Note: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve supplements for safety or effectiveness. Talk to a healthcare professional about whether a supplement is the right fit for your individual health, and about any potential drug interactions or safety concerns.
Berberine has been used for thousands of years as part of traditional Chinese and ayurvedic medicine. It’s recently become more popular, partly because it’s sometimes referred to as “nature's Ozempic.” This reference is a nod to the diabetes drug that has grown in popularity recently, primarily because of its notorious weight loss side effects. As a supplement, the buzz around berberine primarily relates to its utility as an aid for people with type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure.
Potential Health Benefits of Berberine
People might start taking berberine for a number of reasons. For example, berberine may help people who have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or type 2 diabetes, but remember: It’s crucial to speak with your doctor before adding any supplement to your healthcare routine.
Here are some of the potential health benefits of berberine, based on limited research conducted thus far.
May Lower Blood Glucose Levels for People With Type 2 Diabetes
“Berberine has been shown to assist with glucose and lipid metabolism,” says Los Angeles-based Mascha Davis, RDN, author of Eat Your Vitamins. That means it may lower blood sugar levels and may improve insulin resistance in people with type 2 diabetes, thus potentially improving their type 2 diabetes condition. Other animal research from China found that berberine showed similar metabolic benefits to the type 2 diabetes prescription drug metformin, though more research is needed to confirm if this applies to humans as well.
May Lower Blood Pressure and Aid Other Cardiovascular Issues
For people with high blood pressure or other cardiovascular issues, it might be worth talking to your doctor about berberine. “Berberine has also been found to have therapeutic effects for hypertension, arrhythmia, and heart failure,” says Davis. Berberine may help treat heart disease, according to research. “It does this by helping to combat inflammation and oxidative stress as well as by assisting with regulation of electrical signals and ionic channels in the body,” Davis explains. The study authors noted that it may be beneficial for people who don’t tolerate statins (a type of drug that reduces cholesterol in the body).
May Help Ease Canker Sores in the Mouth
Canker sores, or aphthous stomatitis, can be a real pain, but berberine may ease some discomfort. One older study found that when a gel containing berberine was applied to the sore four times per day for five days, patients reported that it reduced the size and pain of the sore. This study from China was small, though, with only about 80 participants. A more recent study also found a berberine-containing gel effectively treated canker sores due to its anti-inflammatory effects and slow release time. Berberine may also treat redness and oozing of the canker sore. More studies are needed, though, as there isn’t much research to support this potential benefit beyond these studies.
May Help With PCOS Symptoms
A review of five studies found that berberine might be helpful for people experiencing polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).PCOS happens when the ovaries produce much more of a certain type of hormone called androgens, and people with PCOS often can’t utilize insulin well, which can cause a greater number of androgens to build up.
One study found that 500 milligrams (mg) of berberine taken twice a day improved study participants’ hormone status and cardiovascular profile, as well as other factors involved in PCOS (like weight, BMI, fasting glucose, insulin ratio, and total cholesterol) more than metformin.
May Have Antimicrobial Properties
“Berberine is starting to show up in some skin-care products, mainly for acne and eczema, due to its natural antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory effects,” says Amy Chow, RD, founder of BC Dietitians, a database of nutritionists, based in Langley, British Columbia, Canada.
When taken orally, berberine creates changes in the gut microbiome that reduce inflammation and improve dermatological conditions, says Layth Tumah, MD, a functional medical physician with Cleveland Clinic. More studies are needed to confirm if berberine has the same effect when applied topically, he adds.
There is preliminary research in animals that suggests topical berberine may have antimicrobial properties. One study found that when a berberine cream was applied to mice infected with parasites, it was safe to use and stopped the parasite progression. “However, current evidence is limited and largely preclinical or observational,” Dr. Tumah says. “More robust human trials are needed to evaluate its direct efficacy in dermatologic practice, including its use in topical form.” As a result, berberine is not widely used by dermatologists at this time, he adds.
Weight Loss Effect of Berberine
Curious about berberine’s impact on weight loss? “Berberine is being researched for its effects on body weight and fat mass,” says Vicki Shanta Retelny, RDN, the Chicago-based author of The Essential Guide to Healthy Healing Foods. One systematic review and meta-analysis found that a dose of 1 gram (g) of berberine a day was ideal for weight loss, and that the supplement has been shown to improve obesity parameters.
