Berberine has become an overnight sensation on social media as a purported GLP-1 alternative and weight-loss supplement.
Yet, very few people understand what Berberine is (hint, it’s not an herb!), its historical use, benefits, or whether it really works for weight loss.
At Gaia Herbs, we’ve been making Berberine-containing supplements and promoting its many benefits for decades, but not for weight loss.
If you’re Berberine-curious, read on to learn about the rise of Berberine, including what it is, its benefits, how it works, and why it’s considered by some to be an effective weight-loss supplement.
What is Berberine? A Brief History + Traditional Uses
Most people think Berberine is an herb, which is not entirely true.
Berberine is actually a plant compound found in the barks, leaves, twigs, rhizomes, roots, and/or stems of hundreds of plants in the Berberidaceae family, including: 1,2
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Barberry
So, if you see a supplement marketed as “Berberine” or “Berberine HCL (hydrochloride)”, it is an extract isolate from one or several Berberine-containing herbs and plants.
Supplements like Goldenseal and Oregon Grape extracts may also include the term “Berberine” on their labels, since it is their primary active plant compound.
Although Berberine isolates are a modern invention, whole Berberine-containing herbs have been used for centuries throughout traditional herbalism practices, such as Ayurveda (the traditional medicine of India), Traditional Chinese Medicine, and various indigenous traditions, such as Native American Traditional Medicine.
The intense yellow color of Berberine-containing plants also made them popular as natural dyes.
Interestingly, Berberine-containing herbs were not traditionally used for weight-loss, but rather to support: 3
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Eye health
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Gut health
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Immune function
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Normal inflammatory response
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Skin health
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Respiratory function
Today, Berberine is one of the more extensively researched plant compounds, with exciting studies emerging explaining how it works and its many benefits.
However, although Berberine appears to benefit metabolic function, its effects on weight loss and appetite are not well-established.
So, Why Has Berberine Become So Popular For Weight Loss?
The rise of GLP-1 drugs, like Ozempic and Wegovy, has taken the weight loss and metabolic health world by storm.
Even integrative functional medicine doctors are recommending them, either in full doses or microdoses, to help with weight loss, blood sugar balance, and overall metabolic health.
However, other integrative health experts and health-conscious individuals are skeptical and interested in alternatives.
Hence, the rise of Berberine, which limited research suggests, may do some of the same things as GLP-1s, such as act on the body’s master metabolic switch, known as AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which influences things like blood sugar balance and fat storage. 4
There is also limited evidence that Berberine may support GLP-1 production in the intestines through bitter taste receptor pathways, but this does not suggest it works in the same way as GLP-1 drugs. 5,6,7
Ultimately, there is not enough high-quality research to suggest Berberine is a GLP-1 alternative.
This isn’t surprising given that herbs and even herbal isolate extracts are not designed by nature to perform like drugs.
That said, Berberine may help support other aspects of metabolic health, which may support healthy body composition in the long run, when combined with other lifestyle changes and therapies.
It’s also important to recognize that influencers who promote the use of Berberines for weight loss are likely doing many other things to lose weight, like exercising, tracking macros, cutting calories, reducing sugar consumption, cutting alcohol, and more.
Ultimately, there is not enough evidence to support Berberine use as a GLP-1 drug alternative (sorry, but it’s true).
Benefits Of Berberine, Beyond Weight Loss
Beyond weight loss, Berberine has many studied health benefits, and is definitely worth learning about to support overall metabolic function, immunity, and other aspects of well-being.
Here are some of its most-studied benefits.
1: Berberine May Provide Multifaceted Immune Support
Before the weight-loss trend took hold, Berberine supplements were best known for their immune function benefits, including supporting:
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Normal immune system regulation (aka: immune modulation) 8, 9
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Normal inflammatory response 10,11
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Gut microbiome function and diversity 12
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Normal respiratory function 13
Regarding its mechanism, research points to Berberine’s potent antioxidant properties, which may help promote normal immune-related inflammatory responses, but more research is needed.
2: Berberine May Provide Benefits For Metabolic Function
Berberine’s studied effects on metabolic function are part of what set off its reputation as a potential weight-loss aid.
