Berberine
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Evidence Summary
Berberine is a bioactive compound with extensive research support for its role in metabolic health. Meta-analyses and systematic reviews consistently demonstrate its efficacy in managing dyslipidemia, glycemic control, and inflammatory markers.
Evidence by Condition
Berberine is effective for treating dyslipidaemias and can be used either alone or in combination with statins.
Research shows significant glucose-lowering effects and improvements in insulin-related traits.
Berberine shows promise in improving liver enzymes and managing NAFLD, particularly in pre-fibrotic stages.
It helps reduce C-reactive protein and other inflammatory markers associated with metabolic syndrome.
There is evidence regarding its efficacy in preventing the recurrence of colorectal adenomas.
Effective Doses
Dose ranges are not explicitly stated in the provided research summaries.
Key Findings
- Berberine is effective for treating dyslipidaemias (PMID: 30466986) and can be used alone or with statins (PMID: 31094214).
- It provides significant glucose-lowering effects and improves insulin-related traits (PMID: 37598753, 36467075).
- It reduces inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (PMID: 31519292, 35352233).
- It shows efficacy in managing NAFLD and improving liver enzymes (PMID: 38429794, 35623810).
Limitations
Some evidence regarding atherosclerosis pathways is derived from animal studies, and more human-specific longitudinal data is needed.
Safety & Interactions
While studies frequently evaluate the safety of berberine, specific contraindications and drug interactions are not detailed in the provided summaries.
AI-generated summary from 98 peer-reviewed studies. Not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider.
Claims vs. Evidence
| Claim Type | % of Products | Evidence Required | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Other | 100% | Tier D (Unclassified) | ✅ Supported |
| Structure/Function | 86% | Tier C (DSHEA Structure/Function (no pre-approval)) | ✅ Supported |
| Nutrient | 4% | Tier D (Unknown) | ✅ Supported |
| No Claim | 0% | Tier D (No claim on label) | ✅ Supported |
Research by Topic
⚠️ FDA Safety Data
Research Evidence (98)
**Ju et al., 2018** | Phytomedicine | Meta Analysis Ju Jianqing, Li Jingen, ... Xu Hao. Efficacy and safety of berberine for dyslipidaemias: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Phytomedicine. 2018-Nov-15;50:25-34. doi...
BACKGROUND & AIMS: Despite controversies, no study has systematically summarized findings from earlier studies on the effect of berberine (BBR)-silymarin on liver enzymes. Therefore, the current systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigat...
**Yang et al., 2023** | Phytomedicine | Meta Analysis Yang Lele, Zhu Wenyu, ... Shen Tao. Efficacy and safety of berberine for several cardiovascular diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Phytomedicine. 2023...
**Beba et al., 2019** | Complement Ther Med | Meta Analysis Beba Mohammad, Djafarian Kurosh, Shab-Bidar Sakineh. Effect of Berberine on C-reactive protein: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Complement Ther Med. 20...
**Zhao et al., 2023** | J Nutr | Meta Analysis Zhao Jie V, Huang Xin, ... Blais Joseph E. Overall and Sex-Specific Effect of Berberine on Glycemic and Insulin-Related Traits: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. J Nu...
**Nie et al., 2024** | J Transl Med | Meta Analysis Nie Qilong, Li Mingyang, ... Li Jianhong. The clinical efficacy and safety of berberine in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a meta-analysis and systematic review. J Transl Med. 20...
**Ionita-Radu et al., 2024** | Int J Mol Sci | Systematic Review Ionita-Radu Florentina, Patoni Cristina, ... Bucurica Sandica. Berberine Effects in Pre-Fibrotic Stages of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease-Clinical and Pre-Clinical Overview and Syste...
**Zhang et al., 2019** | Am J Chin Med | Meta Analysis Zhang Li-Shuang, Zhang Jun-Hua, ... Li Xue-Mei. Efficacy and Safety of Berberine Alone or Combined with Statins for the Treatment of Hyperlipidemia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Rando...
**Khalili et al., 2023** | Int J Mol Sci | Meta Analysis Khalili Leila, Centner Ann Marie, Salazar Gloria. Effects of Berries, Phytochemicals, and Probiotics on Atherosclerosis through Gut Microbiota Modification: A Meta-Analysis of Animal Studies. I...
