There is a natural plant substance, used for over two thousand years, that is quietly rivaling the drug metformin in its ability to lower blood glucose and blood pressure, while increasing insulin production. It’s called berberine. Diabetes sufferers should know that there is a safe and effective treatment that, when combined with a healthy diet and exercise, can replace potentially dangerous medications. Berberine is a quatemary ammonium salt found in the bark, stems and roots of Goldenseal, Oregon grape, Barberry, and other plants. It is a natural antibiotic that fights bacterial, viral and fungal infections, and one of the herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine as a diabetic treatment has been berberine. Diabetes research in recent years is now focusing on this natural supplement, and findings back up anecdotal claims – berberine is just as effective, and much safer, in regulating blood sugar in type 2 diabetics as the commonly prescribed prescription drug metformin.
Berberine Side Effects – What are the Risks?
In research conducted in 2008 [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2410097/], it was found that berberine regulated the metabolism of glucose and lipids, and that its effect was similar to metformin. Diabetes measurements such as hemoglobin A1c, fasting blood sugars, blood sugars after eating, and fasting triglycerides all decreased significantly. Cholesterol levels dropped as well. As for side effects observed, about a third of patients suffered from temporary gastrointestinal symptoms, but there was no liver or kidney damage. Botanical remedies are often used for diabetes treatment because of anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, anti-hyperglycemia and anti-obesity properties. But it is rare to find one that is a single pure element, which is a major advantage of berberine. Diabetes patients who experienced side effects (abdominal pain, diarrhea, flatulence or constipation) reported that these symptoms disappeared after four weeks. A reduction in dosage decreased the side effects. Berberine was also tested in combination with metformin and with insulin. It was found that with lower berberine dosages, there were no side effects when used alone, and side effects in combination with the other drugs disappeared after a week. Other research confirmed that berberine also reduces insulin resistance, and additional benefits include weight loss and a reduction of BMI (body mass index).
Berberine and Metformin – Your Healthier Option
Metformin, commonly used as diabetes treatment, has many dangerous health risks. Some of the milder side effects include cold and flu-like symptoms, muscle pain, dizziness, and heart palpitations. It can also affect the body’s hormones, and cause electrolyte imbalance, leading to lactic acidosis. In more serious cases, metformin may cause kidney and liver dysfunction. Compare this with the mild, short-term gastrointestinal issues of berberine. Diabetes patients have a clear alternative that is far gentler to the body. A holistic approach combining diet, vitamins, minerals, plant supplements such as berberine and regular exercise is the healthiest way to control blood sugar, reduce symptoms and manage diabetes.
