In the pursuit of optimal health, particularly concerning cardiovascular and metabolic well-being, CM Core emerges as a supplement garnering attention. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of CM Core, focusing on its key components-berberine and alpha lipoic acid (ALA)-and their potential benefits, especially concerning weight loss and overall cardiometabolic health.
Introduction to CM Core
Clinical research indicates that maintaining optimal cardiovascular health should address multiple metabolic factors. CM Core, a formula backed by extensive clinical research, is designed to address several factors associated with ideal cardiometabolic health. The powerful combination of berberine and alpha lipoic acid (ALA) helps maintain heart function, metabolism, antioxidant status, and lipid and glucose levels. The supplement, combining berberine and alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), has garnered attention for its potential to improve various cardiometabolic markers.
The Power of Berberine
Berberine, a bioactive compound extracted from several plants, including a group of shrubs called Berberis, has been a cornerstone of traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for over 2,500 years. This plant extract boasts a broad range of health-promoting properties. Berberine can be found in the roots and stems of plants such as Hydastatis canadensis (goldenseal), Coptis chinensis (goldenthread), Berberis aquifolium (Oregon grape) and Berberis vulgaris (barberry). Studies of berberine have indicated that it can treat several metabolic health conditions, including diabetes, obesity, and heart problems. It may also improve gut health.
Mechanisms of Action
Berberine works in the body in multiple ways and is able to make changes within the body’s cells. When you take berberine as a pill or powder, it enters your bloodstream and travels to your cells, binding to different molecules. But instead of producing a single change, berberine interacts with multiple targets, impacting more than one disease at a time. Berberine works at a cellular level and changes how cells work by turning signals off and on. Its basic interactions involve so many different processes in the body. Berberine and metformin share certain features, and both could be useful for treating metabolic disorders, such as type 2 diabetes.
Health Benefits of Berberine
Research suggests berberine may benefit the following conditions:
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Bacterial Infections
Berberine could be an effective antimicrobial agent. A 2022 study found that berberine helped inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus. S. aureus can cause many health problems, including sepsis, pneumonia, meningitis, and certain skin conditions.
Inflammation
Animal research highlights berberine’s anti-inflammatory properties, suggesting it may have therapeutic potential for inflammation-related health conditions.
Diabetes
Research suggests that berberine may work as a diabetes treatment. For example, a 2019 literature review indicated that berberine was better than a placebo at lowering blood sugar, although factors such as treatment duration affected this. The same analysis suggests that a combination of berberine and blood-sugar-lowering drugs is more effective than the drugs alone. The researchers suggest that berberine may help to improve insulin resistance by lowering body mass index (BMI) scores and fasting blood insulin levels. Berberine appears to activate SIRT1 proteins, which are involved in cellular processes such as metabolism and inflammation, and AMP-activated protein kinase, which can help regulate how the body uses blood sugar. The review also suggests berberine may help to improve blood lipids, potentially contributing to beneficial effects for people with type 2 diabetes.
When it comes to weight loss, berberine may improve how cells respond to insulin (insulin sensitivity), promoting better movement of glucose into cells (glucose uptake). It may also impact how glucose gets used. By avoiding long-term elevated insulin, its anabolic effect can be regulated and minimize fat accumulation in the body. Berberine also activates an enzyme called AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). AMPK exists in every cell. Its primary job is to regulate metabolism, helping manage how your body breaks down and uses energy. But AMPK can also influence body fat composition, and it plays a critical role in regulating your appetite.
High Cholesterol
A 2021 systematic review highlights research suggesting that berberine may help lower LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. It may also help to increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or “good” cholesterol. A 2021 study involving 84 Chinese men gave participants either 500 milligrams (mg) of berberine or a placebo for 12 weeks. Those who took berberine had more significant reductions in total and LDL cholesterol than those taking the placebo. The researchers also highlighted a slight reduction in HDL cholesterol but suggest this may be a chance occurrence.
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High Blood Pressure
A 2021 systematic review highlights some research suggesting that berberine may help to reduce blood pressure. However, they highlight that evidence is mixed and low quality and that other substances in the studies may have contributed to these results. A 2021 study outlines previous research suggesting berberine may have a positive effect on blood pressure. However, the study authors found no differences in blood pressure levels between the berberine and placebo groups.