**Ji et al., 2025** | JAMA Netw Open | Rct Ji Linong, Ma Jianhua, ... Liu Liping. Berberine Ursodeoxycholate for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2025-Mar-03;8(3):e2462185. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.202...
**Lu et al., 2022** | Inflammopharmacology | Meta Analysis Lu Yuqiong, Zhang Xiwen, ... Chang Feng. The effects of berberine on inflammatory markers in Chinese patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders: a meta‑analysis of randomized cont...
**Liao et al., 2026** | J Ethnopharmacol | Meta Analysis Liao Yifan, Yang Liu, ... Yue Rensong. Gegen Qinlian decoction ameliorates insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs with mechanistic insights into SI...
**Fang et al., 2022** | J Ethnopharmacol | Meta Analysis Fang ShuangShuang, Guo Song, ... Wei Wei. Efficacy and safety of berberine in preventing recurrence of colorectal adenomas: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Ethnopharmacol. 2022-Jan-10;...
**Xie et al., 2022** | Front Pharmacol | Systematic Review Xie Wenting, Su Fugui, ... Chen Rongping. Glucose-lowering effect of berberine on type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Pharmacol. 2022;13:1015045. doi:10.3389/fphar.2...
**Blais et al., 2023** | Drugs | Meta Analysis Blais Joseph E, Huang Xin, Zhao Jie V. Overall and Sex-Specific Effect of Berberine for the Treatment of Dyslipidemia in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Placebo-Controlled Tri...
**Hernandez et al., 2024** | J Diet Suppl | Meta Analysis Hernandez Adrian V, Hwang Jennifer, ... White C Michael. Impact of Berberine or Berberine Combination Products on Lipoprotein, Triglyceride and Biological Safety Marker Concentrations in Patie...
**Palasantzas et al., 2026** | Nutrients | Systematic Review Palasantzas Victoria E J M, Struik Dicky, ... Hoogerland Joanne A. Assessing Nutraceuticals for Hepatic Steatosis: A Standardized In Vitro Approach. Nutrients. 2026-Jan-24;18(3). doi:10.339...
**Lan et al., 2015** | J Ethnopharmacol | Meta Analysis Lan Jiarong, Zhao Yanyun, ... Sun Guoli. Meta-analysis of the effect and safety of berberine in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, hyperlipemia and hypertension. J Ethnopharmacol. 2015-F...
**Amini et al., 2020** | Complement Ther Med | Meta Analysis Amini Mohammad Reza, Sheikhhossein Fatemeh, ... Shab-Bidar Sakineh. Effects of berberine and barberry on anthropometric measures: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized control...
**Cicero et al., 2021** | Nutrients | Meta Analysis Cicero Arrigo F G, Kennedy Cormac, ... Fogacci Federica. Efficacy and Safety of Armolipid Plus®: An Updated PRISMA Compliant Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Clinical Tri...
**Luo et al., 2023** | Phytother Res | Meta Analysis Luo Dan, Yu Baili, ... Shi Shihua. Effects of adjuvant berberine therapy on acute ischemic stroke: A meta-analysis. Phytother Res. 2023-Sep;37(9):3820-3838. doi:10.1002/ptr.7920 We conducted a meta...
**Vahedi-Mazdabadi et al., 2023** | Phytother Res | Meta Analysis Vahedi-Mazdabadi Yasaman, Shahinfar Hossein, ... Shidfar Farzad. Effects of berberine and barberry on selected inflammatory biomarkers in adults: A systematic review and dose-response ...
**Li et al., 2024** | PLoS One | Meta Analysis Li Jilei, Zhang Chenchen, ... Yang Lili. Efficacy and safety of berberine plus 5-ASA for ulcerative colitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One. 2024;19(9):e0309144. doi:10.1371/journal.pone...
**Cicero et al., 2018** | Nutrients | Systematic Review Cicero Arrigo F G, Colletti Alessandro, Bellentani Stefano. Nutraceutical Approach to Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): The Available Clinical Evidence. Nutrients. 2018-Aug-23;10(9). do...
**Guo et al., 2021** | Oxid Med Cell Longev | Meta Analysis Guo Jing, Chen Hongdong, ... Liu Wei Jing. The Effect of Berberine on Metabolic Profiles in Type 2 Diabetic Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. O...
