Berberine: Benefits, Side Effects, and More 

Oct 17, 2024

A supplement called berberine has trended as a "natural" version of Ozempic (semaglutide). Some people claim that taking berberine can help with weight loss and blood glucose (sugar) management. Research has shown that berberine may promote weight loss, but more clinical studies are needed.

Berberine traces its medicinal history back thousands of years in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. It's a bioactive compound derived from a variety of shrubs, including barberry, Oregon grape, goldthread, and tree turmeric. Research has linked berberine supplements to several potential benefits, including lowering blood sugar, taming inflammation, and reducing cancer risk.

Some people tout berberine as "nature's Ozempic" for its ability to lower blood sugar and promote weight loss. Still, the question remains: Are these benefits real, and how do they compare to prescription semaglutide drugs? Read on to learn what berberine is and whether it can help with weight loss.

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A study published in 2023 found that people with obesity who took a 1.5-gram (g) dosage of berberine daily for 24 weeks saw weight loss. Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference decreased among the participants. More clinical studies are needed to confirm this benefit.

Semaglutide drugs like Ozempic work by slowing the movement of food through the stomach, ultimately leading to decreased appetite and weight loss. Some experts caution that berberine may not have the same effects as drugs like Ozempic on weight loss. Berberine will not have the weight loss properties because it does not have the same appetite suppressant properties.

Berberine may be useful for some people to a degree. Research has found that it can reduce A1C and fasting glucose levels. Berberine lowers blood sugar by increasing the amount of glucose taken into cells, regardless of insulin status.

The primary difference between berberine and Ozempic is the way they work. Semaglutide drugs help the pancreas release the right amount of insulin when blood sugar is high. Berberine uses a different pathway.

The supplement impacts multiple systems within the body through the activation of the enzyme AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). This enzyme regulates metabolism and affects blood sugar levels. Berberine essentially triggers various pathways in the body to help regulate blood sugar by activating AMPK.

All these berberine benefits sound promising, but the supplement isn't a one-to-one replacement for semaglutide. A lack of research makes it difficult to compare the two.

Research has shown that berberine may protect against atherosclerosis, or the build-up of fatty substances in the arteries. This build-up narrows the arteries, inhibiting blood flow to and from the heart. Atherosclerosis can lead to heart attack and stroke, two of the leading causes of death in the United States.

The best time to take berberine for weight loss may be between meals. "The half-life of berberine is only several hours, so it is best to divide the dosage by taking it two to three times per day at meals for a total of 1,000–1,500 milligrams [mg] per day," Erin Palinski-Wade, RDN, a certified diabetes educator, told Health.

It's important to speak to a healthcare provider about berberine before starting it on your own. They can help you determine if the supplement is right for you and the correct dosage.

Berberine is available online and in stores in powder or capsule form. The supplement can be found in doses ranging from 500–1,500 mg.

It's not hard to understand the appeal of a "natural" treatment for health concerns like diabetes and obesity. Dietary supplements often make health claims unproven by evidence and unauthorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), leading to confusion about actual documented benefits.

Berberine is unsafe for people who are pregnant and breastfeeding, as well as children. It's important to talk to a healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting berberine supplements.

Berberine may interact adversely with other drugs and supplements. The supplement can interact with cyclosporine. Those taking medications that lower blood pressure, prevent blood clots, or reduce blood sugar may also need to steer clear of berberine. Berberine may cause too strong of an added effect alongside these drugs.

The supplement berberine lowers blood sugar. It may lead to dangerously low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), especially if paired with diabetes medications.

There's always the possibility that an over-the-counter (OTC) supplement will contain more or less than it says on the label. There have been reports over the years of pills being made with prohibited substances or none of the ingredients they claim.

The FDA does not test supplements before they hit the market. It's always best to choose supplements from a reputable manufacturer whose products undergo third-party quality testing, such as an NSF certification.

Berberine is generally safe, but it's important to talk to a healthcare provider about how much to take. The risk of adverse effects may increase if you take too much of the supplement.

Berberine is readily available over the counter. You might expect it to come without significant side effects, but that's not necessarily the case.

Berberine may not share Ozempic's lengthy list of potential side effects, but some people may experience:

The decision of whether to try the supplement berberine is one to make with a healthcare provider. Berberine is touted as a "natural" version of semaglutide drugs like Ozempic, but it's not an exact replacement. There are also too few studies that prove berberine can suppress appetite and lead to weight loss.

Still, berberine is available over the counter and may be the first option for some people with high blood sugar or obesity before trying a prescription. Side effects may include bloating, constipation, and nausea.

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