4 Benefits And Uses Of Berberine
Berberine is considered one of the natural supplements of plant origin with the most beneficial properties for the body. Would you like to know more about it? In that case, keep reading everything that we are going to tell you below.
Berberine is a substance –alkaloid– that comes from several plants that are classified within the genus Berberis, such as the European berber, the turmeric tree, the goldenrod, the Oregon grape, the philodendron and the goldenseal.
So, it is a bioactive compound that could be useful to improve or complement the treatment of different issues. Let’s see more about this below.
Berberine benefits and uses
Although it is true that several benefits and uses of berberine are reported, Medline Plus experts consider that it is necessary to continue conducting studies on it to determine the extent of its benefits, among other aspects.
For now, we will tell you what are the most popular benefits and uses of berberine that these experts know about. Take note!
1. It would contribute to the control of hyperglycemia and diabetes
Berberine has a hypoglycemic effect. Therefore, it is considered that it could be beneficial for people who suffer from hyperglycemia or type 2 diabetes. Specifically, it is said that it could help:
- Decrease insulin resistance.
- Decrease the synthesis of sugars by the liver.
- Slow down the breakdown of carbohydrates at the intestinal level.
- Promote bacterial proliferation in the intestine.
2. It would help to lose weight
According to alternative medicine, berberine is one of the natural elements that can be used to lose extra pounds. Berberine consumption three times a day is estimated to aid weight loss, when combined with a healthy lifestyle.
In addition, it exists that, as it stimulates weight loss, berberine regulates hormones such as insulin and leptin, which are responsible for controlling the distribution of fats consumed in the diet.
3. It would lower blood cholesterol levels
According to alternative medicine, the treatment of cardiovascular diseases can be supplemented with berberine. Especially those that are caused by high values of fatty acids. Like cholesterol and triglycerides.
Normally, these fatty acids, which are present in sufficient quantities in the body, can rise with excessive consumption of fats and sugars, among other factors.
In the opinion, berberine may have a direct answer when it comes to lower total cholesterol. Specifically, it focuses on the reduction of bad cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood.
Likewise, it appears to have effects on the inhibition of the PCSK9 enzyme. This is responsible for accumulating LDL cholesterol deposits in the blood. Also known as bad cholesterol.
4. It would contribute to liver health
People with obesity, as well as diseases with a tendency to excess fat accumulation are more likely to suffer from fatty liver. According to alternative medicine, berberine may be helpful in preventing this, as it helps maintain liver health. Fundamentally, it would help to inhibit the uptake of fat by hepatocytes.
Berberine could be useful to improve the quality of life of diabetic patients, with obesity, insulin resistance, fatty liver and hyperlipidemia.
Should you start taking berberine?
As you can see, the benefits and uses of berberine are very varied and still need to be studied further. For this reason, before starting to take supplements with berberine, the ideal is that you consult your doctor. In this way, a possible interaction with other treatments could be avoided.
In addition, the professional will tell you if, indeed, it is the best option for you or not, and how you could take advantage of it properly (dose, frequency of consumption, etc.).
