Berberine
DEBerberin
Berberine is an isoquinoline alkaloid found in multiple plant genera, including Berberis, Hydrastis canadensis (goldenseal), and Coptis chinensis. It is sold as a dietary supplement in most jurisdictions and is not an approved drug in the EU or US. Berberine inhibits mitochondrial complex I, raising the AMP:ATP ratio and thereby activating AMPK downstream; small trials show modest reductions in fasting glucose, HbA1c, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides in metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. Marketed informally as natural metformin, evidence quality is limited, product purity varies, and CYP3A4-mediated drug interactions warrant caution. Longevity use is investigational.
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Sources
- Zhang Y, Li X, Zou D et al.. (2008). Treatment of type 2 diabetes and dyslipidemia with the natural plant alkaloid berberine. *Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism*doi:10.1210/jc.2007-2404
- Lee YS, Kim WS, Kim KH et al.. (2006). Berberine, a natural plant product, activates AMP-activated protein kinase with beneficial metabolic effects in diabetic and insulin-resistant states. *Diabetes*doi:10.2337/db06-0006