Berberine – A Natural Alternative to Metformin

October 17, 2023

A Look at Two Promising Glucose Regulating Compounds

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Hello and welcome to my wellness blog page, where I share some of the latest insights and tips on improving your health and well-being. Today, I want to talk to you about a natural alternative to metformin, a common drug used to treat insulin resistance, high cholesterol, high blood sugar levels and diabetes. You may have heard of it before, but do you know what it is and how it works? I’m talking about berberine, a powerful plant compound that has been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine. In this blog post, I will compare berberine and metformin, and show you why berberine might be a better option for you.

In recent years, the interest in natural remedies for managing blood sugar levels has grown, and two substances that have gained attention are berberine and metformin. Berberine and metformin are both compounds that have been used and studied for their potential in managing blood sugar levels and promoting overall health.

Both of these compounds have shown potential in supporting glucose regulation, but what are they, and how do they compare? In this article, we will explore the benefits, mechanisms of action, and potential side effects of berberine and metformin, shedding light on their effectiveness for individuals seeking alternative options for managing their blood sugar.

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What is Berberine, and where does it come from?

Berberine is a yellow-colored alkaloid that is found in several plants, such as goldenseal, barberry, Oregon grape, and coptis. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2000 years, mainly for treating digestive disorders, infections, and cardiovascular problems. Berberine has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties.

Berberine is a powerful phytonutrient, and often regarded as the next turmeric. It acts as a metabolic master switch, playing a role in regulating lipid, glucose, and energy metabolism. It has been studied for its potential benefits in cardiovascular health, reducing plaque around the heart, weight loss, controlling overeating, and infectious diarrhoea.

Berberine has several health benefits including:

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  • Insulin Resistance: It helps diabetics by reducing fasting glucose levels and hemoglobin A1C.
  • Cholesterol: Berberine aids in decreasing total cholesterol levels, including LDL and triglycerides, while increasing HDL (the “good” cholesterol).
  • Hypertension: It exhibits vasodilatory properties, helping to relax the smooth muscles of blood vessels, acting like a muscle relaxant.
  • Yeast/Candida Overgrowth: Berberine has been shown to attack and break down the cell membrane of yeast, combating overgrowth.
  • PCOS: For women with polycystic ovary syndrome, berberine can assist in managing insulin resistance and menstrual irregularity.
  • SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth): A study suggests that berberine is as effective as the antibiotic rifaximin in treating SIBO. Combining berberine with a 3-hour lactulose test may produce better outcomes.
  • Weight Loss: Berberine can help with weight loss by addressing metabolic syndrome, insulin management, and leptin regulation.
  • Antiviral and Antiparasitic: Berberine exhibits properties that can help reduce fatty liver, inflammation, and combat certain viral and parasitic infections.

These multiple benefits make berberine a compound of significant interest with the potential to support various aspects of health and well-being.

What is Metformin, and what is it used for?

Metformin is a medication that has been in use since 1993 for treating diabetes.It works by reducing fasting glucose levels, reducing blood sugar levels, and potentially playing a role in preventing cancer.



Metformin also lowers triglyceride levels, extends and restores youthful methylation and oxidative stress, and acts as a calorie restriction.

It decreases inflammation and cell division by producing the protein AMPK, which decreases the M4 protein.


However, metformin does not produce the protein NFR2, which is activated by berberine and regulates antioxidant and anti-stress response proteins. It can also have side effects such as lactic acidosis (potentially fatal for people with kidney disease) and inhibition of vitamin B absorption.


Metformin also requires a prescription.

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Comparison

  • Both berberine and metformin have been studied and used for longevity.
  • Berberine is an alternative to metformin and is reported to be just as effective in treating diabetes and controlling blood sugar levels.
  • Berberine increases glucose consumption by inhibiting complex 1 of the electron transport chain, which is part of mitochondrial respiration.
  • While both compounds lower cholesterol, berberine has the added benefit of limiting inflammation by activating pro-inflammatory enzymes L-Kappa B Kinase and Rho GTP-ASE.
  • Metformin has good bioavailability and is well absorbed by the body, while berberine’s absorption is not as efficient, with a significant portion being metabolized by the liver.
  • There have been studies suggesting that berberine, when used in conjunction with exercise, may provide greater improvement in triglycerides, LDL, LHL, CRP levels, and exercise performance compared to metformin.



It is important to note that further research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits and limitations of both berberine and metformin. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to medication or treatment plans.

Sarah Anderson

Sarah Anderson

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Berberine is an alkaloid found in barberry, golden seal, goldthread, tree turmeric, and Oregon grape. Traditionally used for gastrointestinal symptoms, berberine has emerged as a potent cardiometabolic aid with diverse benefits and mechanisms of action. It has hypoglycaemic effects, via both an inhibition of alpha-glucosidase activity and an up-regulation of insulin receptors in peripheral t…


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