Berberine instead of metformin?
Why is berberine often compared to metformin, and what dosages are used in clinical trials?
Berberine – is a natural alkaloid found in Berberis plants. It is being actively researched as an alternative or supplement to metformin. The mechanism is similar: activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which improves glucose utilization and insulin sensitivity.
📌 Dosages from clinical studies:
The most commonly used dosage was 500 mg × 2–3 times a day (a total of 1000–1500 mg/day).
In Chinese RCTs, these doses reduced HbA1c by ~0.9–1.2% over 3 months and decreased fasting and postprandial glucose levels.
⚖️ Effectiveness:
In meta-analyses, berberine had a comparable effect to metformin in reducing sugar and lipids, while the side effect profile was milder (mild gastrointestinal symptoms were more commonly reported).
❗ Important:
Berberine is still not registered as an official drug for the treatment of diabetes in the EU/US; it is available as a dietary supplement. It is best to use it under the supervision of a doctor, especially if you are already undergoing treatment.
Sources:
Zhang Y. et al. Berberine in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systemic review and meta-analysis. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2011.
Yin J. et al. Efficacy of berberine in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Metabolism. 2008.
📌 Dosages from clinical studies:
The most commonly used dosage was 500 mg × 2–3 times a day (a total of 1000–1500 mg/day).
In Chinese RCTs, these doses reduced HbA1c by ~0.9–1.2% over 3 months and decreased fasting and postprandial glucose levels.
⚖️ Effectiveness:
In meta-analyses, berberine had a comparable effect to metformin in reducing sugar and lipids, while the side effect profile was milder (mild gastrointestinal symptoms were more commonly reported).
❗ Important:
Berberine is still not registered as an official drug for the treatment of diabetes in the EU/US; it is available as a dietary supplement. It is best to use it under the supervision of a doctor, especially if you are already undergoing treatment.
Sources:
Zhang Y. et al. Berberine in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systemic review and meta-analysis. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2011.
Yin J. et al. Efficacy of berberine in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Metabolism. 2008.