Written by Steve Theunissen | ISSA: CPT & Fitness Nutrition
Fact checked by Robert Iafelice, MS, RD, LDN
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Berberine is a plant extract that has been shown to have the ability to lower blood sugar levels. This makes it an effective treatment for Type-2 Diabetes and a key ingredient in many weight loss formulations. In addition, berberine may be able to help with metabolic health, reduce cholesterol levels and improve heart health.
Berberine is one of the very few supplements that has been clinically shown to be as effective in reducing blood sugar levels as the pharmaceutical drug metformin.
In this article, we review the 7 best berberine supplements on the current market. These have been categorized to make it easy for you to find the ideal berberine supplements to meet your situation. We'll also provide you with a breakdown of the science-backed benefits of taking a berberine supplement, along with a buyer's guide and FAQ.
6 Best Berberine Supplements
- Best Overall: Triquetra SoActive® Berberine
- Best HCl: Toniiq Berberine HCl
- Best Budget: Puritan's Pride Berberine
- Best For PCOS: BulkSupplements Berberine HCL
- Best For Diabetes: Nootropics Depot Berberine
- Best For Insulin Resistance: Doctor Recommended Berberine
SFS Pick
Triquetra
2nd Pick
Toniiq
Budget Pick
Puritan's Pride
1. Best Overall Berberine Supplement: Triquetra SoActive® Berberine
Triquetra SoActive Berberine is claimed by its manufacturer to be the most bioavailable berberine product on the market.
It makes use of photosyme technology to improve the effectiveness and absorption of the active ingredient which makes it the best berberine supplement for blood sugar. According to Triquetra, this product has 960% higher absorption than standard berberine. By combining berberine with lipids and grape extract, the ingredient breaks down more readily in the gut and is able to more easily pass through the intestinal wall and into the bloodstream.
The berberine used in this product has been sourced from pure Berberis Aristata root in India. This particular root has been found to have among the highest absorption of all sources of berberine.
The addition of grape seed extract makes this supplement more powerful as an antioxidant. Another ingredient is sunflower phospholipids, which enhance the absorbability of the berberine. This increased absorption makes it far less likely that you will suffer from any stomach discomfort when you take this supplement.
The three ingredients in Triquetra SoActive Berberine are listed as a proprietary blend on the product label. That means that we only know the total dosage of all three ingredients, which is 550 mg.
There are 60 servings per container at the cost of just under $25. At a daily serving of two capsules, that works out to a tad more than 80 cents per day, which is expensive for a berberine supplement.
Pros
- Very high absorption rate
- Highly bioavailable
- Grape extract for greater antioxidant effect
- Sunflower phospholipids to boost absorption
Cons
- Slightly expensive
SoActive® Berberine leverages phytosome technology to provide the most biologically active and effective form of Berberine. In clinical studies, it was shown to have a 9.6x higher absorption than standard Berberine...
2. Best Berberine HCl Supplement: Toniiq Berberine HCl
Toniiq Berberine is the most highly concentrated form of berberine that we have seen on the market. It has an extract concentration 82 times higher than standard berberine extract. Toniiq is also one of the few manufacturers to reveal the purity of its supplement. That purity is 97%, which is very impressive. It means that more of the active ingredient is going to get into your body's cells.
The berberine that goes into Toniiq Berberine is sourced from the mineral-rich foothills of the Himalayas. An aqueous extraction process is used to make sure that the maximum amount of purity is retained. The ingredients are then shipped to the United States, where they are manufactured in a GMP-certified and NSF-approved state-of-the-art manufacturing facility.
Every batch of this supplement is tested for purity and potency before being released onto the market. Each capsule contains 500 mg of berberine, which is the only ingredient in the product.
You get 90 capsules per bottle, and each bottle sells for around $24. The cost per capsule is just over 25 cents.
The berberine is contained within a vegan capsule that is gelatin free and gluten free.
Pros
- Ultra-high strength
- Single-ingredient product
- 97% purity
Cons
- Quite expensive
Toniiq Berberine is an 82x concentrated extract, making it one of the most highly concentrated berberine products on the market. Our berberine contains...
