Supports Healthy Blood Sugar
Berberine activates the AMPK pathway, which pulls glucose (sugar) from the blood into cells for energy, allowing the compound to show support for maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. In addition, berberine has been found to increase glucokinase activity, an enzyme that supports healthy glucose metabolism.
Supports Cardiometabolic Health
Poor heart and vascular health are increasingly common in older adults, affecting up to 90% of those over age 80. One way to support cardiovascular and metabolic health with age is with berberine.
Supports Healthy Aging
Berberine may increase the activity of the sirtuin protein called SIRT1, which plays a role in supporting longevity and the health of various organs, including the heart and brain. This antioxidant-rich compound may also support healthier aging by protecting DNA and limiting cellular senescence — a buildup of dysfunctional cells that can no longer replicate but remain in the body, causing harm and inflammation.
Supports Healthy Liver Function
Berberine has been shown to reduce an accumulation of fat in the liver, which is a well-known marker of poor liver health. In addition to lowering hepatic fat levels, berberine may also support liver health by encouraging a healthy inflammatory response and scavenging for harmful ROS and free radicals in the liver.
Supports a Healthy Weight
With all of these reported mechanisms related to metabolism and inflammation, many people wonder about using berberine for weight loss. Similar to how berberine reduces fat in the liver, the compound may also support healthier body weight and fat levels.
Supports Brain Health
There are several potential ways that berberine may support brain health, including its role as an antioxidant and its ability to facilitate a healthier inflammatory response in the brain.
Berberine can cross the highly selective blood-brain barrier and facilitate the clearing of dysfunctional neuronal proteins by inducing autophagy — our body’s way of removing damaged cells and cell parts.