Obesity
A 2021 review suggests that berberine may have antiobesity effects. Another 2020 review suggests that berberine supplementation may contribute to reductions in the following weight markers: BMI, body weight, waist circumference, and C-reactive protein concentrations. A 2020 animal study suggests that berberine may help to act as an appetite suppressant, since it led to a lower food intake in mice and rats.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS occurs when a female has high levels of certain male hormones. The syndrome is a hormonal and metabolic imbalance that can lead to infertility and other health issues. A 2022 study compared the effects of berberine with the medications metformin (Glucophage) and myoinositol (Inofolic alpha) on people with PCOS. Berberine caused greater reductions in clinical, hormonal, and lipid parameters than metformin and myoinositol. The authors suggest berberine may be better than metformin at reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease in people with PCOS.
Cancer
A 2019 review found that berberine has “clear inhibitory effects” on the following cancers: colorectal cancer, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, liver cancer, and cervical cancer. Another 2021 review suggests that berberine may prevent the spread of cancer cells by controlling the cell cycle and causing cell death.
Gut Health
If berberine can help treat cancer, inflammation, diabetes, and other conditions, it may be due to a beneficial effect on gut microbiota, according to research from 2020. Scientists have found links between the gut microbiome - bacteria colonies in the gut - and these conditions. Berberine has an antibacterial action that seems to remove the harmful bacteria in the gut and thus enhance the growth of healthy bacteria. Berberine does not kill good bacteria. A 2020 study found that while berberine can induce cell death of harmful intestinal bacteria, it also increases the number and species of beneficial bacteria in the gut.
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CM Core and Berberine
CM Core combines Berberine with Alpha Lipoic Acid. This combination offers a synergistic effect, enhancing the individual benefits of each component and offering comprehensive metabolic support.
Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA): The Antioxidant Powerhouse
Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is a nutrient required for cellular metabolism, specifically the breakdown of carbohydrates and fatty acids. ALA has been shown to support blood sugar balance already within normal levels by activating AMPK, a major regulator of cellular energy. ALA is also a potent antioxidant. It scavenges free radicals while aiding in the regeneration of the body's antioxidants including vitamin C, vitamin E and glutathione.
ALA's Role in Metabolism
Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), a potent antioxidant, plays a crucial role in cellular energy production and protects against oxidative stress.
CM Core and Weight Loss: Examining the Evidence
While some marketing materials suggest CM Core promotes weight loss, a more accurate and responsible assessment focuses on its potential impact on broader cardiometabolic parameters. Early research indicates that berberine may help reduce body fat. In one small clinical trial that looked at treating nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, participants who took berberine every day for three months experienced significant weight loss. A 2020 study associated berberine intake with a significant reduction in body weight, BMI, and waist circumference.
A 2022 review of 18 studies that examined the effect of berberine on body weight and 23 that examined its effect on body mass index (BMI) found significant decreases in both weight and BMI in people who took berberine. More recently, an umbrella review of 11 meta-analyses revealed that berberine significantly affects factors like blood glucose levels, insulin resistance and body composition as compared to controls.
The Synergistic Effect
The proposed synergistic action of these components in CM Core suggests a potential enhancement of these individual effects, potentially leading to improved metabolic health. However, robust clinical evidence demonstrating this synergy remains limited.
Limitations of Current Research
While individual studies support the benefits of berberine and ALA in improving various cardiometabolic markers (e.g., blood glucose control, lipid profiles), high-quality clinical trials directly evaluating the combined effect of berberine and ALA in CM Core's specific formulation on weight loss are currently lacking. Existing research primarily focuses on the individual effects of each compound, not their combined impact in a synergistic manner within the CM Core supplement. This limits our ability to definitively recommend CM Core for weight loss. Furthermore, many studies lack sufficient sample sizes and appropriately designed control groups to draw robust conclusions regarding efficacy.
Potential Benefits Beyond Weight Loss
Based on the existing research on berberine and ALA individually, potential benefits from CM Core may include:
Improved Blood Glucose Control
Berberine's impact on insulin sensitivity may lead to better blood sugar management.
