Liposomal Berberine

1. May Support Weight Loss

Studies found berberine to "moderately but significantly" decrease weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and C-reactive protein (a marker of inflammation in the body).

Some people call berberine "nature's Ozempic" due to its purported weight loss effects. However, berberine does not work like semaglutide (Ozempic's active ingredient) and is not an equivalent of the medication.

Experts at Ohio State University note that the studies do not confirm that berberine is effective. Additionally, lifestyle changes—such as diet and exercise—are necessary in combination with berberine for any potential benefits.

Similarly, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) states that while some research suggests a possible benefit, many studies have limitations, including bias and inconsistent results. The NCCIH emphasizes that more high-quality research is necessary to fully understand berberine’s effects on weight loss.

2. Can Help Control Blood Sugar

A 2022 review examined the results of 37 studies involving over 3,000 people. The results showed that berberine lowered blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes, which is notably related to fasting blood sugar and hemoglobin A1C (a measure of blood sugar control over three months). These benefits were noted without causing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

Researchers suggest that berberine has the potential to help people control type 2 diabetes, but there are some limitations to its use. For example, the body may not absorb it well, and some forms of berberine have a high level of toxicity.

3. Has Cholesterol-Lowering Effects

In an older but widely referenced study, researchers reported that berberine reduced total cholesterol by 29%, triglycerides by 35%, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (also known as "bad" cholesterol) by 25%.

A 2017 review of studies looked at berberine for high cholesterol. Although its researchers noted that the review had limitations, most studies found berberine to decrease LDL levels and triglycerides.

Additionally, a review of 44 studies involving over 4,000 people showed no difference between berberine alone and statins in improving cholesterol levels. Berberine plus statins also had beneficial effects.

Researchers suggest that berberine could be a potential add-on treatment or alternative for certain people, such as those who cannot take statins, such as Lipitor (atorvastatin).

4. May Help Improve Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is a common hormonal disorder associated with various health problems, such as infertility, obesity, and acne, and may lead to diabetes and heart disease. People with PCOS also often have insulin resistance (when the body doesn't respond normally to insulin, which can lead to high blood sugar).

A 2018 review of studies suggested that berberine may be a promising remedy for insulin resistance associated with PCOS, but further studies are necessary.12

A 2023 study noted "encouraging evidence of the superior effect" of berberine in helping various measures of PCOS, including improved blood sugar levels, lowered insulin resistance, and improved ovulation and birth rates.

5. Helps Lower Blood Pressure

Some research has found that taking berberine in combination with a medication that treats hypertension (high blood pressure) lowers blood pressure more than the prescription drug alone.

Also, combining berberine with lifestyle changes was more effective in lowering blood pressure than lifestyle changes alone. These studies used a dose of 0.9 grams (g) to 1.2 g of berberine per day.

A 2022 systematic review and meta-analysis of 20 studies showed that berberine significantly reduced systolic blood pressure (the first number of a blood pressure reading) compared to a placebo.15 However, some studies suggest limited evidence to support the use of berberine in blood pressure control.

6. May Improve Gut Health

The gut microbiota is a mix of microorganisms (tiny living things, including bacteria) that play a role in many body functions, such as the immune system and metabolism. Maintaining a stable gut microbiota is important to health. When the balance of gut bacteria is disrupted, it can lead to inflammatory conditions and infections.

Berberine's effects on many conditions are thought to be related to its effects on gut health. Research has found that berberine may improve unhealthy gut microbiota.

A review of studies found that berberine can affect the structure and function of gut microbiota, and gut microbiota can regulate how the body absorbs and uses berberine, with effects that vary based on the dose. However, the researchers noted that more studies are necessary to fully understand how berberine is absorbed and how it affects the body.

7. Can Support Liver Health

Research has shown that berberine can protect the liver. Studies found that berberine affects how certain genes in the liver control blood sugar and fat metabolism.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is often linked with other conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and chronic liver disease.

A 2024 analysis of studies found that berberine is effective in improving liver enzymes, cholesterol, and insulin sensitivity (how effectively the body responds to insulin), prompting the researchers to suggest that berberine may be a promising add-on treatment for MASLD.

8. May Have Anticancer Effects

Berberine may help fight certain types of cancer by neutralizing harmful molecules in the body, causing cancer cells to die, stopping cancer cells from growing and dividing, reducing inflammation, and preventing the growth of new blood vessels that feed tumors.

Berberine may work better when combined with cancer drugs or other complementary and alternative therapies, making them more effective in fighting cancer.