Found in various plants, berberine has been used in traditional medicine for centuries.
What are the benefits of berberine?
Berberine has been shown to support healthy blood sugar and healthy weight management, and to promote healthy cholesterol.* In trials of berberine, not of our product: one reported a 35% drop in fasting blood glucose (Yin, 2008), meta-analyses show LDL reductions with HDL maintained (Koppen, 2017), and a 12-week trial observed 2.3kg weight loss (Hu, 2012).
Does berberine lower blood sugar?
Numerous studies have shown that berberine can improve insulin sensitivity (Yin, 2008) and reduce blood glucose levels (Zhang, 2008; Yin, 2008), and its effect on blood sugar and metabolic health is among its best established. In a randomised controlled trial, berberine was as effective as metformin, a commonly prescribed diabetes medicine, at lowering fasting blood sugar (Yin, 2008).
A meta-analysis concluded that berberine showed antidiabetic effects and could be a promising therapeutic option for managing type 2 diabetes (Dong, 2012).
Does berberine lower cholesterol?
Berberine has been shown to lower total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL cholesterol (Kong, 2004; Derosa, 2013). These findings suggest it may support cardiovascular health by addressing several risk factors.
Does berberine help with weight loss?
Berberine has shown promise for weight management, and several studies of its effect on body weight and fat loss have reported encouraging results. In one, participants with metabolic syndrome who took berberine had a significant reduction in body weight, BMI and waist circumference.
By stimulating AMPK, berberine may also enhance fat oxidation and inhibit fat storage.
How does berberine work?
Berberine works by activating AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase), and it influences other cellular pathways involved in energy balance and metabolism. AMPK is a key enzyme that regulates cellular energy metabolism (Hardie, 2011).
What else is berberine good for?
Berberine is also of growing scientific interest for inflammation, gut health, the heart and blood vessels, the liver and the brain, although much of this research is early or in animals.
Inflammation
Berberine has shown anti-inflammatory properties in animal studies (Ivanovska, 1996). Research reports that it can reduce inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), and that it acts on the NF-κB signalling pathway.
Gut health
The gut microbiota plays an important part in digestion, metabolism and immune function. Berberine has been shown to change its make-up: it encourages beneficial bacteria and inhibits harmful microbes.
In rats fed a high-fat diet, berberine reshaped the gut microbiota in ways linked to improved metabolic health and reduced obesity (Zhang, 2015). It has also shown antibacterial, antifungal and antiparasitic effects, and is a promising candidate for addressing gastrointestinal infections.
Heart and blood vessels
Research has found that berberine can improve endothelial function, which is key to healthy blood vessels, by increasing nitric oxide production. Endothelial dysfunction often comes before cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and hypertension.
In animal studies, berberine has been shown to help slow the progression of atherosclerosis (plaque building up in the arteries) by reducing inflammation, oxidative stress and lipid accumulation in the artery walls. Its cardiovascular effects may go beyond lowering blood fats.
Liver
The liver plays a central role in detoxification and metabolism. Studies report that berberine has protective effects on the liver and can ease liver injury by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.
It may also increase the activity of phase II detoxification enzymes, which help the body eliminate toxins.
Brain
Early research suggests berberine may protect the brain by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. In animal studies, its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in the brain protected against neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease.
It may also affect neurotransmitter levels and signalling pathways involved in mood and cognitive function, though more research is needed to understand its effects on cognitive health in humans.
What are the side effects of berberine?
Berberine can cause mild digestive changes in the first week as the gut adjusts, most commonly a shift in bowel pattern. Taking it with food reduces this significantly.
With HLTH Code Berberine, if it persists, drop to one capsule daily for a week and build up from there.
Talk to a healthcare professional before adding berberine to any treatment regimen, particularly if you have an existing medical condition or take medication.
Can I take berberine with medication?
Berberine can interact with certain medications, particularly those affecting blood sugar, blood pressure, or processed by the liver. It may also interact with drugs metabolised by the CYP450 enzyme system, so approach it with caution alongside medication.
If you're on any prescription medication, check with your healthcare provider before starting.
How much berberine should I take a day?
For HLTH Code Berberine, take two capsules once a day, with a meal: one two-capsule serving holds 800mg of berberine HCl. Berberine is best absorbed alongside food, and taking both capsules with your largest meal of the day is the simplest pattern that works.
Consistency matters more than the timing. Each bottle holds 60 capsules, a 30-day supply.
Is berberine just turmeric?
No. Berberine is a compound found in various plants, and the berberine HCl in HLTH Code Berberine comes from Berberis aristata (Indian barberry). Turmeric is a separate ingredient.
Each two-capsule serving holds 800mg of berberine HCl, roughly 60% more than the industry standard 500mg dose, with 250mg of broccoli seed extract and 200mg of turmeric root powder. The other ingredients are microcrystalline cellulose, stearic acid, silicon dioxide and magnesium stearate.
