Berberine for well-being - Past to present

Ever wondered how ancient people controlled their blood glucose or got rid of inflammation? They used Berberine.

Berberine is a biologically active compound found in a few plants. India, China, North America, and the Middle East regions have these trees.

Berberine is a herbal supplement and has anti-inflammation and anti-microbial properties. It also produces chemicals to fight against pathogens.

Recently, berberine has become well-known as it can maintain weight, blood glucose, and cardiovascular health. It gained the title ‘natural Ozempic’ as it has fitness support qualities.

Berberine naturally shares properties with prescribed medications for several diseases.

Want to know - Berberine?

Berberine is naturally extracted from plants. It tastes bitter and has a bright yellow shade. It is found in high concentrations in the barks, stems, roots, and rhizomes ( like ginger and turmeric) of:

• Barberry

• Indian barberry

• Oregon grape

• Goldenseal

• Tree turmeric

• Chinese goldthread

• Amur cork tree or Phellodendron

• Japanese barberry

Berberine was first extracted in North America among a buttercup family of herbs called Goldenseal in 1917.

Ayurveda and Chinese are traditional healing systems that are deeply rooted for over 3000 years. The same goes for berberine. In both medicinal systems, berberine was used to lower cholesterol, blood pressure, and diabetes levels.

Berberine’s mechanism

Berberine is an alkaloid (nitrogen compounds of plant origin). It has a mechanism that:

• Stimulates activated protein kinase (AMPK)

• Lowers blood glucose levels

• Suppresses mitochondrial functions.

• Stimulates glucose metabolism

• Inhibits complex carbohydrate-digesting enzymes

Berberine health benefits

Berberine manages metabolic health and lowers obesity-associated disorders. It has several advantages, which include:

[table]

Specific health advantages of Berberine

Berberine works well in reducing inflammation. A few additional benefits are:

Mental health

Berberine improves mental health in several ways, like:

• Treats mood disorders

• Modulates neurotransmitters (signaling system in the brain)

• Improves nerve receptor systems

• Creates a neuroprotective layer

• Prevents neuron damage

Canker sores

Canker sores are painful oral ulcers caused by hormone changes, nutrient deficiencies, and food reactions. Berberine relieves these sores by:

• Reducing pain

• Preventing redness or swelling

• Preventing boils

Syndrome X

Syndrome X has a bunch of diseases. It includes:

• Abdominal obesity

• High blood pressure

• High blood sugar

• High blood lipid levels

• High-density lipoprotein (carries fats through your blood)

Berberine helps to manage all five above symptoms. Thus, it prevents metabolic syndrome.

Inflammation

Berberine helps to reduce inflammation by:

• Calming immune responses

• Blocking selling signals

• Maintaining cell balance

• Acting as a natural trigger against inflammation

Weight management

Berberine regulates weight by:

• Activating activated protein kinase

• Lowering blood glucose levels

• Reducing cholesterol

Gut health

Berberine can foster gut health in multiple steps, which include:

• Boosts gut microorganisms like Lactobacillus

• Strengthens intestine

• Reduces gut inflammation

• Maintains digestive enzymes

Is berberine a natural alternative to Metformin?

Berberine is paired with Metformin to cut down blood sugar and raise the insulin response of the body. However, Metformin is FDA-approved, while Berberine is a herbal addition.

Medicinal studies exhibit that berberine can reduce diabetes and cut fats in the blood.

Doctor’s perspective on Berberine

Doctors caution against taking berberine. Healthcare professionals do not recommend berberine to children, pregnant women, or breastfeeding women. Prolonged use may cause:

• Vomiting

• Digestive issues

• Constipation

• Diarrhea

• Bloating

• Liver disorders

Experts suggest taking berberine supplements half an hour before breakfast or lunch. The recommended berberine dose, depending on physical activities and age, is given in the table below:

[table]

One should consult their physician before introducing berberine into their daily routines. Additionally, the quality of berberine supplements differs.

Berberine supplements

The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians says that berberine supplements are available in shops as powder or capsules. Most people take a 500mg capsule, dividing the medication into three separate doses daily.

Berberine supplements are offered by:

• HealthyHey

• Sushrut Ayurved

• Pure Nutrition

• Aurelle

• Origins Nutra

Advancements on Berberine

Multiple trials on berberine are in process to explore the potential of a natural supplement.

MRSA

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an Asian public health concern. The bacteria turned resistant to numerous antibiotics. Hence, scientis are doing research with berberine to explore its qualities to reduce its infections.

Cognition

Current research shows that berberine can improve mental health, which includes:

• Prevent dementia

• Enhance mental skills

• Fight against brain damage

• Improve cognitive function

• Protect brain cell walls

Longevity

Berberine has prospects for extending lifespan. It works on:

• Prevents cellular degeneration

• Improves cell functions

• Enhances brain cells

• Protects brain nerves

Berberine in pharmaceuticals

Berberine can interact with DNA, improve signals among body cells, and maintain cell health. Thus, it is widely used in pharmaceuticals. It is available as:

• Antilipemic drug - reduces fat

• Hypoglycemic agent - lowers blood sugar

• Antioxidant - protects against cell degeneration

• Potassium blocker - resists potassium in the blood from entering the cells

• Antineoplastic factor - inhibits cancerous tumors

Berberine as a drink

Berberine can be consumed as tea once daily, depending on health goals.

• Boil the dried roots of Goldenseal in water.

• Add lemon and honey to balance its bitter taste.

It was a traditional remedy to eliminate intestinal bacteria, but the supplements have stronger effects.

What do you hope to achieve with berberine?

Berberine continues to be a popular natural alternative to several medications. Its low availability is a big challenge for the pharmaceutical industry. You may use supplements under expert supervision. Berberine adds value to your daily wellness routines in all ways. Have you ever tried berberine and did you notice any changes in your health?