Berberine is proving to be an exciting compound for treating a range of conditions. It is a bioactive alkaloid which was historically reported for pharmacological actions such as diuretic, antidiarrheal, antimicrobial and antiprotozoal properties (Raju et al., 2019). Berberine is found in several plants including Oregon grape and European barberry.
There is plenty of scientific research indicating it has versatile therapeutic uses against a range of metabolic, cardiac and neurologic disorders. Berberine is most commonly taken by mouth for diabetes, high levels of cholesterol in the blood (hyperlipidemia), and high blood pressure.
One of its issues is its low intestinal absorption which means it has poor oral bioavailability and limited penetration throughout the human body. A number of effective delivery systems have been devised to improve its efficacy.
References
Raju, M., Kulkarni, Y.A., Wairkar, S. (2019) Therapeutic potential and recent delivery systems of berberine: A wonder molecule. J. Functional Foods 61 October 103517 (Article)
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