Metabolic Health
Berberine
Also known as: Berberine HCl, Berberine Phytosome, Goldenseal alkaloid, Goldenseal berberine
Berberine is an alkaloid compound from Berberis aristata with established clinical evidence for supporting glucose metabolism and cardiovascular health markers. The Phytosome® delivery system enhances bioavailability compared to standard berberine.
Last reviewed June 2026 · Evidence graded from peer-reviewed research, not editorial opinion. Educational only — not medical advice.
Every Berberine product we have scored
| # | Product | Score | Per serving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thorne Berberine | 96 A | $1.47 |
| 2 | Thorne Berberine - 200 mg | 95 A | $0.73 |
| 3 | Nutricost Berberine Capsules | 93 A | $0.73 |
| 4 | Sports Research Berberine 500mg (90 softgels) | 93 A | $0.33 |
| 5 | Sports Research Vegan Berberine | 93 A | $0.66 |
| 6 | Thorne Craving and Stress Support | 93 A | $1.33 |
| 7 | Nutricost Berberine HCI with Ceylon Cinnamon Capsules | 91 A | $0.47 |
| 8 | Thorne Liver Cleanse | 90 A | $0.45 |
| 9 | Double Wood Berberine Supplement | 90 A | $0.33 |
| 10 | Pure Encapsulations Metabolic Xtra | 85 A- | $0.63 |
| 11 | Integrative Therapeutics Berberine | 84 A- | $0.55 |
| 12 | Vital Nutrients Berberine 500mg | 84 A- | $1.67 |
Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing. Per-serving cost is list price divided by servings per container. No brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Common questions
How much Berberine should I take?
The typical range is 500mg 2-3x daily with meals. Ongoing for metabolic support
When should I take Berberine?
With meals (important). Yes (essential).
Which form of Berberine is best?
Berberine HCl — Standard form. Other forms in the catalog: Dihydroberberine, Berberine HCL capsules, Enhanced absorption, Phytossome complex, Capsule, Phytosome complex.
Is Berberine safe?
Commonly reported: GI upset (common), Constipation, Diarrhea. Serious warnings: Can cause hypoglycemia with diabetes meds. Caution with liver disease
Which Berberine supplement scores highest?
Thorne Berberine, at 96/100. Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing — no brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Primary uses
- Blood sugar
- Insulin sensitivity
- Cholesterol
- AMPK activation
- SIBO
- Antimicrobial
- Gut dysbiosis
- Insulin resistance
- PCOS metabolic support
- Androgen reduction
- Glucose metabolism support
- Lipid profile management
What systematic reviews concluded
Outcomes that systematic reviews of Berberine reached a verdict on: 5 with a benefit, 1 with no effect, 2 unclear. Each is quoted from a review and linked to it on PubMed. How these were read.
Reviews found a benefit (5)
“BBR supplementation was effective in reducing fasting blood glucose (FBG) (ESWMD: -0.77; 95% CI: -0.90 to -0.63, and ESSMD: -0.65; 95% CI: -0.83 to -0.47), hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) (ESWMD: -0.57; 95% CI: -0.68 to -0.46), homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (ESWMD: -1.04; 95% CI: -1.66 to -0.42, and ESSMD: -0.71; 95% CI: -0.97 to -0.46), insulin (ESWMD: -1.00; 95% CI: -1.70 to -0.30, and ESSMD: -0.63; 95% CI: -0.94 to -0.32), interleukin (IL)-6 (ESSMD: -1.23; 95% CI: -1.61 to -0.85), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) (ESSMD: -1.04; 95% CI: -1.28 to -0.79), and C-reactive protein (CRP) (ESWMD: -0.62; 95% CI: -0.74 to -0.50, and ESSMD: -1.70; 95% CI: -2.21 to -1.19).” PMID 38016844 · 3 reviews
“These interventions significantly mitigate IL-6 levels (-1.18 pg/mL), TNF-α levels (-3.72 pg/mL), and CRP levels (-1.33 mg/L).” PMID 37675930 · 3 reviews
“Generally, the present study indicated that BBR has a comparable therapeutic effect on the prevention of colorectal adenomas recurrence.” PMID 34509605
“This meta-analysis found a significant reduction of body weight, BMI, WC and CRP levels associated with berberine intake which may have played an indirect role in improved clinical symptoms in diseases with metabolic disorders.” PMID 32690176 · 2 reviews
“Meta-analysis of the data suggested that dietary supplementation with Armolipid Plus® exerted a significant effect on body mass index (mean difference (MD) = -0.25 kg/m2, p = 0.008) and serum levels of total cholesterol (MD = -25.07 mg/dL, p < 0.001), triglycerides (MD = -11.47 mg/dL, p < 0.001), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (MD = 1.84 mg/dL, p < 0.001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (MD = -26.67 mg/dL, p < 0.001), high sensitivity C reactive protein (hs-CRP, MD = -0.61 mg/L, p = 0.022), and fasting glucose (MD = -3.52 mg/dL, p < 0.001).” PMID 33669333
Reviews found no effect (1)
“Berberine administration had no significant effect on ALT and AST levels.” PMID 32690176
Not enough to say: gut microbiota composition; hepatic steatosis.
How it works
- AMPK activation
- Improves insulin sensitivity
- Gut microbiome effects
Dosage
- Typical range
- 500mg 2-3x daily with meals
- Timing
- With meals (important)
- With food
- Yes (essential)
- Duration
- Ongoing for metabolic support
- Special populations
- Prediabetes, metabolic syndrome, PCOS
Forms
- Berberine HCl
- Dihydroberberine
- Berberine HCL capsules
- Enhanced absorption
- Phytossome complex· 70/100
- Capsule· 70/100
- Phytosome complex· 70/100
Safety
Common side effects
- GI upset (common)
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
Contraindications
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
Products containing Berberine
Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list Berberine on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.
Known interactions
Evidence notes
Strong evidence, comparable to metformin
Grade A: Multiple well-designed human trials support the main claims.
Cited research for Berberine
Clinical studies referenced across Formulate guides that mention berberine. Each links to the full study page with PubMed source + the guides that cite it.
Berberine compared head-to-head
Related in Metabolic Health
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Medical disclaimer. This page is educational and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Individual needs and risks vary — consult a professional before starting, stopping, or combining supplements, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication, or managing a health condition.