The herbal supplement berberine has gained popularity as a weight-loss solution on social media platforms like TikTok. However, experts are cautious about calling it “Nature’s Ozempic,” a prescription drug used for weight management. While berberine has been associated with various health benefits, including modest weight loss, lower cholesterol levels, and improved blood sugar levels, the experts emphasize that it should not replace prescribed medications.
Berberine is derived from several plants, such as European barberry, goldenseal, golden thread, Oregon grape, phellodendron, and tree turmeric. It has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine, dating back 3,000 years. The compound is now commonly used as a standalone supplement.
Some studies suggest that berberine may contribute to slight weight loss, but the evidence is limited and not as substantial as with prescription drugs like Ozempic. Additionally, berberine has shown potential in treating other health issues associated with obesity, such as diabetes and cholesterol.
However, berberine does come with its drawbacks. It can interact dangerously with other medications and should be avoided by pregnant or lactating women and children. The compound can cause kernicterus, a type of brain damage in newborns with extreme jaundice. It can also interfere with the liver’s ability to process bilirubin, leading to brain problems.
Furthermore, berberine can affect the efficacy of other drugs, either enhancing or decreasing their effects. Interactions have been observed with medications for diabetes, blood pressure, blood thinners, and others. Therefore, it is crucial to inform healthcare professionals about any herbal supplements being taken.
Overall, while berberine may have some potential benefits, it is not a stand-alone solution for weight loss. Lifestyle factors like nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress management, and avoiding toxins should be the foundation of any weight management plan. If necessary, healthcare professionals can explore various prescription medications approved by the FDA for weight management.
In conclusion, berberine may have some modest effects on weight loss and other health issues associated with obesity, but it should not be considered a replacement for traditional treatment methods. Individuals should always consult with healthcare professionals before adding any herbal supplements to their regimen.
Additional Piece:
Exploring Nature’s Remedies: Herbal Supplements for Weight Management
As the pursuit of health and wellness gains momentum, people are increasingly turning to natural remedies to address their weight management concerns. Herbal supplements like berberine have garnered attention due to their potential benefits in promoting weight loss and improving overall health. While the scientific evidence behind these natural remedies may be limited, their historical use and anecdotal success stories continue to attract individuals looking for alternative solutions.
Herbs like berberine have been integral to traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years, highlighting their longstanding reputation in promoting well-being. Berberine’s association with weight loss, lower cholesterol levels, improved blood sugar control, and potential effects on the gut microbiome make it an intriguing option for those seeking holistic approaches to health.
However, it is crucial to approach these remedies with caution and seek guidance from healthcare professionals. Although herbal supplements may offer promising results, they can also pose risks when not used appropriately or in conjunction with prescribed medications. Interactions with other drugs, particularly those used to manage diabetes, blood pressure, and blood clotting, should be carefully considered.
To optimize the effectiveness of herbal supplements, combining them with lifestyle modifications is essential. Emphasizing a nutritious diet, regular exercise, quality sleep, stress management, and toxin avoidance creates a comprehensive approach to weight management. These lifestyle factors not only support overall well-being but can also enhance the potential benefits of herbal supplements like berberine.
In conclusion, while herbal supplements have intrigued individuals seeking natural approaches to weight management, it is essential to approach them with caution and consult healthcare professionals. The combination of evidence-based medicine, herbal remedies, and lifestyle modifications offers a holistic and personalized approach to achieving optimal health. By understanding the potential benefits and risks of herbal supplements, individuals can make informed decisions that align with their overall wellness goals.
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by Dennis Thompson
HealthDay Reporter
FRIDAY, June 16, 2023 (HealthDay News) — The herbal supplement berberine has become the latest weight-loss obsession on social media, with some on TikTok calling it “nature’s Ozempic.”
The experts disagree.
“I would say it’s a gross exaggeration to call it ‘Nature’s Ozempi,’” said Dr. Melinda Ring, executive director of the Osher Center for Integrative Health at Northwestern University, in Chicago.
But berberine has been associated with a variety of health benefits, including modest weight loss, lower cholesterol levels and improved blood sugar levels, he said.
Ring said it “wouldn’t trade one for the other” if someone was already prescribed a drug for either condition.
Berberine also has its drawbacks. It can cause potentially dangerous interactions if used with other medications, and should not be used by pregnant or lactating women or children, Ring warned.
“But with that being said, it is one of my favorite compounds,” he continued. “The safety profile is good and the potential benefits are diverse. So I actually like it for people who have weight problems. Especially if they have weight issues, blood sugar issues, insulin resistance, and high cholesterol, then I think it might be a good fit.”
Berberine has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for at least 3,000 years, Ring noted.
“Berberine is not a plant in itself. It is an alkaloid compound found in a variety of plants,” he explained.
