Berberine effects on diabetes and cholesterol
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.â€
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