Berberine is a yellow compound found in several different plants including barberry, goldenseal, phellodendron and Oregon grape. Berberine has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and immune enhancing properties, but in recent years, much research has been published around its role in protecting against cardiovascular disease as well as treating diabetes and insulin resistance.
How does It work?
Berberine activates a specific enzyme called adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase, or AMPK. AMPK is also sometimes called the “metabolic master switch” because it plays an important role in regulating metabolism in the body.
Increased AMPK activity benefits the body in so many ways.
For those with diabetes, AMPK more efficiently stimulates the uptake of glucose into the cells, improves insulin sensitivity and reduces glucose production in the liver.