Swanson Berberine HCL - composition analysis + expert opinions

Berberine is a good material for an effective health supplement. See how Swanson has used it.

Nina Wawryszuk - TekstTekstNina Wawryszuk
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Nina Wawryszuk
Natu.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.

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Ilona Bush
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

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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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Swanson Berberine HCL - composition analysis + expert opinions
03 December, 2024
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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.

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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:

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Swanson Berberine HCL - dietary supplement analysis

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Berberine Swanson HCL

4.4
Berberine Swanson HCL
  • Active substance: berine (extract from the root of Berberis aristata)
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  • Quantity of active substance: 400 mg
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  • Form: hydrochloride (HCl)
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  • Daily serving: 1 capsule
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  • Packaging: 60 capsules
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  • 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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User reviews:

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Average rating on Ceneo: 4.8/5 (480+ reviews)

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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

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Consult your doctor before you start taking berberine. Despite its plant origin, not everyone can use it.

Contraindications to berberine use include:

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  • hypersensitivity to berberine,
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  • pregnancy,
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  • breastfeeding,
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  • age under 18 years,
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  • damage and disease of the liver,
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  • 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.

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Side effects

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The use of berberine may causeand:

in some.

  • abdominal pain,
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  • nausea,
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  • diarrhoea,
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  • constipation,
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  • incontinence,
  • .

Unpleasant side effects should pass once berberine is discontinued. However, if this does not happen - see a specialist.

 

Berberine - expert opinions

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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.
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Ilona Krzak.

Ilona Krzak Master of Pharmacy

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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.
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Marta Kaczorek.

Marta Kaczorekclinical nutritionist and personal trainer

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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.
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Aleksandra Cudna.

Alexandra Cudna Clinical nutritionist

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What is berberine?

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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.

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Berberine - what it helps with

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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

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  • Reduces blood sugar concentrations in people with type II diabetes,
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  • 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 ,
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  • may have a positive effect on the gut microbiome ,
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  • may alleviate symptoms and reduce the risk of death in patients with heart failure,
  • .
  • can support treatment of depression ,
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  • 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?

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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?

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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:

Standardised extracts

YANGO, Berberine Premium™

4.7
YANGO, Berberine Premium™
  • Active ingredients: berine 588 mg
  • Form: capsules
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  • Dose:  3 capsules daily
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  • Sufficient for: 30 days
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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.

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.

98% HCl

Aura Herbals Berberine 500 mg

4.6
Aura Herbals Berberine 500 mg
  • Active ingredients: berine
  • Form: capsules
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  • Dose: 1 capsule per day
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  • Sufficient for: 60 days
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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.

Detoxification

OstroVit Berberine HCl 97% VEGE

5.0
OstroVit Berberine HCl 97% VEGE
  • Active ingredients: berine
  • Form: capsules
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  • Dose: 1 capsule per day
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  • Sufficient for: 90 days
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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.

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.

Berberyna HCL

Berberyna HCL
  • Type: food supplement
  • Daily dose: 1 capsule per day
Product description

The main ingredient in the preparation is berberine in the form of a standardised extract. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and lowers blood lipid levels.

Expert opinion
The preparation contains Indian barberry extract – standardised for berberine hydrochloride. This substance exhibits anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, blood lipid-lowering and hypoglycaemic effects.
Ilona Krzak

Ilona Krzak master of pharmacy

Additional information

<p>Usually, large fluctuations in blood glucose and abnormal glucose utilisation are the causes of weight gain. A definite advantage of the preparation is the standardisation of the extract. This way, you know how much of the active substance you are getting. There are also reports that <a href=‘https://natu.care/pl/rosliny/berberyna-na-odchudzanie’>berberine</a> is helpful during the pharmacotherapy of depression.</p>

<p><strong>Learn more about berberine and its properties in Nina Wawryszuk's article: </strong><a href="https://natu.care/pl/rosliny/berberyna"><strong>Berberyna – działanie, właściwości, skutki uboczne, dawkowanie</strong></a></p>

Summary

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  • 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.
  • .
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FAQ

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. 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.

