Berberine and inositol are natural supplements gaining attention for their potential benefits in weight management, insulin resistance, and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) symptom relief. These compounds, found in various plants and produced naturally in the body, respectively, have become popular due to their accessibility without a prescription and their lower cost compared to some medications.
What is Berberine?
Berberine is a bioactive compound found in several plants, including European barberry, phellodendron, Oregon grape, goldenseal, and goldthread. These plants have a history of medicinal use spanning over 3,000 years in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. Historically, they were used to treat a wide range of ailments, from infections to sores. Today, berberine is being investigated for its potential therapeutic effects on various conditions, including diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, and PCOS.
Berberine's possible health benefits stem from its effect on enzymes in the body. It binds to enzymes and parts of cells and changes how they work. It seems to affect several enzymes and even DNA and RNA. Berberine is being studied to see if it may help with various conditions.
What is Inositol?
Inositol is a naturally occurring carbocyclic sugar, a type of carbohydrate with a chemical structure similar to glucose. It is found in food and is also naturally produced in the human body. It plays a crucial role in neurotransmitter signaling and cellular metabolism. The most studied form, myo-inositol, is frequently used in reproductive and metabolic care. Think of inositol as a messenger that helps your cells communicate better. If insulin resistance is like a bad phone connection, inositol helps improve the signal.
Historical Use of Berberine
The earliest records of the medicinal use of berberine date back more than 3,000 years, when people in China and South Asia cultivated the barberry plant and its relatives. People used the plant's stems, leaves, and bark in various ways. Evidence also shows the use of berberine-containing plants in South America, the Middle East, and Europe to treat different conditions.
Read also: Does Berberine Help You Lose Weight?
Berberine's Effects on the Body
Berberine has multiple effects on the body, including lowering inflammation, regulating blood sugar, and reducing cholesterol. It is believed to activate the body's "metabolic master switch," which makes cells respond better to insulin, lowers how much sugar the liver makes, reduces blood sugar levels, supports healthy cholesterol, and helps with weight loss, especially belly fat.
Inositol's Effects on the Body
Inositol acts as a messenger that helps cells communicate better. It may improve insulin response, impact ovarian function (studied for PCOS) and improve ovulation, help regulate menstrual cycles, and lower male sex hormones like testosterone in women with PCOS.
Berberine for Gut Health
Berberine has been shown to protect the gut barrier from inflammation. It also kills harmful gut bacteria and encourages the growth of healthy bacteria, which may help treat conditions like diabetes and high cholesterol.
Berberine for Inflammation
Berberine lowers inflammation in many ways. For example, it reduces oxidative stress, lowers production of inflammatory proteins, and promotes immune regulation. Its anti-inflammatory activity may mean it can treat inflammatory conditions like arthritis.
Berberine's Brain Benefits
Research shows that berberine might help prevent dementia by protecting against brain damage and improving mental skills. Early studies also suggest that it may one day be able to treat conditions like cognitive dysfunction and Alzheimer’s disease.
Read also: Does Berberine Help with Weight Loss?
Berberine for Lowering Cholesterol
Taking berberine supplements regularly appears to lower total cholesterol, “bad” cholesterol, and triglycerides in people with high cholesterol. It works differently from today’s standard cholesterol medications, so it may help treat people who are resistant to other cholesterol-lowering drugs.
Berberine and Heart Health
People with heart disease often have fatigue and irregular heartbeats. Studies show that taking a berberine supplement combined with standard heart disease treatments eases these symptoms, lowering the chance of death without apparent side effects.
Berberine for Blood Sugar Control
Berberine may also lower glucose levels in people with diabetes. Studies show that it helps your body respond better to insulin and prevents your liver from creating more glucose. As a result, people with diabetes may find that berberine helps lower their blood sugar levels.
Berberine for Lowering Blood Pressure
Taking berberine may help lower your diastolic and systolic blood pressure (the bottom and top numbers of your blood pressure reading).
Berberine and PCOS
Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, can cause problems such as high cholesterol, insulin resistance, and trouble losing weight. In some studies, berberine helped women with PCOS control their cholesterol, lower their waist-to-hip ratio, and increase their insulin response. Taking berberine for PCOS may help lower male hormones in women and can improve period regularity. It can help balance hormones by trapping excess testosterone in the bloodstream so it can't affect your body. Plus, it helps with insulin resistance, which is an underlying cause of PCOS.
Read also: Berberine and Metformin
Inositol for PCOS
Inositol is really good at helping women get regular periods and getting ovulation back on track. Inositol also lowers testosterone levels and other male sex hormones, which helps with unwanted hair growth and acne. Doctors might recommend trying inositol before medication if you have PCOS with early insulin resistance but not diabetes, especially if you're trying to get pregnant.