The full label is on the HLTH Code Berberine page.
Where can I buy berberine in Australia?
Online, from this store. We sell direct and don't supply chemists or other stockists.
Orders ship from our Melbourne warehouse, free within Australia on orders of A$50 and up, or A$10 for Express (1 to 4 business days). We also ship to New Zealand, with shipping charged at checkout.
Frequently asked questions
What does berberine do?
A plant compound studied for its role in metabolic health: blood sugar, lipid balance and body composition. It works by activating AMPK, a signalling pathway often called the body's metabolic master switch.
HLTH Code Berberine carries 800mg of berberine HCl from Berberis aristata per two-capsule serving, to support blood sugar and metabolism.*
Does berberine help with weight, blood sugar or cholesterol?
Berberine has been shown to support healthy blood sugar and healthy weight management, and to promote healthy cholesterol.* In trials of berberine, not of our product: one reported a 35% drop in fasting blood glucose (Yin, 2008), meta-analyses show LDL reductions with HDL maintained (Koppen, 2017), and a 12-week trial observed 2.3kg weight loss (Hu, 2012).
How does berberine work?
Berberine works by activating AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase), a key enzyme that regulates cellular energy metabolism.
What are the side effects of berberine?
Berberine can cause mild digestive changes in the first week as the gut adjusts, most commonly a shift in bowel pattern. Taking it with food reduces this significantly.
Talk to a healthcare professional before you start, particularly if you have an existing medical condition or take medication.
Is it safe to take berberine long-term?
Berberine has been used in traditional medicine for centuries and studied in clinical trials over three- to six-month periods. HLTH Code Berberine is designed to be taken daily: the benefits compound with consistency.
If you have specific health conditions, consult your healthcare provider about ongoing use.
Can I take berberine with medication?
Berberine can interact with certain medications, particularly those affecting blood sugar, blood pressure, or processed by the liver. If you're on any prescription medication, check with your healthcare provider before starting.
How much berberine should I take a day?
For HLTH Code Berberine, take two capsules once a day, with a meal: one two-capsule serving holds 800mg of berberine HCl. Each bottle holds 60 capsules, a 30-day supply.
Is berberine just turmeric?
No. Berberine is a compound found in various plants, and the berberine HCl in HLTH Code Berberine comes from Berberis aristata (Indian barberry). Turmeric root powder is a separate ingredient in the capsule.
Where can I buy berberine in Australia?
Online, from this store. We sell direct and don't supply chemists or other stockists.
Orders ship from our Melbourne warehouse, free within Australia on orders of A$50 and up, or A$10 for Express (1 to 4 business days). We also ship to New Zealand, with shipping charged at checkout.
Sources
- Derosa, G., D'Angelo, A., Bonaventura, A., Bianchi, L., Romano, D., & Maffioli, P. (2013). Effects of berberine on lipid profile in subjects with low cardiovascular risk. Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy, 13(4), 475-482.
- Dong, H., Wang, N., Zhao, L., & Lu, F. (2012). Berberine in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systemic review and meta-analysis. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2012, 591654.
- Hardie, D. G. (2011). AMP-activated protein kinase: a cellular energy sensor with a key role in metabolic disorders and in cancer. Biochemical Society Transactions, 39(1), 1-13.
- Hu Y, Ehli EA, Kittelsrud J, et al. Lipid-lowering effect of berberine in human subjects and rats. Phytomedicine. 2012;19(10):861-867.
- Ivanovska, N., & Philipov, S. (1996). Study on the anti-inflammatory action of Berberis vulgaris root extract, alkaloid fractions and pure alkaloids. International Journal of Immunopharmacology, 18(10), 553-561.
- Kong, W., Wei, J., Abidi, P., Lin, M., Inaba, S., Li, C., … & Jiang, J. D. (2004). Berberine is a novel cholesterol-lowering drug working through a unique mechanism distinct from statins. Nature Medicine, 10(12), 1344-1351.
- Koppen LM, Whitaker A, Rosene A, Beckett RD. Efficacy of berberine alone and in combination for the treatment of hyperlipidemia: a systematic review. Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine. 2017;22(4):956-968.
- Yin J, Xing H, Ye J. Efficacy of berberine in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Metabolism. 2008;57(5):712-717.
- Zhang, X., Zhao, Y., Xu, J., Xue, Z., Zhang, M., Pang, X., … & Zhao, L. (2015). Modulation of gut microbiota by berberine and metformin during the treatment of high-fat diet-induced obesity in rats. Scientific Reports, 5, 14405.
- Zhang, Y., Li, X., Zou, D., Liu, W., Yang, J., Zhu, N., … & Ning, G. (2008). Treatment of type 2 diabetes and dyslipidemia with the natural plant alkaloid berberine. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 93(7), 2559-2565.
- Ingredients, amounts, directions and cautions: the HLTH Code Berberine page.
*These statements have not been evaluated by a medicines regulator. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.
