What Is ‘Nature’s Ozempic’ Berberine? Know Its Uses, Health Benefits, And Potential Side Effects

Unless you live under a rock, you must have heard about Ozempic. This weight loss pill has made a buzz for all the wrong reasons lately. What if we tell you there’s a ‘nature’s Ozempic’? Yes, you heard that right. Think Ozempic, but naturally derived from plants. We are talking about berberine. It is called ‘nature’s Ozempic’ because it is believed to aid in weight loss. But there’s more to it. Berberine has other benefits, too.

Berberine is a compound found naturally in certain plants, such as European barberry, phellodendron, and tree turmeric. It has a bitter taste and is yellow in colour. Berberine belongs to the alkaloid group. Its use can be traced back to traditional Chinese medicine.

In an exclusive interaction with the editorial team of OnlyMyHealth, our expert, Dr Tushar Tayal, Associate Director, Internal Medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, explained the health benefits and side effects of berberine. Here is what he shared with us and everything you need to know.

Health Benefits Of Berberine

Research shows that berberine may have several health benefits. Let’s take a look at some of them:

Lowering Blood Sugar

“One of the most important effects of berberine is its ability to lower blood sugar, which makes it useful for people with type 2 diabetes or those at risk of developing it,” explains Dr Tayal. According to a 2008 study published in the National Library of Medicine, conducted on 116 people with diabetes, consuming one gram of berberine per day can lower fasting blood sugar by 20%.

Improves Cholesterol

“Berberine also helps improve cholesterol by reducing the bad LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while increasing the good HDL cholesterol, which supports heart health,” explains Dr Tayal.

Aids in Weight Loss

Considering its weight loss aspect, the expert stated that some studies suggest that berberine can aid in weight loss by improving metabolism and reducing fat storage. However, there is no medical agreement at present on how well berberine can help in weight loss.

One must keep in mind that berberine, unlike Ozempic, is a dietary supplement and has not gone through the FDA approval processes for weight loss.

Reduces Inflammation

“Berberine also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, meaning it can reduce inflammation in the body and protect against cell damage,” says Dr Tayal. It lowers oxidative stress, minimises the production of inflammatory proteins, and promotes immune regulation.

Also Read: 6 Anti-Inflammatory Foods That Help Reduce Joint Pain Naturally

Other health benefits of Berberine

Dr Tayal shares that Berberine may also support gut health by balancing good and bad bacteria. He adds that early research hints at its benefits in treating conditions like fatty liver and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Some of its other probable benefits include:

• Reducing symptoms of depression
• Reducing the growth and spread of various types of cancer
• Reducing the growth of harmful microorganisms, including certain types of bacteria, viruses, and fungi
• Reducing the risk of death in people with heart failure

Good Sources of Berberine

High concentrations of Berberine can be found in plants, such as:

• Goldenseal
• Coptis or goldenthread
• Oregon grape
• Barberry
• Tree turmeric

Berberine is also available in supplements, either alone or in combination with other nutritional substances and herbs.

What Is The Right Dosage of Berberine?

The suggested dosage of berberine is 250 milligrams or 500 milligrams. It should be taken two or three times a day. One must, however, consult a physician before taking it as a dietary supplement.

Side Effects Of Berberine

Berberine does come with some cons, though. “The most common side effects are digestive issues such as stomach cramps, diarrhoea, constipation, or bloating, especially when taken in high doses,” shares Dr Tayal. Let’s take a look at some of its other side effects:

Digestive Complications

Berberine may lead to digestive issues, such as constipation, diarrhoea, and flatulence. These symptoms typically stop within four weeks.

Lower Blood Pressure

Berberine can help lower high blood pressure. But it can also drop one’s blood pressure too low, which can be fatal.

Affects Liver

Berberine is said to hinder certain liver enzymes, which are associated with metabolising drugs. This might affect how the body breaks down drugs and lower their effectiveness or trigger negative side effects.

Is Berberine Safe?

Dr Tayal states that since berberine lowers blood sugar. Thus, people who are already on diabetes medications need to be cautious because it can sometimes make sugar levels drop too low.

He further warns that berberine may interact with certain medicines, such as blood thinners, antibiotics, or cholesterol-lowering drugs, which is why medical advice is important before starting it. “Pregnant and breastfeeding women are advised to avoid berberine, as its safety has not been established in these cases. Long-term safety is also not fully known, so it is best used in moderation and under a doctor’s guidance,” he concludes.

Conclusion

Berberine is a compound found naturally in certain plants. It hosts a series of benefits, such as lowering blood sugar, inducing weight loss, and reducing inflammation. However, if you want to try a berberine supplement, consult with a healthcare professional before adding it to your diet.