Berberine, a bioactive compound found in various medicinal plants such as European barberry, golden root, and gold thread, has a long history of medicinal use dating back more than 3000 years. These berberine-containing plants have been used in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine, but also in South America, the Middle East and Europe to treat a range of ailments, from infections to wounds.

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Berberine is currently being investigated in connection with its effects on glucose metabolism, insulin sensitivity, lipid profile, inflammation, and oxidative stress. The potential health benefits of berberine are attributed to its interactions with enzymes in the body. Berberine binds to enzymes and various cell components and changes their function.

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Improving glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity

Studies have shown that berberine can not only effectively improve the activity of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which as a result increases insulin release. Berberine also stimulates insulin secretion by stimulating the activity of free fatty acids. Berberine has also been shown to improve physiological glucose stimulation via the Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) cascade response, reducing insulin resistance and improving insulin sensitivity in the liver, muscle tissue, and fat cells. Berberine also increases the activity and proliferation of insulin β cells, which also contributes to glucose regulation.

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Improving blood sugar levels and blood pressure

Recent research has shown that berberine also has a powerful effect in reducing blood sugar levels. Elevated blood sugar levels are linked to diseases such as diabetes and prediabetes, which can lead to various health problems, including organ damage.

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In addition to its effect on controlling blood sugar levels, berberine has also proven its potential in reducing blood pressure. High blood pressure is associated with an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Berberine intake has been found to lower both diastolic and systolic blood pressure, which is a potential benefit for individuals with high blood pressure.

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Lipid profile regulation

Berberine has also been shown to be effective in regulating blood lipid levels. It inhibits the synthesis and secretion of proteolipid proteins while increasing levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptors. Berberine also promotes the activity of protein kinase activated by adenylate phosphoric acid, which helps regulate blood lipid levels and inhibits adipocyte proliferation and differentiation. As a result, berberine supplementation significantly reduces triglyceride and total cholesterol levels.

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Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects

Berberine has been shown to have an anti-inflammatory effect by reducing the levels of inflammatory cytokines such as highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). By modulating these inflammatory markers, berberine can help reduce chronic inflammation associated with various diseases. In addition, berberine has shown antioxidant properties that help reduce oxidative stress and provide protection against calcium overload.

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Berberine as a dietary supplement

Because of the various positive properties attributed to the substance, berberine is also available as a dietary supplement in the form of capsules or tablets. However, bioavailability plays a decisive role, especially when it comes to herbal substances, as it is not only important how much is ingested, but how much of a nutrient is actually absorbed into the blood.

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Bioavailability refers to the percentage and rate at which a nutrient enters the bloodstream after ingestion and takes effect there. However, the bioavailability of berberine is relatively low as it undergoes extensive metabolism and has an active transport mechanism in the intestine.

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Berberine mineral complex from MoleQlar

To improve the bioavailability of berberine, MoleQlar developed an intelligent combination of berberine with phospholipids, which increases the bioavailability of berberine by a factor of 10 compared to conventional berberine powder. The addition of phospholipids improves the solubility and stability of berberine.

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By forming liposomes, berberine can be better protected by digestive enzymes in the intestine and thus enable improved absorption into the bloodstream.

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