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Berberine 101

November 22, 2021 by Enzymedica Team
Berberine 101

Blood sugar support is something that everyone should try to invest in, both through dietary choices and appropriate supplements.  A great example of this is berberine. Read on to learn about where to get berberine and all the things it can do for you.

What Is Berberine?

One appealing thing about berberine is that it is a natural compound, found in several different plants. The most common source is barberry, but it can also be found in goldenseal, goldthread, and Oregon grape. Historically, it has been used as a dye, as well as a part of the ancient Chinese healing tradition, where it has been used to treat digestive issues and diarrhea. Recently, interest has grown in its other characteristics.

One thing to remember when we talk about berberine is that not all sources and delivery systems are created equal. To increase your chances of success, it’s a good idea to invest in supplements that give you the best quality of berberine and the highest chance of absorption in the stomach.

Berberine is a yellowish plant alkaloid that has long been a part of traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, but the western world is just beginning to take notice of it. Recent studies have backed up what the ancients have known for millennia – that berberine is a powerful compound that can assist with maintaining overall health and promoting normal body functions across a range of systems.

Promoting Healthy Blood Sugar Levels already within a normal range

Studies have shown that berberine is effective in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels already in the normal range.1 It does this in several ways. It helps slow the breakdown of carbohydrates and reduces the amount of glucose produced by the liver, in order to support your body's ability to avoid blood sugar spikes after you eat a meal.* In addition to a healthy diet and regular exercise, berberine supplementation can assist you in maintaining a healthy weight.* This can also contribute to maintaining healthy blood sugar levels already within a normal range.*

Why Enzymedica

Enzymedica’s berberine product is comprised of 95 percent of the active ingredient, whereas many other products on the market contain only about 50 percent. Enzymedica’s Berberine also is sustainably made from barberry rather than goldenseal, which is an endangered species. Sourcing berberine from barberry does not kill any plants in the extraction process. Our Berberine is offered in targeted-release capsules to ensure that berberine is absorbed properly throughout the GI tract. This special capsule is resistant to stomach acid that would otherwise break down the capsule and cause the berberine to bond with itself, forming insoluble complexes that cannot be absorbed.

We always recommend speaking to your doctor or natural health practitioner before adding a berberine supplement, especially if you are currently taking medications.

 

Reference:

  1. Yin, J., Xing, H., Ye, J. (2008, May). Efficacy of berberine in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Metabolism. 57(5):712-7.