- Blood Sugar Regulation
- Research indicates that berberine can significantly lower blood sugar levels, particularly in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
- Multiple mechanisms contribute to its effectiveness, including improved insulin sensitivity, enhanced sugar breakdown within cells, reduced sugar production by the liver, slower carbohydrate breakdown in the gut, and increased beneficial gut bacteria.
- Noteworthy studies showcase its impact, such as a 2008 study demonstrating a 20% reduction in fasting blood sugar and a 12% decrease in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels after consuming 1 gram of berberine daily.
- Weight Management
- Berberine exhibits promise as a weight loss supplement, as evidenced by studies showcasing around 5 pounds of weight loss and a 3.6% reduction in body fat within 12 weeks.
- Berberine’s ability to impede fat cell growth at the molecular level contributes to its potential to promote weight loss.
- Heart Health
- Berberine addresses factors associated with an elevated risk of heart disease by improving blood markers.
- Through inhibiting an enzyme called PCSK9, berberine facilitates the removal of LDL (bad) cholesterol from the bloodstream, thereby decreasing total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, blood triglycerides, and increasing HDL (good) cholesterol.
- Other Benefits
- Depression: Animal studies propose that berberine might alleviate depression symptoms.
- Cancer: In vitro and animal research suggests berberine’s potential to inhibit the growth and spread of various cancer types.
- Oxidative Stress and Inflammation: Berberine’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are highlighted in test-tube and animal studies.
- Infections: Preliminary research indicates berberine’s ability to hinder the growth of harmful microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
- Fatty Liver: Berberine’s potential to reduce fat accumulation in the liver holds promise in protecting against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
While further research is necessary to solidify these potential benefits, the current body of evidence underscores the promising implications of berberine for a wide range of health concerns.
1. Himalaya
Himalaya Berberine Capsules come from Indian Barberry Root. They are vegan, gluten-free, additive-free, soy-free, and corn-free! One bottle is a month’s supply and costs $25.49. This price is comparable to other supplements on the market!
Overall it has a 4.3 star rating on Amazon. One reviewer said, “Long story short, I took Thorn’s brand of Berberine for almost 2 years, and they changed the formulation. I didn’t even realize it until I noticed about a week into the new bottle I was not getting the benefits the previous formula had. Examined them closer, and the color was a very pale yellow mixed with brown vs my previous bottles. Sure enough, the reviews confirmed the formula had been changed. (Bummer)
2. Vegan Labs
Vegan Labs Berberine supplements come with Ceylon cinnamon for added benefits. They are vegan, non-GMO, and organic! This bottle comes with 180 capsules, which is a 90-day supply, for $21.95 – so they are cheaper than competitors.
Meredith Hoffman left an in-depth review saying, “I’ve been taking a different supplement brand of Berberine for months (hint: the green bottle with the most reviews on Amazon). I recently switched to this brand, because the other one jacked their price up with all of the viral Berberine praise happening on the internet. When I tell you the change I’ve noticed is APPARENT – I mean it. My digestive system has regulated for the first time in TWO years. My skin is clear. My energy levels feel more stable. I don’t experience fatigue or sugar crashes the way I used to. I’m not craving sugar late at night the ways that I used to. All of this changed within 1 week of changing to Vegan Labs Berberine Plus with Ceylon Cinnamon. I’m convinced now that the brand I was using before is a fake. It’s honestly a shot in the dark sometimes when purchasing supplements on Amazon because there are a lot of companies out there with poor-quality ingredients or just downright lying about their supplements. This is not the case with VL. Trust me. Trust me. Trust me. I’m so glad I branched out and tried a different kind. I’ll definitely continue to buy in the future. Lastly, the price is so fair, not expensive at all, and for the quality?!?! I’d pay double. Bravo, Vegan Labs.”
3. NutriVein
NutriVein Premium Berberine, made with Ceylon cinnamon, supports immune function, weight management, and cardiovascular function. This two-month supply costs $22.49, a great price compared to others!
4. Organic Vitality
Organic Vitality Premium Berberine supplements are vegan capsules that offer a 60-day supply for $39.99. This price is on the higher end.
However, it is highly reviewed with an average of 4.6 stars. Cheryl A. Fuller said, “Effective in stabilizing blood sugar levels! My husband was complaining of feeling very tired 20-30 min. after eating during the day. asked him to try Berberine by Organic; he was reluctant and expected nothing. Now he complains bc he can’t have his afternoon nap! He still tries, but cannot fall asleep, so he’s resigned to not napping. Berberine has messed with his familiar routine. I say YAY!”
5. Smart Nutralabs
Smart Nutralabs Premium Berberine is advertised as super strength. It is non-GMO, vegan, and gluten-free. A ninety-day supply, which is one bottle, is $23.99.
