What Is Berberine?

Many of us who have spent time in herbal healing circles are familiar with the golden color and the bitter flavor of Goldenseal extract. What most do not know is that the compound responsible for this color and taste is berberine - an alkaloid present in Goldenseal and many other medicinal plants.

Barberry root, Oregon grape root, and Turmeric are other examples of berberine-rich herbs that have been used in herbal healing traditions for ages. Modern research shows that berberine HCl, an isolated phytochemical from these plants, has its own potent benefits. In general, berberine benefits four main areas of health: glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism, gastrointestinal health, as well as cellular health.

Berberine Benefits

Glucose Metabolism

The results of a meta-analysis have reported that berberine plays an important role in supporting healthy glucose metabolism at dosages ranging from 500mg to 1500mg per day. Berberine appears to influence glucose metabolism by mechanisms that differ from pharmaceutical means: it increases the efficiency of insulin receptors, promotes insulin sensitivity, and supports the production of glucagon-like peptide-1. All these processes are involved in the control of blood sugar levels, making berberine a great choice for people with diabetes.

Left unchecked, glucose metabolism issues can lead to blood sugar imbalances that trigger oxidative stress and systemic inflammation. This in turn can lead to weight gain, cardiovascular damage, heart disease, nerve damage, kidney weakness, cognitive decline, and vision problems. 

Lipid Metabolism

There have been many clinical studies reporting berberine to improve lipid metabolism within normal limits when compared with placebo or standard therapy. According to one of the trials, 12 weeks of a daily dosage of 1500mg is sufficient to support healthy lipid metabolism. Other studies suggest that berberine influences lipid metabolism by means that promote cholesterol receptor expression on liver cells, and balance bile acid turnover.

Gastrointestinal Health

Chinese, Ayurvedic, and Western herbal traditions have a long history of use of Berberine-containing plants for purposes of promoting a healthy microflora in the gastrointestinal tract and boosting the immune system. This remarkable compound inhibits pathogenic bacteria, without harming your good intestinal flora. This is key to effective digestive relief ranging from gas and bloating to acid indigestion and more.

Cellular Health

A lifetime of processed foods, refined sugar intake, and alcohol consumption can take a serious toll on overall cellular function affecting your vital organs. That's why the liver, pancreas, and kidney problems all become more common as we age. Recent studies show berberine's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory powers specifically inhibit oxidative stress and inflammation of vital organ systems.

Whether you are working on managing your cholesterol and triglycerides levels, blood sugar, or gastrointestinal issues, berberine is a great tool to have in your toolbox. At Martin’s Wellness Pharmacies, we have a leading product available for you: Berberine Metabolic Support by Integrative Therapeutics. This product has guaranteed potency and purity in line with what is needed to achieve the results you are looking for.

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