**Aktaş et al., 2025** | CNS Neurosci Ther | Systematic Review Aktaş Emre, Hanağası Haşmet Ayhan, Özgentürk Nehir Özdemir. Levodopa and Plant-Derived Bioactive Compounds in Parkinson's Disease: Mechanisms, Efficacy, and Future Perspectives. CNS Neuro...
**Zhang et al., 2020** | Nat Commun | Rct Zhang Yifei, Gu Yanyun, ... Wang Weiqing. Gut microbiome-related effects of berberine and probiotics on type 2 diabetes (the PREMOTE study). Nat Commun. 2020-Oct-06;11(1):5015. doi:10.1038/s41467-020-18414-8 ...
**Suadoni et al., 2021** | Complement Ther Clin Pract | Meta Analysis Suadoni Marco Tullio, Atherton Iain. Berberine for the treatment of hypertension: A systematic review. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2021-Feb;42:101287. doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2020.10128...
**Qiao et al., 2023** | Pharm Biol | Meta Analysis Qiao Meng, Lei Chao, ... Wang Zhifei. Efficacy and safety of berberine for premature ventricular contractions: a meta-analysis and systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Pharm Biol. 2023-...
**Fogacci et al., 2019** | Phytother Res | Meta Analysis Fogacci Federica, Grassi Davide, ... Cicero Arrigo F G. Metabolic effect of berberine-silymarin association: A meta-analysis of randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials. Phy...
**Ha et al., 2024** | Explore (NY) | Meta Analysis Ha Sifu, Song Xiaoyu. Berberine as adjuvant therapy for treating reduced fertility potential in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Explore (NY). 20...
**Miao et al., 2025** | Phytother Res | Systematic Review Miao Runyu, Zhang Boxun, ... Tong Xiaolin. Clinical Efficacy of Curcumin, Resveratrol, Silymarin, and Berberine on Cardio-Metabolic Risk Factors Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A...
**Zhang et al., 2008** | J Clin Endocrinol Metab | Rct Zhang Yifei, Li Xiaoying, ... Ning Guang. Treatment of type 2 diabetes and dyslipidemia with the natural plant alkaloid berberine. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2008-Jul;93(7):2559-65. doi:10.1210/jc....
**Dong et al., 2013** | Planta Med | Meta Analysis Dong Hui, Zhao Yan, ... Lu Fuer. The effects of berberine on blood lipids: a systemic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Planta Med. 2013-Apr;79(6):437-46. doi:10.1055/s-0032-1...
**Asbaghi et al., 2020** | Clin Nutr ESPEN | Meta Analysis Asbaghi Omid, Ghanbari Niloofar, ... Asemi Zatollah. The effect of berberine supplementation on obesity parameters, inflammation and liver function enzymes: A systematic review and meta-analy...
**Liang et al., 2019** | Endocr J | Meta Analysis Liang Yaping, Xu Xiaojia, ... Ni Jindong. Effects of berberine on blood glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic literature review and a meta-analysis. Endocr J. 2019-Jan-28;66(...
**Shi et al., 2025** | BMC Complement Med Ther | Systematic Review Shi Lanjun, Wang Wenya, ... Liao Xing. Berberine and health outcomes: an overview of systematic reviews. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2025-Apr-23;25(1):147. doi:10.1186/s12906-025-04872-4...
**Xue et al., 2025** | Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Xue Chongxiang, Chen Ying, ... Wang Han. The effects of Gegen Qinlian decoction and its main constituents on glucolipid metabolic disorders in diabetes: an overview of systematic reviews and meta-analys...
**Feng et al., 2026** | Front Med (Lausanne) | Systematic Review Feng Zhongwen, Lu Qingliu, ... Chen Xiaoyu. Mapping the knowledge domain: a bibliometric analysis of global research on traditional Chinese medicine for non-alcoholic fatty liver diseas...
**Ilyas et al., 2020** | Biomed Pharmacother | Systematic Review Ilyas Zahra, Perna Simone, ... Rondanelli Mariangela. The effect of Berberine on weight loss in order to prevent obesity: A systematic review. Biomed Pharmacother. 2020-Jul;127:110137. ...
