It appears to have positive effects in both conditions, according to this study by researchers at Min-Hang Hospital in Shanghai.

First, the details.

• 116 patients with type 2 diabetes and abnormal blood cholesterol levels were randomly assigned to berberine (1 gram daily) or placebo for 3 months.
• The primary outcomes were changes in blood sugar and lipid concentrations.
• Glucose disposal rate (GDR) was measured to determine changes in insulin resistance or sensitivity.

And, the results in the berberine group.

• Fasting blood sugar levels decreased from 7.0 to 5.6 mM/L.
• Post load blood sugar levels decreased from 12.0 to 8.9 mM/L.
• HbA1c (a measure of long-term diabetes control) decreased from 7.5% to 6.6%.
• Triglyceride levels decreased from 2.5 to 1.6 mM/L.
• Total cholesterol decreased from 5.3 to 4.4 mM/L
• LDL (bad) cholesterol decreased from 3.2 to 2.6 mM/L.
  • All changes were significant vs placebo.
• GDR increased after berberine treatment, but the change was not significant vs placebo.
• Mild to moderate constipation was observed in 5 participants taking berberine.

The bottom line?
The authors concluded, “Berberine is effective and safe in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and dyslipidemia.”

It has been proposed that berberine’s benefits in diabetes might be related to a change in insulin resistance. That was not found in this study.

4/13/08 14:53 JR