Berberine, a natural compound found in several plants like Goldenseal and Oregon Grape, has gained recent attention for its potential to aid in weight loss, largely due to the sensationalization of Ozempic and its dramatic impacts seen in many celebrities. Recent scientific studies have revealed promising effects of Berberine on reducing insulin resistance, as well as regulating hormones that play a crucial role in blood sugar regulation, appetite control, and overall metabolic health. While Berberine's effects are not as direct as those of GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic, emerging research suggests that Berberine can influence GLP-1 levels and activity, contributing to its potential benefits in managing insulin resistance and weight loss, but with possibly fewer side effects.
How Does Berberine Work?
Enhances Insulin Sensitivity: Berberine has been shown to enhance insulin sensitivity, which is crucial for maintaining balanced blood sugar levels. Insulin resistance, a condition where cells become less responsive to insulin, can lead to elevated blood sugar and weight gain. By improving insulin sensitivity, Berberine helps cells effectively take up glucose from the bloodstream, reducing the need for excess insulin production. This not only supports blood sugar control but can also contribute to weight loss by preventing excessive fat storage.
GLP-1 Release and Regulation: GLP-1 is a hormone produced in the intestines in response to food intake. It stimulates insulin secretion from the pancreas, suppresses glucagon release (which reduces blood sugar levels), slows down gastric emptying, and promotes feelings of fullness. Berberine's impact on GLP-1 is complex and is thought to involve multiple mechanisms. Some studies suggest that Berberine can indirectly influence GLP-1 release by improving gut health and increasing the number of GLP-1-producing cells in the intestines, and can therefore help with overall blood sugar regulation and appetite control.
Regulates Fat Metabolism: Berberine can influence the expression of genes related to fat metabolism. It activates an enzyme called adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which plays a key role in cellular energy regulation. Activation of AMPK promotes fat breakdown (lipolysis) and inhibits the formation of new fat cells (adipogenesis). These effects lead to reduced fat accumulation and support weight loss.
Inhibits Gluconeogenesis: Berberine has been found to inhibit gluconeogenesis, the process by which the liver produces glucose. This is significant because excessive glucose production by the liver can contribute to high blood sugar levels and insulin resistance. By reducing gluconeogenesis, Berberine helps to lower overall glucose levels in the bloodstream, resulting in better blood sugar control and increased weight loss.
Modulates Gut Microbiota: Emerging research suggests that Berberine may have a positive impact on gut health and the composition of gut microbiota. A balanced gut microbiome is associated with better metabolic health and weight regulation. Berberine is thought to influence the gut environment in ways that promote the growth of beneficial bacteria and suppress harmful ones, which could contribute to improved weight management.
Appetite Regulation: Berberine may also impact appetite regulation by influencing hormones that control hunger and satiety. Along with its impacts on GLP-1, some studies suggest that Berberine can influence the release of hormones like ghrelin and leptin, which play a role in appetite control. By helping to reduce appetite and promote feelings of fullness, Berberine can support individuals' struggles with portion control and in making healthier food choices.
Comparing Berberine Against Ozempic?
Ozempic, on the other hand, works by mimicking the action of GLP-1, a hormone produced in the intestine. It binds to GLP-1 receptors in the pancreas, promoting the release of insulin and inhibiting the release of glucagon. This mechanism helps regulate blood sugar levels and reduce insulin resistance. Additionally, Ozempic slows down the emptying of the stomach, leading to increased feelings of fullness and reduced appetite (aka an appetite suppressant).
So is Berberine really "Nature's Ozempic''? Although they share the common goal of managing insulin resistance and promoting weight loss, there are notable differences in their origin, availability, and mechanisms of action.
Origin: Berberine is a natural compound derived from plants, while Ozempic is a pharmaceutical drug synthesized for specific therapeutic purposes.
Availability: Berberine is available as a dietary supplement and can be purchased over the counter, whereas Ozempic requires a prescription from a healthcare professional.
Mechanism of Action: Berberine exerts its effects through AMPK activation, increasing insulin sensitivity, reducing hepatic glucose production, and promoting fat breakdown. Ozempic, on the other hand, mimics GLP-1, enhancing insulin secretion, suppressing glucagon release, slowing down gastric emptying, and reducing appetite.
Clinical Evidence: Both Berberine and Ozempic have been studied extensively for their effects on insulin resistance and weight loss. Multiple clinical trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of Berberine in improving insulin sensitivity and reducing body weight. Similarly, Ozempic has shown significant efficacy in reducing HbA1c levels (a measure of long-term blood sugar control) and aiding weight loss in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Duration of use: While Ozempic's impacts can be seen in as little as 4-5 wks, a few studies have shown that taking a berberine supplement over the course of three months results in significant weight loss.
Possible Risks and Side Effects
Some of the most common issues associated with Berberine are as follows:
Gastrointestinal Distress: diarrhea, constipation, flatulence, or stomach upset when taking Berberine. Starting with a lower dose and gradually increasing it may help reduce the likelihood of these symptoms.