Emily Bell said in her review, “Been using it daily for close to a month now. I’ve lost 12 lbs. Blood work came back with much better results. Doctor was very pleased. This stuff kills your appetite just enough that you won’t starve, yet you never feel hungry. I can eat whatever I want (within reason), but I just don’t want to eat as much as I used to. I eat about half what I used to eat and don’t mind one bit! Finally, after looking all my life (I’m 70 years old) I found something that actually worked for me. And I’m not exercising, either.
Will update in another month.”
6. Simple-Organics
Simple-Organics Berberine is non-GMO, vegan, and made in the USA. It costs $19.99 for a two-month supply. While this price isn’t bad, there are cheaper options out there.
It has 4.4 stars overall on Amazon, and is listed as “Amazon’s Choice”. One Amazon customer said, “I gained weight and couldn’t seem to get it off no matter what I did. I might lose a few pounds but couldn’t consistently keep it off. Along with healthy diet and exercise, I was able to lose over 20lbs over 5 months. It’s not a magic pill but did seem to help me in my weight loss journey. I have 20lb more to lose. I will definitely continue taking this as I continue my journey.”
7. NusaPure
NusaPure Berberine capsules are 100% vegan, non-GMO, and gluten-free. Additionally, they are assembled in the USA. Their value is amazing, with a 6-month supply costing only $19.99.
One Amazon reviewer said, “I have been taking this for about a year and it has greatly helped. It is exactly as described. I will continue to buy because this really helps me and my health. Thank you!”
8. Naomi
Naomi Berberine capsules are vegan and sourced directly from India. A two-month supply costs $38.99, which is on the higher side.
Oylar Faye Nettles left a review on Naomi Berberine supplements saying, “Berberine is an easy-to-swallow capsule. There is no taste at all, before or after taking it. I noticed a difference in my blood sugar within the first week of taking Berberine. My fasting sugar usually ran between 140 to 165. Now I am seeing 98 to 113. My A1C has dropped from 8.1 to 6.4 in two months. I am very happy with this product.”
9. SoActive
SoActive Berberine boasts 9.6x higher absorption. These capsules are vegan, non-GMO, and gluten-free. They are priced slightly higher than competitors, with a two-month supply costing $30.59.
Tammy M left a review on Amazon saying, “I got this because it supports metabolism, balanced hormones, and healthy blood sugar. I have read many good things about Berberine and weight loss. Since I added this to my daily vitamins I have lost 6 pounds!!😊 I am also exercising and eating a well-balanced diet but I am so excited about this!! I had been stuck at the same weight for a few months, so this looks promising so far! The capsules don’t smell or taste bad.”
10. Doctor Recommended Supplements
Doctor-Recommended Supplements Berberine Plus is vegan, gluten-free, and has no artificial ingredients. A two-month supply costs $29.90.
Also listed as Amazon’s choice, this supplement has pretty high reviews. Rosie D said, “Have been using this product for a while now and it has been working as described. Have talked to a doctor about it and he has no objections to my use. It helps with blood sugar regulations.”
From its ability to lower blood sugar levels and promote weight loss to its potential impact on heart health, berberine is a wonderful supplement with a wide spectrum of possible advantages.
Yet, like any powerful supplement, berberine warrants a cautious approach. It’s crucial to recognize that berberine can interact with specific medications, particularly cyclosporine. Therefore, it’s advisable to exercise caution and avoid its use alongside cyclosporine.
Before integrating berberine into your regimen, especially if you’re currently on blood sugar-lowering medications or if you have underlying medical conditions, it’s good to have a conversation with a healthcare professional. Their guidance will ensure that your journey with Berberine is a safe and fruitful one, aligned with your unique health circumstances.
Related Content:
Easy Ways to Help the Planet:
- Eat Less Meat: Download Food Monster, the largest plant-based Recipe app on the App Store, to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy. You can also buy a hard or soft copy of our favorite vegan cookbooks.
- Reduce Your Fast Fashion Footprint: Take initiative by standing up against fast fashion Pollution and supporting sustainable and circular brands like Tiny Rescue that raise awareness around important issues through recycled zero-waste clothing designed to be returned and remade over and over again.
- Support Independent Media: Being publicly funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing you with high-quality content. Please consider supporting us by donating!
- Sign a Petition: Your voice matters! Help turn petitions into victories by signing the latest list of must-sign petitions to help people, animals, and the planet.
- Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest news and essential stories involving animals, the environment, sustainable living, food, health, and human interest topics by subscribing to our newsletter!
- Do What You Can: Reduce waste, plant trees, eat local, travel responsibly, reuse stuff, say no to single-use plastics, recycle, vote smart, switch to cold water laundry, divest from fossil fuels, save water, shop wisely, Donate if you can, grow your food, volunteer, conserve energy, compost, and don’t forget about the microplastics and microbeads lurking in typical household and personal care products!