Although its benefits for weight-loss are not well-established, several studies suggest Berberine and Berberine-containing herbs may support other aspects of metabolic function, via their effects on the body’s master metabolic switch, known as AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which influences blood sugar balance, lipid levels, fat storage, liver function, and cardiovascular function. 14,15,16,17
To be clear, Berberine will not have the same effects on blood sugar or weight loss as GLP-1s and should not be considered a substitute. However, research does suggest a potential benefit.
Talk to your healthcare practitioner for individual recommendations.
We’ll discuss more about Berberine’s effects on cardiovascular function in the next section.
3. Berberine May Support Cardiovascular Function
Although most people associate metabolism with the digestive system, the cardiovascular system also plays a pivotal role in metabolic function.
We also now know that the cardiovascular system and the body’s inflammatory response system are intricately linked. 18
This is why cardiologists and other cardiovascular health experts recommend supporting a healthy inflammatory response through healthy eating, increasing antioxidants, reducing stress, optimal hydration, supporting immune function, and other lifestyle factors.
Regarding Berberine, several studies suggest its antioxidant and liver-supportive properties may support various aspects of cardiovascular function, including: 19,20
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Normal blood pressure
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Normal cholesterol
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Normal endothelial (blood vessel lining) inflammatory response
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Normal metabolic function
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Normal vascular health
Although these studies are encouraging, more research is needed to understand how Berberine may support cardiovascular function.
4: Berberine May Promote Normal Liver Function
In traditional herbalism, bright yellow, bitter, and astringent herbs and plants, like Berberine and Dandelion, are associated with the liver because of their resemblance to bile and ability to stimulate gastric secretions. 21,22
An impressive body of research also supports Berberine’s potential benefits as a liver supportive and effective herb for:
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Bile synthesis
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Inflammatory response
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Lipid metabolism
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Oxidation resistance
Although more research is needed to understand how Berberine acts on the liver, studies suggest its antioxidant properties may provide protective benefits for liver cells and normal liver inflammatory response, while its potential effects on supporting normal activation of the body’s metabolic master switch, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), in liver cells may provide additional benefits for cholesterol, blood sugar balance, and fat storage. 23
5: Berberine May Support Cognitive Function & Emotional Well-Being
Emerging research suggests Berberine’s active plant compounds, like alkaloids and antioxidants, may have various positive effects on cognitive function and emotional well-being, including neuroprotective and central nervous system benefits.
Other preliminary studies also suggest Berberine and Berberine-containing herbs may help support normal mood and emotional well-being.
These actions on cognitive function and emotions are complex, but may be related to Berberine’s effects on:
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Supporting normal neurotransmitter function
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Normal inflammatory response
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Promoting normal nitric oxide production
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Supporting multiple facets of normal metabolic function
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Promoting normal central nervous system and neurotransmitter function’
All of which can affect cognitive function and emotional well-being.
Ultimately, more research is needed, but preliminary studies are encouraging and have begun to validate the use of Berberine-containing herbs for cognitive function.
Are Berberine Supplements Safe For Everyone?
Berberine is generally safe to take in normal doses for healthy people.
However, due to its effects on liver function and blood sugar, it may be contraindicated with certain medications or conditions.
See What is Berberine? Its Benefits, Side Effects, & Contraindications for more details, and always check with your doctor before starting a Berberine supplement.
A couple of other caveats:
- As mentioned previously, many traditional herbalists and integrative practitioners only recommend short-term use of Berberine and Berberine-containing herbs due to their potent effects on immune function. This has not been corroborated with scientific studies, but is worth noting.
- Excitement over Berberine’s potential for weight loss has led many people and experts to take and recommend very high doses for long-term use. There is not enough evidence to suggest this is safe, and even natural substances can cause harm at high doses. Check with your doctor for individual recommendations and consider only taking normal doses of Berberine, such as what’s listed on a reputable supplement label.
The Importance Of Ethically-Sourced Berberine + How To Find A Quality Supplement
The rise of Berberine’s popularity has placed greater demand on suppliers for Berberine-containing herbs.
Unfortunately, some of these herbs, particularly wild-crafted Goldenseal, have been over-harvested and are endangered in their native habitats.
