Berberine is an alkaloid found in the barks, leaves, twigs, rhizomes, roots, and/or stems of various plants, such as barberry, Oregon grape, and tree turmeric. Traditionally, berberine has been used as an antimicrobial, antiprotozoal, and antidiarrheal agent in Ayurvedic medicine and traditional Chinese medicine.[1][2][3] Most research in humans has examined berberine’s effects on markers of glycemic control, blood lipids, markers of liver function, and anthropometric parameters in people with metabolic disorders.
What is berberine?
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•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
Berberine is an alkaloid derived from various plants, including barberry and Oregon grape, and it has traditionally been used for its antimicrobial and antidiarrheal properties in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine. Research has primarily focused on its effects on glycemic control, blood lipids, liver function, and body measurements in people with metabolic disorders.