Berberine for Weight Loss
Some studies suggest that berberine can reduce body mass index (BMI) and help with weight loss. But many of these studies are of low quality and have a high risk of bias. This means that there is currently no medical agreement on how well berberine can help people lose weight and that new, high-quality research on the topic is needed. It can reduce body fat, particularly belly fat. Berberine can lower BMI and improve body composition by decreasing fat mass.
Inositol for Weight Loss
Inositol produces modest weight loss benefits, with stronger effects in women who are already overweight. There is limited information about how inositol reduces cravings, but lowering insulin resistance may help lower the urge to eat sugary foods. The main benefit comes from stabilizing blood sugar. Inositol works best as a complement to diet and exercise rather than a primary weight loss aid.
Berberine vs. Ozempic
Although some call berberine “nature’s Ozempic,” the comparison may be exaggerated. While Ozempic slows down digestion, berberine helps control how the body breaks down and uses energy. Unlike Ozempic, berberine is a dietary supplement that has not gone through the FDA approval processes for weight loss. This means that there is less evidence that berberine can help people lose weight than there is for Ozempic.
Berberine vs. Metformin
Doctors commonly prescribe metformin to lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. As berberine can also reduce blood sugar levels, some ask if it can be used instead of metformin. Compared to metformin, research is limited on how well berberine can lower blood sugar levels. The dietary supplement hasn’t been approved by the FDA for type 2 diabetes, whereas metformin has. We need more studies to understand the effects of berberine on lowering blood sugar levels. Early research suggests that metformin may help manage diabetes better than berberine. A study on mice found that while berberine was better at reducing high cholesterol and obesity, metformin was better at controlling blood sugar levels.
Berberine for Heart Health
Berberine shows benefits for cholesterol profiles by reducing total cholesterol, LDL (“bad” cholesterol), and triglycerides. Some studies show there may be a modest increase in HDL (“good” cholesterol), but some others show no change. More research is needed. Berberine could help reduce cardiovascular risk in PCOS patients, but it hasn’t been proven in the long term.
Inositol for Heart Health
Inositol has more modest effects on cholesterol but may still provide cardiovascular benefits through improved insulin metabolism. Some studies show that inositol may help reduce inflammation in the body.
How Fast Do They Work?
Berberine starts working on blood sugar pretty quickly. You might see improvements in 1-2 weeks. It takes longer (several months) to help with PCOS problems like irregular periods or excess hair growth. Inositol works more slowly overall. You might start seeing better periods after about 3 months. For the full benefits, especially for helping with fertility, you may need to give it 3-6 months.
Side Effects and Considerations of Berberine
Berberine supplements may be helpful and safe for many people, but they can have occasional side effects. One study done with berberine found that it can lead to digestion problems, such as constipation, diarrhea, and flatulence, in some people. But these symptoms typically clear up within 4 weeks. Berberine’s blood pressure-lowering effects are helpful if you have high blood pressure. But for some people, this effect could cause blood pressure to drop too low, which can be dangerous.
Studies suggest that berberine does not damage the liver. Some research suggests that berberine may enhance liver health, lower inflammation in the liver, and potentially treat non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. But other research shows that berberine hinders certain liver enzymes involved in metabolizing drugs. This could impact how the body breaks down drugs and make them less effective or cause negative side effects.
A recent study found that berberine could have a positive effect on people with kidney problems. It works by affecting the bacteria in your gut and stopping the production of harmful gut substances that can worsen kidney disease.
Berberine has many drug interactions, so it’s best to check with your doctor before using it. For example, as berberine may slow blood clotting, taking it alongside blood-clotting medications may increase the risk of bruising and bleeding. Also, as berberine lowers blood sugar, taking berberine alongside antidiabetic drugs may cause blood sugar levels to drop too low.
It’s generally recommended to stop taking herbal supplements like berberine 2 to 3 weeks before surgery to avoid negative reactions to anesthesia and side effects like excessive bleeding. Berberine’s effects on blood clotting and blood sugar levels in particular may impact the success of surgery and make recovery take longer.
No serious safety concerns have been observed in clinical studies. However, most studies on berberine are small, short in duration, and not scrutinized by experts (peer-reviewed). It may cause digestive discomfort (nausea, diarrhea, constipation) in some people, though these side effects tend to be mild. If you face any discomfort after taking berberine, please stop and consult your healthcare provider. To minimize side effects, berberine brands often recommend taking it with meals.
Berberine is a dietary supplement that is not authorized by the US FDA to treat medical conditions. It’s best to talk to your doctor before taking berberine supplements, particularly if you are taking prescription medications.
Side Effects and Considerations of Inositol
Inositol is generally well-tolerated. It is well-researched and has a safe profile with very few side effects in recommended doses (1-4 grams daily). Like any other oral supplement or medication, some may experience mild digestive symptoms, but they are rare and only at very high doses. Mild digestive symptoms are possible but rare and usually only at very high doses (12+ grams daily).
