Swanson Berberine HCL - composition analysis + expert opinions
Berberine is a good material for an effective health supplement. See how Swanson has used it.
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.Berberine can lower cholesterol, improve blood sugar control and help fight unnecessary body fat. Will the Swanson Berberine supplement realise the full potential of this substance?"
Swanson's MSc Pharmacy and I have taken a look at the composition and quality of the supplement from the US giant. Find out if it's worth buying, check out what the scientific research says and decide if it's the supplement for you.
Take a look at the ingredients.
From this article you will learn:
- Whether Swanson berberine is a good buy. .
- What benefits come from consuming a berberine supplement.
- What to expect from Swanson.
- What not to expect from berberine. .
See also:
.Swanson Berberine HCL - dietary supplement analysis
.Berberine Swanson HCL
- Active substance: berine (extract from the root of Berberis aristata) .
- Quantity of active substance: 400 mg .
- Form: hydrochloride (HCl) .
- Daily serving: 1 capsule .
- Packaging: 60 capsules .
- Sufficient for: 2 months .
Product description
The preparation contains berberine, a plant active substance whichós positive effect on the regulation of sugar-insulin metabolism and lowers the concentration of „bad” cholesterol, increasing the concentration of „good” cholesterol. It can also aid weight loss.
.Pros and cons
The preparation contains berberine, a plant active substance whichós positive effect on the regulation of sugar-insulin metabolism and lowers the concentration of „bad” cholesterol, increasing the concentration of „good” cholesterol. It can also aid weight loss.
.Additional information
The preparation contains berberine, a plant active substance whichós positive effect on the regulation of sugar-insulin metabolism and lowers the concentration of „bad” cholesterol, increasing the concentration of „good” cholesterol. It can also aid weight loss.
.Expert opinion
The preparation contains berberine, a plant active substance whichós positive effect on the regulation of sugar-insulin metabolism and lowers the concentration of „bad” cholesterol, increasing the concentration of „good” cholesterol. It can also aid weight loss.
.- Active substance: berine (extract from the root of Berberis aristata) .
- Quantity of active substance: 400 mg .
- Form: hydrochloride (HCl) .
- Daily serving: 1 capsule .
- Packaging: 60 capsules .
- Sufficient for: 2 months .
Product description
.The product contains berberine, a plant active substance that has a positive effect on the regulation of sugar and insulin metabolism and lowers the concentration of 'bad' cholesterol, increasing the concentration of 'good' cholesterol. It may also aid weight loss.
Pluses and minuses
Pluses
- The hydrochloride (HCl) form is well absorbed. .
- The product has no unnecessary additives in the formulation.
- The product has no unnecessary additives in the formulation.
Minusals
- On the Polish website, the manufacturer has not stated the standardisation and DER and what the berberis extract is. We do not know exactly how much of the active substance is there and how much of the raw material the extract was obtained from.
- .
Standardisation determines whether there is an active ingredient in a product and in what quantity, and DER (Drug Extract Ratio) determines how much of the raw material the extract was obtained from. For example, a DER of 5:1 means that 5 g of raw material yields 1 g of extract. The higher, the better..
.
Witold Tomaszewskidoctor of medical sciences
.Additional information:
.On the US manufacturer's website for this product I found the standardisation information: root of Berberis aristata standardised to 97% berberine hydrochloride (HCl). The Polish manufacturer writes about 400 mg of pure hydrochloride, so it must be this 97% extract, or 412 mg. But for some unknown reason he did not describe this on his, national website.
In the United States, the daily serving of the same preparation is two capsules (one in Poland). Why the difference? The doctor explains:
In the USA, the Food and Drug Administration allows higher doses of active ingredients in dietary supplements compared to Poland. This is due to differences in regulation between the US and Europe and a different approach to regulating the safety of food and dietary supplements..
.
Witold Tomaszewskidoctor of medical sciences
."However, it is important to remember that higher doses do not mean better effects, and can be harmful to health in excessive amounts," the doctor adds.
Tip from a pharmacist
To increase the absorption of berberine, you can take it with silymarin, which intensifies the effects of berberine. This allows you to reduce the dose of berberine and minimise the risk of side effects. Silymarin also has a beneficial effect on liver cells.
