While berberine is traditionally used for gastrointestinal symptoms, current research shows that it also has benefits for blood glucose support, cardiovascular health, and antioxidant activity. It helps lower blood glucose by slowing the absorption of carbohydrates and supporting insulin sensitivity, in addition to lowering HbA1c levels. It helps reduce waist circumference and body weight, blood pressure, and triglycerides in metabolic syndrome. It also helps lower blood pressure, total and LDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels.
Berberine improves insulin sensitivity through inhibition of alpha-glucosidase activity, upregulation of insulin receptors in peripheral tissues, AMPK activation, and UHRF1 inhibition. In controlled trials, it reduced HbA1c levels with comparable efficacy to standard treatment. Berberine also activates Nrf2, a key regulator of cellular antioxidant defence, and attenuates glucose-induced neurotoxicity.
Berberine supplements can vary widely in bioavailability. Improved delivery forms, such as LipoMicel berberine, enhance bioavailability, provide resistance against intestinal degradation, and may also improve intracellular delivery. A pilot crossover study showed that LipoMicel berberine was effective in lowering blood glucose levels by 12% after two 500 mg doses.
