulin resistance (improves body’s response to insulin)
Antimicrobial (kills microbes)
Anti-obesity (reduces body fat)
Antiplatelet (prevents blood clots)
Antitumorigenic (counteracts the formation of tumors)

MEDICAL DISCLAIMER

Cynthia A. Barrington is not a physician and the relationship between her and her clients is not as prescriber and patient but as educator and client. This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician. It is fully the client's choice whether or not to take advantage of the information Cynthia presents. Naturopathy, homeopathy, flower essences, and any other recommendations do not "treat" illnesses; they address the entire person as a matter of wholeness that is an educational process, not a medical one. In order to be treated or diagnosed, Cynthia believes the advice of a holistic physician is in order. Never stop taking prescription medications without first consulting your physician. Consult your physician before starting a fitness program or taking supplements.

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