What is Berberine?
Berberine, an alkaloid derived from plants like the Berberis genus, serves as a bioactive compound and dye due to its yellow colour. With a history spanning thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine, it effectively treats metabolic conditions such as:
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Heart issues by inducing changes in cellular function.
Uses of Berberine
- Berberine is found in various plants, including goldenseal, barberry, Oregon grape, and tree turmeric.
- Berberine supplements are utilized for treating diabetes, obesity, and inflammation.
- It effectively treats conditions such as high cholesterol, hyperlipidemia, high blood pressure, burns, canker sores, liver disease, and other chronic ailments.
- Berberine strengthens heartbeats, benefiting those with heart conditions.
- It helps to lower blood sugar levels, aiding people with diabetes.
- Additionally, it possesses antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Berberine Side Effects
Some of the common and major side effects of Berberine are:
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Gas
- Stomach Upset
- Headache
- Digestion problem
- Severe stomach cramp
- Flatulence
The common side effects don’t need medical attention and will disappear as your body adjusts to the dosage. But if you are facing any serious or rare side effects, then immediately seek medical attention.
Precautions while taking Berberine
- Before taking Berberine, consult your doctor if you have allergies to it or related medications. It may contain inactive ingredients that could trigger serious allergic reactions.
- Berberine carries a high risk of interfering with other drugs, potentially leading to severe reactions.
- High doses of Berberine may cause gastrointestinal upset.
- Berberine’s ability to lower blood sugar can increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
How to use Berberine?
Berberine, available in capsule form, typically ranges from 1,000 to 1,500 mg daily, with a suggested starting dose gradually increasing to 1,500 mg, divided into three 500 mg doses throughout the day. Studies indicate that 1,500 mg of berberine, administered in three 500 mg doses, is comparable in efficacy to 1,500 mg of metformin or 4 mg of glibenclamide in reducing biomarkers of type 2 diabetes, according to both human and animal research.
Dosage:
Missed dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it if you miss it. But if your next dose is almost here, skip the missing one and carry on according to your usual plan. Never take two doses to make up for a missing dose because doing so could raise the possibility of unfavourable side effects.
Overdose
An accidental overdose of berberine tablets can have harmful effects on your body’s functions and may lead to a medical emergency.
Warnings for Serious Health Conditions
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Pregnant women should avoid oral berberine, as it can pass into the placenta and harm the fetus, potentially causing kernicterus in newborns. It’s unsafe to take the medication while breastfeeding, as it can transfer to breast milk and harm the baby.
Diabetes
Berberine can lower blood sugar levels, posing a risk of hypoglycemia for diabeticindividuals using insulin or other medications. Caution is advised for those with diabetes.
High bilirubin levels in the blood
Berberine can slow the liver’s removal of bilirubin, potentially causing brain issues, especially in infants with elevated bilirubin levels.
Low blood pressure
The drug can lower blood pressure. When using the medication in patients with low blood pressure, try to use caution.
Storage
Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. Exposure to medicine may cause some harmful effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach. Mainly, the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
Berberine vs Metmorfin
| Berberine | Metmorfin |
|---|---|
| Berberine is a bioactive compound that can be derived from a variety of plants, including the Berberis genus of shrubs. It is classified as an alkaloid in the scientific community. | Metformin is an oral diabetes drug that helps to control blood sugar levels. The medication is used with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. |
| It is a compound in various plants that includes goldenseal, braberry, Oregon grape and tree turmeric. Berberine supplements are used for the treatment of diabetes, obesity and inflammation. | Metformin is used with an appropriate diet and exercise program and possibly with other medicines to control high blood sugar levels. It is used for type 2 diabetic patients. |
Some of the common and major side effects of Berberine are:
|
Most common side effects of Metformin are:
|