3. Best Budget Berberine Supplement: Puritan's Pride Berberine
Puritan's Pride has established itself as a supplier of high-quality, low-priced supplements as a result of its unique pricing strategy. That strategy has made it by far the best-value berberine supplement on the market. When you buy a bottle of Puritan's Pride Berberine, you get another two bottles absolutely free. That brings the already competitive price of under $35 per bottle down to just over $11. If you join their subscription plan, it comes down to only $10.92 per bottle.
Each bottle of Puritan's Pride Berberine contains 60 vegetarian capsules. The recommended daily dosage is two capsules per day, taken a few hours apart with food. Every capsule contains 500 mg of berberine. This is a pure berberine supplement. However, Puritan's Pride also offers versions that include such extra ingredients as cinnamon, turmeric, black pepper, and silymarin.
It should be noted that there are a couple of common fillers in this supplement. These are magnesium stearate and silica. They are no known harmful effects from these additives, but they do detract from the purity of the product.
Puritan Pride manufactures its supplements if GMP-certified factories. They undertake vigorous in-house product testing but do not indicate on their labeling or website whether they employ 3rd party testers.
Your purchase of Puritan Pride Berberine comes with a 90-day money-back guarantee. However, this only applies to the first of the three bottles in the three-for-one purchase deal.
Pros
- Convenient 500 mg capsules
- Vegan
- Three for one deal
- 90-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Includes fillers
Puritan's Pride vitamins, minerals and supplements are scientifically formulated using the highest quality ingredients from around the world...
4. Best Berberine Supplement For PCOS: BulkSupplements Berberine HCl
Bulk Supplements Berberine HCL sources its berberine from goldenseal, barberry, Oregon grape, and golden thread. It is provided in powder form and comes in the following bulk-size options:
- 25 grams
- 50 grams
- 250 grams
- 500 grams
- 1 kilogram
- 5 kilograms
- 25 kilograms
There is no other supplement manufacturer that offers such a wide range of bulk purchasing options.
The recommended dosage of this product is 500 grams, taken twice daily. Because this supplement is not in capsule form, it can be quite tricky to ensure that you are getting a uniform dose each time. This is also a good option for people who do not like to swallow capsules.
Bulk Supplements HCL Berberine is made in the United States of America. Domestic shipping is free if your order totals more than $49. A full refund is offered on products that are returned unopened within 30 days.
Bulk supplements HCL is a single-ingredient product that some people turn to in order to help with PCOS (polycyctic ovary syndrome) although there still needs to be research done on the effectiveness.
The 100-gram pack costs around $25. At 500 mg per serving, that gives you 200 servings. With a recommended daily dosage of two servings per day with meals, the daily dosage cost breaks down to roughly 25 cents per serving.
Pros
- Well priced
- Pure berberine
- Wide range of sizing options
Cons
- Difficult to get a uniform dosage
BulkSupplements Berberine HCl, when taken in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise, may help maintain healthy blood glucose levels in healthy individuals...
5. Best Berberine Supplement For Diabetes: Nootropics Depot Berberine
Nootropics Depot Berberine HCL + Silymarin combines two potent ingredients to boost its antioxidant and metabolic effects. Combining berberine with silymarin, which is extracted from milk thistle, has been shown to enhance metabolic functioning. Research shows that silymarin has the ability to increase the bioavailability of berberine. The combination has also been shown to improve the anti-inflammatory effects of berberine and reduce the effects of free radical damage.
The boosted effects of combining berberine with silymarin mean that you do not have to have such a high dose of berberine. Each tablet contains 500 mg of berberine HCl and 225 mg of silymarin.
It should be noted that unlike other berberine supplements these berberine capsules are uncoated and have a pretty unpleasant taste (Nootropics even warn about the taste on their website). They advise that you should swallow it quickly and not chew it.
Nootropics Depot Berberine HCL + Silymarin is available in a 60-count or 180-count tablet bottle. The price of the 60-count bottle is around $30. If you were to take two capsules per day, that would work out to a daily cost of a dollar per day, which is expensive for a berberine supplement. The 180-tablet bottle costs just about $70, breaking down to a slightly more reasonable daily cost of 78 cents.
Pros
- Berberine HCL + silymarin for a boosted effect
- Boosted bioavailability
- Improves metabolic functioning
Cons
- Bad taste
- Expensive
Nootropics Depot berberine may benefit both physical health and mental faculties. Early studies suggest that Berberine may regulate telomerase, a protein associated with the life cycle and proliferation of cells. Yet recent Berberine research leads toward AMPK modulation...
