Berberine is a derivative of the Berberis vulgaris plant. The natural yellow supplement dates back thousands of years in China and India to treat various medical conditions. Today it works alongside other medications to provide optimum results. 

Berberine only lasts a few hours, so it does not last long in the body. Standard Berberine dosage is 1000-1500 mg per day for six months. Since most pills consist of 500 mg, taking it up to three times daily before eating should meet strength requirements.  

Dosing

Dosage may vary per condition. The standard dose is 1500 mg daily in a pill but can depend on why you take it. It is available as a powder, capsule, or tincture. 

The powder form provides 500 mg per serving four times daily by itself or in a beverage of choice. The standard liquid Berberine dosage consists of 30-40 drops, measuring about ¼ tsp, equaling 1.2 milliliters twice a day, or as your doctor directs.

As with any medication, if you notice you missed a dose, go ahead and take it. If you are too close to the next dose, skip it and take it when due. 

Do not take both doses together as that could result in adverse effects. Exceeding the dose your doctor recommends can cause severe side effects and interrupt the effectiveness of other medications. Some reactions can be life-threatening. 

• Hypoglycemia, which is a drop in blood sugar

• Gastrointestinal upset, including cramping, diarrhea, bloating, or constipation 

• Abnormal liver function, such as the failure to remove toxins

• Hypotension, or a drop in blood pressure

Type 2 Diabetes

How your body metabolizes glucose (sugar) is crucial in controlling diabetes. A healthy pancreas releases enough insulin to balance blood sugar levels. 

The insulin signals the body’s cells to capture extra glucose and allow levels to stabilize. Those with diabetes cannot metabolize glucose properly, leading to unstable blood sugar readings. 

For individuals with diabetes, Berberine dosage is roughly 600-1200 mg per day. When you take it with other blood-sugar-lowering drugs, your fasting blood sugar decreases by up to 20%, and long-lasting blood sugar levels go down about 12%. 

Hyperlipidemia (High Cholesterol)

To treat high cholesterol, the standard Berberine dose is 1000-1500 mg per day. One study involved participants taking 500 mg per day for three months. By the end of the trial, those individuals exhibited lower total cholesterol, LDL, or the bad cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. Berberine is safe to take with statins, cholesterol-lowering meds. 

Gastrointestinal Disorders

A healthy digestive system relies on the balance of natural intestinal flora. Berberine is a common supplement that helps the good bacteria defeat the bad guys. 

Berberine dosage ranges from 500-1500 mg per day for adults, and therapy usually lasts about six months. There is no evidence to support usage in children. 

The maximum of 1500 mg is often the most therapeutic and should be in three separate doses with food to prevent toxicity. Berberine works best on an empty stomach, about 30 minutes before eating. The maximum length of use is typically six months, but you should discuss it with your doctor.

If symptoms, such as diarrhea, gas, or bloating occur, speak with your physician. He may recommend decreasing the dose. 

To treat digestive issues at a cellular level, 900 mg a day is the minimum. It is common for Berberine to accompany other natural compounds, such as garlic, gentian, goldenseal, artemisinin, or Oregon grape. Together, they improve gut health. 

Weight Loss for Obesity

Berberine focuses on hormonal imbalances instead of the weight itself. It happens through a process that The enzyme that Berberine releases, AMPK, regulates the amount of energy your body produces. The higher the energy, the faster the fat burner. 

It works best in combination with exercise, diet, and other supplements. One formerly practicing physician, Dr. Westin Childs, D.O, specializes in thyroid and hormonal imbalances and obesity. He recommends starting low, at 500 mg daily, then gradually increase, if you tolerate it. 

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Berberine helps lower blood pressure by inducing vasodilation (dilation of the blood vessels). The open arteries allow the heart to pump more efficiently. The standard Berberine dosage for hypertension is 900 mg daily with amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker (CCB).

A calcium channel blocker relaxes the vessels to prevent the heart from overworking itself. Taking the two meds together works better than the blood pressure pill alone. 

Skin Conditions

Berberine treats some skin problems in the form of topical, mainly gels. It restores the elasticity of the skin. The effects of the topicals are less pain, swelling, and redness.  

Contraindications

Medications may interfere with Berberine. Drugs you should avoid taking with Berberine are anticoagulants, or blood thinners, such as Warfarin, Plavix, or aspirin. Doing so can cause further bleeding.

Immunosuppressants, such as Cyclosporine, do not mix well with Berberine because of the risk of toxicity. The result could be organ rejection after a transplant. 

Another class of medications that Berberine can interact with is sedatives, such as Versed for medical procedures and fentanyl or morphine for pain control. Taking sedatives relaxes the body and induces drowsiness. Mixing them with Berberine can cause oversedation. 

Summary

To recap, Berberine treats several medical conditions, such as Type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, obesity, and other health problems. It works best in conjunction with other meds, but you can take it alone. 

The standard Berberine dosage is around 1500 mg per day, in three separate doses. Experts suggest taking it about 30 minutes before eating to allow for absorption. Doses can vary per indication of use. It may require adjustment under your doctor’s recommendations. 

Starting at the lowest dose and increasing up gradually will help reduce your chances of side effects. Overdosing is possible and could cause severe side effects. Do not double up on your dose if you miss one. Resume your dosage the next day. 

Remember to always consult with your doctor before initiating a new medication regimen. Though a supplement, there is still a risk for complications.