What is berberine?

Berberine is a plant extract found in a variety of plants such as Barberry (Berberis vulgaris), Tree tumeric (Berberis aristata), Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium), Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis), and California poppy (Eschscholzia californica) to name a few. Berberine is usually found in the roots of the plant. Due to its yellow color it has been used historically as a natural dye for wool, leather, and wood. And interestingly, under UV light it has a fluorescent glow making it useful histologically for identifying mast cells, etc.

Berberine and glucose control

In 2008, a study showed that berberine (500mg 3x/day) was as effective as metformin in lowering blood glucose in a 3 month trial. Average levels of hemoglobin A1C dropped from 9.5% to 7.5% vs 9.1% to 7.7% in the metformin group. In another study looking at the hypoglycemic effects of berberine the average levels of hemoglobin A1C dropped from 8.1% to 7.3% proving berberine to be an effective alternative to metformin in Type 2 Diabetes.

Observations

Berberine has long been used to treat gastrointestinal infections in China, and in 1988 was observed to have a hypoglycemic effect as well. The exact mechanism of its glucose metabolism effects is still unknown. It seems as if it has an insulin sensitizing effect in vivo and in vitro. In addition, berberine has been shown to also lower triglyceride, serum cholesterol, and LDL. Making it a very exciting alternative to conventional medications for both diabetes and high cholesterol!

References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2410097/

About the author

Since 2005, Dr Fey has helped women, men, and children find real solutions to their health concerns. She truly believes that giving the proper care and nutrients your body has an amazing ability to heal. She is committed to finding the root cause of illness by utilizing a whole body approach not just focusing solely on presenting symptoms. With her scientific background, Dr Fey uses science based natural approaches to treating disease.

Dr. Amanda Fey is the owner and practicing Naturopathic Doctor at Complementary Medicine & Healing Arts, the Southern Tiers Center for Natural Healthcare located in the Binghamton NY area. The office website is www.naturallywell.us. Dr Fey is currently offering telemedicine for patients all across the US. To contact the office call 607-729-0591 or email cmhahealth@gmail.com.