To keep your heart healthy, you need to manage your cholesterol levels. If your health care provider says your cholesterol levels are high, you may want to find ways to improve your numbers without relying on medication alone.
Berberine is a supplement made from certain plants' roots, bark and leaves, including European barberry, goldenseal and Oregon grape root. “Berberine tastes bitter and plants make it to help keep animals from chomping on them,” said George Schatz, MD, an integrative medicine specialist with Banner - University Medicine. “It comes from plants used in traditional Chinese medicine.”
Berberine may help lower cholesterol levels about as effectively as statins, the prescription medications that are usually prescribed for high cholesterol.
Why cholesterol matters
Cholesterol is a fatty substance that your body uses for building cells, making hormones and other important functions. There are two main types of cholesterol:
- LDL (low-density lipoprotein): LDL is often called bad cholesterol because it can build up on the walls of blood vessels. This buildup raises the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, heart attacks and strokes.
- HDL (high-density lipoprotein): HDL is often called good cholesterol because it helps clear away extra cholesterol.
Your body needs both LDL and HDL cholesterol. The key is balance. Managing cholesterol levels is important for keeping your heart healthy.
Berberine’s possible benefits for cholesterol
“Berberine has been shown to decrease total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL cholesterol,” Dr. Schatz said.
Berberine may also help improve HDL cholesterol levels, so it may support heart health from that side as well. However, some studies have found that it raises HDL in women while it lowers it in men.
Berberine has also been used in traditional medicine to treat health conditions such as digestive issues, inflammation and infection. “It may help prevent cancer, diabetes, inflammation and osteoporosis and work as a muscle relaxant,” Dr. Schatz said.
It may also help lower blood sugar, which can be helpful if you have conditions that can raise your risk of heart disease, such as diabetes or insulin resistance. “If you have elevated blood sugar levels and cholesterol levels, berberine might be a good choice,” Dr. Schatz said.
How to take berberine for cholesterol management
It’s important to talk to your health care provider before taking berberine or any other supplements. Consulting your provider is especially important if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding or taking medications or other supplements.
Berberine comes in capsules, tablets and powder. Most people choose capsules. If you choose powder, you can mix it into water or smoothies.
It's important to take the right amount. The typical dose for cholesterol management ranges from 500 to 1,500 milligrams per day taken with meals throughout the day. The exact dosage will vary based on your needs and health conditions.
Risks and side effects of berberine
Although berberine is generally considered safe, it may cause diarrhea or constipation, especially when you first start taking it. If you notice any side effects, reduce the dosage or take it with food.
It can also interfere with certain medications. “Berberine can make it harder for your body to get rid of 45% to 60% of all prescription medications, including atorvastatin, simvastatin, sildenafil, vardenafil, ticagrelor, amlodipine and others. This can cause higher than normal levels of these medicines to build up in your system, which may lead to increased side effects or overt toxicity,” Dr. Schatz said. “It can also thin the blood a little, so you need to be cautious with blood thinners.”
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate supplements. If you decide to take berberine, you’ll want to choose a trustworthy source. Dr. Schatz also cautioned against buying from online retailers since storing supplements in a hot warehouse can make them less effective.
You also want to make sure you’re getting the right amount of the supplement. “Many supplements contain only a fraction of what they claim. Some contain 0% of the hundreds of milligrams of berberine that they say they have on the bottle,” Dr. Schatz said.
Third-party testing agencies like Consumer Lab, NSF or USP can help ensure quality and purity. “Pure Encapsulations, Integrative Therapeutics, Designs for Health, Orthomolecular, Jarrow, NOW foods, Nature’s Way, Xymogen and Garden of Life are all great brands that can be trusted,” he said.
Who should take berberine?
If you have high LDL cholesterol levels and you’re looking for a natural cholesterol management option to try alongside medication or lifestyle changes, you may want to consider berberine.
Before adding any supplement to your routine, it’s important to talk to your provider. That’s especially important if you’re already taking cholesterol-lowering medications or you have any other health conditions. Your health care provider can explain what’s safe and effective.
The bottom line
Berberine is a natural supplement that may help lower LDL cholesterol, support heart health and improve blood sugar control. If you’re thinking about trying berberine, consult your health care provider to make sure it’s right for you.
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To learn more about ways to manage your cholesterol levels and improve your heart health, reach out to an expert at Banner Health for guidance and support.
