1. Can berberine be taken on an empty stomach?
The recommended dosage of berberine is 500 mg three times a day. It should be taken half an hour before meals. It does not cause severe side effects, so taking it on an empty stomach should be ok. But be careful, as it can cause some stomach problems.
2. How long can you take berberine?
Currently, the recommended duration for berberine is six months. They are still studying its long-term benefits and side effects.
3. Can you take berberine and metformin together?
Yes, you can take them together. Berberine and metformin both have similar anti-diabetic actions and mechanisms. A study has shown that when they are used together, they work effectively in lowering blood sugar levels. Berberine also helped lower metformin dosage.
4. Does berberine increase testosterone?
This study has shown that berberine does not decrease testosterone levels in men. In contrast, it lowered testosterone and androgen in females. Another similar study demonstrated that berberine does not affect fertility but reduces androgen and testosterone in women. It is particularly beneficial in women with PCOS.
5. Can berberine cause heart palpitations?
Berberine has many therapeutic benefits in heart conditions like heart failure, stroke, hypertension, etc. Many studies proved its cardiac benefits. However, this study recommended monitoring berberine in patients who already have palpitations.
6. Does berberine lower cholesterol?
Yes, berberine lowers total cholesterol and low-density lipid (LDL) levels in the blood. It also increases high-density lipid (HDL) proportion, beneficial cholesterol that reduces the risk of heart diseases.
7. Does berberine lower blood pressure?
Yes, berberine can lower blood pressure when combined with lifestyle modifications. It can also work efficiently along with other anti-hypertensive medications. Its mechanism on how it controls blood pressure is still being studied.
8. Does turmeric contain berberine?
Tree turmeric is a plant, and it contains berberine. It is extracted from its bark, roots, stems, fruits, leaves, and wood. However, tree turmeric is different from turmeric, which is used in cooking. Turmeric (Curcuma longa) does not contain berberine.
9. Is berberine bad for kidneys?
No, berberine is not bad for kidneys. In contrast, it is protective for the kidneys. This study proves that berberine reduces the scarring of kidneys in conditions that cause kidney injury. The mechanism of this is currently unknown.
10. Is berberine a natural antibiotic?
Berberine is an effective antimicrobial agent. It reduces infections that cause sepsis, meningitis, and pneumonia. It is also effective in skin infections. It can kill bacteria by damaging its protein and DNA.
11. Can berberine damage the liver?
No, berberine protects the liver and increases liver function.
Consult our medical experts for a free second opinion
