What Is Berberine And What Does It Do?

The run-down on berberine:

• Berberine is a naturally occurring plant compound traditionally used in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine.
• It’s best known for its potential role in metabolic health, including supporting healthy blood sugar, cholesterol and weight management.
• Berberine may also support gut health by helping maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria and supporting gut barrier function.
• Early research is exploring berberine’s potential brain and cognitive health benefits, although more human studies are needed.

Berberine is a naturally occurring compound found in a number of plants, including barberry. It has a long history of traditional use in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine and is now commonly studied for its potential role in metabolic health¹ ².

Much of the interest in berberine centres on how it interacts with processes involved in blood sugar metabolism, weight management, cardiovascular health and gut health¹ ². So, what does berberine actually do in the body? Let’s take a closer look.

What does berberine do?

Berberine is a naturally occurring compound found in plants such as barberry. It has a long history of traditional use and is now commonly studied for how it interacts with metabolism, particularly a cellular pathway known as AMP-activated protein kinase, or AMPK3. You can think of AMPK as the body’s metabolic switch. When it’s on, your body uses energy more efficiently, helping your body to:

• Aid abdominal fat loss4
• Support healthy insulin function5
• Balance energy levels3

When it comes to insulin, berberine may help the movement of glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream and into your cells. This helps to maintain healthy blood sugar4. Berberine may also assist with lowering the bad fats (lipids) in your blood while increasing the good fats4.

Berberine can also have benefits for your gut health, helping to support a healthy balance of gut bacteria, reduce inflammation and improve gut barrier function3,4. A healthy gut has been linked to several essential bodily functions, from skin health and immunity to your mental wellbeing.

What is berberine used for?

Berberine has been studied across several areas of health, with research continuing to develop. Some of its potential uses include:

• Supporting healthy blood sugar: Berberine has been widely studied for its potential role in how the body processes and regulates blood sugar¹ ⁴.
• Supporting healthy weight management: Research has also explored berberine’s potential role in healthy weight management⁴, including how its interaction with AMPK may influence appetite and the development of fat cells¹ ⁴.
• Maintaining cardiovascular system health: Berberine has been studied in relation to cardiovascular health, including its potential role in maintaining healthy cholesterol⁴.
• Supporting gut health: Berberine may influence the balance of bacteria in the gut and support the gut barrier⁴.

For a closer look at these areas, including possible side effects and other considerations, read our guide to the benefits of berberine.

What does berberine do for your body?

Berberine interacts with several processes in the body, particularly those involved in metabolism. Research has explored its potential role in supporting healthy blood sugar and cholesterol levels, weight management and gut health⁴ ⁶. Its effects can vary between individuals, and research into some potential uses is still developing. 

Does berberine reduce belly fat?

There’s early evidence to suggest that berberine may support weight management, potentially through helping to support healthy blood sugar and metabolic function 4,7. That said, it’s important to note that berberine supplements are best paired with a healthy lifestyle and balanced diet.  

Is berberine bad for kidneys?

As is the case with any new supplement, it’s important to consult your doctor before introducing it into your daily routine. This is especially important for individuals with kidney issues or those on existing medications.

What does berberine do to the brain?

The effects of berberine also extend to the mind, with several potential cognitive health impacts. Early research suggests berberine may offer potential neuroprotective benefits, like reduced oxidative stress and improved neurotransmitter function8,9. Simply put, it means that berberine may help protect brain cells from free radical damage and support overall brain function. 

Keep in mind, these studies are in their early stages, with more human studies needed to confirm the effectiveness of berberine. 

Does berberine mess with hormones?

Berberine plays a key role in establishing metabolic balance. That said, there is the possibility for berberine to influence hormones, especially insulin and possibly even reproductive hormones, like testosterone or oestrogen10. However, current evidence is limited. 

Although one of the key benefits of berberine is linked to good gut health, some of the main side effects of berberine relate to digestive upset, like bloating, constipation, nausea and diarrhea4,10. As always, be sure to check with your doctor before starting to take berberine supplements. 

Berberine continues to attract interest for the different ways it may interact with metabolic and cellular processes. While research has explored several potential uses, it’s important to consider berberine as part of a broader approach to wellbeing and speak with a healthcare professional before adding a new supplement to your routine.

Explore the Swisse Wellness Hub for more articles on good gut health and how cellular nutrition works.

References:

1. Gunnars K. Berberine: A Powerful Supplement With Many Benefits [Internet]. Healthline. 2017. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/berberine-powerful-supplement 
2. Indena. Berbevis® [Internet]. Indena. Available from: https://www.indena.com/product/berbevis/ 
3. Ai X, Yu P, Peng L, Luo L, Liu J, Li S, Lai X, Luan F, Meng X. Berberine: A Review of its Pharmacokinetics Properties and Therapeutic Potentials in Diverse Vascular Diseases. Front Pharmacol. 2021 Nov 3;12:762654. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2021.762654. PMID: 35370628; PMCID: PMC8964367.
4. Cleveland Clinic. What To Know About Berberine: Benefits, Uses and Side Effects [Internet]. Cleveland Clinic. Available from: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/berberine-for-insulin-resistance-weight-loss 
5. Mana, T., Devi, O.B. & Singh, Y.D. Therapeutic Application of Berberine: a Consolidated Review. Curr. Pharmacol. Rep. 9, 329–340 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40495-023-00330-2
6. Shi, L., Wang, W., Jing, C. et al. Berberine and health outcomes: an overview of systematic reviews. BMC Complement Med Ther 25, 147 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-025-04872-4 
7. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Berberine and Weight Loss: What You Need To Know [Internet]. NCCIH. Available from: https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/berberine-and-weight-loss-what-you-need-to-know 
8. Tian, E.; Sharma, G.; Dai, C. Neuroprotective Properties of Berberine: Molecular Mechanisms and Clinical Implications. Antioxidants 2023, 12, 1883. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12101883 
9. Sunhe YX, Zhang YH, Fu RJ, Xu DQ, Tang YP. Neuroprotective effect and preparation methods of berberine. Front Pharmacol. 2024 Sep 6;15:1429050. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1429050. PMID: 39309003; PMCID: PMC11412855.
10. Grassi A. PCOS and Berberine: What Women Should Know [Internet]. Verywell Health. Available from: https://www.verywellhealth.com/pcos-and-berberine-4136324