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Small MoleculePhase2

Berberine

BER-ber-een

Research profile · How we handle evidence

Category

Small Molecule

Compound type

Phase / Status

Phase2

Extensively studied; typically sold as a dietary supplement rather than an approved prescription drug. Evidence quality varies by indication.

Standard Dose

500mg 2-3x daily with meals

2-3x daily with meals

Half-life

Approximately 5 hours (super variable)

Plasma elimination

Route(s)

OR

Oral

Research Stage

Status Unknown

Research phase not specified; exercise appropriate caution.

Overview

Berberine activates AMPK, a pathway involved in how the body regulates energy and metabolism. In studies, it has been associated with improvements in blood glucose and cholesterol measures. Effects and tolerability can vary by person.

Plain-language summary

Berberine activates AMPK, a pathway involved in how the body regulates energy and metabolism. In studies, it has been associated with improvements in blood glucose and cholesterol measures. Effects and tolerability can vary by person.

Administration Routes

  • Oral

Also known as

BBRNature's metforminPoor man's metforminGoldenseal alkaloidBerb

Mechanisms

1

AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) activator - supports metabolic regulation by influencing cellular energy signaling, which may affect glucose uptake and lipid metabolism.

Detailed mechanism

AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) activator - modulates cellular energy-signaling pathways that can affect glucose regulation and lipid metabolism.

Safety

Side effects

  • Gastrointestinal side effects (e.g., nausea, diarrhea, or constipation)
  • Possible additive glucose-lowering effect when combined with diabetes medications
  • Headache or mild effects may occur, especially when starting

Reported benefits

  • Lowers blood glucose as effectively as metformin
  • Crushes LDL cholesterol by 15-25%
  • Improves insulin sensitivity
  • Anti-inflammatory throughout the body
  • Supports healthy gut bacteria
  • Activates longevity pathways via AMPK

Safety profile

In clinical studies it is generally described as tolerable, but gastrointestinal side effects and medication interactions are possible. Consider discussing with a clinician if you have medical conditions or take prescriptions.

Clinical trials

Clinical studies (including Phase 2 research) report metabolic effects, with varying outcomes depending on population and study design.

Structure

View 3D structure

Verified structure

Berberine

Exact 2D structure can be rendered from a PubChem-backed canonical SMILES string.

Verified via PubChemMatched by casNumber
Source: PubChemLookup: 2086-83-1InChIKey YBHILYKTIRIUTE-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Chemical Formula
C20H17NO4
Molecular Weight
336.37 g/mol
CAS Number
2086-83-1
InChIKey
YBHILYKTIRIUTE-UHFFFAOYSA-N

Stack Context

Stacks with

Metformin (synergistic but be careful)FisetinNAD+ precursors

References

  1. 1

    Efficacy of berberine in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (Metabolism)

    2008

    View source
  2. 2

    Berberine in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systemic review and meta-analysis (Evid Based Complement Alternat Med)

    2012

    View source
  3. 3

    Meta-analysis of the effect and safety of berberine in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, hyperlipemia and hypertension (J Ethnopharmacol)

    2015

    View source

This profile summarizes research literature for education only. It is not medical advice, and it does not diagnose, treat, or recommend a dose. Consult a qualified professional before changing a protocol.

Research-driven insights.Evidence-based decisions.