Berberine is a supplement that has been used in Chinese medicine that is making it’s way to the United States for chronic disease management. Specifically, we are finding some promising effects on high cholesterol and blood sugar levels. This supplement may be a good tool if Metformin is not tolerated as a first-line of treatment for diabetes. Studies are ongoing but from what we are finding, the reduction in A1C is comparable to that of Metformin.
Reference: Cicero AF, Baggioni A. Berberine and Its Role in Chronic Disease. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2016;928:27-45. doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-41334-1_2. PMID: 27671811.
