Berberine
Berberine is a yellow alkaloid found in several plants (Berberis aristata, Coptis chinensis, Hydrastis canadensis), used for centuries in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine.
Berberis vulgaris L.
500 mg, 2–3 times a day (1,000–1,500 mg a day), the regimen used in trials.
What it is
It has become popular for its effect on blood sugar and lipids; it is sometimes called natural metformin, a comparison best taken with caution.
What it is used for
The quiz suggests it when your answers justify it. It usually appears with these goals:
What the evidence says
Trials in people that point the same way, but still few, small or funded by the manufacturer.
Many trials on blood sugar and lipids, with consistent results. EFSA’s 2026 draft points to in vitro genotoxicity, carcinogenicity in rodents and cases of liver damage, and it has not been able to set a safe intake.
| Year | What was studied | What was found | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Blood sugar | Meta-analysis of 28 RCTs (2,313 patients with type 2 diabetes): it reduced fasting and post-meal glucose and HbA1c compared with control. The effect faded with treatment lasting more than 90 days, with more than 2 g a day and in people over 60. | Liang et al.Endocrine Journal |
| 2015 | Blood sugar and lipids | Meta-analysis of 27 trials with 2,569 patients: together with lifestyle changes, it lowered glucose, HbA1c, total cholesterol and LDL more than lifestyle changes alone. | Lan et al.Journal of Ethnopharmacology |
What to look for on the label
- Berberine HCl with purity testing, not mixed with other blood sugar extracts.
Precautions
- EFSA has not been able to establish a safe intake (draft of March 2026).
- Do not take it during pregnancy or breastfeeding or if you have liver disease.
- It interacts with many medicines (metformin, ciclosporin, anticoagulants and others metabolised by the liver) and can cause digestive discomfort.
- If you take medication, ask first.
Where to find it
Products whose label meets what this profile asks for: form, dose per serving and nothing that contradicts it. Three at most: quality of the active comes first and, among the best, we look for one option in each price range. We choose by composition, not by who pays. The shops are European or ship to Europe.
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iHerbShips from the US, VAT included€€€High endNOW Foods
Berberine HCl 500 mg
500 mg of berberine HCl per capsule, no other actives
For the reference dose2–3 capsules a day, splitView at iHerb (opens in a new tab)Meets the criteria.
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iHerbShips from the US, VAT included€€€High endCalifornia Gold Nutrition
Berberine HCl 500 mg
500 mg of berberine HCl per capsule, no other actives
For the reference dose2–3 capsules a day, splitView at iHerb (opens in a new tab)Meets the criteria.
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WeightWorldBrand shop in Spain€BudgetWeightWorld
Berberine 500 mg
500 mg of berberine per capsule
For the reference dose2–3 capsules a day, splitView at WeightWorld (opens in a new tab)Meets the criteria.
We link to the shop; we do not sell anything. Today we earn no commission on any link. If we ever do, the link will say so and the selection will not change: the label decides. Labels checked on 2 November 2026; check the one on the pack before you buy. All these shops deliver to the EU; some of their pages open in Spanish. How we are funded.
Nearby in the library
Is it for you?
The quiz decides from your answers, not from a profile.
Profile reviewed on 3 November 2026. Sources: EFSA, Regulation (EU) 432/2012 and published studies. Image: Barberry (Berberis vulgaris), one of the plants that contain berberine. Coloured engraving. Wellcome Collection, public domain.
General information based on published scientific evidence and EU law. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle, and are not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent any disease.
Do not exceed the daily dose stated on each product. If you take medication, have a medical condition or have any doubts, ask your doctor or pharmacist.