Berberine’s popularity coincides with the continued drug shortages of weight loss and diabetes drugs Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro.

Topline

Berberine, also known as “nature’s Ozempic,” has taken TikTok by storm, with thousands of videos claiming to document weight loss from the inexpensive supplement, but some research suggests it may not be that effective and could potentially cause dangerous side effects.

Herbal Supplements Berberine dietary supplement

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Key Facts

Berberine is a bitter, yellow-colored chemical found in several plants like the Oregon grape, European barberry and tree turmeric, according to Medline Plus, a site run by the NIH’s National Library of Medicine.

The supplement has gone viral on TikTok, with creators boasting about the pill’s weight loss and metabolism boosting benefits, and its popularity heightened amid weight loss and diabetes drug shortages—the Food and Drug Administration lists Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro as “currently in shortage.”

Medline Plus lists the supplement as “possibly effective”—meaning there’s limited clinical evidence—for use in diabetes, canker sores, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)—but it doesn’t list weight loss as a potential direct benefit.

Though there’s not enough scientific evidence to support its effectiveness for some uses, it’s commonly used to treat high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, liver disease, cancer sores, burns and PCOS.Berberine has undergone several trials, with a recent meta-analysis of 12 trials published in Clinical Nutrition ESPEN finding the supplement can potentially cause weight loss.

Besides its reported weight loss benefits, berberine’s low price point in comparison to weight loss drugs makes it appealing—a 30-day supply of Ozempic costs nearly $1,200, pharmacist Walter Oronsaye told WebMD, whereas berberine can be found for as low as $10.

Big Number

84 million. That’s how many views the hashtag #berberine has on TikTok. It’s full of creators sharing their weight loss journeys while taking the supplement.

Key Background

Berberine is typically taken orally and is traditionally used in China to treat diarrhea, according to a study published in Therapeutic Advances in Gastroenterology. A study published in Fitoterapia observed the effects of berberine in obese mice: Researchers found the supplement results in a decrease in weight, food intake and cholesterol levels in the mice. A meta-analysis of 12 limited trials found that people typically lose about four and a half pounds of body weight and half an inch from their waist while taking berberine. Ozempic and its peers typically lead to more weight loss: Participants in a clinical trial for semaglutide—the generic name for Ozempic and Wegovy—saw an average loss of 15% body fat, and those who took tirzepatide—the generic name for Mounjaro—in a separate trial saw a loss of about 22% body fat.

Tangent

Contrary to its nickname, berberine works differently from Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro, which are GLP-1 receptor agonists that suppress the appetite by slowing down the digestion process and helps the body produce more insulin. Berberine works by activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)—an enzyme in cells that helps regulate energy expenditure and fat metabolism, according to a study published in Biomolecules.

Contra

Dietary supplements are regulated by the FDA as foods, not drugs, and can be falsely marketed, “putting consumers at risk,” according to the FDA. The agency recommends consulting a doctor before taking any supplement. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that herbal supplements targeted toward weight loss are the most likely supplements to hospitalize consumers, with some patients reporting adverse events like chest pain. Berberine’s side effects mainly include gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea, constipation and upset stomach, according to WebMD. Pregnant people shouldn’t take the supplement as it can seep into the placenta and cause kernicterus, a type of brain damage in newborns. It’s unsafe to take while breastfeeding because it can transfer to the infant via the milk and cause brain damage. It also can have potentially negative interactions if taken with other medications, according to Medline Plus. If taken with diabetes drug metformin, berberine may increase the amount of metformin in the body, increasing the drug’s effects. Berberine may lower blood sugar if taken with certain diabetes drugs and it may significantly lower blood pressure if taken with blood pressure medication. Surgeon Carl Giordano told CNBC that because berberine may cause irritable bowel syndrome and bloating, he recommends taking it with food.

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