6. Best Berberine Supplement For Insulin Resistance: Doctor Recommended Berberine
After careful consideration of the best-rated supplements on the market, we have ranked Doctor Recommended Supplements Berberine Plus as our favorite berberine supplement for insulin resistance.
High-quality berberine and royal jelly are the only ingredients in Berberine Plus. Each capsule has 600 mg of berberine in it, along with 5 mg of royal jelly. In each container, there are 120 vegan capsules.
This is by far the highest dosage of berberine supplement we have come across. At 600 mg per capsule, it is a hundred mg more than most competitors.
Every batch of Berberine Plus is third-party tested to ensure that it contains no sugar, starch, maize, lactose, salt, or artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners. Doctor Recommended Supplements produces its products in a high-caliber facility that follows solid manufacturing practices (GMP).
The cost of a 120-count bottle of Berberine Plus is about $30. At a daily serving of 2 capsules per day, that breaks down to a daily cost of 50 cents, which compares to a market average of around 30 cents.
A percentage of each transaction made by Doctor Recommended Supplements is donated to Vitamin Angels, which provides vitamins to underprivileged kids all around the world.
Pros
- Very high dosage
- 3rd party tested
- Supports Vitamin Angels
Cons
- Quite expensive
High Quality! Single Ingredient Supplement: Our Doctor Recommended Pure Berberine is made with only one main ingredient Berberine HCI and vegetable cellulose capsules...
What's Berberine?
Berberine is a plant extract that is classified as an alkaloid. Barberry, goldenseal, and tree turmeric are just a few of the herbs from which berberine is produced. These plants' roots, bark, and stems are used to produce the extract, which is a rich shade of yellow. For thousands of years, the Chinese have used berberine to treat diabetes and other conditions. It has also been long used as a dye.
Berberine belongs to the isoquinoline class of alkaloids. They mostly consist of nitrogen atoms, which have been found to enhance metabolic and cardiovascular health.
When you consume berberine, it travels through your bloodstream to your body's cells. Once inside a cell, it has the ability to bind to specific molecules and affect how they work. Among its many actions, berberine has the ability to activate an enzyme called AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). This enzyme is a key controller of metabolism.
Benefits of Berberine:
In recent years there has been quite a bit of research into the health benefits of berberine regarding a number of different ailments. Here's an overview of the major benefits that science has identified as to what is berberine is used for.
1. Antioxidant Properties
Antioxidants are compounds that help protect the body from free radical damage resulting from oxidative stress. Berberine has been shown to have powerful antioxidant properties. This makes it an effective fighter against oxidative stress and prevents damage to cells that can lead to a host of complications.
Berberine has been shown to increase the body's production of an antioxidant enzyme. In several studies, the levels of Malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker of oxidative stress, were significantly lower in people who were supplemented with berberine.1
2. Insulin-Like Effects
Berberine is being promoted as a possible diabetes therapy that helps with blood sugar control. Studies have demonstrated that it lowers blood sugar levels and aids in the prevention of Type 2 Diabetes and may help with metabolic syndrome.
In one study, using berberine supplements was contrasted with taking the standard diabetes medication metformin. The research group's regimen of 500 mg of berberine three times per day was exactly as effective in regulating blood glucose levels as the prescription drug, metformin. So if your goal is low blood sugar then you might want to give berberine a try.
Researchers have identified that berberine is able to decrease insulin resistance so that insulin is able to carry out its function as a transporter of nutrients to the cells without impediment.
It also increases glycolysis so that the body breaks down sugars more effectively resulting in healthy blood sugar levels. In addition, berberine appears to increase the gut's production of good bacteria.2
3. Activation of Brown Fat Thermogenesis
Brown fat, otherwise known as brown adipose tissue, is a special type of fat that has higher levels of mitochondria (the cell's energy factory) than white fat. Our brown fat cells get turned on when we are cold. The higher mitochondria levels make it a more efficient producer of heat energy to heat us up. This ability makes brown fat beneficial for weight loss.
Berberine has been shown to have the ability to convert white fat to brown fat and also to stimulate or 'turn on brown fat'.
