Berberine is a natural compound found in various plants, such as barberry, goldenseal, and Oregon grape. I often use berberine-containing herbs as part of a comprehensive digestive treatment protocol for my patients and find these herbs to be both effective and well-tolerated. The research on Berberine shows many positive effects on the GI tract, as well as the cardiovascular and nervous systems. This compound also has anti-diabetic and potential weight loss properties as well.
As I predominantly treat gastrointestinal disorders in my practice, I most commonly use berberine herbs for the following effects in my patients:
- Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Berberine has anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. Chronic inflammation can contribute to digestive disorders like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
- Gut Microbiota Modulation: Berberine appears to help modulate the composition of the gut microbiota. A balanced gut microbiota is essential for proper digestion and overall digestive health.
- Improved Gut Motility: Berberine can help regulate gut motility by influencing muscle contractions in the intestines. This can be beneficial for conditions like constipation or diarrhea.
- Regulation of Glucose and Insulin: Berberine has been extensively studied for its effects on glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Maintaining stable blood sugar levels can indirectly benefit digestive health, as unstable blood sugar levels can contribute to gastrointestinal discomfort.
- Antibacterial Properties: Berberine has been shown to possess antibacterial properties, which could potentially help in managing infections caused by certain bacteria, such as those associated with gastrointestinal infections and SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth).
- Protection of Gut Barrier: Berberine may support the integrity of the gut barrier, preventing harmful substances from entering the bloodstream and reducing the risk of leaky gut syndrome.
- Antioxidant Effects: Berberine’s antioxidant properties may help protect cells from oxidative stress in the digestive tract, potentially benefiting overall digestive health.
It is important to note that with berberine (and any other supplement), individual responses can vary. Additionally, berberine supplements can interact with certain medications and might not be suitable for everyone. If you are considering using berberine for digestive health, it’s advisable to consult with a trained healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are taking medications.
Dr. Katie Nuckolls is a naturopathic physician and owner of Thrive GI: Natural Digestive Medicine in Vancouver, Washington. She currently sees patients that live in Washington, Oregon, and Arizona using telemedicine. For more information, visit our contact page or schedule a free 15-minute consultation online.
Sources:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1043661816306156
https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/ben/cdt/2020/00000021/00000013/art00011
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6651/12/11/713
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11684-019-0724-6
https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/ben/cdt/2020/00000021/00000013/art00011