Whether you’re new to herbal supplements or have been taking herbs for a while, you’ve probably heard about Berberine for immune function, heart health, and/or metabolic function.
The interesting thing about Berberine is that it’s not an herb.
Rather, it is a component found in specific herbs that have been extensively studied for their effects on various aspects of health.
It’s become popular on TikTok as a weight loss/metabolic aid. But does it really help with weight loss and metabolism? What are its benefits?
In this article, you’ll learn all about what Berberine is, which plants contain it, the research behind its benefits, and how to use it to potentially benefit immune function, heart health, sleep, and more.
What is Berberine?
Berberine is a plant compound known as an isoquinoline alkaloid found in the barks, leaves, twigs, rhizomes, roots, and/or stems of approximately 450–500 species within the Berberidaceae family. REF#2220 REF#2221
Some common examples of Berberine-containing plants include:
- Barberry
- California Poppy
- Goldenseal
- Oregon Grape
- Tree turmeric
Berberine-containing plants and herbs have been traditionally in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda (the traditional wellness practice of India) for centuries used to support various aspects of well-being, including: REF#2222
- Eye health
- Gut health
- Immune function
- Healthy Inflammatory response
- Skin health
- Respiratory function
Due to its deep yellow color, Berberine has also been used as a natural dye for leather, wool, and wood.
Berberine is one of the more extensively researched plant compounds.
Here’s what the science says about the traditional uses of Berberine-containing herbs and how its mechanism of action in the body.
6 Benefits Of Berberine and Berberine-Rich Herbs
The historical use of Berberine-rich herbs have made it the subject of many high-quality studies.
In this section, we’ll explore the science behind the traditional uses and actions of Berberine and Berberine-containing herbs.
#1: Berberine May Support Various Aspects Of Immune Function
Berberine-containing herbs have long been used to support various aspects of immune function.
For example, research has shown that berberine-containing plants may support:
- Normal regulation of the immune system REF#2223 REF#2224
- Normal respiratory function REF#2225
- Normal inflammatory response REF#2226 REF#2227
- And the gut microbiome by supporting regulation of intestinal flora REF#2228
More research is needed to determine the extent to which Berberine may be helpful for immune function.
However, much of its potential benefit is attributed to its antioxidant properties, which support normal inflammatory responses within the immune system.
#2: Berberine May Support Heart & Cardiovascular Function
New research has shown the heart and cardiovascular system rely on a balanced inflammatory response to function normally. REF#2229
This can be achieved through lifestyle choices, such as eating a colorful plant-based diet, reducing stress, getting enough sleep, and exercising.
Research has also shown certain herbs, such as berberine-containing herbs, may help support normal heart and cardiovascular function.
Specifically, Berberine studies suggest that it helps support: REF#2230
- Normal blood pressure
- Normal endothelial inflammatory response
- Normal vascular health
Berberine’s antioxidant profile, along with its liver- and metabolic-supportive benefits REF#2231 (which we’ll discuss coming up, is believed to play a role in its cardiovascular-supportive properties.
More research is needed to recommend Berberine for heart health.
#3: Berberine May Aid Liver Function
Eclectic and traditional herbalists have long used Berberine-containing plants within liver-supportive herbal formulas*.
Many practitioners believe Berberine-containing plants’ yellow color and astringent, bitter properties make them ideal for providing liver support and protection*.
Extensive research has also shown Berberine contains liver-supportive and protective properties that may affect various aspects of normal liver function, including: REF#2232 REF#2233
- Bile synthesis
- Inflammatory response
- Lipid metabolism
- Oxidation resistance
Although more research is needed to understand how Berberine may support the liver, traditional use, anecdotal evidence, and clinical studies have shown a potentially beneficial effect.
#4: Berberine May Support Metabolic Health
Metabolic health is a hot topic in the integrative health field.
From special diets and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to supplements, medications, and medical devices, it seems everyone is looking for ways to support their metabolism.