Improved Lipid Profile
Both berberine and ALA might contribute to healthier cholesterol levels, a beneficial factor for cardiovascular health.
Reduced Oxidative Stress
ALA's antioxidant properties may protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Maintaining optimal cardiovascular health should address multiple metabolic factors. The powerful combination of berberine and alpha lipoic acid (ALA) helps maintain heart function, metabolism, antioxidant status, and lipid and glucose levels. Clinical trials have demonstrated that berberine administration supports cardiovascular health in a number of synergistic ways including maintaining blood pressure, supporting healthy heart contraction and rhythm and supporting healthy cholesterol levels.
Risks and Precautions
Although berberine appears safe and causes few side effects, it is a good idea to speak with a doctor before taking it.
Potential Risks Associated with CM Core Include:
Drug Interactions
Berberine can interact with various medications, including those for diabetes and blood thinners. Consult your doctor before use, especially if you are taking other medications. (Always consult a physician before starting any new supplement.) If a doctor prescribes metformin, people should not take berberine as an alternative without first speaking with their doctor. Berberine may interact with metformin and affect blood sugar levels, making them harder to manage. In one study, taking goldenseal, an extract containing berberine, and metformin together led to a 25% drop in the impact of metformin.
Gastrointestinal Side Effects
Some individuals may experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort, such as diarrhea or nausea, particularly with berberine. These are usually mild and transient. Berberine can cause digestive side effects, such as upset stomach, constipation, and nausea. The most common side effects of berberine include nausea, abdominal discomfort, constipation, and diarrhea.
Other Side Effects
Berberine can cause rash and headache. In animal studies, scientists have noticed the following effects, depending on the type of animal, how much they consumed, and for how long: diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, muscle tremor, gastric ulcers, liver and kidney enlargement, and a reduction in white blood cells.
Precautions to Take
It is essential to speak with a doctor before taking berberine or other supplements, as they may not be safe or suitable for everyone. Anyone who develops an allergic reaction to any herbal product should stop using it at once. Some herbal supplements may contain ingredients that are not on their label, so people should monitor their reaction after first taking them. The NCCIH advises people not to use goldenseal, which contains berberine, during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. They also caution against giving it to infants. There may also be a potential for hypoglycemia from taking goldenseal, depending on whether someone is taking other hypoglycemic prescription medications. Goldenseal may also interact with prescription medications. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you shouldn’t take berberine. Berberine isn’t recommended for children or babies either.
Important Considerations Before Taking Berberine
- Consult Your Healthcare Professional: Discuss CM Core with your physician, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are taking any medications. This is crucial to avoid potential adverse interactions.
- Monitor Your Health Markers: Regularly monitor your blood glucose, lipid profile, and blood pressure levels to assess for any changes, whether positive or negative following CM Core use.
- Adopt a Holistic Approach: CM Core should not be viewed as a standalone solution for weight loss or improved cardiometabolic health. A balanced diet, regular physical activity, and stress management remain crucial components of a comprehensive wellness plan.
- Evaluate Independent Information: Seek information from reputable health organizations and peer-reviewed scientific publications to form an objective opinion on CM Core's potential benefits and risks.
- Third-Party Certification: If a doctor agrees that berberine is safe to use, checking the product label for third-party certification, for example, from the National Science Foundation (NSF) or NSF International is also recommended.
Dosage and Administration
The standard dosage of Berberine is 500 mg, taken 2-3 times daily, totaling 1,000-1,500 mg daily. The recommended dose for CM Core is as per the manufacturer’s guidelines or as directed by your healthcare provider. It’s always best to start with a lower dose and gradually increase it. Dr. Tumah recommends that you start slowly and at a low dosage. Once you know how you react to berberine, the goal is to take 500 milligrams up to three times a day. Berberine supplements aren’t meant to be taken with food, so opt to take your three doses before or in between meals.
The Future of Berberine and CM Core Research
Research suggests that berberine could be a promising therapy for several conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. However, more research is necessary to understand its safety and efficacy. One day, berberine may become a suitable alternative to metformin for managing blood sugar levels, but more research is necessary.