Berberine: What is it and what are its benefits?
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Leesduur: 6 min
Have you ever heard of berberine ? This natural plant extract has been an important part of traditional Chinese medicine for centuries.
Nowadays, it is increasingly seen in supplements and is gaining more attention because of its potential health benefits.
But what exactly is berberine, and why is it mentioned so often in the world of supplements? In this article, you'll discover everything about berberine, what it is, and what it can do for your health.
Berberine is a plant alkaloid that is good for cholesterol, blood sugar levels and liver function.
There are several forms of berberine (HCL, sulfate, liposomal), but Berberine HCL is the most researched and the most effective.
Capsules containing Rebersa® Berberine HCL (97% purity) are the most effective and consistent. This is also the best, patented form of berberine available worldwide.
Table of contents
What is berberine? The benefits of berberine 1. Berberine supports normal cholesterol levels* 2. It contributes to the maintenance of healthy blood sugar levels* 3. Berberine is good for the urinary tract and liver* 4. Berberine is good for normal stomach function* 5. Berberine supports the skin’s regenerative capacity* Natural sources of berberine What types of berberine are there (in supplements)? What is the best berberine? Berberine powder or capsules?
What is berberine?
Berberine is a natural substance found in various plants in the Berberidaceae family. One of the best known is the barberry shrub , also known as barberry in the Netherlands.
It has a yellow color and a bitter taste. The roots, bark, and rhizomes of the plant have been used in traditional medicine for centuries, especially in Asia.
What makes berberine particularly special is its chemical composition. It belongs to the group of alkaloids , substances that contain nitrogen. These compounds appear to influence various bodily processes, making berberine a popular subject for research.
The benefits of berberine
Research into the health benefits of berberine is still ongoing, but there are already promising results.
Below you can read the most well-known benefits of berberine so far:
1. Berberine supports normal cholesterol levels*
Berberine can help maintain healthy cholesterol levels. This is due to its influence on enzymes in the liver involved in processing fats and cholesterol.
Additionally, berberine may affect the way your body processes glucose, which can contribute to a healthier lipid profile, or the balance of fats in your blood, such as cholesterol and triglycerides (1).
2. It contributes to the maintenance of healthy blood sugar levels*
Research suggests that berberine may have a positive effect on glucose metabolism in the body. This may be especially relevant for people who want to control their blood sugar levels. (2) (3)
3. Berberine is good for the urinary tract and liver*
Studies show that berberine can help maintain normal liver function. It can help maintain healthy levels of certain liver enzymes, which is important for a well-functioning liver. (4)
In addition, berberine may play a supportive role in maintaining normal urinary tract function. It can support the body's natural defense mechanisms, which can help maintain a healthy urinary system. (5)
4. Berberine is good for normal stomach function*
Animal studies suggest that berberine may support normal stomach function, perhaps through its anti-inflammatory properties. However, this effect has not yet been fully proven in humans (6).
Further studies are needed to determine whether these effects also apply to humans.
5. Berberine supports the skin's regenerative capacity*
Berberine has antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties that may benefit skin health. (2)
However, more research is needed to confirm these potential benefits.
Good to know : (*) Health claim pending approval by the European Commission.
Natural sources of berberine
Berberine occurs naturally in several plants, but it is not commonly used as a food because of its bitter taste.
Instead, it is mainly used in traditional medicine in the form of infusions, powders, or topical applications to treat various health conditions.
Some well-known natural sources of berberine include (8):
- Barberry – Berberis vulgaris
- Oregon Grape (Grape Bush) – Mahonia aquifolium
- Indian barberry (Tree turmeric) – Berberis aristata
- Chinese gold thread – Coptis chinensis
- Canadian turmeric – Hydrastis canadensis
What types of berberine are there (in supplements)?
To use berberine in supplements, it is usually extracted from these plants and sometimes further processed to make it more absorbable by your body.
There are different forms of berberine supplements available: Berberine HCl, Berberine sulfate, and Liposomal berberine are the most common.
But which one is actually the best choice? Let's take a look!
