Ingredient Spotlight: Berberine

Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) is one of the most common metabolic disorders today, and rates are only continuing to rise. Add this to the growing rates of hypertension, obesity and cardiovascular disease, and it’s easy to see that humanity isn’t the healthiest it’s ever been (far from it in fact).

Left unchecked, high blood sugar can contribute to the development and progression of type 2 diabetes, which according to the World Health Organization (WHO), is a major cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, stroke and lower limb amputation.[1]

Despite what you may hear, read, or see, no pill, potion, or fad will replace a steady regimen of healthy eating and rigorous physical activity.

However, if you’ve got all your proverbial ducks in a row, there are a number of natural options (aka dietary supplements) at your disposal that can support, complement, and enhance overall health, longevity, physique and function.

Among the ones particularly situated to support healthy blood sugar levels, cardiovascular health, and longevity is berberine.

What is Berberine?

Berberine is a compound naturally-occurring in various plants, including:

Tree turmeric (Berberis aristata)
Phellodendron (Phellodendron amurense)
Barberry (Berberis vulgaris)
Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)
Goldenthread (Coptis chinensis)
Oregon grape (Berberis aquifolium)

Historically, berberine has been used in cardiovascular health, GI complications, and other ailments. It has also found use as a natural dye due to its rich yellow color.

What Does Berberine Do?

A mixture of cell, animal, and human studies have identified a number of intriguing mechanisms through which berberine may offer benefit, including:

Increasing Adenosine Monophosphate-Activated Protein Kinase (AMPK), which stimulates glucose uptake in muscle cells and helps balance high blood sugar
Inhibiting Protein-Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B (PTP1B)
Delaying the breakdown of carbohydrates
Enhancing glucagon secretion which helps slow the release of glucose into the bloodstream
Boosting the ability of the body to take up glucose
Decreasing glucose transport through the intestinal lining
Increasing adiponectin, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels
Stimulating glucose transporter-1 (GLUT1) -- a primary blood sugar transporter
Offering cytoprotection for pancreatic beta-cells
Enhancing Long Term Potentiation (LTP) -- an increase in the strength of synaptic connections in the brain supporting learning & memory

Uses for Berberine

These days, berberine is primarily used for its role in supporting healthy blood glucose levels, but it also has been studied for its potential benefits in regards to cardiovascular health as well as gut health and neuroprotection.

For instance, a small study in individuals with elevated cholesterol found that berberine supplementation for 3 months significantly lowered cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL-cholesterol.[2]

Other research indicates that berberine supplementation may improve metabolic health in women with PCOS and insulin resistance.[3]

Limited evidence also suggests berberine may benefit those interested in weight loss and body recomposition.[4]

Finally, berberine may support gut health via its anti-inflammatory properties.

Berberine Recap

Berberine is a formidable phytochemical found in numerous botanicals that may support:

Healthy blood sugar
Improved glucose disposal
Enhanced glycogen storage
Limited fat gain (especially during bulking)
Combats Type II Diabetes
Boost Brown Adipose Tissue (BAT) activity
Defense against oxidative stress
Cardiometabolic health

Where to Find Berberine

You don’t have to look far or wide to find berberine.

Performax Labs SlinMax includes 500mg of berberine in every serving.

SlinMax is our premium glucose utilization and disposal agent that helps muscles take advantage of the ergogenic effects of carbohydrates for muscle growth, fat loss and body recomposition!

Click here to learn more about SlinMax and how it can benefit your performance and physique goals!

References