There has been a lot of studies on the wonders of Berberine, an alkaloid which has been used for centuries in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine

Findings of these studies have shown definitive or likely benefits for a very wide range of serious health ailments

1. Diabetes

One of the most impressive studies were compared taking 500 milligrams of the compound two to three times daily for three months with taking the common diabetes drug metformin. Berberine was able to control blood sugar and lipid metabolism as effectively as metformin, with researchers described  as a “potent oral hypoglycemic agent.”

2. High Cholesterol

It has also been shown to decrease abnormally high concentrations of fats and lipids in the blood by promoting the excretion of cholesterol from the liver and inhibiting the intestinal absorption of cholesterol.

3. Obesity

The efficacy and safety of  treatment was determined by measurements of body weight, comprehensive metabolic panel, blood lipid and hormone levels, expression levels of inflammatory factors, complete blood count, and electrocardiograph. Overall, this study demonstrated that berberine is a potent lipid-lowering compound with a moderate weight loss effect.

4. Alzheimer’s disease

Studies have evaluated the therapeutic potential of berberine against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and trauma-induced neurodegeneration. One study found that there are multiple positive effects of berberine, some of which enhance neuroprotective factors/pathways and others that counteract neuro-degeneration.

5.Bacterial and Viral Infections

Patients who suffer from small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) symptoms have excessive bacteria in their small intestines. Present conventional treatment of SIBO is limited to oral antibiotics with inconsistent success.
This herb has demonstrated that that it is an effect against Bacteria, Fungi, and Viruses.

6. Heart Health

Part of the positive effect on heart health likely stems from the compound’s ability to help keep blood sugar levels and obesity in check, both of which can raise the risk of coronary heart disease. It also stimulates the release of nitric oxide (NO), a signaling molecule that relaxes the arteries, increases blood flow, lowers blood pressure and protects against arteriosclerosis.

The cardiovascular effects of taking this great product also suggest its possible clinical usefulness in the treatment of arrhythmias and heart failure.

7. Lung Health

It is a potent anti-inflammatory properties are also excellent for lung health and  have been shown to reduce the effect of cigarette smoke-induced acute lung inflammation.

About Berberine

Berberine has been a revered plant alkaloid in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for centuries.  The main active component of an ancient Chinese herb Coptis chinensis French, which has been used to naturally treat diabetes for centuries.  It has also been been used to treat bacterial gastroenteritis, diarrhea and other digestive diseases for more than 1,000 years.

Berberine: How to Use

This remedy can be found in supplement form online or in most health food stores. Be careful not to confuse berberine with piperine (black pepper extract), berberrubine (a metabolite) or berberol (a brand name mixture of tree turmeric and milk thistle).

Since it has a short half-life, you generally need to take this supplement three times a day to keep stable levels in your blood.

It should be taken with a meal, or shortly after, to take advantage of the blood glucose and lipid spike that comes with eating a meal.

Work with a natural health care practitioner to determine the dose of berberine that works best for you.

Possible Side Effects

Since it can lower blood sugar, diabetics who are controlling their blood sugar with insulin or other medications must use caution when using berberine to avoid dangerously low blood sugar levels. People with low blood pressure should also be careful when using berberine since it can naturally lower blood pressure. Pregnant and nursing women should not take berberine.

Overall, berberine has an outstanding safety profile.