You’ve probably seen berberine popping up all over TikTok, hailed as one of the latest naturopathic remedies gaining serious traction. Its popularity has surged thanks to claims it can help manage everything from high blood pressure and cholesterol to PCOS and weight concerns.
Naturopathic Nutritional Therapist Kate Booker from Nutrition Geeks told Standard Shopping “Berberine is a compound in several plants, and it has a long history in traditional Chinese medicine.”
Taking the supplement may help to “reduce high cholesterol and high blood pressure, can help to strengthen the immune system, reduce pro-inflammatory genes (so has an anti-inflammatory effect), and improve heart health,” she explained. “Some studies show it reduces blood sugar and helps improve type 2 diabetes.”
Many have gone so far as to dub it “nature’s Ozempic”, but it’s worth approaching that kind of comparison with caution, as advice circulating on social media shouldn’t replace guidance from a qualified expert.
When our experts put several brands to the test, Paradise Herbs’ berberine came out on top, thanks to its anti-inflammatory action which has a positive effect on many of the body's systems. Here’s everything you need to know.
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Paradise Herbs berberine
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Key actives per serving: Berberine HCl 500 mg
Dose: One capsule once or twice daily with meals
Total servings: 60
Paradise Herbs’ berberine supplements are vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free and prized for their premium quality and potency – so it’s easy to see why they’re a favourite of our expert, Saskia Kemsley, who tested the very best berberine supplements. The supplements are free from of any sort of unpleasant aftertaste, and contain 500mg of berberine hydrochloride per capsule.
While this supplement isn’t identical to pure berberine, the difference comes down to its form. Standard berberine is typically extracted directly from plant sources, whereas berberine hydrochloride (HCl) is a modified version, as an isoquinoline alkaloid that’s been processed into a salt form.
Both offer broadly similar health benefits, but berberine HCl has a few more advantages. It’s more soluble, tends to be better absorbed by the body, and has been more studied, which is why it’s often the preferred form in supplements.
When taken as directed, berberine has been preliminary linked to a range of potential health benefits. It may help reduce inflammation, support gut health, and contribute to brain function, while limited research has also shown it playing a role lowering cholesterol and regulating blood sugar levels. There’s also some evidence suggesting it can support heart health and help manage symptoms of PCOS. Some people additionally report benefits when it comes to weight management.
Buy now £22.84, iHerb.com
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