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Sources

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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

Dong, H., Zhao, Y., Zhao, L., & Lu, F. (2013). The Effects of Berberine on Blood Lipids: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Planta Medica, 79(06), 437-446. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0032-1328321

Hu, Y., Ehli, E. A., Kittelsrud, J., Ronan, P. J., Munger, K., Downey, T., Bohlen, K., Callahan, L., Munson, V., Jahnke, M., Marshall, L. L., Nelson, K., Huizenga, P., Hansen, R., Soundy, T. J., & Davies, G. E. (2012). Lipid-lowering effect of berberine in human subjects and rats. Phytomedicine, 19(10), 861-867. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2012.05.009

Imenshahidi, M., & Hosseinzadeh, H. (2019). Berberine and barberry (Berberis vulgaris): A clinical review. Phytotherapy Research, 33(3), 504-523. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.6252

Lan, J., Zhao, Y., Dong, F., Yan, Z., Zheng, W., Fan, J., & Sun, G. (2015). Meta-analysis of the effect and safety of berberine in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, hyperlipemia and hypertension. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 161, 69-81. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2014.09.049

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

Liu, Y., Zhang, L., Song, H., & Ji, G. (2013). Update on Berberine in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2013, e308134. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/308134

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Taheri, S., Lin, L., Austin, D., Young, T., & Mignot, E. (2004). Short Sleep Duration Is Associated with Reduced Leptin, Elevated Ghrelin, and Increased Body Mass Index. PLOS Medicine, 1(3), e62. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.0010062

Vuddanda, P. R., Chakraborty, S., & Singh, S. (2010). Berberine: A potential phytochemical with multispectrum therapeutic activities. Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs, 19(10), 1297-1307. https://doi.org/10.1517/13543784.2010.517745

Wang, H., Zhu, C., Ying, Y., Luo, L., Huang, D., & Luo, Z. (2018). Metformin and berberine, two versatile drugs in treatment of common metabolic diseases. Oncotarget, 9(11), 10135. https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.20807

Wu, Y., Li, J., Kim, Y., Wu, J., Wang, Q., & Hao, Y. (2011). In vivo and in vitro antiviral effects of berberine on influenza virus. Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine, 17(6), 444-452. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11655-011-0640-3

Yang, J., Yin, J., Gao, H., Xu, L., Wang, Y., Xu, L., & Li, M. (2012). Berberine Improves Insulin Sensitivity by Inhibiting Fat Store and Adjusting Adipokines Profile in Human Preadipocytes and Metabolic Syndrome Patients. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine : ECAM, 2012. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/363845

Yin, J., Gao, Z., Liu, D., Liu, Z., & Ye, J. (2008). Berberine improves glucose metabolism through induction of glycolysis. American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism, 294(1), E148-E156. https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpendo.00211.2007

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Vuddanda, P. R., Chakraborty, S., & Singh, S. (2010). Berberine: A potential phytochemical with multispectrum therapeutic activities. Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs, 19(10), 1297-1307. https://doi.org/10.1517/13543784.2010.517745

Zeng, X.-H., Zeng, X.-J., & Li, Y.-Y. (2003). Efficacy and safety of berberine for congestive heart failure secondary to ischemic or idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. American Journal of Cardiology, 92(2), 173-176. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0002-9149(03)00533-2

Zhang, L., Wu, X., Yang, R., Chen, F., Liao, Y., Zhu, Z., Wu, Z., Sun, X., & Wang, L. (2021). Effects of Berberine on the Gastrointestinal Microbiota. Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, 10. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcimb.2020.588517

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Editorials

Meet the team
Nina Wawryszuk - Tekst

Natu.Care Editor

Nina Wawryszuk

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.

Ilona Bush - Recenzja

Master of Pharmacy

Ilona Bush
Verified by an expert

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

Bart Turczynski - Redakcja

Editor-in-Chief

Bart Turczynski

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.

Ludwik Jelonek - Fact-checking

Natu.Care Editor

Ludwik Jelonek

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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