Berberine

What is berberine?

Berberine is a yellow plant compound from the group of alkaloids. It occurs in the roots and bark of several plants, for example barberry (Berberis), Indian barberry (Berberis aristata) and goldenseal. Food supplements mostly use berberine hydrochloride (berberine HCl), a stable salt.

No health claims for berberine are authorised in the EU. That is why we describe its forms, sources and label details here.

The forms at a glance

• Berberine HCl: the classic form, usually with 400 to 500 mg per capsule.
• Phytosome: berberine bound to phospholipids, as in Enzymedica Berberine Phytosome.
• Liposomal: berberine in liposomes, for example from Garden of Life Herbals.
• Plant extract: barberry extract with a stated share of berberine in per cent.
• Combinations: with cinnamon, gymnema, fenugreek, bitter melon, milk thistle or turmeric.

Our range

• Swanson: Berberine with 400 mg, Berberine Advanced Enhanced Absorption, Berberine Complex with cinnamon, gymnema and fenugreek, and Berberine Plus with bitter melon and milk thistle.
• Special forms: Enzymedica Berberine Phytosome and Garden of Life Herbals Liposomal Berberine.
• Other brands: NOW Foods, OstroVit Berberine, Allnutrition Berberine and Berberine HCl Plus, Applied Nutrition Berberine, Trained by JP Berberine and Essensey Berberine + Turmeric.

What to look for

• Form: HCl, phytosome, liposomal or extract – the name is on the label.
• Amount: mg of berberine per capsule and per daily serving; for extracts, also the percentage.
• Combinations: check which other plants are included.
• Medicines: berberine is a potent plant compound. If you take medicines or are pregnant, ask your doctor first.

Follow the dose on the label. Food supplements are not a substitute for a varied diet.

Frequently asked questions

What does berberine HCl mean?

It is berberine as a hydrochloride salt – the most common and most stable form in capsules.

What is berberine made from?

From the roots and bark of plants such as barberry. The plant source is often given on the label.

What is the difference between phytosome and liposomal?

In a phytosome, berberine is bound directly to phospholipids; in liposomes it is enclosed in tiny phospholipid bubbles.