Berberine Supplements: Benefits, Dosage and Safety
Berberine supplements lower blood sugar and LDL cholesterol modestly in trials, which is why berberine is called 'nature's metformin'. It interacts with many medicines and isn't safe in pregnancy. It's not a substitute for diabetes treatment.
Evidence at a glance
| Use | Grade | What the research shows |
|---|---|---|
| Blood sugar in type 2 diabetes | B | Lowered HbA1c in meta-analyses. |
| LDL cholesterol | B | Modest reductions. |
| Weight loss | C | Small effects. |
A: strong, consistent human evidence · B: moderate · C: limited or mixed · D: good evidence of no benefit.
Berberine is a yellow compound from plants such as goldenseal and barberry.
How to take it
Take 500 mg with two or three main meals. Full details are in berberine dosage and timing.
Safety and interactions
Digestive side effects are common. Risk of low blood sugar with diabetes medicines. See can you take berberine long-term.
Always tell your doctor and pharmacist about the supplements you take. Check combinations with our interaction checker.
Sources
This page is for education and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor. Read our medical disclaimer.