What exactly is metabolism?
Metabolism is a complex process in which your body turns food and drinks into energy.
It involves various organs and systems, including your cardiovascular system, digestion, hypothalamus, liver, thyroid, and pancreas.
Although no magic bullet exists, research has shown that various lifestyle choices may support metabolic health, including taking certain herbs.
Berberine-containing herbs, for example, have been shown in many randomized human studies to support metabolic health by promoting normal lipid levels and blood sugar balance. REF#2234 REF#2235 REF#2236
Traditional practitioners and modern health experts recommend Berberine-containing herbs to support metabolic health.
However, more research is needed to confirm how it may affect people with different metabolic concerns. Talk to your healthcare practitioner for individual recommendations.
#5: Berberine May Support Cognitive Health
New research has shown that cognitive health and brain aging can be impacted by an inflammatory response REF#2237 and metabolic health. REF#2238
Although more robust research is needed, some animal trials have shown Berberine may possess neuroprotective effects that may benefit the brain. REF#2239
This is likely due to its antioxidant compounds, which provide broad-spectrum cellular support while promoting normal inflammatory response.
Research has also shown Berberine may have a protective effect on the central nervous system, which may impact the brain. REF#2240
More robust research is needed to understand how Berberine may impact cognitive health.
However, these animal studies shed some light on the traditional use of Berberine-containing herbs for cognitive function.
#6: Berberine May Support Mood
New research suggests that Berberine-containing herbs have the potential to support normal mood and a positive outlook. REF#2241
Although Berberine’s mechanism of action on mood is complex, it boils down to:
- Its potential to support normal neurotransmitter functions, such as norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine;
- Its antioxidant effects;
- Its ability to support normal nitric oxide production;
- And its previously mentioned effects on the central nervous system’ REF#2242
All of which, according to the referenced study published in the Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, impacts mood.
Berberine Side Effects & Possible Contraindications
Berberine-containing plants have been used as whole plant supplements, extracts, and in topical applications for centuries.
However, there have been some side effects and potential contraindications reported.
Side effects observed from taking Berberine-containing herbs are generally mild and result from taking too much on an empty stomach. REF#2243
Side effects may include gastric upset such as nausea, stomach ache, diarrhea, and/or constipation.
Since Berberine may affect blood sugar, blood pressure, and the liver, it may be contraindicated with certain medications for these concerns or medications that impact the liver. Always check with your doctor or pharmacist.
Per the National Institutes of Health, Berberine should not be taken with Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune) because Berberine might decrease how quickly the body breaks down cyclosporine.
There is insufficient evidence to support its safe use during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or long-term use.
According to the National Institutes of Health, Berberine is likely unsafe to give newborns as it can worsen jaundice symptoms.
Berberine is generally safe to use topically to support skin health.
If you experience stomach upset or other side effects from taking Berberine-containing supplements, talk to your healthcare practitioner about adjusting the dose or alternatives.
How To Find High-Quality Berberine Supplements
Due to the growing popularity of herbal supplements, some berberine-containing herbs, such as Goldenseal, have been over-harvested and become endangered in their native habitat.
This has led some unreputable growers and suppliers to try and pass off other herbs as Goldenseal or use unethical or illegal harvesting practices.
Therefore, it is essential to source berberine-containing herbs from reputable companies that employ third-party testing for identification and use ethically-sourced Goldenseal.
When buying any herbal supplement, always look for companies that:
- Provide transparency about ingredient sourcing
- Offer products free from fillers, binders, or excipients (excipients are non-active ingredients in supplements or medications added to enhance texture, bind, lubricate, color, flavor, or as preservatives)
- Manufacture their products in a cGMP facility—cGMP stands for Current Good Manufacturing Practices enforced by the FDA to ensure safety, quality, and consistency in manufacturing, testing, and procurement of raw materials.
For more information on Berberine-containing herbs, check out the following pages in our Herbal Library: