Berberine
OTHER NAME(S): berberine, berberine hydrochloride (HCl), berberine phytosome, berberine sulfate
Overview
Berberine is a chemical that is naturally found in many different plants. It is available over the counter as a dietary supplement. People take berberine for various reasons, but its effects are not well defined. Common side effects may include nausea, upset stomach, constipation, diarrhea, or rash. Before taking berberine, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.
Uses
What is berberine used for?
Berberine, a chemical found naturally in several plants, is used for many different reasons. However, the benefits of berberine are not well defined. Some common reasons that people use berberine include the following.
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Weight loss
Note: The FDAhas not reviewed berberine for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.
How does berberine work (mechanism of action)?
Berberine is a chemical found naturally in many different plants in the Berberis genus, including barberry, Oregon grape, and goldenseal. Berberine is thought to act as an antioxidant. It is not clear if or how it might work to improve blood sugar levels, lower cholesterol, or increase weight loss.
How should I store berberine?
You should store berberine according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of berberine?
The most common side effects of berberine are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the dose you are taking or the specific product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Nausea
- Upset stomach
There may be other side effects of berberine that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of berberine?
While less common, the most serious side effects of berberine are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions.Berberine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking berberine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching or skin rash
- Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Precautions
Who should not use berberine?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take berberine.
- Berberine
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific berberine products they stock.
Infants.Infants can be at risk of serious side effects from berberine, including a serious brain condition called kernicterus.
What should I know about berberine before using it?
Berberine is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.
Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider.
Keep berberine out of the reach of children.
The FDA has not tested berberine products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.
What should I tell my health care provider before using berberine?
Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if berberine is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Other Medicines and Supplements.Berberine may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking berberine, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how berberine could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. However, there are concerns about its use in pregnancy. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It may be best to avoid use of berberine while you are pregnant, until more data are available.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if berberine passes into breast milk. But berberine may be harmful to infants. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Interactions
Does berberine interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between berberine and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect berberine.
Does berberine interact with medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
Berberine may alter the blood levels of many medicines. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.
The interactions between berberine and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions for berberine is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before using berberine with any medicines.
Dosing
What should I do if I accidentally use too much berberine?
If you or someone else has used too much berberine, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
Berberine may be taken in a wide range of doses depending on the product you choose and your reasons for using it. Read the product label closely and speak with a health care provider about how to take berberine safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.
References
- Blumenthal, M. The ABC Clinical Guide to Herbs, American Botanical Council, 2003.
- Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed): “Goldenseal.”
- European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology: “Repeated Administration of Berberine Inhibits Cytochrome P450 in Humans.”
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: “Berberine and Weight Loss: What You Need To Know.”
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: “Goldenseal.”