Introduction
The prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is staggering, with a global rate that affects over 500 million adults. Common risk factors for type 2 diabetes include being overweight and obese, a sedentary lifestyle, family history, age, poor diet, and ethnicity. As obesity trends continue to rise, interventions from the medical community are expected to bring relief. Common medications that have been on the market for years, including Ozempic (semaglutide), WegovyÆ (semaglutide), and MounjaroÆ (tirzepatide), have made their name as effective treatments for T2DM and obesity. Recently, these drugs have soared in popularity for their use as weight loss agents. These drugs have become so popular that prescription fills increased by more than 400% between January 2021 and December 2023, despite their side effects, route of administration (via injection), and high costs. Interestingly, research is investigating a compound named berberine as a potential missing link in blood glucose management, which may be clinically relevant to those with T2DM.
Berberine
Data indicates that berberine may support pathways related to blood sugar and lipid metabolism in the human body. It may help promote normal insulin metabolism and a normal inflammatory response. Berberine (Berberis aristata) is a compound found in 450 to 500 various plant species. Berberine is an alkaloid (nitrogen-containing) found in plants such as goldenseal, Oregon grape, and barberry, and is traditionally used in botanical and Chinese medicine. Evidence indicates berberine may play a supportive role in the reduction of numerous markers of metabolic dysfunction, including fasting blood glucose (FBG), hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TGs), and fasting insulin.
The Effect of Berberine on Metabolic Profiles
A systematic review and meta-analysis conducted in 2021 investigated berberine’s metabolic effect on diabetes. The primary outcomes of the studies included changes in metabolic markers, such as HgA1C, fasting glucose, and two-hour postprandial plasma glucose (2hPG). Secondary outcomes were also considered and included fasting insulin, homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), body mass index (BMI), a lipid profile, and finally, the inflammation marker C-reactive protein (CRP). Pooled data from a total population of 4,158 adult participants (18 years or older) with T2DM or prediabetes reported that the participants given berberine in the range of 480 mg per day to three grams three times per day (total of nine grams) for a duration of between four weeks to six months exhibited a statistically significant decrease in HbA1C, FPG, and 2hPG (all P < 0.05).
The participants given berberine exhibited a decrease in fasting insulin by 2.05 (P < 0.05), HOMA-IR by 0.71 (P < 0.05), and BMI by 1.07 (P < 0.05). Pooled results of the data of adult participants with T2DM or prediabetes reported that the participants given berberine exhibited significantly lowered triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c; all P < 0.05). The T2DM participants given berberine also displayed statistically significant lowered CRP amounts by 2.13 (P < 0.05). The safety of berberine was also investigated in this systematic review and meta-analysis and was reported to be “generally safe.” It’s important to note that compared to placebo, the T2DM participants given berberine did not exhibit more adverse events (AEs). The main AEs reported were mainly of gastrointestinal origin, including diarrhea, abdominal distention, and constipation. Newer data support these findings.
In summary, berberine offers promising benefits to support overall metabolic health. This plant-derived compound supports blood sugar metabolism, healthy insulin function, and lipid profiles and may help support a healthy inflammatory response. As a result, berberine may provide effective adjuncts for those seeking to manage metabolic health holistically.
Learn more about nutrients, herbs, and metabolic health:
The Hidden Effects: Medications and Their Impact on Your GI Tract
4 Surprising Botanicals to Promote GLP-1 Production
New Review Investigates the Modulatory Properties of Vitamin D in Type 2 Diabetic Patients
By Bri Mesenbring, MS, CNS, LDN
Designs for Health has been dedicated to being the most trusted source for superior quality, science-based nutritional products for nearly three decades. We’re committed to maximizing successful health outcomes by providing healthcare practitioners with comprehensive support through our extensive product line, ongoing clinical education, and practice development programs. The blogs we publish here cover a range of topics, including new and original approaches to diet and healthcare, analyses of the latest cutting-edge research, deep-dives into specific nutrients, botanicals, nutraceuticals and more, all fully referenced for those who want to dig deeper into the primary literature.
