Is berberine dangerous? We investigated.
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Leesduur: 5 min
Berberine is often touted for its health benefits, but are there any risks associated with its use?
While it generally appears safe, side effects such as stomach upset and interactions with certain medications may occur. Caution is advised, especially for pregnant women and people with certain health conditions.
Read on to find out what we found about the safety of berberine.
Berberine is a natural plant extract, usually safe, with possible stomach upset and interactions with certain medications.
Start with a low dose and increase slowly to minimize side effects and ensure safety.
Use extra caution if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medication, and if in doubt, always consult a doctor.
What is berberine and why should you take it?
Berberine is a natural substance found in plants of the Berberidaceae family, such as Berberis (barberry). It has a yellow color and has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, particularly in Asia.
Berberine is found in the roots, bark, and rhizomes of the plant. Its powerful effects are due to its chemical structure as an alkaloid, which influences various bodily processes.
The benefits of berberine
In recent years, researchers have delved deeper into the potential health benefits of berberine.
Here's what we know so far:
- It supports healthy cholesterol levels*
- It helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels*
- Berberine may support liver function and urinary tract health. *
- It may contribute to healthy stomach function *
- Berberine supports the skin's regenerative capacity *
Good to know : (*) Health claim pending approval by the European Commission.
Side effects of berberine
Although berberine is generally well tolerated, some side effects may occur. The most common are:
- Stomach and intestinal complaints - Such as diarrhea, constipation, flatulence and nausea. (1)
- Lower blood pressure - This can be beneficial for some people, but can be a problem for others (2) (3)
These symptoms are usually mild and often disappear over time as your body adjusts to the supplement.
Please note : It is essential to exercise caution, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as there is insufficient research on safety in these situations.
Reducing Side Effects of Berberine
To minimize the chance of side effects from berberine, I have some tips for you:
- Start with a low dose - Increase gradually to give your body time to adjust.
- Take berberine with a meal - This may help if you experience nausea or stomach pain.
- Consult a doctor if you are taking medication or have any health problems . Berberine can increase or decrease the effects of certain medications. I'll explain this later.
- Choose high-quality supplements - Make sure you choose supplements that have been tested for purity and contain a safe dosage. This can prevent side effects.
Berberine Dosage
When you decide to use berberine, it is important to know what dosage is most effective and what to look out for.
Effective dosages
- General Health - If you are taking berberine to support your overall health, a dose of 500 mg per day is often recommended.
- Specific Health Goals - If you are taking berberine for a specific health goal, doses between 1000 mg and 1500 mg per day, divided into two to three 500 mg capsules, are effective. (2)
Supplements
Most supplements offer berberine in 500 mg capsules . It's common to take two to three capsules daily, depending on your health goals.
Potentially dangerous
There is no clear upper limit established for berberine supplements, but in most studies it is considered safe in doses up to 2 grams per day . Higher doses may cause side effects. (3)
Although these side effects are often mild, they can be uncomfortable. Furthermore, long-term use of excessively high doses can also be taxing on the liver or kidneys, although this is not likely to occur in healthy people.
Note : Always start with a lower dose and consult a specialist before starting high doses of berberine, especially if you are taking other medications or have health problems.
Risks of berberine in combination with medications
However, it's important that if you're taking medication, you first discuss with your doctor whether taking berberine supplements is a good idea in your situation. Certain medications can become less or more effective as a result.
This mainly applies to these groups of medicines:
- Blood thinners - It may affect blood clotting, increasing the risk of bleeding.
- Medicines that lower blood sugar levels - Berberine can increase the effects of these medicines, which could lead to low blood sugar.
- Cholesterol-lowering drugs - Berberine may alter the effectiveness of statins (cholesterol-lowering drugs) by affecting their breakdown.
- Medications broken down by the CYP3A4 enzyme - Berberine can slow the action of the CYP3A4 enzyme, meaning medications broken down by this enzyme remain in your body longer. This can increase the concentration of medications such as cyclosporine (often used after organ transplants), increasing the risk of side effects.
Conclusion: Is berberine dangerous?
No, berberine is not dangerous when used properly.
Any side effects are mild, such as stomach upset, and often disappear on their own. Therefore, it's important to start with a low dose and increase it gradually.
Also be careful if you are taking medications or have health problems, as berberine can interact with some medications.
You should also be extra careful if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as there is not yet enough research into safety in these situations.
If in doubt, always consult a doctor before starting to use berberine.
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
- Li, Z., Wang, Y., Xu, Q., Ma, J., Li, X., Yan, J., Tian, Y., Wen, Y., & Chen, T. (2023). Berberine and health outcomes: An umbrella review. Phytotherapy Research, 37(5), 2051–2066. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.7806
- Lan, J., Zhao, Y., Dong, F., Yan, Z., Zheng, W., Fan, J., & Sun, G. (2014). Meta-analysis of the effect and safety of berberine in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, hyperlipemia and hypertension. Journal Of Ethnopharmacology, 161, 69–81. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2014.09.049
- Ye, Y., Liu, X., Wu, N., Han, Y., Wang, J., Yu, Y., & Chen, Q. (2021). Efficacy and Safety of Berberine Alone for Several Metabolic Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2021.653887
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