User reviews:
.Average rating on Ceneo: 4.8/5 (480+ reviews)
.We don't know about diet, physical activity, medications and supplements used and users' medical conditions. Consider what you want to achieve with berberine and consult your doctor before purchasing.
Contraindications
.Consult your doctor before you start taking berberine. Despite its plant origin, not everyone can use it.
Contraindications to berberine use include:
.- .
- hypersensitivity to berberine, .
- pregnancy, .
- breastfeeding, .
- age under 18 years, .
- damage and disease of the liver, .
- use of blood sugar-lowering, blood pressure-lowering, immunosuppressive, sedative drugs.
If you have any doubts - ask your doctor to avoid unpleasant side effects or dangerous interactions.
Some patients with type II diabetes use berberine instead of metformin (a blood glucose-lowering drug) without consulting their doctor. This is dangerous and can harm you. If in doubt about treatment, consult your doctor.
.Side effects
.The use of berberine may causeand:
in some.- abdominal pain, .
- nausea, .
- diarrhoea, .
- constipation, .
- incontinence, .
Unpleasant side effects should pass once berberine is discontinued. However, if this does not happen - see a specialist.
Berberine - expert opinions
.Berberine is a plant with enormous potential. There is a lot of scientific research being conducted into its effects on pancreatitis, non-alcoholic hepatic steatosis and even cancer. Berberine shows great promise..
.
Ilona Krzak Master of Pharmacy
Berberine is a powerful antioxidant, meaning it acts as a protective shield for our cells. It fights free radicals (molecules that can damage cells and influence the development of disease) produced by exercise. Berberine can also reduce inflammation in the body..
.
Marta Kaczorekclinical nutritionist and personal trainer
Today's times are not conducive to a healthy diet, which can translate into high blood sugar and cholesterol levels and excess weight. Berberine taken in safe doses and combined with a nutritious diet can be helpful in lowering these parameters and losing weight..
.
Alexandra Cudna Clinical nutritionist
What is berberine?
.Berberine is a bioactive compound present in the roots, rhizomes, leaves, bark, twigs and stems of several plant species, including barberry and common mahoniaand. Berberine is an alkaloid, or chemical compound of plant origin with potent effects on the bodyand.
Alkaloids can have a variety of properties, such as stimulant, sleeping, analgesic, antipyretic and even hallucinogenicand. They act on our bodies by interacting with receptors in the brain and other organs. Many alkaloids are used in medicine and pharmacology to produce drugs.
Berberine has already been used in traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda, and modern scientific research confirms its several interesting properties for healthand.
.Berberine - what it helps with
.Mostly you hear about berberine slimming and lowering sugar levels. Let's separate what scientists have shown in studies and what they are still working on.
What the scientific research to date confirms about the effects of berberine?and
- .
- Reduces blood sugar concentrations in people with type II diabetes, .
- lowers concentrations of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol (so-called bad cholesterol) and triglycerides, .
- increases concentrations of HDL (so-called good cholesterol), .
- lowers apolipoprotein B by 13-15% - an important indicator of cardiovascular disease risk.
Probable properties of berberine - more research needed:
- may aid weight loss, by affecting fat-regulating hormonesand, .
- can support immunity against viruses, bacteria and fungi ,
- may prevent non-alcoholic fatty liver disease ,
- may have anti-inflammatory effects , .
- may have a positive effect on the gut microbiome , .
- may alleviate symptoms and reduce the risk of death in patients with heart failure, .
- can support treatment of depression , .
- may support treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome with insulin resistance (PCOS) ,
- may have an effect on reducing skin complaints, such as those associated with atopic dermatitis (AD) .
Berberine slimming or not?
.There has been a lot of talk about the slimming properties of berberine, which is not surprising - the prospect of sipping a capsule and shedding fat is promising. Let me give you examples of the research and draw your own conclusions.
In a 2015 scientific study involving Syrian hamsters, they were fed fatty and high-sugar food for six weeks. Some of them were then given berberine for 10 days. The study showed that berberine reduced body weight and improved glucose tolerance in the hamstersand.
In another study also on hamsters, berberine was found to have a beneficial effect on insulin resistance of the liver in hamsters with diabetes .
Note that this is a preliminary study on hamsters. Let's see how it is with humans.
A 2012 study involving 16 people with obesity found that taking 500 mg of berberine three times a day combined with exercise and a reduction in dietary kilocalories resulted in an average weight loss of 2.26 kg and 3.6% body fatand.
