Berberine is a compound found in many plants, including European barberry, philodendron, Oregon grape, goldenseal, and goldthread. These plants have historically served as treatments for a wide range of ailments, from infections, sores and metabolic health.
Records date back to over 3,000 years where people in China and South Asia cultivated the barberry plant and its relatives. The plant’s stems, leaves, and bark were used. Berberine containing plants were also used in South America, the Middle East, and Europe to treat different conditions. Today, researchers are investigating it as a treatment for diabetes, high cholesterol, and even polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][ultimate_modal btn_bg_color=”#3CB1E5″ modal_on_align=”left” btn_text=”Read More!” modal_style=”overlay-fade” overlay_bg_opacity=”80″ img_size=”80″]
Activating AMPK for metabolic health
AMKP stands for Adenosine Monophosphate-activated Protein Kinase, and it is a key enzyme that acts as a cellular energy sensor, responding to changes in energy levels within cells. The AMPK signalling pathway regulates cellular energy homeostasis by activating catabolic pathways and inhibiting anabolic pathways.
It has a positive effect on our metabolism (sometimes called the Master Switch). This “switch” tells your cells when to store fat and when to burn fat stores for energy. When AMPK is activated, fat burning turns on in the mitochondria (your cells’ power houses) and fat accumulation stops. However, as you grow older, AMPK activation in cells decreases, making it more difficult to maintain a healthy weight. Few substances can activate AMPK.
Increasing AMPK naturally by regular exercise, particularly endurance exercise in one of the most effective ways to activate AMPK. Intermittent fasting increases AMPK and stabilizing glucose levels. AMPK activation promotes:
- normal balances of energy, lipids, glucose and insulin.
- Stabilizing of blood sugar levels
- Increased energy production in mitochondria.
Most of the body fat is white fat, which stores extra energy. Brown fat, on the other hand, is loaded with mitochondria and breaks down blood sugar, or glucose, and fat molecules to create heat. Brown fat boosts fat burning through the mitochondria. Brown fat activity is promoted by Berberine. By promoting brown fat activity, berberine can help you burn energy instead of storing it. This is ideal for improving metabolism and tackling stubborn fat deposits.
Suggested Uses
- Weight Loss and metabolic health
- Berberine activates ‘Metabolic Switch
Boosting the burning of brown fat in the mitochondria instead of storing the excess energy as fat. This is ideal for improving metabolism – and tackling stubborn fat deposits. Most of the body is white fat, which stores the extra energy. Brown fat, on the other hand, is loaded with mitochondria and breaks down blood sugar, or glucose, and fat molecules to create heat.
Positive effects during weight loss
Increased weight loss has been achieved while on a weight reducing program. Best results were obtained when 500 milligrams (mg) of Berberine was taken 3x/day. BMI and waist circumference was significantly reduced. Improved results are obtained with long term usage. One factor for increased weight loss is the stimulation of GLP-1 in the gut and then transmitting this message to the brain via the vagus nerve.
Nitric oxide
Released with beneficial effects. It has been shown to help relax and widen blood vessels, which increases blood flow and can decrease blood pressure
Blood sugar control, PCOS (Polycystic ovary syndrome). and Diabetes.
Berberine stabilizes blood sugar. It lowers HbA1c in diabetics. In PCOS glucose levels in people with diabetics. It lowers HbA1c. Berberine has been known to assist, in PCOS by controlling cholesterol levels, lower their waist-to-hip ratio, and stabilizing insulin response.
Gut health
Berberine has been shown to protect the gut barrier from inflammation. SCFA (Short-chain fatty acids) are also increased which are produced by gut microbes fermenting indigestible food. This encourages the growth of healthy bacteria
Inflammation
Lowers inflammation. It can assist with inflammatory conditions like arthritis.
Brain benefits
It protects against brain damage, and it is suggested that it may prevent cognitive dysfunction, dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Kidneys
It has been shown to be beneficial in some instances with kidney problems.
Side Effects
Digestive complications
For some people, it can lead to digestion problems, such as constipation, diarrhea, and flatulence. But these symptoms generally clear up within 4 weeks.
Low blood pressure It may affect some by dropping it too low.
Liver changes Berberine could hinders certain liver enzymes involved in metabolizing drugs which could make them less effective or cause negative side effects. As with any health supplement, it’s best to consult your doctor before you start taking berberine.
Long term usage: Unknown – insufficient studies
Contraindications Consult a doctor before starting to take berberine in the following cases:
Pregnancy Research is limited. It is likely unsafe to take berberine while you’re pregnant. Do not use during pregnancy. Berberine can cross the placenta and may cause harm to the fetus. Kernicterus, a type of brain damage, has developed in newborn infants exposed to it.
Drug interactions Berberine has many drug interactions, so it’s best to check with your doctor before using it. It can interfere with liver enzymes and affect workings of certain drugs.
Berberine interacts with Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs. It might further slowdown blood clotting.
Blood sugar Berberine lowers blood sugar, therefore monitoring is required if taken alongside antidiabetic drugs to ensure blood sugar levels do not drop too low.
Surgery Berberine must be stopped before surgery to avoid negative reactions to anesthesia and side effects like excessive bleeding. Berberine’s effects on blood clotting and blood sugar levels can make recovery take longer.
Dosage: Take 1 capsule half an hour before a meal 2 to 3 times a day or as directed by your health practitioner.
Store in a cool dry place, out of the sight and reach of children.
Warranty: All Sally T. Products, which are nutritional are non-returnable. Do not exceed recommended dosages unless on the advice of a healthcare provider. Do not use this product if you are allergic to any of the ingredients. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking any medications or have any medical condition, please consult your healthcare practitioner before taking this supplement. All capsules are Halal & Kosher, but not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.