Berberine has proven itself to be an effective weight management supplement. In one study, subjects took 500mg of berberine three times per day for 12 weeks. The average weight loss was 5 pounds, with a corresponding drop in body fat percentage of 3.6%.3
Other studies have shown results that are just as impressive. Researchers have put the weight loss effects of supplementing with berberine down to its ability to improve the working of three key fat-controlling hormones:
- Insulin
- Leptin
- Adiponectin
4. May be able to help stop The accumulation of fat
There is some research to suggest that berberine benefits may include the prevention the growth of fat cells, but more research is needed to confirm this.4 For those who are looking to take berberine for weight loss, make sure to keep an eye on up and coming research.
5. Other Berberine Benefits
Berberine may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. In a study, people with type 2 diabetes had considerably lower triglyceride and serum cholesterol levels.5
There is also some evidence that berberine can be beneficial in the treatment of cancer, hypertension, Alzheimer's, hypertension, and low bone density.6
Berberine Side Effects
Berberine has been shown to be very safe when taken according to dosage recommendations. The only minor side effects that have been noted are slight stomach discomfort, gas, and diarrhea. However, due to its ability to lower blood glucose levels, you may experience a noticeable drop off in energy from taking a berberine supplement.
Due to berberine's capacity to drop blood glucose, diabetics must be cautious to carefully monitor their levels while using this supplement. Before taking berberine, diabetics should speak with their doctor. The same holds true if you already have low blood pressure because this supplement can make it even lower.
Women who are either pregnant or nursing their child shouldn't consume berberine.
Although berberine has no known long-term adverse effects, you should see your doctor if you plan to use this supplement frequently.
What to look for when buying Berberine supplements:
When shopping for berberine supplements to help with blood glucose regulation or for its antioxidant properties, there are a few aspects you should pay attention to that we covered below.
1. Ingredients
Be wary of supplements that contain synthetic versions of berberine. You should only take a product that contains naturally sourced berberine.
The concentration of berberine is an important factor. Even if a supplement has a lesser dosage than rivals who have a lower concentration, look for one with a high concentration. The majority of product labels will list the percentage of berberine concentration.
Make sure that the product that you are buying is free of fillers or additives.
Taking berberine along with cinnamon extract has been shown to improve its bioavailability.
2. Brands
Supplement brands come under two categories. The practitioner brands are the most expensive but also the best. They are only offered by trained medical specialists. Consumer brands are the ones you'd see on the shelves of your neighborhood health store. Consumer brand quality can be compared by taking into account the certifications that are listed on the label. Keep an eye out for these certifications:
- Non-GMO
- Quality Assurance International
- USDA Organic Project
Manufacturers of online-only brands are small businesses with short production runs. You should research these brands because their quality might range from terrible to fantastic. Then there are over-the-counter supplements.
3. Testing
When you are buying a supplement, you are trusting that the capsule you are about to put into your body contains what is stated on the product label and nothing else. The best way to have confidence in this regard is to buy a product that has been 3rd party tested. This is when a manufacturer employs an independent laboratory to conduct batch testing for purity.
We recommend buying berberine supplements that have been 3rd party tested.
As a consumer, you deserve to know what the supplement is and in what dosage. However, some manufacturers hide their ingredients behind proprietary blends. This is when a group of ingredients is labeled together, and only the total dosage is declared. Often the most expensive ingredients are underdosed while cheaper ones are boosted to give a higher total dosage. Generally you should avoid supplements that use proprietary blends
4. Price
The most useful way to compare the prices of berberine supplements is on a per-dosage basis. There is quite a wide range of per-dosage costs on the current market, ranging from 19 cents to $1.23. The average per-dosage cost is around 40 cents.
5. Reviews
We always recommend checking out online berberine reviews from verified purchasers for any supplement you are considering buying. This will allow you to see what effect the product has had in terms of its claimed benefits. You'll also be able to check on any commonly occurring side effects. Take note, also, of the level of customer service, especially if the reviewer has had an issue with the product.
Berberine Supplement FAQ
Which form of berberine is best?
There is only one type of berberine, though it can come from a range of sources. Goldenseal provides the richest source of berberine.
The little American plant called goldenseal has strong antiseptic properties and is astringent and healing to the gut wall and other mucous membranes. It is frequently prescribed for the kidneys, reproductive system, and lungs. It is one of the herbs that are most frequently used for sinus issues and digestive tract discomfort.