There are several other studies, unfortunately of low quality, from which it is not clear whether berberine caused the loss of attention.
Swanson - what is the company?
.Swanson Health Products is an American manufacturer of dietary supplements. The company was founded in 1969 in North Dakota, United States. The company is named after August Swanson - the name of its founder.
See also:
YANGO, Berberine Premium™
Product description
A dietary supplement with berberine, whichóra has a positive effect on sugar-insulin balance and reduces the risk of heart disease. It can support the weight loss process.
Pros and cons
A dietary supplement with berberine, whichóra has a positive effect on sugar-insulin balance and reduces the risk of heart disease. It can support the weight loss process.
Additional information
A dietary supplement with berberine, whichóra has a positive effect on sugar-insulin balance and reduces the risk of heart disease. It can support the weight loss process.
Product description
Berberine supports sugar and insulin metabolism, the cardiovascular system and liver function. It may promote weight loss, protect the liver and positively influence the gut microbiome.
Pros and cons
Berberine supports sugar and insulin metabolism, the cardiovascular system and liver function. It may promote weight loss, protect the liver and positively influence the gut microbiome.
Additional information
Berberine supports sugar and insulin metabolism, the cardiovascular system and liver function. It may promote weight loss, protect the liver and positively influence the gut microbiome.
OstroVit Berberine HCl 97% VEGE
Product description
Berberine supports sugar and insulin metabolism, the cardiovascular system and liver function. It may support weight loss, protect the liver and have a positive effect on the gut microbiome.
Pros and cons
Berberine supports sugar and insulin metabolism, the cardiovascular system and liver function. It may support weight loss, protect the liver and have a positive effect on the gut microbiome.
Additional information
Berberine supports sugar and insulin metabolism, the cardiovascular system and liver function. It may support weight loss, protect the liver and have a positive effect on the gut microbiome.
Pharmovit Berberine HCl
Product description
Berberine supports sugar and insulin metabolism, the cardiovascular system and liver function. It can promote weight loss, protect the liver and positively influence the gut microbiome.
Pros and cons
Berberine supports sugar and insulin metabolism, the cardiovascular system and liver function. It can promote weight loss, protect the liver and positively influence the gut microbiome.
Additional information
Berberine supports sugar and insulin metabolism, the cardiovascular system and liver function. It can promote weight loss, protect the liver and positively influence the gut microbiome.
User review
Berberine supports sugar and insulin metabolism, the cardiovascular system and liver function. It can promote weight loss, protect the liver and positively influence the gut microbiome.
Summary
.- Swanson's Berberine is a dietary supplement containing barberry root extract.
- The dietary supplement may lower blood sugar levels in people with type II diabetes and have a positive effect on blood cholesterol levels. .
- Berberine may support weight loss when combined with a reduction diet and physical activity. .
- Many of the studies on other properties of berberine are done with animals or are of low quality, so don't be suggested by marketing messages but by scientific research.
- The recommended serving of Swanson berberine is 1 capsule daily before or with a meal. .
- Consult your doctor before supplementation, especially if you are being treated for diabetes. .
FAQ
.What time to take berberine
.Berberine is best taken with meal or shortly afterwards to take advantage of the spikes in blood glucose and lipids associated with food. Berberine has a half-life of several hours, so it is recommended to spread the dose over 3 times a day to achieve stable blood concentrations.
Which berberine is best?
.The best berberine is Aura Herbals Berberine 500 mg. It is of good quality and has standardisation. The recommended preparations with berberine are in the form of hydrochloride (HCl). In scientific studies, it shows the best bioavailability (assimilability). As a result, the active substance is better absorbed and the effects of its use are more visible.
What does berberine work for?
.Berberine works to lower blood sugar levels in people with type II diabetes, reduce total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol (so-called bad cholesterol) and triglycerides. Berberine increases HDL (so-called good cholesterol) and supports cardiovascular function.
Is there any weight loss after berberine?
.No, berberine does not have weight loss or fat burning properties. Animal studies suggest that berberine may promote weight loss by improving the fat-regulating hormones insulin, adiponectin and leptin. You will achieve the best weight loss results with a reduction diet, physical activity, and consider berberine as an additional weight loss aid.
How long can you take berberine?
