Berberine is one of our most popular products here at Carl’s Drug Store. So, what’s all the hype about? Berberine is a natural compound found in a variety of plant species that has been shown in numerous clinical studies to provide several different health benefits! The benefits of berberine reach far and wide, helping to treat a variety of health conditions, and can be a great alternative for those who prefer not to go on prescription medications that may have negative side effects. While there’s no such thing as a magical solution, berberine can be effective for certain patients when used the correct way. Here are four benefits of berberine:
1. Supports Healthy Blood Pressure: Berberine can be a great option for patients with hypertension, or high blood pressure. Several studies have shown berberine to be effective in lowering blood pressure when used in conjunction with lifestyle changes more so than lifestyle changes alone.
2. Lowers Blood Sugar Levels: Berberine has been proven to significantly reduce blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. It works by decreasing insulin resistance, increasing glycolysis to help your cells break down sugar, decreasing the amount of sugar produced by the liver, slowing the breakdown of carbohydrates in the gut and increasing the beneficial bacteria present in the gut. Berberine has been shown to be as effective as metformin, a popular medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. Metformin can cause a depletion of nutrients including B12, D3, folate, magnesium, B1 and the microbiome, making berberine a solid alternative.
3. Lowers Cholesterol & Supports Heart Health: In numerous studies, berberine has been shown to help reduce total cholesterol, decrease LDL (or bad) cholesterol, decrease blood triglycerides, and increase HDL (or good) cholesterol. By working to reduce cholesterol levels, berberine can help to reduce your risk of heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in the world.
4. Could Help You Lose Weight: In addition to these benefits of berberine, this 2,500-year-old natural supplement could help you lose weight. Berberine activates AMPK, a pathway that upregulates metabolism, or the process of converting food into energy. It removes sugar from the blood and transports it to the cells, where it is then used for energy. A review of 12 different studies found that berberine led to significant improvements in body weight, body mass index, and belly fat! Berberine products can be used as an alternative to expensive weight loss drugs like Ozempic.
These impressive benefits of berberine are why this natural supplement has become increasingly popular! If one of your goals for 2025 is to improve your health and/or lose weight, you may want to consider this supplement as part of your plan. Our favorite is Healthy Living Solutions Berberine 500mg.
If you think berberine could be an alternative that is beneficial for you, stop in and talk to one of our supplement specialists today!
*These statements are culmination of the knowledge and experience of the team at Norland Pharmacy. The information provided here is for informational purposes only. Please consult your healthcare provider with questions concerning any medical condition or treatment. Compounded medications are not reviewed by the FDA for safety or efficacy. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, and this product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.