Inositol is considered safe during pregnancy and is sometimes recommended to help prevent gestational diabetes. There are no known serious drug interactions.
Inositol is a dietary supplement and is not authorized by the US FDA to treat medical conditions.
Berberine-Rich Foods
You'll find berberine in high concentrations in plants, including:
- Hydrastis canadensis (goldenseal)
- Coptis chinensis (coptis or goldenthread)
- Berberis aquifolium (Oregon grape)
- Berberis vulgaris (barberry)
- Berberis aristata (tree turmeric)
Berberine Supplements
Berberine is available over the counter as a dietary supplement, either alone or combined with other herbs and nutritional substances. The suggested dose of berberine is 250 milligrams or 500 milligrams two or three times a day. Talk to your doctor before starting a new supplement program to make sure it's suitable for your specific needs and health status.
Berberine and Pregnancy
Research is limited on the effects of taking berberine while pregnant. Early evidence suggests that it may cause uterine contractions and miscarriage, and increase the risk of brain damage and other issues in offspring. While more research is needed, it’s likely unsafe to take berberine while you’re pregnant.
Berberine Drug Interactions
Berberine has many drug interactions, so it’s best to check with your doctor before using it. For example, as berberine may slow blood clotting, taking it alongside blood-clotting medications may increase the risk of bruising and bleeding. Also, as berberine lowers blood sugar, taking berberine alongside antidiabetic drugs may cause blood sugar levels to drop too low.
Berberine Before Surgery
It’s generally recommended to stop taking herbal supplements like berberine 2 to 3 weeks before surgery to avoid negative reactions to anesthesia and side effects like excessive bleeding. Berberine’s effects on blood clotting and blood sugar levels in particular may impact the success of surgery and make recovery take longer.
Berberine vs. Inositol: Which Should You Choose?
According to Registered Dietitian Suzanna Thoe, RD, “It’s really not a competition between the two-both berberine and inositol work in different ways to help lower blood sugar, improve insulin resistance, and support weight loss. Your choice should depend on your specific health goals and your healthcare provider's recommendations.”
Can You Take Berberine and Inositol Together?
You can take berberine and inositol together. Some people do this because the supplements help in different ways-berberine is better for fat loss and cholesterol, while inositol helps more with periods and ovulation. However, it’s best to start with small amounts and slowly take more over time. Take berberine with food to avoid stomach problems. If you plan to take berberine for diabetes but are on diabetes medication, please talk to your healthcare provider. Always check with your doctor before mixing supplements. You could also consider adding one to your routine first, making sure that your body is okay with it, and then adding the other.
Should You Take Myo-Inositol or Berberine?
Myo-inositol works better for periods, ovulation, and fertility in PCOS with fewer side effects. Berberine may be better for helping reduce belly fat, LDL cholesterol, and blood sugar levels, but it is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Your main health goal should guide your choice-reproductive health (inositol) versus metabolic improvements (berberine). Some people benefit from taking both, but always check with your doctor first. And remember, a very important part of PCOS treatment or achieving weight loss is the right diet and moderate exercise.
Supplements are One Piece of the Puzzle
Berberine and inositol can help with PCOS and weight issues, but they're not magic pills. For best results, you need to combine them with a healthy diet and lifestyle changes. Everyone's body is different. What works great for one person might not work as well for you. Your hormones, metabolism, and how your body handles food are unique to you. That's why working with a registered dietitian can be so helpful. They can create a personalized diet plan specifically for your body and needs, helping you figure out which foods, supplements, and habits will work best for you.
The Importance of Consulting a Healthcare Professional
Although berberine may help with some health issues, depending on your situation, it may cause negative side effects. As with any health supplement, it’s best to consult your doctor before you start taking berberine. It is always best to consult a doctor before starting to take berberine supplements, especially if you are taking prescription medications or have underlying health conditions.
Berberine and Inositol for Insulin Resistance
Inositol, in particular, has been explored for its potential to improve the human body’s sensitivity to insulin (consequently reducing insulin resistance). According to research, the supplement produces molecules that play an important role in insulin’s action in your cells. Berberine, on the other hand, helps control blood sugar by regulating how your body processes glucose. Moreover, it boosts insulin production and makes your cells more sensitive to it.
Berberine and Inositol for PCOS
Inositol is one of the most researched natural supplements for managing insulin resistance. According to research, inositol helps make your cells more sensitive to insulin, allowing more glucose to enter the cells and be used for energy. This lowers insulin and glucose levels in your bloodstream, which can improve ovulation frequency and function. As mentioned before, there are nine forms of inositol, however, Myo-inositol (MI) and D-chiro-inositol (DCI) are the two forms that have the most significant impact on the condition.
Like inositol, berberine is also thought to be a great insulin sensitiser. A study in the European Journal of Endocrinology revealed promising results - women with PCOS who used 500 mg of berberine three times a day showed improvement in HOMA-IR, which is a marker of insulin resistance.