Effects of berberine and barberry on selected inflammatory biomarkers in adults: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#adult #humans #berberine #berberis #interleukin-6

Effects of berberine and barberry on selected inflammatory biomarkers in adults: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

Vahedi-Mazdabadi et al., 2023 | Phytother Res | Meta Analysis

Citation

Vahedi-Mazdabadi Yasaman, Shahinfar Hossein, ... Shidfar Farzad. Effects of berberine and barberry on selected inflammatory biomarkers in adults: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Phytother Res. 2023-Dec;37(12):5541-5557. doi:10.1002/ptr.7998

Abstract

The previous meta-analysis showed an advantageous effect of berberine supplementation on interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations; however, it is unknown the dosage that this component influences inflammatory biomarkers. A comprehensive search was done in Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science until September 2022 to find randomized controlled trials (RCT) that assessed the effects of berberine/barberry on IL-6, TNF-α, and CRP in adults but not trials without a control group. Studies bias was assessed using RoB 2. A random-effects model was performed to calculate the weighted mean difference (WMD). A dose-dependent effect was calculated. Eighteen clinical trials with 1600 participants were included in the current meta-analysis. These interventions significantly mitigate IL-6 levels (-1.18 pg/mL), TNF-α levels (-3.72 pg/mL), and CRP levels (-1.33 mg/L). In addition, the non-linear analysis showed a significant lowering effect of berberine/barberry on IL-6 and TNF-α levels in doses <1000 mg/day and less than 5 weeks of intervention. There are limitations to our findings, including low-quality studies and significant heterogeneity. These interventions might be considered adjunct therapy to managing inflammation status. However, more investigation and high-quality evidence must be conducted to obtain more comprehensive and generalizable results.

Key Findings

However, more investigation and high-quality evidence must be conducted to obtain more comprehensive and generalizable results.

Outcomes Measured

  • C-reactive protein
  • inflammatory markers

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 1600
Age Range See abstract
Condition inflammation

MeSH Terms

  • Adult
  • Humans
  • Berberine
  • Berberis
  • Interleukin-6
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Biomarkers
  • C-Reactive Protein
  • Inflammation
  • Dietary Supplements

Evidence Classification

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

Provenance

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