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Berberine

Also called: From goldenseal, barberry, and Oregon grape

A bright yellow plant compound studied for blood sugar, insulin resistance, and cholesterol. It interacts with many medicines.

Supplements can interact with medications and aren't right for everyone, especially during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or with a chronic condition. Ask your provider before you start.

Studied for

  • Blood sugar and insulin resistance
  • Cholesterol
  • PCOS (as part of a broader plan)
  • Gut balance protocols

Found naturally in

  • Barberry, goldenseal, and Oregon grape root (herbs, not everyday foods)
What variations of berberine exist?Our top pick, what to skip, and how to read the label

Label red flags

  • Proprietary 'metabolic' blends that hide the berberine amount

Check with a provider

  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding: avoid
  • Taking diabetes medicine (risk of low blood sugar)
  • Taking other prescription medicines. Berberine changes how many drugs are processed. Review your list with your provider.
  • Digestive upset is common. Often taken with meals.

Supplements that contain it

4 products in Dr. Lesher's dispensary list berberine on the label.

Check with your provider before taking any of these, especially if you're pregnant or take medications.

Parts of the body it affects

Explore what each area does and the conditions that can affect it.

Illustration of the pancreas

Pancreas

Your pancreas makes digestive enzymes and the hormones insulin and glucagon, which keep blood sugar steady.

Illustration of the large intestine (colon)

Digestive tract

Your stomach and intestines absorb nutrients and hold most of your body's immune tissue, which makes the gut a common target in autoimmune disease.

Illustrations: Servier Medical Art, CC BY 4.0

Dr. Lesher, ND

Ready to find the root cause?

Dr. Lesher is a Naturopathic Doctor who focuses on autoimmune and chronic conditions in women. Since 2020, she's helped hundreds of patients stop managing symptoms and start healing.

Book a consult now