**Hu et al., 2022** | Pharmacol Res | Meta Analysis Hu Shuangyuan, Wang Jundong, ... Ma Xiao. Protective effect of berberine in diabetic nephropathy: A systematic review and meta-analysis revealing the mechanism of action. Pharmacol Res. 2022-Nov;185...
**Jacoby et al., 2025** | Wound Repair Regen | Meta Analysis Jacoby Ted, Yee Danielle, ... Isseroff Roslyn. Novel Wound Care Practices in Bullous Pemphigoid: A Systematic Review. Wound Repair Regen. 2025;33(6):e70109. doi:10.1111/wrr.70109 Bullous pe...
**Elahi et al., 2026** | Int J Obes (Lond) | Meta Analysis Elahi Vahed Iman, Shahir-Roudi Erfan, ... Rahmanian Mohammad. The effect of berberine on obesity indices: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Obes (Lond). 2026-Jan;50(1):53-73. doi:1...
**Chen et al., 2021** | Front Cardiovasc Med | Systematic Review Chen Cong, Lin Qian, ... Li Dong. Pre-clinical Evidence: Berberine as a Promising Cardioprotective Candidate for Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury, a Systematic Review, and Meta-An...
**Ma et al., 2026** | Phytomedicine | Systematic Review Ma Jia, Zhang Yuanhao, ... Efferth Thomas. High-fat Diet-associated Digestive Cancers: Mechanisms, Natural Product-based Therapies, and Drug Development. Phytomedicine. 2026-Jan;150:157574. doi:...
**Koppen et al., 2017** | J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med | Systematic Review Koppen Laura M, Whitaker Andrea, ... Beckett Robert D. Efficacy of Berberine Alone and in Combination for the Treatment of Hyperlipidemia: A Systematic Review. J Evid...
**Yuan et al., 2019** | BMC Complement Altern Med | Systematic Review Yuan Ning-Ning, Cai Cui-Zan, ... Lu Jia-Hong. Neuroprotective effects of berberine in animal models of Alzheimer's disease: a systematic review of pre-clinical studies. BMC Complem...
**Xu et al., 2019** | BMC Cancer | Meta Analysis Xu Jianhao, Long Yuming, ... Zhang Yusong. Anticancer effect of berberine based on experimental animal models of various cancers: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Cancer. 2019-Jun-17;19(1):58...
**Shinjyo et al., 2020** | J Integr Med | Systematic Review Shinjyo Noriko, Parkinson James, ... Bligh Annie. Berberine for prevention of dementia associated with diabetes and its comorbidities: A systematic review. J Integr Med. 2020-Mar;18(2):125-1...
**Li et al., 2025** | Phytother Res | Systematic Review Li Ji, Jin Jingfen, ... Zhang Ning. Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis of the Effects of Plant Extracts on Cognitive Function and Quality of Life in Stroke Patients. Phytother Res. 2025...
Showing top 50 of 98 sources, sorted by quality score.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Berberine and what is it used for?
Berberine is a bioactive compound used to support metabolic health. There is strong evidence that it is effective for managing blood sugar levels and unhealthy cholesterol levels.
Does Berberine help lower blood sugar?
Yes, there is strong evidence that Berberine provides significant glucose-lowering effects. It is also shown to improve insulin-related traits, making it useful for glycemic control.
Can Berberine help with high cholesterol?
There is strong evidence that Berberine is effective for treating dyslipidaemia (unhealthy lipid levels). Research suggests it can be used either alone or in combination with statins.
Is Berberine effective for fatty liver disease?
There is moderate evidence that Berberine shows promise in managing Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). It may help improve liver enzymes, particularly in the pre-fibrotic stages of the condition.
Can Berberine reduce inflammation?
There is moderate evidence that Berberine helps reduce inflammation in the body. Specifically, it can help lower C-reactive protein and other inflammatory markers associated with metabolic syndrome.
What is the recommended dose of Berberine?
The provided research does not explicitly state a specific effective dose range. You should consult with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate dosage for your needs.
Are there any side effects or drug interactions with Berberine?
While studies frequently evaluate its safety, specific contraindications were not detailed in the available research. Currently, no drug interactions are documented, but you should always consult a doctor before use.
Who should avoid taking Berberine?
The provided research does not specify particular groups who should avoid Berberine. However, because it has strong effects on blood sugar and lipids, individuals should discuss its use with a physician.
Answers generated from research evidence. Not medical advice.