- Berberine HCL - The most common form in supplements. The HCl form of berberine means it's combined with hydrochloric acid (HCl), which can aid in solubility and absorption. Plus, most research has been conducted with this form. A solid choice!
- Berberine Sulfate - A bit of an outsider. It's very similar to HCL, but less is known about it. Therefore, you won't encounter it very often.
- Liposomal berberine - Liposomal berberine is encapsulated in small fat globules, making it easily absorbed by the body. However, it is more expensive and less widely available.
What is the best berberine?
If you're looking for high-quality berberine, Rebersa® Berberine is the best choice. This patented extract is used in some of the best berberine supplements, such as Berberine Premium from Natuurlijk Presteren.
Rebersa® is known for its impressive purity of at least 97% and is sustainably sourced from the roots of the barberry (Berberis vulgaris). The extract was developed by Sabinsa, a company that has spent years researching the best methods for extracting and purifying berberine.
It is an excellent choice for those looking for reliable and powerful support for, for example, blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
Berberine powder or capsules?
You can take berberine as a powder or capsules, but I recommend capsules . They make it easier to maintain a consistent dosage.
This is because capsules contain a fixed amount of berberine, so you know exactly how much you're taking each time. This is especially useful for people who want to follow a strict routine and don't want to worry about measuring the dose.
Moreover, not everyone likes the taste of the powders. A capsule is often more pleasant because you don't taste the flavor.
Ebrina van der Bijl
Ebrina is a nutritionist with a deep commitment to healthy eating and a sustainable lifestyle, based in beautiful Portugal. Her passion for natural and organic products is at the heart of her work. With a background in Nutrition & Dietetics and experience in product development and writing, she translates complex scientific information into practical advice for a balanced lifestyle.
Sources used
- Ju, J., Li, J., Lin, Q., & Xu, H. (2018). Efficacy and safety of berberine for dyslipidaemias: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Phytomedicine, 50, 25–34. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2018.09.212
- Nazari, A., Ghotbabadi, Z. R., Kazemi, K. S., Metghalchi, Y., Tavakoli, R., Rahimabadi, R. Z., & Ghaheri, M. (2023). The Effect of Berberine Supplementation on Glycemic Control and Inflammatory Biomarkers in Metabolic Disorders: An Umbrella Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Clinical Therapeutics, 46(2), e64–e72. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clinthera.2023.10.019
- Xie, W., Su, F., Wang, G., Peng, Z., Xu, Y., Zhang, Y., Xu, N., Hou, K., Hu, Z., Chen, Y., & Chen, R. (2022). Glucose-lowering effect of berberine on type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2022.1015045
- Nie, Q., Li, M., Huang, C., Yuan, Y., Liang, Q., Ma, X., Qiu, T., & Li, J. (2024). The clinical efficacy and safety of berberine in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a meta-analysis and systematic review. Journal Of Translational Medicine, 22(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12967-024-05011-2
- Petronio, G. P., Cutuli, M. A., Magnifico, I., Venditti, N., Pietrangelo, L., Vergalito, F., Pane, A., Scapagnini, G., & Di Marco, R. (2020). In Vitro and In Vivo Biological Activity of Berberine Chloride against Uropathogenic E. coli Strains Using Galleria mellonella as a Host Model. Molecules, 25(21), 5010. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25215010
- Choo, B. K., & Roh, S. (2013). Berberine protects against esophageal mucosal damage in reflux esophagitis by suppressing proinflammatory cytokines. Experimental And Therapeutic Medicine, 6(3), 663–670. https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2013.1202
- Hu, Q., Peng, Z., Li, L., Zou, X., Xu, L., Gong, J., & Yi, P. (2020). The Efficacy of Berberine-Containing Quadruple Therapy on Helicobacter Pylori Eradication in China: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2019.01694
- Funk, RS, Singh, RK, Winefield, RD, Kandel, SE, Ruisinger, JF, Moriarty, PM, & Backes, JM (2017). Variability in Potency Among Commercial Preparations of Berberine. Journal Of Dietary Supplements, 15(3), 343–351. https://doi.org/10.1080/19390211.2017.1347227
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