Berberine is a compound found in many plants, including goldenseal, barberry, and Oregon grape. Supplements containing berberine have been used to treat infections and skin disease. It may also help lower blood sugar, regulate blood pressure, and reduce blood cholesterol.
In general, berberine is considered safe when taken within the recommended amounts. However, it can cause some side effects.
Gastrointestinal symptoms are the most common side effects of berberine. These side effects are usually temporary and often subside after a month.
Some common problems experienced by people taking berberine include:
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Bloating
- Constipation
Taking higher-than-normal doses is often a major cause of the gastrointestinal side effects of berberine. Starting with a lower dose, such as 300 milligrams of berberine three times daily instead of 500 milligrams, might help reduce these effects. Taking berberine supplements with a meal may also help reduce stomach upset.
Berberine can lower blood sugar levels and may cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). This is a higher risk for people with diabetes who use other medications or people who skip or miss meals.
Some symptoms you might experience when blood sugar is lower than normal include shakiness, dizziness, confusion, and irritability. Avoid taking berberine with blood sugar-lowering medicine without first talking to your healthcare provider.
Berberine can decrease blood pressure levels. This can increase the risk of hypotension (low blood pressure) in people who use other blood pressure-lowering medications such as Norvasc (amlodipine).
Symptoms associated with low blood pressure include lightheadedness, dizziness, fatigue, and blurred vision. Do not take berberine with blood pressure-lowering medicine without consulting your healthcare provider.
Some people may experience headaches while taking berberine. However, this side effect is not common. The reason why berberine might cause headaches is not well known. In some cases, it might be related to a drop in blood pressure or sugar levels.
If you experience headaches when taking berberine, consider switching to a lower dosage and make sure to drink enough water.
Berberine may slow your heart rate and can also cause irregular heartbeats. People with a slower resting heart rate, such as athletes or physically active adults, should use berberine with caution, as it could potentially lead to heart-related problems like heart block.
Most reports of irregular heartbeat with berberine are case reports involving a single person. Talk to your doctor about whether heart rate changes are a potential risk for you when using berberine.
Berberine is not safe for everyone. Do not take berberine without first talking to your healthcare provider if you:
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding: Berberine is unsafe for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding as it has been linked to brain damage in the fetus and infants. In addition, do not give berberine to infants or young children.
- Take an immunosuppressant: Berberine can increase the levels of immunosuppressants like cyclosporine in the blood, causing toxicity.
- Have liver problems: While more research is needed, some research suggests that berberine may be toxic to the liver. If you have liver failure or are at risk of liver problems, avoid using berberine without medical supervision.
Drug Interactions
Berberine can affect the way some medications work. Some medicines that berberine can interact with include:
- Cyclosporines (medication taken after an organ transplant)
- Blood thinners like Coumadin (warfarin) or aspirin
- Antidepressants such as Prozac (fluoxetine)
- Blood pressure-lowering medicines such as Norvasc (amlodipine)
- Blood sugar-lowering medicines such as Glucophage (metformin)
- Cholesterol-lowering medicines such as Zocor (simvastatin)
This is not a complete list; berberine may interact with other medicines you might be taking. If you choose to use berberine, ask your healthcare provider about potential interactions with any medications you take.
In clinical trials, berberine has been safely used in doses ranging from 900-1,500 milligrams daily. However, berberine is better taken in divided doses to maintain a steady concentration, as it is quickly eliminated from the body. You can take 500 milligrams of berberine two to three times a day with meals.
Berberine is best used for a short period of time (less than six months) because there are not enough studies done to guarantee its safety beyond six months.
There is also a risk of berberine being toxic to the liver. If you take berberine daily for long periods, regular monitoring of liver function tests is recommended.
Also, purchase berberine supplements from trusted pharmacies rather than online, or ask your healthcare provider to recommend a brand.
Consider how berberine affects you: Berberine is generally safe and well-tolerated; however, consider the potential side effects and how it might affect you before starting this supplement.
Consult a healthcare provider: Ask your healthcare provider about the best ways to introduce berberine into your routine safely. If you have an underlying health condition or are taking other medications, your doctor can let you know if berberine supplements are safe and appropriate for you.