Plants that contain berberine include European barberry, goldenseal, golden thread, Oregon grape, phellodendron, and tree turmeric, according to the US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). .
“People who use those different herbs get berberine,” Ring said. “Commonly what’s popular now is that it’s used as an extract, a compound on its own, just a berberine supplement.”
Some studies have associated berberine with modest weight loss, though experts note the evidence is sparse.
For example, a meta-analysis of 10 previous studies on berberine found that the supplement reduced body mass index (BMI) by about 0.29 on average and waist circumference by about one inch, according to a 2020 report in Complementary therapies in clinical practice. (BMI is a measure of body fat based on height and weight.)
“That’s a very small reduction in BMI,” said Dr. Caroline Apovian, co-director of the Center for Weight Management and Wellness at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.
Apovian added that the report included a “lot of poorly done studies, and when you put a bunch of poorly done studies together, you get a poorly done meta-analysis.”
Even in specific studies that found a reduction in body weight of about 6 pounds when using berberine, “with Ozempic we’re seeing more weight loss and more sustained weight loss if someone stays on the drug,” Ring said.
But other research has shown that berberine has the potential to help treat other health problems associated with obesity, Ring added.
These studies have shown that berberine can lower blood sugar and improve insulin resistance, he said.
The compound has also been shown to potentially increase “good” HDL cholesterol while lowering “bad” LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, Ring said. It might also help control blood pressure.
Berberine might also help health and weight by influencing the gut microbiome, Ring said.
“We are aware that certain bacteria are really good at extracting calories and others are not, so they can modulate the gut microbiome,” he said, adding that this effect could improve a person’s overall gut health.
Historically, Ayurvedic medicine has used berberine as a remedy for gastrointestinal disorders, as well as for wound healing and treatment of infections, according to the NCCIH.
A July 2020 review on Biomedicine and Pharmacotherapy evaluated all of these effects on weight loss and obesity-related health problems, and concluded that berberine might be helpful.
“Berberine is not only effective for obesity, but also for other systems and consequences of obesity, such as diabetes and cancer,” the review concluded.
There are safety concerns related to berberine, the experts noted.
Berberine can cause kernicterus, a rare type of brain damage in newborns who have extreme jaundice, according to the US National Institutes of Health (NIH).
The compound may also prevent the liver from removing bilirubin, a chemical produced when old red blood cells break down, the NIH said. This can cause brain problems, especially in babies.
For those reasons, pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid taking berberine, and it should not be given to children, says the NIH.
Berberine can also affect the way the liver processes different medications, either increasing or decreasing the effect of specific medications.
“There are reports in the literature that suggest that if you use berberine, it may alter the absorption or penetrance of other drugs,” Apovian said. “Any time you use an herbal supplement, let your doctor know you are doing so, even if the supplements are over the counter. Just because it’s available over the counter doesn’t mean it’s safe.”
The NIH specifically warns against interactions with cyclosporine, losartan, and dextromethorphan, a cough suppressant found in Robitussin DM and other cold remedies.
Interactions can also occur with diabetes and blood pressure medications and with blood thinners, the NIH said.
“Theoretically, if someone is taking blood thinners like warfarin to prevent clots and then also took this, they could have a potential bleeding risk,” Ring said.
Similarly, a person could end up with hypoglycemia if berberine lowers blood sugar in addition to another prescription diabetes medication, Ring said.
Apovian said he would rather people try other weight-loss drugs like Ozempic or Alli.
“I never recommend that a patient try an over-the-counter weight-loss drug unless it has been approved by the [U.S. Food and Drug Administration], and the only one that’s ever been approved by the FDA is Alli,” Apovian said. “But if a patient sees their GP or an obesity medicine specialist, we’re happy to try to get that patient on any of the six medications we have available for weight management.”
Ring agreed that there are many other weight loss measures that have been shown to be more effective than berberine.
“We always start with all the lifestyle things of nutrition, movement, sleep, managing stress, avoiding toxins,” she said. “If someone is doing all of that and we’ve also ruled out that there’s something else that might be a barrier, like they have thyroid issues or something like that, then at that point I would say berberine can help their journey.”
But, Ring added, “I wouldn’t say that continuing to eat quarter-pounders and berberine will just take the pounds off you, that’s not going to happen. But is it supportive? Potentially, yes.”
More information
The Cleveland Clinic has more about berberine.
SOURCES: Melinda Ring, MD, executive director, Osher Center for Integrative Health, Northwestern University, Chicago; Caroline Apovian, MD, co-director, Center for Weight Management and Wellness, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston; Complementary therapies in clinical practiceMay 2020; Biomedicine and PharmacotherapyJuly 2020
https://www.webmd.com/obesity/news/20230616/is-supplement-berberine-really-natures-ozempic-experts-weigh-pros–cons?src=RSS_PUBLIC
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