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SupplementBerberine
Berberine is a plant compound found in barberry and related plants, sold as a supplement and widely marketed as natural metformin. It measurably lowers blood sugar, but the European food safety authority set no safe daily intake.
Related questions
Does berberine help against high blood sugar (the natural metformin)?
Yes · Moderate evidence · 8 studies
Is berberine safe to use if you are taking medication?
Preliminary evidence · 7 studies
How much berberine do you need per day?
Moderate evidence · 6 studies
Does berberine help with weight loss?
Moderate evidence · 6 studies
What do we know about berberine patches?
8 studies
Heard on podcasts
What popular health podcasts claimed about berberine, checked against the research.
Dr. Josh Axe · Brigham BuhlerPartly
“Berberine improves insulin sensitivity and supports the treatment of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.”
What the research says →Dave AspreyPartly
“Berberine effectively lowers blood sugar levels in humans.”
What the research says →Dr. Eric BergPartly
“Berberine has an effect on blood sugar levels comparable to the drug metformin, but with fewer side effects.”
What the research says →Berberine: what's new, and what holds up
We follow the latest research on berberine and listen to leading health podcasts, and we check what they claim. You'll get one email on Thursdays with what matters, and only when there's something new.
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