What Is Berberine?
Berberine is found in the roots, stems, and bark of plants. It’s used as a versatile nutritional supplement with benefits on the neurological, cardiovascular, metabolic, and immune systems.
There are several medicinal plant species that contain berberine in high amounts. There’s even an entire genus of medicinal plants called Berberis — most of which are well-known for possessing medicinal benefits in traditional herbal medicine. Popular Berberis include goldenseal (used traditionally for digestive upset and cardiovascular health) and barberry (primarily used for cardiovascular health).
Berberine has a powerfully bitter taste — which is what makes it so useful for improving digestion. Our berberine comes encapsulated to eliminate the taste, making it much easier to consume this supplement on a daily basis.
The Main Benefits of Berberine Include:
• Regulates energy metabolism
• Boosts cognitive function
• Supports weight loss
• Protects the cardiovascular system
• Supports immune function
The Science Behind Berberine
Berberine is classified as an alkaloid. Alkaloids are a rich source of medicinal effects.
Berberine makes for an excellent health supplement because it offers benefits towards several different bodily systems — rather than just one specific organ or cell process.
These effects work together to produce its overall health benefits on cognitive, metabolic, immune, and cardiovascular systems.
1. Weight Loss & Metabolic Support
One of the primary uses for Berberine is to support a weight loss program. It does this through two main effects.
The first benefit is through Berberines interaction with the enzyme AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase). This enzyme is heavily involved in regulating energy metabolism and acts as a metabolic sensor. By increasing AMPK activity in the cells it becomes easier to burn fat quickly to use as energy and more difficult to store new fat.
Additionally, Berberine stimulates the activity of the vagus nerve — which in turn stimulates the liver. The liver is a critical component of fat metabolism around the body.
2. Cardioprotective
One of the most common uses of Berberine is for its benefits on the cardiovascular system.
The cardioprotective (protects the heart) of Berberine are the result of several unrelated effects including:
Bitter flavors stimulate the vagus nerve tasked with regulating the heart rate
Lowers inflammation in the arteries which can lead to heart disease
Improves the ability for the heart to contract
Regulates blood sugar levels — lowering the chances of damage to the cardiovascular system from high blood sugar levels
Lowers bad (LDL) cholesterol levels and increases good (HDL) cholesterol
3. Cognitive Enhancement
Similar to its effects on the cardiovascular system, Berberine offers benefits to cognitive health through a few different mechanisms — starting with its effect on blood sugar regulation.
The brain uses a lot of energy throughout the day — accounting for as much as 20% of our daily energy usage. This energy comes from sugar floating in the bloodstream.
In order for the brain to use this energy, it needs the help of insulin — which is tasked with transferring glucose from the blood into the individual cells. Once inside, the glucose is broken down into smaller pieces and converted to energy.
We can become resistant to our insulin levels over time, making it harder for the brain to source the energy it needs to thrive,resulting in symptoms such as brain fog or fatigue.
Berberine works by increasing the effects of insulin, allowing more sugar to enter the brain cells where it can be used to power cognitive processes like neurotransmitter production and nerve transmission.
4. Immune Support
Many of the medicinal plants containing high levels of Berberine are revered for their antibacterial benefits mainly because of the Berberine content.
Berberine is directly antibacterial — killing organisms such as candida, salmonella, and E.coli, among others.
The compound also works to boost our natural immune system by modulating T-cells — which are tasked with doing the heavy lifting in our immune system. They’re designed to seek and destroy infectious agents throughout the body.
Is Berberine The Supplement For Me?
Berberine has a lot to offer the body. Where this supplement truly excels is in its ability to protect the cardiovascular system and neurological system from damage. It’s also a popular nootropic compound for people performing mentally tasking activities at work or university. The idea is that by supporting energy metabolism in the brain we can work harder, and longer before reaching mental exhaustion.
People often take Berberine to protect the heart and neurological system, or to support gastrointestinal or urinary tract health for shorter periods of time.
Ingredients & Dosage
Amount Per Serving (3 Capsules):
Berberine HCL 120mmg, Black Pepper Extract 15mg.
Ingredients:Â Berberine HCL from Root of Phellodendron Amurense Rupr, Brown Rice Flour (Bulking Agent), Black Pepper Extract, Vegetarian Capsule (HPMC).
Recommended Dose
Take 3 capsules (1200mg) daily with a meal, or as advised by your healthcare professional.