Berberine

[Newbie777]

Hello,

Has anyone tried Berberine as a replacement for Metformin?

If you did use it what was the experience? If you still use it is it effective at reducing BG for you?

Thanks.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

This seems to come up from time to time, but it doesn’t have the same level of trial evidence to support it.

There seem to be only a handful of small studies.

My guess is that if it was as effective, it would be available on prescription as an alternative medication.

I’d steer clear myself.

 

[Newbie777]

Although I agree to some extent to what you are saying, however..

The multi billion pound industry is not easily going to admit this even if it works.

At the moment I only try Cinnamon tea and that's makes a small difference to my BG , but am definitely up for a trial,

 

[Tdm]

'Big Pharma' may not be intested in research into areas with no profit, but thats why we have universities and publically funded research.

If there was a cheaper product that worked as well, the nhs would be on it in a second.

There is a name for alternative medicine that actually works. Its called conventional medicine.

 

[Newbie777]

Thanks and yes that make sense.

However Metfirmin is described as a safe drug, when in reality here are side effects and in my case affects my kidneys.

I am not really into hrrbal stuff, but will it a try and see if it makes any difference.

 

[Leadinglights]

Thanks and yes that make sense.

However Metfirmin is described as a safe drug, when in reality here are side effects and in my case affects my kidneys.

I am not really into hrrbal stuff, but will it a try and see if it makes any difference.

Before taking anything like this you should check out if there are any interactions with any of your other medications, some mentioned are blood pressure meds, diabetic meds, anticoagulant and heart medication and be aware of any potential side effects.

 

[Bruce Stephens]

I am not really into hrrbal stuff, but will it a try and see if it makes any difference.

Herbal products can (and do) also have side effects. I don't know about Berberine, but in general "natural" doesn't necessarily mean safe or even safer.

 

[Newbie777]

Before taking anything like this you should check out if there are any interactions with any of your other medications, some mentioned are blood pressure meds, diabetic meds, anticoagulant and heart medication and be aware of any potential side effects.

True even Paracetamol has side effects

 

[Newbie777]

Herbal products can (and do) also have side effects. I don't know about Berberine, but in general "natural" doesn't necessarily mean safe or even safer.

That maybe true, but I am waiting for BG to normalise and then will still 1000mg Metformin but will see by taking Berberine if it makes any difference.

Am also aware that you cannot just stop Metformin and it does in your system for a while.

 

[Bruce Stephens]

Am also aware that you cannot just stop Metformin and it does in your system for a while.

That may also be true for Berberine (or whatever's in the "Berberine" you buy) for all we know. (One thing we do know about supplements is that they're much less well regulated and studied than medications.)

 

[Newbie777]

Yes that is true, but I personally think the alternatives are not as risky or dodgy, as people think.

I asked a pharmacist and she said it worth trying Berbetine and she thought it was an alternative to Metformin.

I don't expect people to try this out, but I will, just surprised so far that this has not been looked into.

 

[Bruce Stephens]

I don't expect people to try this out, but I will, just surprised so far that this has not been looked into.

Has been, of course. A quick Google search brings up a few papers. Nothing in Cochrane and I don't see (at a glance) any other systematic reviews. But there have been papers on it.

The following cites 5 papers on its anti diabetic effects:

Berberine and Its Study as an Antidiabetic Compound - PMC

Glucose is needed as the main source of energy in the body. However, too high sugar levels can lead to a variety of serious complications, including with the cardiovascular system, eyesight, and kidney function. The condition in which blood sugar ...

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

 

[Newbie777]

Has been, of course. A quick Google search brings up a few papers. Nothing in Cochrane and I don't see (at a glance) any other systematic reviews. But there have been papers on it.

The following cites 5 papers on its anti diabetic effects:

Berberine and Its Study as an Antidiabetic Compound - PMC

Glucose is needed as the main source of energy in the body. However, too high sugar levels can lead to a variety of serious complications, including with the cardiovascular system, eyesight, and kidney function. The condition in which blood sugar ...

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

So from this extract... As an antidiabetic compound, berberine promotes glycolysis through increased glucokinase activity, increased insulin secretion, and suppressed hepatic gluconeogenesis and adipogenesis.

I rest my case