It should be noted that we covered the best berberine supplements above but some people actually prefer taking berberine tea instead of capsules or pills.
When should I take berberine?
The majority of research studies have recommended spreading out the dosage over the course of the day, taking 500 mg at each of three sittings for a total of 1,500 mg. The fact that berberine has a brief half-life is the cause of this staggering dosing.
You should take berberine with food. This is in order to take advantage of the post-meal blood sugar spike.
Can I take berberine long-term?
There is some evidence that long-term use of berberine may have a detrimental effect on enzymes in the liver. As a result, it is recommended to cycle your berberine supplementation, taking it for 8 weeks and then taking a break for 2-4 weeks before starting on your next 8-week cycle.
What supplements should not be taken with berberine?
You should avoid taking berberine along with supplements that reduce blood glucose levels, as the combined effect may take those levels too low.
Berberine should not be taken in conjunction with the following medications:
- Cyclosporine
- Diabetes medication
- Dextromethorphan
- Losartan
- High blood pressure medication
- Sedative medication
You should always consult with a licensed health care professional before starting any dietary supplements.
Can you take berberine before working out?
We do not recommend taking most berberine supplements before your workout. That's because there is some evidence to suggest that berberine may interfere with the insulin sensitivity improvement and other metabolism-boosting effects of exercise.
Berberine's blood sugar-lowering ability also means that you will probably experience decreased energy levels after taking the supplement. This is another reason that you should avoid taking a berberine supplement before your workout.
Summary
Berberine is a herbal supplement that is sourced from a range of plants. It has high antioxidant properties and has been found to be amazingly good at reducing blood sugar levels. In fact, it has been shown to be as effective as the pharmaceutical drug metformin. It is also a popular weight loss supplement ingredient. If you're looking for a supplement that can help achieve healthy cholesterol and blood glucose metabolism levels, you may want to try berberine.
We hope this post helps you to choose the best berberine supplement for your needs.
SoActive® Berberine leverages phytosome technology to provide the most biologically active and effective form of Berberine. In clinical studies, it was shown to have a 9.6x higher absorption than standard Berberine...
Looking for more supplements to boost your immune system and overall health? Check out our post that covers the Best Elderberry Supplements on the market.
References
- Li Z, Geng YN, Jiang JD, Kong WJ. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of berberine in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2014;2014:289264. doi: 10.1155/2014/289264. Epub 2014 Feb 11. PMID: 24669227; PMCID: PMC3942282.
- Zhao H, Xing C, Zhang J, He B. Comparative efficacy of oral insulin sensitizers metformin, thiazolidinediones, inositol, and berberine in improving endocrine and metabolic profiles in women with PCOS: a network meta-analysis. Reprod Health. 2021 Aug 18;18(1):171. DOI: 10.1186/s12978-021-01207-7. PMID: 34407851; PMCID: PMC8371888.
- Zhang Z, Zhang H, Li B, Meng X, Wang J, Zhang Y, Yao S, Ma Q, Jin L, Yang J, Wang W, Ning G. Berberine activates thermogenesis in white and brown adipose tissue. Nat Commun. 2014 Nov 25;5:5493. DOI: 10.1038/ncomms6493. PMID: 25423280.
- Ilyas Z, Perna S, Al-Thawadi S, Alalwan TA, Riva A, Petrangolini G, Gasparri C, Infantino V, Peroni G, Rondanelli M. The effect of berberine on weight loss in order to prevent obesity: A systematic review. Biomed Pharmacother. 2020 Jul;127:110137. DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110137. Epub 2020 Apr 27. PMID: 32353823.
- Ma YG, Liang L, Zhang YB, Wang BF, Bai YG, Dai ZJ, Xie MJ, Wang ZW. Berberine reduced blood pressure and improved vasodilation in diabetic rats. J Mol Endocrinol. 2017 Oct;59(3):191-204. doi: 10.1530/JME-17-0014. Epub 2017 May 17. PMID: 28515053.
- Fang Z, Tang Y, Ying J, Tang C, Wang Q. Traditional Chinese medicine for anti-Alzheimer's disease: berberine and evodiamine from Evodia rutaecarpa. Chin Med. 2020 Aug 5;15:82. DOI: 10.1186/s13020-020-00359-1. PMID: 32774447; PMCID: PMC7409421.
Steve Theunissen
Author