What is Berberine?

Berberine is a natural compound found in several plants, such as goldenseal, Oregon grape, and barberry. It has been traditionally used in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for many years. Today, berberine is being explored for its potential to manage issues like infections, digestive problems, and skin conditions. More recently, research has turned toward its influence on blood sugar levels, heart health risks, and weight management.

Can Berberine Help With Weight Loss?

There is some evidence suggesting that berberine might aid in losing weight, but results are still not definitive.

A review conducted in 2022, covering 18 studies on weight and 23 on BMI (body mass index), noted that individuals who took berberine showed notable reductions in both weight and BMI. These effects appeared more often in people consuming more than 1 gram of berberine daily for longer than 8 weeks. However, many of the studies had reliability concerns, and findings were not always consistent. Therefore, more dependable research is needed to confirm any claims about berberine's impact on body weight.

Evaluating berberine’s effectiveness is further complicated by the different dosages and product types used across studies. In addition, many trial participants had pre-existing health conditions like fatty liver or diabetes, which could affect results. It's also worth noting that most studies were conducted in Asian countries, with limited research done in North America.

Is it Safe to Use Berberine?

Some people who take berberine experience side effects, mainly related to digestion, such as nausea, bloating, stomach pain, constipation, or diarrhea.

Berberine can also interfere with certain medications. For instance, it interacts with cyclosporine, a drug used to prevent organ transplant rejection. If you're currently taking any medication, it’s important to consult with your doctor before trying berberine supplements.

Berberine poses serious risks for infants, as it may cause bilirubin to build up to toxic levels, potentially damaging the brain. Because of this, berberine is considered unsafe for infants and possibly unsafe during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to risks to the baby.

Further Resources

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Understanding the Science

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Key Studies

• Asbaghi O, Ghanbari N, Shekari M, et al. Effects of berberine on weight, inflammation, and liver health: a review of trials. Clinical Nutrition ESPEN. 2020;38:43-49.

• Chan E. Berberine's impact on bilirubin levels in newborns. Biology of the Neonate. 1993;63(4):201-208.

• Li Z, Wang Y, Xu Q, et al. An overview of berberine’s health effects. Phytotherapy Research. 2023;37(5):2051-2066.

• Neag MA, Mocan A, Echeverría J, et al. Profile of berberine in traditional use and modern medicine. Frontiers in Pharmacology. 2018;9:557.

• Wu X, Li Q, Xin H, et al. Study on berberine’s effect with cyclosporin A in kidney transplant recipients. European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. 2005;61(8):567-572.

• Xin H-W, Wu X-C, Li Q, et al. How berberine alters the processing of ciclosporin A. Methods and Findings in Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology. 2006;28(1):25-29.

• Zamani M, Zarei M, Nikbaf-Shandiz M, et al. Berberine's role in reducing heart disease risks: A review and dose analysis. Frontiers in Nutrition. 2022;9:1013055.

Additional Citations

• Berberine review. Alternative Medicine Review. 2000;5(2):175-177.

• Goldenseal safety in breastfeeding. Drugs and Lactation Database. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Updated May 2021.

• National Institute on Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Am I at a Healthy Weight? Accessed September 22, 2023.

This information is in the public domain and free to share. The NCCIH offers it for your awareness and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your health care provider before making treatment decisions. Mention of specific treatments or products in this article does not imply endorsement by NCCIH.