![]() "While I don't think we can discount the findings on berberine completely as it may have the potential for lowering glucose levels, the low quality and lack of rigor make the studies inconclusive," says Dr. Because supplements often aren't included on prescription lists, it's crucial for patients to discuss everything they are currently taking to identify potential interactions. Nearly all pharmaceutical or herbal treatments have potential side effects, so there should always be a discussion with your doctor about the risks and benefits. "So you never entirely know what you're taking." Berberine and diabetes "You may be ingesting something stronger than you realize or other times ingesting a filler with no biologic activity at all," adds Dr. Berberine is considered a food product therefore, it doesn't go through the normal FDA review, whereas diabetes medications go through extensive, strenuous trials with very close monitoring for potential safety issues."īecause supplements are not FDA regulated for quality control, safety, efficacy or regular monitoring, manufacturers are not required to establish these standards for supplement products. But 'natural' doesn't equate to 'safe' use. ![]() "Available treatments are often costly and have potential side effects, so it's not surprising that people are going to look to less costly, 'natural' alternatives that may improve blood sugars without side effects. "The rates of diabetes are increasing, and sticking to lifestyle changes like diet and exercise is a challenge," says Leslie Eiland, MD, Nebraska Medicine endocrinologist. There has never been a large-scale, randomized (some get a placebo while others get treatment drug) or multicenter clinical trial, which new diabetes drugs need to undergo to obtain FDA approval. Further, all of them took place in China, so the impact on diverse populations remains unknown. The doses, length and other essential study variables are so wide-ranging that it's difficult to compare and combine the data. While several studies have shown that berberine can improve blood glucose levels, others have not. Others take it further, asserting the research has concluded that berberine is a good treatment option to try before insulin therapy and may offer better results than metformin.Īll of these claims seem like good news, right? But are they really? Berberine studies Some claim the benefits are comparable to pharmaceutical medications like the blood sugar lowering drug metformin. in powder or capsule form available for purchase online and in health stores.īerberine supplements have attracted online attention lately, claiming the compound is a viable treatment for high cholesterol or high blood pressure and can reduce glucose levels for those with Type 2 diabetes. ![]() More recently, berberine has gained a foothold in the U.S. The compound berberine, found in certain plants like goldenseal, goldthread, European barberry and tree turmeric, has been grown and used for gastrointestinal issues for centuries in China and the Middle East.
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