Berberine

evidence score

supplement

318 studies

berberine HClberberine hydrochlorideberberine chloride

Berberine is an isoquinoline alkaloid found in plants including Berberis and goldenseal. Extensive clinical trial data (primarily from China) demonstrates efficacy comparable to metformin for type 2 diabetes blood glucose control. Activates AMPK — the primary cellular energy sensor — driving downstream effects on glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism, and inflammation. Also improves lipid profiles (LDL-C reduction comparable to low-dose statins in some studies). Increasingly recognized as a legitimate metabolic therapeutic. Used for blood glucose management, weight loss, PCOS, and cardiovascular risk reduction. Bioavailability is poor (5–20%) but active, and can be improved with lipid formulations. Generally well-tolerated.

Evidence

Moderate evidence

Safety

Unknown safety profile

Clinical Status

Phase II

Research Sync

Feb 19, 2026

Dosing

Typical

1000 mg

500 mgRange1500 mg

Frequency500mg 2–3x daily with meals

Set height & weight in Settings to see your dose.

Pharmacology

Half-life~4–6 hours

OnsetBlood glucose effects within days; lipid effects over 4–8 weeks

DurationEffects active during dosing; benefits may partially persist

Routes

oral

Evidence Score

Level B — Moderate

318 studies indexed · 6 meta-analyses

Scoring Factors

Volume(40%)~50/100

Quality(30%)~48/100

Sample Size(10%)~100/100

Consistency(10%)~100/100

Replication(5%)~100/100

Recency(5%)~100/100

Scores estimated from study counts. Exact breakdown computed after research sync.

Evidence Levels

AScore ≥75 with at least 1 meta-analysis and 3+ RCTs

BScore ≥50 with at least 1 RCT or meta-analysis

CScore ≥25 — observational or animal evidence only

DScore <25 — very limited or preclinical data

Plain-English Snapshot

Berberine is currently categorized as a supplement compound.

Evidence is moderate (72/100): promising signal from 318 indexed studies, but context and population still matter.

Safety scoring is incomplete. Start conservatively and monitor carefully.

Core mechanism

AMPK activator; inhibits complex I of mitochondrial respiratory chain (similar to metformin); reduces hepatic gluconeogenesis; activates GLUT4 translocation; reduces intestinal glucose absorption

Practical Context

Strongest current signals

Level A: The effect of berberine on obesity indices: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Level A: Gegen Qinlian decoction ameliorates insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs with mechanistic insights into SIRT1/AMPK pathway activation.
Level B: The Pharmacokinetic Interaction Between Metformin and the Natural Product Goldenseal Is Metformin Dose-Dependent: A Three-Arm Crossover Study in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes.