What is it?

Berberine comes from the plants barberry, goldenseal, goldthread, Oregon grape, philodendron, and tree turmeric. It’s yellow in color and bitter to taste. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 3000 years. The oldest evidence of its use dates to 650 BC. It is an alkaloid and its main use in Asian medicine is antimicrobial activity. Below we will discuss its many uses in modern medicine.

What does it do?

• Digestive issues: As an antimicrobial berberine targets harmful bacteria. This then allows helpful bacteria to grow which improves the gut barrier function. In short, it helps to stop leaky gut
• It may also help with IBS by reducing pain, bloating and irregular bowel movements.
• Skin disorders: Berberine has anti-inflammatory properties and thereby may inhibit anti-atopic like severe itching. It can also be applied to the skin and is used for canker sores
• Diabetes: This supplement may act similarly to Metformin. In a pilot study, Berberine showed a significantly decreased HbA1c. Some people take both Metformin and Berberine to get better results.
• High Cholesterol levels: Berberine may increase the number of LDL receptor cells in the liver and at the same time decrease the enzyme that produces LDL This helps to remove LDL from the bloodstream
• High blood pressure; Berberine was shown to decrease blood pressure in rats by improved vasodilation. In a literature review it was shown that Berberine added to a high blood pressure drug was more effective than the drug itself.
• Respiratory issues: It has antiviral activity. There have been studies done that show “noticeable” influenza A inhibition. Other studies did not show this, but the concentration range of the cells used was different. More research needed.
• Obesity: Berberine may help to cut appetite and improve blood sugar levels. This may help result in weight loss. It does this through adipogenesis (stops fat cells from maturing) which promotes the breakdown of fat cells.
 

Why do I need it?

As always, do not start this or any other vitamin/supplement before checking with your health care provider.
For all the reasons mentioned above, adding berberine to your diet may help to beef up your metabolism and give a boost to your overall health.
How much do I need and when will I notice the difference?
For most adults up to 1.5 grams daily for 6 months is safe. That would mean taking Berberine 3 x daily. If you are taking it to reduce blood sugar it may take up to 3 months to notice a difference. There isn’t much information about the use of Berberine for the long term, so short breaks are recommended.

What are the side effects and contraindications?

Side effects include diarrhea, constipation, gas and upset stomach. Liver toxicity can also be a problem with Berberine but it’s rare.
Berberine should not be taken with statins, anti-tumor meds and pain relivers like Tylenol, blood thinners and meds that cause drowsiness.

Where do I get it?

You want to make sure you are getting what you pay for, so I always recommend Pharmaceutical Grade Vitamins and Supplements. Xymogen is a company you can trust to have in it what it says it does. Their products may only be purchased through a health care provider. I will place a link at the bottom of the page for your convivence. Look for Berberine ES-5 capsules

If you have any questions or comments, you may contact me at:
SupplementsScribblesmz@outlook.com
To connect to Xymogen
http://www.wholescripts.com/register/healthrenew2-thomas

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