What is Berberine Used For?
Berberine is a bright yellow alkaloid that is found in a variety of plants such as guduchi and goldenseal. It has traditionally been used as a dye for various textiles and as a component of traditional Chinese medicine. Berberine supplements have a wide array of potential effects with some of the more stand out effects being its ability to support our metabolism, cognition and mood. This makes Berberine hydrochloride a very versatile compound that many people can benefit from and best of all, it is a completely natural compound! This makes a berberine supplement, containing the stabilized berberine hydrochloride (HCL) form, a great supplement for those seeking to support their metabolic health and cognitive function.
Berberine May Support Metabolic Health
This is what berberine HCL is the best known for, as its potential effects on metabolic health are significant. Most of these effects are regulated through 5’ Adenosine Monophosphate Activated Protein Kinase (AMPK). In the muscles and in the heart, AMPK activation speeds up both the uptake and breakdown of glucose through a process called glycolysis. Berberine also slows down the production of glucose via a process called gluconeogenesis while simultaneously decreasing insulin secretions from pancreatic beta-cells. The net effect of this enhanced glucose processing, is that insulin sensitivity goes up. Increased insulin sensitivity will promote healthy body composition and will help with exercise performance. In addition to this, insulin plays a major role in the brain too, and it has been shown that enhanced insulin sensitivity may help promote healthy cognitive functioning. AMPK activation also increases the breakdown of fatty acids through a process called fatty acid oxidation. AMPK activation also decreases the production of fatty acids by inhibiting fatty acid synthesis. This effect is further enhanced by AMPK activation inhibiting the breakdown of fats to fatty acids through a process called lipolysis. In addition to all of this, AMPK activation may also help support healthy cholesterol levels. Overall, berberine HCL appears to be a very good supporter of overall health.
