The effect of berberine supplementation on obesity parameters, inflammation and liver function enzymes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#berberine #dietary-supplements #humans #inflammation #liver

The effect of berberine supplementation on obesity parameters, inflammation and liver function enzymes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Asbaghi et al., 2020 | Clin Nutr ESPEN | Meta Analysis

Citation

Asbaghi Omid, Ghanbari Niloofar, ... Asemi Zatollah. The effect of berberine supplementation on obesity parameters, inflammation and liver function enzymes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Clin Nutr ESPEN. 2020-Aug;38:43-49. doi:10.1016/j.clnesp.2020.04.010

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: So far, no study has summarized the findings on the effects of berberine intake on anthropometric parameters, C-reactive protein (CRP) and liver enzymes. This systematic review and meta-analysis were done based upon randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to analyze the effects of berberine on anthropometric parameters, CRP and liver enzymes. METHOD: Following databases were searched for eligible studies published from inception to 30 July 2019: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, PubMed and Google scholar. Necessary data were extracted. Data were pooled by the inverse variance method and expressed as mean difference with 95% Confidence Intervals (95% CI). RESULT: 12 studies were included. Berberine treatment moderately but significantly decreased body weight (WMD = -2.07 kg, 95% CI -3.09, -1.05, P < 0.001), body mass index (BMI) (WMD = -0.47 kg/m2, 95% CI -0.70, -0.23, P < 0.001), waist circumference (WC) (WMD = -1.08 cm, 95% CI -1.97, -0.19, P = 0.018) and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations (WMD = -0.42 mg/L, 95% CI -0.82, -0.03, P = 0.034). However, berberine intake did not affect liver enzymes, including alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (WMD = -1.66 I/U, 95% CI -3.98, 0.65, P = 0.160) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (WMD = -0.87 I/U, 95% CI -2.56, 0.82, P = 0.311). CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis found a significant reduction of body weight, BMI, WC and CRP levels associated with berberine intake which may have played an indirect role in improved clinical symptoms in diseases with metabolic disorders. Berberine administration had no significant effect on ALT and AST levels.

Key Findings

This meta-analysis found a significant reduction of body weight, BMI, WC and CRP levels associated with berberine intake which may have played an indirect role in improved clinical symptoms in diseases with metabolic disorders. Berberine administration had no significant effect on ALT and AST levels.

Outcomes Measured

  • C-reactive protein

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 12
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Berberine
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Humans
  • Inflammation
  • Liver
  • Obesity
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: berberine

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09