Anis KV, Rajeshkumar NV, Kuttan R. Inhibition of chemical carcinogenesis by berberine in rats and mice. J Pharm Pharmacol 2001;53:763-8. . View abstract.

Diabetes. Berberine may improve blood sugar measures such as fasting glucose and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) in those with type 2 diabetes, and by some measures may work about as well as the commonly prescribed oral diabetes medication metformin. Lee, Y. S., Kim, W. S., Kim, K. H., Yoon, M. J., Cho, H. J., Shen, Y., Ye, J. M., Lee, C. H., Oh, W. K., Kim, C. T., Hohnen-Behrens, C., Gosby, A., Kraegen, E. W., James, D. E., and Kim, J. B. Berberine, a natural plant product, activates AMP-activated protein kinase with beneficial metabolic effects in diabetic and insulin-resistant states. Diabetes 2006;55(8):2256-2264. View abstract.Chae, S. H., Jeong, I. H., Choi, D. H., Oh, J. W., and Ahn, Y. J. Growth-inhibiting effects of Coptis japonica root-derived isoquinoline alkaloids on human intestinal bacteria. J Agric.Food Chem 1999;47(3):934-938. View abstract. Tai, Y. H., Feser, J. F., Marnane, W. G., and Desjeux, J. F. Antisecretory effects of berberine in rat ileum. Am J Physiol 1981;241(3):G253-G258. View abstract. While such a wide array of benefits seems too good to be true, a look at the research shows that berberine is indeed ripe with possibility. Researchers are exploring many possible uses of berberine including as a treatment for diabetes, obesity, cancer, PCOS, high cholesterol and more. Lin, S., Tsai, S. C., Lee, C. C., Wang, B. W., Liou, J. Y., and Shyu, K. G. Berberine inhibits HIF-1alpha expression via enhanced proteolysis. Mol Pharmacol 2004;66(3):612-619. View abstract.

Lowering cholesterol. Studies have demonstrated that berberine may reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or “bad”) cholesterol, total cholesterol and triglycerides. High levels of cholesterol or other fats ( lipids) in the blood ( hyperlipidemia). Taking berberine by mouth, alone or with other ingredients, might help lower total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol, and triglyceride levels in people with high cholesterol. Lahiri S and Dutta NK. Berberine and chloramphenicol in the treatment of cholera and severe diarrhoea. Journal of the Indian Medical Association 1967;48(1):1-11. Second, you should make sure that the berberine supplement you choose contains no added fillers or preservatives. These can be harmful and can reduce the effectiveness of the supplement. Look for a supplement that is made from pure berberine extract, as this will guarantee that you are getting the maximum benefit from the supplement.Xu, M. G., Wang, J. M., Chen, L., Wang, Y., Yang, Z., and Tao, J. Berberine-induced mobilization of circulating endothelial progenitor cells improves human small artery elasticity. J Hum.Hypertens 2008;22(6):389-393. View abstract. Abascal K, Yarnell E. Recent clinical advances with berberine. Altern Complement Ther 2010;16(5):281-7. Fights Inflammation. At the root of many diseases is chronic inflammation—and berberine may be able to help lower it. Research has found that berberine reduces several pro-inflammatory compounds or markers of inflammation, including C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). May Promote Weight Loss. Research has also uncovered that berberine reduces adipocyte (fat cell) growth by regulating the activity of specific genes involved in that process. In a study with mildly overweight adults, people who supplemented with berberine for one month lost weight and had increased brown adipose tissue activity—also known as brown fat, this healthy type of fat tissue is more metabolically active and increases energy expenditure. Déléaval M, Burri H, Bakelants E. Harmless herbs? A case report of acquired long QT syndrome and torsades de pointes in a patient taking herbal supplements. HeartRhythm Case Rep 2022;8(5):309-12. View abstract.