Is Berberine a Natural Alternative to Ozempic?

Berberine is often cited as a natural alternative to medications such as Ozempic (semaglutide), which are prescribed for blood sugar control and weight loss in people with type 2 diabetes.

Berberine is an alkaloid extracted from various plants, including the Barberry bush. It is a natural supplement that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries and is believed to help lower blood sugar and cholesterol.

Berberine works by activating an enzyme called AMPK (adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase), which plays a role in regulating energy metabolism in cells. This enzyme is thought to help improve insulin sensitivity, lower blood sugar levels, and reduce the production of glucose by the liver. Because of this, berberine is often compared to metformin, a common medication for type 2 diabetes.

There is more robust scientific evidence for the effectiveness of Ozempic in weight loss and blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes. While berberine shows promise and some studies have shown it can be effective, the clinical evidence is more limited and the effects are generally less robust.

Berberine has not been shown in clinical studies to have any effect on preventing death and cardiovascular accidents or complications in addition to reducing sugar and cholesterol levels. Without these studies, it cannot be recommended as a remedy for diabetes or cholesterol.

Source: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022316623725443?via%3Dihub

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2024-09-15 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2024