Has anyone taken berberine?

peter021072

https://www.clinical-reviews.com/uk/supplements/berberine?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=19584714684-147050312324&utm_term=berberine&campaignId=19584714684&adGroupId=147050312324&feedItemId=&targetId=kwd-41821567&locInterestMs=&locPhysicalMs=9195048&matchType=b&network=g&device=c&deviceModel=&deviceType=desktop&campaignType=search&creativeId=645558297558&keyword=berberine&placement=&category=&adPosition=&gclid=CjwKCAjw-8vPBhBbEiwAoA39WmsD60JXRfsoip3Dm3TOpzPYgmR7tudAWeYgpyK7P3YgQ7U2rHb1HBoCh38QAvD_BwE&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19584714684&gbraid=0AAAAABZTut0GO3pWIot5woR54xBQkxiq4

And what source and price?

This site ranks sources but I've no idea how independent it is.

Brie

when I google berberine one of the products thrown up is one i often see online which says it's very successful used in weight loss patches which has helped people lose half their body weight and go from fat and flabby to having a lean body complete with six pack in 2 months. it's the same company that sells specific gem earrings which also help with weight loss and another product that cures diabetes in 2 days.

I don't know if this is in any way related to the products you have been looking at. I do know that some herbal products are very helpful but wonder why if they are so good why they aren't used more in western medicine.

peter021072

My enquiry was solely connected with sourcing a product, but if you are interested, the NHS doesn't recommend berberine as a weight loss product, although it may have some benefits.

My interest is in it's potential in reducing insulin sensitivity and improving lipid profiles, although it isn't standard treatment for that either (usually it's healthy diet, exercise and statins). As with most herbs it should only be considered after consultation with a GP. I have severe problems with statins due to fibromyalgia, although no-one seems bothered about that.

Unfortunately, this new editor doesn't allow me a link to a peer reviewed paper!

Google:

Berberine's impact on health: Comprehensive biological, pharmacological, and nutritional perspectives. Metabolism Open
Volume 28 December 2025, 100399

SimonFF

I did take berberine a few years ago as an appetite suppressant, when I was suffering from binge eating disorder, but it did nothing for me. But I have read that berberine is an anti cancer supplement.

The website you cited is rubbish. If you need to check medical articles, Google Scholar is the best. If the article is paywalled, you can check on Sci-Hub or Libgen (can't post link but you can find them on Reddit).

peter021072

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81983115#Comment_81983115

Which site is rubbish, the United States National Library of Medicine, the world's largest medical library, or Metabolism Open the peer-reviewed, open-access journal from which the paper is originally sourced?

The same paper is also listed on Google Scholar if you prefer, although I'm only interested in sources of Berberine at this time to see if it's expensive or sourced properly. I don't have any opinion on the efficacy.

https://scholar.google.co.uk/scholar?hl=en&as_sdt=0%2C5&q=Berberine%27s+impact+on+health%3A+Comprehensive+biological%2C+pharmacological%2C+and+nutritional+perspectives&btnG=

strawb_shortcake

Clinical reviews are sponsored by Bettervits, funny enough Bettervits are always number 1 of any review.

Berberine and Insotil are both trending at the moment in light of the GLP jabs.

As I understand both can be helpful with hormones and blood sugar control but both are being highly recommended on Facebook and Instagram recently so I'm not sure just how proven these are or recognised by applying medical professionals.

My Husband however adds barberries to his breakfast following being pre-diabetic a few years ago after looking at managing his blood sugars, he feels they help but it's not the only change he's made so I'm firmly on the fence