.In research studies with humans, berberine has been used for up to 3 months. The effects of long-term use of berberine are not known. Some studies indicate that berberine may adversely affect the heart muscle when used for long periods.
With what should berberine be combined?
.Berberine is worth combining with a meal containing fat, which may increase its absorption. Introducing pre- or probiotics into the diet may also increase the bioavailability of berberberine, by improving the gut microflora. Studies also show that the use of extracts from black cumin or ginger can increase the absorption of berberine.
Can berberine be mixed with metformin?
.It is not possible to mix berberine with metformin as this is dangerous and may adversely affect the health of the patient. The combination of these substances adversely affects insulin metabolism and can lead to dangerous fluctuations in blood sugar levels. Do not modify conventional treatment on your own with the help of dietary supplements.
Where can I buy berberine?
.You can buy Swanson berberine without a prescription from a stationary or online pharmacy. You can also buy it from dietary supplement websites.
Sources
See all
.Andoh, T., Yoshihisa, Y., Rehman, M. U., Tabuchi, Y., & Shimizu, T. (2021). Berberine induces anti-atopic dermatitis effects through the downregulation of cutaneous EIF3F and MALT1 in NC/Nga mice with atopy-like dermatitis. Biochemical Pharmacology, 185, 114439. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114439
Cameron, J., Ranheim, T., Kulseth, M. A., Leren, T. P., & Berge, K. E. (2008). Berberine decreases PCSK9 expression in HepG2 cells. Atherosclerosis, 201(2), 266-273. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2008.02.004
Čerňáková, M., & Košťálová, D. (2002). Antimicrobial activity of berberine-A constituent ofMahonia aquifolium. Folia Microbiologica, 47(4), 375-378. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02818693
Chang, W., Chen, L., & Hatch, G. M. (2015). Berberine as a therapy for type 2 diabetes and its complications: From mechanism of action to clinical studies. Biochemistry and Cell Biology, 93(5), 479-486. https://doi.org/10.1139/bcb-2014-0107
Cicero, A. F. G., Rovati, L. C., & Setnikar, I. (2007). Eulipidemic Effects of Berberine Administered Alone or in Combination with Other Natural Cholesterol-lowering Agents. Arzneimittelforschung, 57(01), 26-30. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0031-1296582
Dhamgaye, S., Devaux, F., Vandeputte, P., Khandelwal, N. K., Sanglard, D., Mukhopadhyay, G., & Prasad, R. (2014). Molecular Mechanisms of Action of Herbal Antifungal Alkaloid Berberine, in Candida albicans. PLOS ONE, 9(8), e104554. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0104554
Dong, H., Wang, N., Zhao, L., & Lu, F. (2012). Berberine in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systemic review and meta-analysis. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine: ECAM, 2012, 591654. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/591654
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Li, M.-F., Zhou, X.-M., & Li, X.-L. (2018). The Effect of Berberine on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Patients with Insulin Resistance (PCOS-IR): A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2018, e2532935. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/2532935
Liu, X., Li, G., Zhu, H., Huang, L., Liu, Y., Ma, C., & Qin, C. (2010). Beneficial effect of berberine on hepatic insulin resistance in diabetic hamsters possibly involves in SREBPs, LXRα and PPARα transcriptional programs. Endocrine Journal, 57(10), 881-893. https://doi.org/10.1507/endocrj.K10E-043
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.Editorials
Meet the teamNatu.Care Editor
Nina Wawryszuk specialises in sports supplementation, strength training and psychosomatics. On a daily basis, in addition to writing articles for Natu.Care, as a personal trainer she helps athletes improve their performance through training, diet and supplementation.
Master of Pharmacy
Ilona Krzak obtained her Master of Pharmacy degree from the Medical University of Wrocław. She did her internship in a hospital pharmacy and in the pharmaceutical industry. She is currently working in the profession and also runs an educational profile on Instagram: @pani_z_apteki
Editor-in-Chief
Bart Turczynski is the editor-in-chief of Natu.Care. He is responsible for the quality of the content created on Natu.Care, among others, and ensures that all articles are based on sound scientific research and consulted with industry specialists.
Natu.Care Editor
Ludwik Jelonek is the author of more than 2,500 texts published on leading portals. His content has found its way into services such as Ostrovit and Kobieta Onet. At Natu.Care, Ludwik educates people in the most important area of life - health.
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