Berberine - The Apeiron Life Perspective

3 min read

Updated: Jul 20, 2023

What it is:

It is a bright yellow, bitter supplement extracted from the stem, stem bark, root, and root bark of different plants rich in berberine, particularly the Berberis species. Berberis, also known as ‘tree turmeric’, has been recorded in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years.

Berberine (supplement) is a plant compound that mimics Metformin’s (drug) insulin affecting properties. Insulin sensitivity is important as it draws glucose from the blood into the cells.

Purported claims:

Anti-inflammatory, Anti-bacterial.
Insulin sensitizing - for Type 2 Diabetes and other metabolic disorders.
Liver protecting properties.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) benefits.
Cholesterol reduction.
Cardiovascular health improvement.

What the science says:

It may amplify mitochondria and increase insulin sensitivity at high doses of 1-2 grams a day.

Anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial properties have been recorded in multiple studies. Alongside blood glucose and lipid-lowering properties, berberine has shown promise in its effectiveness.
Studies showed cholesterol-lowering properties of berberine through the lowering of blood lipids. This also lowered cardiovascular risk factors.
In mice, berberine showed protective possibility for the liver against alcohol stressors and disease triggers.
Berberine was shown to positively lower blood glucose and lipids, reducing the risk of obesity and other metabolic conditions.
Insulin resistance is detrimental in many disorders, from diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease to PCOS. Berberine’s potential in regulating blood glucose and blood lipids allows for multiple beneficial possibilities.

Quite a few of these factors provide over-arching benefits such as increased longevity through prevention tactics. There is enough evidence to state that berberine may be a potential first-line defense for those with pre-diabetes and those considering taking Metformin for longevity purposes. But until more extensive scale studies are performed, it is best to be cautious.

Our take:

Berberine has shown through multiple studies that it may be an effective treatment for diabetes, obesity, and other ailments pertaining to blood glucose and lipid levels. It has been utilized in Chinese medicine for its observed benefit towards metabolic syndrome characterized by insulin resistance.

Short-term use (up to 4 weeks) at doses up to 1.5 grams a day may benefit those with obesity, diabetes, PCOS, and other metabolic-disrupting syndromes. It may also be considered as a preventative measure for healthy individuals. Starting minimally and working up to 500mg twice a day may be the best protocol to avoid digestive upset.

Will this benefit you?

Maybe, however, berberine has not been approved as an alternative to medications such as metformin just yet. The potential is high, but large-scale clinical trials have not been conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of supplementing berberine.

Still curious to try it? If you do, here’s what to keep an eye on:

Long-term use is not recommended as it may disrupt the gut microbiota leading to gastrointestinal issues and side effects. However, the research is lacking to prove, this occurs, and one study even showed an increase in good bacteria with butyrate-producing properties.
- But in some individuals, it has the potential to wipe out good bacteria and replace them with invasive and detrimental ones.
- Yet until we have more information leaning one way or another, look out for diarrhea, constipation, gas, and other intestinal changes.
Be sure to source from trusted vendors, as many supplements have failed purity tests. Speak with your Client Advocate about the Apeiron Life Supplementation program.
Consume before meals to reduce upset stomach issues.
Berberine is potent! Be careful with other drug interactions and speak with your doctor before altering your medical routine.