Image: OnlyFoods.Net

Only a handful of plants contain this powerful chemical used widely in botannical and Chinese medicine. These include Goldenseal, Oregon Graperoot, Barberry and Chinese Coptis.  The active constituent is a bioactive compound extracted from one of the above plants.  Technically, it belongs to a class of chemicals called alkaloids.

This compound, berberine, has recently been studied with respect to several different health problems.  This occurs at a molecular level by activating an enzyme known as AMPK which regulates metabolism. 

According to the most recent research, berberine may significantly reduce blood sugar levels in people with type II diabetes.  In fact, its efficacy has been compared to metformin or Glucophage.  In a meta review of 14 different studies 

berberine was found to be as effective as oral diabetes drugs both at normalizing blood sugars and regulating HgA1C.

Berberine may assist weight loss. Again, in a handful of studies, berberine helped obese individuals lose weight and body fat as well as improve some health markers.

Regarding cardiac health, a review of studies 11 to be exact demonstrated that berberine lowers total cholesterol, LDL or bad cholesterol and triglycerides.

Berberine, is associated with anti infective, antibacterial properties against microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, fungi and even parasites.

Here's why I don't recommend it for the above uses at this time.

While it is touted as being safe, presumably since it has been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years please understand that Chinese Medicine which I am credentialled in NEVER uses individual herbs to treat maladies. That is a western phenomenon.  Herbs, in Chinese medicine are used in their natural state only in complex formulas in small amounts.  Coptis is used respectfully used in small amounts along with other herbs as a formula.  It is therefore ridiculous to compare these two applications and to assume safety as a result.

Please understand that when using an alkaloid or any isolated "active" ingredient you are truly taking an unregulated DRUG. A drug that no one really knows the long term effects of interactions with and many other things.

I have firsthand in clinical practice used berberine to treat intestinal dysbiosis for many years in short term protocols for many, many patients and I can tell you emphatically that if used alone it will damage your good bacteria.  Perhaps this is why many people suffer from gastric pain, spasms, diarrhea, constipation etc.

I do not believe this powerful bioactive should be used indiscriminately in this fashion. All hype aside, you do so at your own risk.

NEXT WEEK Join me for a lively forum on WHY You Won't Need That Root Canal After ALL.  Sign up! Or Like us on Facebook get our news.

Don't Forget to Visit Our Store For EXCELLENT Products, Prices and FREE Shipping on hundreds of TOP Natural Supplements.  ThankYOU!!!

Join our weekly health blog for FREE Natural Health tips!

Interested in saving a TON on awesome, professional products with FREE shipping and Volume discounts??? Then:

Visit our Natural Product Pharmacy for the best prices and FREE SHIPPING on hundreds of natural products from professional brands like: Metagenics, Douglas Laboratories, Pure Encapsulations, Integrative Therapeutics, Thorne Research, and Carlson Labs!

Taryn DeCicco, ND, LAc, LDN

Naturopath

Acupuncturist

Clinical Nutritionist

Dietitian

Professional Vitamins and Supplements

Chinese Herbs

Natural Skin Products

Arlington Heights, IL

www.apple-a-day-clinic.com

We specialize in Acne, Skin, and Digestive disorders!  Please contact us for a free consultation!  I do work long distance.  Thank you from the bottom of our cart!  We truly appreciate your product purchases, visits, and referrals!  They enable us to give people the help they need and continue our valuable work.

Share the HEALTH!

FREE Shipping and Save 10-20% on over 500 TOP Professional Products

Like US? Join us on FB!

We LOVE to Tweet! Join us on Twitter!

Visit our Natural Health Library for many GREAT Articles!

Don't Miss a thing! Subscribe now to get our new articles via email.

Send this article to a friend!