Your nature's Ozempic. Really?

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Is this a natural option for harmful ‘skinny’ injections?

Berberine is a naturally occurring compound found in certain plants, which some call "nature’s Ozempic." ⁽¹⁾

It has long been used in traditional medicine systems of India, China, Tibet, and Persia.

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Early studies on animals suggest that berberine might have anti-aging properties. It could also help fight more common diseases as people age.

Berberine — a yellow-colored alkaloid compound found in several different plants, including European barberry, goldenseal, goldthread, Oregon grape and tree turmeric - has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, antidiarrheal, antineoplastic, antidiabetic and immune-enhancing1 properties.

Berberine is effective against many bacteria, protozoa, and fungi and is commonly used to treat gastrointestinal issues, including traveler's diarrhea and food poisoning. Similar to the drug metformin, berberine can also be used as an oral hypoglycemic for Type 2 diabetics.

Other ailments berberine has been shown to protect against and/or treat include:

• High blood pressure

• Obesity

• Fatty liver disease

• Digestive issues

• Cancer

• Neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's

• Anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) ⁽²⁾

Many of berberine's health benefits5 have been linked to its ability to activate adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK). ^{(3, 4)}

AMPK is an enzyme inside your body's cells. It's sometimes called a "metabolic master switch" because it plays an important role in regulating metabolism. ⁽⁵⁾

Low AMPK has been linked to insulin resistance, mitochondrial dysfunction, obesity, neurodegeneration and chronic inflammation — all of which lay the groundwork for a wide variety of serious chronic diseases.

Berberine works effectively for:

• Regulating glucose levels even in diabetics - its strength is comparable to anti-hyperglycemic drugs.

• Regulating cholesterol levels - the mechanism differs from statins, so it doesn't have their side effects.

• Supports blood vessel health and weight even when using antipsychotic drugs that increase weight.

It lowers blood sugar, including in diabetics!

A randomized clinical trial involving 97 people with diabetes compared the effects of berberine, metformin, and rosiglitazone over two months.

Berberine (1 gram per day) lowered fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, triglycerides, and insulin. ⁽⁶⁾

Berberine's effect on blood glucose levels (26% reduction) and glycated hemoglobin (18% reduction) was comparable to the effects achieved with metformin and rosiglitazone.

A meta-analysis of 14 clinical trials involving more than 1000 people with diabetes showed that although the trials differed noticeably in design, dose, and duration, the effects from use were substantial.

Berberine doses ranged from 0.5 to 1.5 grams per day, divided into 2-3 doses. ⁽⁷⁾

Berberine proved as effective as conventional anti-hyperglycemic agents, especially when participants were engaged in lifestyle modifications!

A later meta-analysis of studies involving 2500 participants with diabetes provides even more convincing evidence! ⁽⁸⁾

Researchers found that berberine supplements with lifestyle modifications lower glycated hemoglobin, normalize blood lipids (i.e., cholesterol, triglycerides) and reduce blood pressure better than lifestyle modifications alone, and better than placebo supplements.

Excess weight, metabolic syndrome, and berberine!

Excess weight always poses health risks!

Results of a randomized study demonstrate the effectiveness of berberine supplements in preventing weight gain and metabolic syndrome among patients taking antipsychotic drugs, which usually cause weight increase, glucose imbalance, and dyslipidemia. This increases the risks of cardiovascular diseases in people who have to take these drugs.

Participants took placebo or 600 or 900 milligrams of berberine per day for 12 weeks.

Participants taking 600 milligrams of berberine per day had better cholesterol and glucose levels at the end of 12 weeks and lost 2.4 pounds (about 1.2 kg) more than the placebo group. ⁽⁹⁾

Participants taking the higher dose (900 milligrams) showed similar improvements and saw these improvements faster just after eight weeks of use.

Lowering cholesterol using berberine.

Statins are generally the first drug to improve lipid profiles, especially among people at risk for cardiovascular diseases.

However, 10 to 20 percent of people taking the medication experience complications, including myopathy (muscle damage) or liver damage.

Statins lower blood cholesterol by blocking the production of an enzyme in the liver called hydroxy-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase.

Berberine also lowers blood cholesterol, but the mechanisms by which it causes these effects (for example, regulation of proteins involved in cholesterol metabolism) differ from those of statins.

Interestingly, berberine, in combination with statin therapy, was more effective than either of the studied compounds.

As the studies above show, a berberine supplement can be an effective part of treatment, but be sure to consult your doctor before deciding. However, we can also use preventive doses in natural form, such as berberine as a spice.

Berberine is found in Barberry, a versatile ingredient that can add a unique, tangy flavor to various dishes in its natural form.

Here are some popular ways to incorporate Berberine into food:

1. Rice Dishes. Zereshk Polo (Persian Barberry Rice): This is one of the most well-known uses of barberries in cuisine. Barberries are sautéed with a bit of oil, sugar, and saffron, then mixed into basmati rice, often served with chicken or lamb. The tartness of the barberries balances beautifully with the aromatic saffron and adds a pop of color to the dish.

2. Salads. Barberries can be sprinkled over salads for a burst of flavor. They work well in salads with grains like quinoa or farro, as well as in green salads. Their tartness complements ingredients like feta cheese, nuts, and fresh herbs.

3. Pilafs and Stuffing. Barberries can be added to pilafs, couscous, or bulgur wheat dishes. Their tangy flavor pairs well with spices like cinnamon and cumin, making them ideal for stuffing vegetables like peppers or eggplants.

4. Baked Goods. Barberries can be used in baking similarly to raisins or currants. They add a delightful tang to muffins, scones, and cakes. You might find them in Middle Eastern-style pastries, like pastries with almond or pistachio fillings.

5. Sauces and Chutneys. Barberries can be simmered into sauces or chutneys, often with onions, garlic, and spices, to serve with meats or as a condiment. This use can add a lovely contrast to rich, savory dishes.

Check out our spice cheat sheet to learn the secrets of other spices. 👇

No matter what you use or how much you want to trick physiology unless you change your lifestyle, any weight loss gains will always be temporary.

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Warm regards,
Kos and Helen.

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