The use of various types of supplements is designed to help the proper functioning of our body. Depending on what we put up for, we expect results as well. Some supplements are supposed to increase our physical fitness, others have to act on memory and concentration, and others on immunity. Today we would like to take care of the subject, or more precisely the product which is berberine . What is it? How does it work? What properties does it have? We invite you to read the article!
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What is berberine ?
Berberine is a compound found in many plants that has strong health-improving properties. Occurs, among others, in barberry, common mahonia, Canadian bitter or in Chinese tincture. Used in Chinese medicine, the affection of this suplement on health. that has been known for nearly 3000 years ,now is starting to gain great popularity. It is easier than ever before to get it because online retailers now offer berberine supplements. Taking berberine can provide anti-diabetes effects and improve your health.
Thanks to its numerous properties it significantly affects our health by improving the work of our organs and the proper functioning of individual parts of the body. So what does it affect, and how does it affect our bodies?
Firstly, it stabilize blood sugar level
All people suffering from type II diabetes should certainly delve into the secrets of berberine. Thanks to the fact that it increases the consumption of glucose, it mimics the action of insulin very well. It can lead to the regeneration of pancreatic cells, to reduction of cell damage or to the activation of antioxidant enzymes. It has such properties that when it is used regularly, it improves glucose tolerance, lowers its concentration in the blood on an empty stomach and also affects and decreases total cholesterol, triglycerides, ApoB and LDL-C levels . [1] , [2] , [3] .
Staying on the subject of glucose, it is berberin that acts on the balance of sugar in the blood, delays the breakdown of carbohydrates into simple sugars, and also acts like insulin, increasing the body’s ability to take up glucose. By reducing blood sugar levels, it reduces the transport of glucose into the intestinal epithelium, activates fatty acid receptors, inhibits dipeptidyl peptidase IV enzymes , and also improves glucagon secretion. It is essential in improving insulin resistance because it improves intestinal microflora, inhibits glucose production in the liver, and inhibits NF-kappaB .
Secondly – it affects memory and eliminates problems related to learning process
For all those people who are struggling with the problem of memory, concentration, as well as the ability to learn, berberine is the most beneficial product that can be chosen to achieve satisfactory results. It has an effect on preventing the degeneration of neurons in people with a decreased blood supply to the brain. It also influences the stimulation of enzyme activity and reduction of inflammation [4]. In humans after brain strokes, as well as in all kinds of disorders involving inflammation of the nervous tissue, its actions are invaluable
Thirdly – anti-depressant agent
Instead of anti-depressants which can be harmful to our bodies, it is berberine that is the best way to improve the mental balance of the body. It inhibits monoamine oxidase A, which is responsible for the breakdown of serotonin. It also increases increases the level of neurotransmitters in the hippocampus and frontal cortex. [5]
Fourthly – it significantly affects weight loss
For all those who are still fighting with excess weight, berberine is perfect. By improving insulin sensitivity, it inhibits fat accumulation. [6] According to the tests carried out, with the right amount consumed each day, it has a proven effect on the possibility of getting rid of kilograms and obtaining the desired weight.
Fifthly- it can be used in cancer prophylaxis
Although there is no cure for cancer that kills our society at an alarming rate, it is believed that berberine works against the occurrence of it as well as reproduction of theirs cells. [7] It is especially effective in cancers of the brain, breast, cervix, colon, liver, lymphoma , jaw, spinal cord and thyroid gland.
Sixthly – positive effects on cholesterol results
In the fight against high cholesterol level, berberine is responsible for the cholesterol balance, it lowers both total cholesterol as well as LDL and insulin resistance. [8]
Sevenly – it lowers blood pressure
For all those who use drugs for high pressure, berberine very effectively reduces the blood pressure and increase vasodilatation effect. In addition, it relaxes muscles as well as your mind (look at the third point!). Due to the fact that it inhibits ACE and releases NO/cGMP, it significantly reduces blood pressure. [9]
Eighth- in the prevention of Alzheimer
Alzheimer’s disease accumulates beta-amyloid plaques and amyloid plaques. Berberine works by inhibiting this process and thus slowing down the progress of the developing disease, especially in the elderly.
Ninely – it’s antibacterial agent
We do not need to use antibacterial drugs to help fight many microbes. Most often this applies to: S. Aureus , P. Aeruginosa , E.Coli and Candida Albicans . If we want to get rid of microorganisms without the need to take drugs for this purpose, surely berberine will prove to be reliable here. [10]
Tenthly – it works as antiviral agent
If we have infections associated with influenza A virus, Berberine will prove to be the most effective here. What’s more, it also works on herpes simplex and HIV. [11]
There is no doubt, therefore, that use of Berberine is invaluable, isn’t there? Such a little-known substance, and in the same time has such a huge impact on the entire human body, both in this physical and mental aspect. We often take dozens of medicines that are not always even helpful. Substances used in Chinese medicine were ,in the old days, a way to proper health state, and well-being. Maybe it is worth to return to the nature? Do not stuff yourself with chemistry, and choose natural compounds contained in plants!
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23118793
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15066220
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18397984
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22563252 , https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22982719
[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18585703 , https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11270727
[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22474499
[7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22842630
[8] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17341006 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22113535
[9] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17341006 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22113535
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1359895
http://wwfw.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/ S1537189103000053
[10] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12422513
[11] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21683808
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24913175
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21295891