Another review found that berberine supplements had a positive impact on body weight and body mass index (BMI). BMI is calculated using your weight and height.
“Much more research needs to be conducted around berberine and weight loss, however, including more studies on humans without underlying health problems and more research to determine an effective berberine dose. “Preliminary evidence suggests that berberine may promote modest weight loss,” Tumah says. “However, the existing evidence is not yet conclusive, and further high-quality, long-term studies across diverse populations are needed to better define its efficacy, optimal dosage, and safety profile for weight management.”
Berberine is sometimes compared with GLP-1 receptor agonists, though the magnitude of its effect is significantly smaller and it should not be viewed as a “miracle” solution for weight loss, Tumah says.
“For most people, sustainable weight loss depends on long-term diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management — those remain the first-line strategies,” Chow says.
Potential Risks and Side Effects of Berberine
Berberine is considered safe for most people, but it does come with potential risks and side effects. Here, discover what concerns come along with the supplement — and who should absolutely not take it.
Risks
Infants, children, and pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take berberine. “It may pose a risk for brain damage to the fetus or young children,” says Retelny.
Also, those with advanced type 2 diabetes and who are on medication for the condition should consult with their doctor before starting berberine, explains Davis. “The supplement may affect insulin dosage and blood sugar levels,” says Davis.
Another reason to consult with your doctor? “Berberine may interact with other medications and is not safe to take with blood sugar and blood lipid medications, as well as liver, blood clotting, and blood pressure medications,” notes Retelny.
Side Effects
While berberine seems to come with some benefits, there are still side effects. Here, discover potential issues that may arise when taking this supplement.
Diarrhea
Constipation
Gas
Upset stomach
You may also experience hypoglycemia or low blood sugar levels, which is more likely if other blood sugar-lowering medications are being taken in addition to berberine, explains Davis.
Forms of Berberine
Berberine can be consumed through plants, but they are uncommon in the United States, and berberine is much more accessible through a supplemental form, Davis says. Berberine is primarily found as a supplement, most commonly in the form of:
Capsules People most commonly take berberine orally in capsule form.
Topical Mouth Gel For canker sores in particular, the chemical is added to a gel that people apply to the painful area.
How to Select and Store Berberine Supplements
If your doctor has given you the green light to try berberine, here’s what you should know about selecting and storing the supplement.
Selection
Choosing a supplement is often challenging, considering supplements aren’t tested by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before they’re sold to consumers. To choose a quality supplement, check the label for USP, NSF, or Consumer Labs Approved. This means the product has undergone third-party testing for quality and purity.
Storage
If you’ve purchased a bottle of berberine supplements, follow the storage instructions on the label, and note: “Berberine should be stored at room temperature, and any extreme temperatures should be avoided,” says Davis.
Dosage of Berberine
The amount of berberine in supplements can vary. Typically, adults take a dose of 500 milligrams twice a day or up to 1,500 mg daily divided into three doses. MedlinePlus says up to 1.5 g daily is safe when taken for up to six months. “The six-month reflects the duration of the majority of the available studies that have followed participants taking up to 1.5 g of berberine daily,” Chow says. Check with your doctor about what dosage might be right for you — and for how long you should take it.
The Takeaway
Berberine supplements might provide benefits as a complementary approach for people with type 2 diabetes, heart disease, canker sores, and conditions such as PCOS.
Berberine may cause side effects such as diarrhea, gas, and constipation, and children and pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as certain people on blood sugar, blood lipid, liver, blood clotting, and blood pressure medications, should not take berberine supplements.
Most studies on the potential health perks of berberine are small, not well designed, have been done internationally, should be interpreted with caution, and more robust research is needed.
It’s important to discuss berberine supplements with your physician before starting them to ensure they’re right for your individual healthcare needs.
Common Questions & Answers
What foods contain berberine?
Berberine is found in the roots, leaves, stems, and bark of plants such as barberry, Oregon grape, and tree turmeric. It is uncommon to find these plants at your local supermarket in the United States, which is why berberine is usually taken in supplement form.
Can berberine treat diabetes?