Reputable companies only source herbs from suppliers who use sustainable harvesting and/or cultivation practices to protect the plants.
Unfortunately, sourcing practices aren’t always evident from a supplement label, and some growers and suppliers use unethical or illegal harvesting practices or try to sell other herbs masquerading as Goldenseal.
The best way to ensure your Berberine supplement is ethically sourced is to buy from companies that employ third-party testing for plant identification, provide transparency about ingredient sourcing, and manufacture products in a cGMP facility to ensure safety, quality, and consistency in manufacturing, testing, and procurement of raw materials.
Learn more in: A Consumer’s Guide to Adulterated, Fake Herbs + How to Avoid Them.
So, if this deep dive sparked your curiosity, stay close to our Gaia Herbs community by signing up for our mailing list. You’ll be the first to see what we’re growing next. We may be cultivating exactly what you’re looking for.
1 - “Berberine: Botanical Occurrence, Traditional Uses, Extraction Methods, and Relevance in Cardiovascular, Metabolic, Hepatic, and Renal Disorders”. Frontiers in Pharmacology.
2 - “Berberine: new perspectives for old remedies”. Biochemical Pharmacology.
3 - “Berberine: Botanical Occurrence, Traditional Uses, Extraction Methods, and Relevance in Cardiovascular, Metabolic, Hepatic, and Renal Disorders”. Frontiers in Pharmacology.
4 - "Berberine activates AMP-activated protein kinase in cultured hepatocytes and in vivo." Journal of Biological Chemistry.
5 - “Berberine Metabolites Stimulate GLP-1 Secretion by Alleviating Oxidative Stress and Mitochondrial Dysfunction”. Am J Chin Med.
6 - “Berberine induces GLP-1 secretion through activation of bitter taste receptor pathways”. Biochemical Pharmacology.
7 - “Modulation of glucagon-like peptide-1 release by berberine: in vivo and in vitro studies”. Biochem Pharmacol.
8 - “Berberine as a natural modulator of inflammatory signaling pathways in the immune system: Focus on NF-κB, JAK/STAT, and MAPK signaling pathways”. Phytotherapy Research.
9 - “The pharmacological activity of berberine, a review for liver protection”. European Journal of Pharmacology.
10 - “Berberine as a natural modulator of inflammatory signaling pathways in the immune system: Focus on NF-κB, JAK/STAT, and MAPK signaling pathways”. Phytotherapy Research.
11 - “The pharmacological activity of berberine, a review for liver protection”. European Journal of Pharmacology.
12 - "Effects of Berberine on the Gastrointestinal Microbiota”. Frontiers In Cellular and Infection Microbiology.
13 - “Berberine administrated with different routes attenuates inhaled LPS-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome through TLR4/NF-κB and JAK2/STAT3 inhibition”. European Journal of Pharmacology.
14 - "Berberine activates AMP-activated protein kinase in cultured hepatocytes and in vivo." Journal of Biological Chemistry.
15 - “Berberine and Its Role in Chronic Disease”. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology.
16 - “Berberine, a Herbal Metabolite in the Metabolic Syndrome: The Risk Factors, Course, and Consequences of the Disease”. Molecules.
17 - “Berberine, a plant alkaloid with lipid- and glucose-lowering properties: From in vitro evidence to clinical studies”. Atherosclerosis.
18 - “Inflammatory responses and inflammation-associated diseases in organs”. Oncotarget.
19 - “Berberine and Its Role in Chronic Disease”. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
20 - “Berberine and Its Role in Chronic Disease”. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
21 - “The pharmacological activity of berberine, a review for liver protection”. European Journal of Pharmacology.
22 - “The pharmacological activity of berberine, a review for liver protection”. European Journal of Pharmacology.
23 - "Berberine activates AMP-activated protein kinase in cultured hepatocytes and in vivo." Journal of Biological Chemistry.
24 - “Berberine and Its Role in Chronic Disease”. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology.
25 - “Berberine: a plant alkaloid with therapeutic potential for central nervous system disorders”. Phytotherapy Research.
26 - “Pharmacological effects of berberine on mood disorders”. Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine
27 - “Berberine: a plant alkaloid with therapeutic potential for central nervous system disorders”. Phytotherapy Research.