Low Blood Pressure: Berberine has been shown to have a blood pressure-lowering effect. While this can be beneficial for individuals with hypertension, it could potentially lead to low blood pressure (hypotension) in those with already low blood pressure levels.
Interactions with Medications: Berberine has the potential to interact with various medications, including certain antibiotics, anticoagulants, and blood-sugar-lowering drugs. Consultation with a healthcare professional is crucial, especially if you are on any medications, to avoid potential interactions.
Microbiome Health: berberine has antimicrobial properties, and can influence the beneficial flora of your digestive tract. This would be a possible risk factor to those with a history of extensive antibiotic use, IBS, and pre-existing gut bacterial imbalances.
Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to Berberine or plants containing it. Allergic symptoms could include rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
Liver & Kidney Function: While Berberine is generally considered safe for the liver, individuals with pre-existing liver conditions should exercise caution and consult a healthcare provider before using it. Berberine's impact on electrolyte levels, particularly potassium, has been noted in some studies. People with conditions that affect electrolyte balance, such as kidney problems, should use Berberine cautiously and under medical supervision.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: There is limited research on the safety of Berberine during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should avoid using Berberine without consulting their healthcare provider.
Long-term Safety: While short-term use of Berberine appears to be well-tolerated, the long-term safety of extended use is not fully understood. Regular medical check-ups and monitoring are advisable if you plan to use Berberine for an extended period.
Comparatively, Ozpemic maintains the same side effect profile, but with more notable long-term concerns, such as pancreatitis, gallbladder issues, possible thyroid tumours, and damage to kidney function, not to mention the harmful metabolic impacts from appetite suppression and resultant calorie restriction.
Furthermore, individuals experiencing rapid weight loss from drugs in this category will also see a decline in muscle mass, and more concerningly, are at increased risk for bone loss & reduced bone density.
So is Berberine really Nature's Ozpemic?
As you can see, while Berberine can offer promising benefits for weight loss, it's not a magical solution on its own. It works best when incorporated into a comprehensive approach that includes a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and other healthy lifestyle habits. Before starting any new supplement, including Berberine, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you have underlying medical conditions or are taking other medications to ensure that any interventions are safe and appropriate for your individual health needs.
To further discuss available options to safely expand your toolkit for optimizing your hormones and metabolic health, contact Dr. Courtney Holmberg, Naturopathic Doctor in Toronto at 647 351 7282 today.
References:
Davies, M., Pieber, T. R., Hartoft-Nielsen, M. L., Hansen, O. K., Jabbour, S., Rosenstock, J., ... & Bode, B. (2017). Effect of oral semaglutide compared with placebo and subcutaneous semaglutide on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes: A randomized clinical trial. The Journal of the American Medical Association, 318(15), 1460-1470.
Mosenzon, O., Blicher, T. M., Rosenlund, S., Eriksson, J. W., Heller, S., Hels O., ... & Davies, M. (2020). Efficacy and safety of oral semaglutide in patients with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease (PIONEER 6): A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3a trial. The Lancet, 396(10253), 863-874.
Yin, J., Gao, Z., Liu, D., Liu, Z., & Ye, J. (2008). Berberine improves glucose metabolism through induction of glycolysis. American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism, 294(1), E148-E156.
Zhang, Y., Li, X., Zou, D., Liu, W., Yang, J., Zhu, N., ... & Ning, G. (2012). Treatment of type 2 diabetes and dyslipidemia with the natural plant alkaloid berberine. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 93(7), 2559-2565.
Lee YS, Kim WS, Kim KH, Yoon MJ, Cho HJ, Shen Y, Ye JM, Lee CH, Oh WK, Kim CT, Hohnen-Behrens C, Gosby A, Kraegen EW, James DE, Kim JB. Berberine, a natural plant product, activates AMP-activated protein kinase with beneficial metabolic effects in diabetic and insulin-resistant states. Diabetes. 2006 Aug;55(8):2256-64. doi: 10.2337/db06-0006. PMID: 16873688.
Utami AR, Maksum IP, Deawati Y. Berberine and Its Study as an Antidiabetic Compound. Biology (Basel). 2023 Jul 8;12(7):973. doi: 10.3390/biology12070973. PMID: 37508403; PMCID: PMC10376565.
Sun S, Yang Y, Xiong R, Ni Y, Ma X, Hou M, Chen L, Xu Z, Chen L, Ji M. Oral berberine ameliorates high-fat diet-induced obesity by activating TAS2Rs in tuft and endocrine cells in the gut. Life Sci. 2022 Dec 15;311(Pt A):121141. doi: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.121141. Epub 2022 Oct 29. PMID: 36341914.
Zhang Q, Xiao X, Li M, Li W, Yu M, Zhang H, Ping F, Wang Z, Zheng J. Berberine moderates glucose metabolism through the GnRH-GLP-1 and MAPK pathways in the intestine. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2014 Jun 9;14:188. doi: 10.1186/1472-6882-14-188. PMID: 24912407; PMCID: PMC4057525.