A review of research on berberine shows that it may reduce insulin resistance, potentially helping improve type 2 diabetes. If you have type 2 diabetes, talk with your doctor before taking berberine — it may impact your diabetes medication dosage.
What are berberine’s long-term effects?
It is unclear if berberine has any long-term health effects, and it has been safely used for up to six months at doses of between 0.4 to 1.5 g dose per day in adults (but speak with your doctor for a suggested dose and duration).
Does berberine reduce belly fat?
Berberine may have some potential weight loss effect; research is ongoing. One review showed that 1 g of berberine a day led to weight loss and improved obesity parameters.
What’s the best way to take berberine?
The best way to take berberine is in supplement form, typically capsules that can be swallowed. Ask your doctor whether the supplement is right for you, and what they recommend for your berberine dosage.
EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
Neag MA et al. Berberine: Botanical Occurrence, Traditional Uses, Extraction Methods, and Relevance in Cardiovascular, Metabolic, Hepatic, and Renal Disorders. Frontiers in Pharmacology. August 21, 2018.
Ye Y et al. Efficacy and Safety of Berberine Alone for Several Metabolic Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. Frontiers in Pharmacology. April 26, 2021.
Guo H et al. Berberine is a Potential Alternative for Metformin With Good Regulatory Effect on Lipids in Treating Metabolic Diseases. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy. July 2023.
Cao RY et al. Berberine on the Prevention and Management of Cardiometabolic Disease: Clinical Applications and Mechanisms of Action. The American Journal of Chinese Medicine. September 6, 2021.
Statins: Are These Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs Right for You? Mayo Clinic. March 6, 2024.
Hashtrodylar Y et al. Berberine-Phospholipid Nanoaggregate-Embedded Thiolated Chitosan Hydrogel for Aphthous Stomatitis Treatment. Nanomedicine. August 2023.
Rondanelli M et al. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Management: A Review of the Possible Amazing Role of Berberine. Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics. February 14, 2020.
Mishra N et al. Study on the Effect of Berberine, Myoinositol, and Metformin in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Prospective Randomised Study. Cureus. January 31, 2022.
Zamani M et al. The Effects of Berberine Supplementation on Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Adults: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis. Frontiers in Nutrition. October 14, 2022.
Asbaghi O et al. The Effect of Berberine Supplementation on Obesity Parameters, Inflammation and Liver Function Enzymes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Clinical Nutrition ESPEN. August 2020.
Justin Laube, MD, is a board-certified integrative and internal medicine physician, a teacher, and a consultant with extensive expertise in integrative health, medical education, and trauma healing.
He graduated with a bachelor's in biology from the University of Wisconsin and a medical degree from the University of Minnesota Medical School. During medical school, he completed a graduate certificate in integrative therapies and healing practices through the Earl E. Bakken Center for Spirituality & Healing. He completed his three-year residency training in internal medicine at the University of California in Los Angeles on the primary care track and a two-year fellowship in integrative East-West primary care at the UCLA Health Center for East-West Medicine.
He is currently taking a multiyear personal and professional sabbatical to explore the relationship between childhood trauma, disease, and the processes of healing. He is developing a clinical practice for patients with complex trauma, as well as for others going through significant life transitions. He is working on a book distilling the insights from his sabbatical, teaching, and leading retreats on trauma, integrative health, mindfulness, and well-being for health professionals, students, and the community.
Previously, Dr. Laube was an assistant clinical professor at the UCLA Health Center for East-West Medicine and the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, where he provided primary care and integrative East-West medical consultations. As part of the faculty, he completed a medical education fellowship and received a certificate in innovation in curriculum design and evaluation. He was the fellowship director at the Center for East-West Medicine and led courses for physician fellows, residents, and medical students.
Leslie Barrie is a health and nutrition writer and editor who loves running marathons and attempting to cook healthy meals for her family (even if they don’t always turn out as planned). She received her bachelor of science degree at UCLA and her master of science degree at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. She has written and edited for publications like Health magazine, Seventeen, and Woman’s Day. Leslie won a Hearst Spotlight Award for her work in 2018 at Woman’s Day, and helped plan the Woman’s Day Red Dress Awards, an event honoring changemakers fighting to end heart disease in women.
When she isn’t writing, Leslie loves chasing her daughter and son around outside, going on family hikes, and starting her day with a big bowl of muesli.
