Berberine: What It Is, Where It Comes From and How to Take It

Berberine is a bright yellow plant compound that people often ask us about. It has become one of the most talked-about supplement ingredients online, and much of what is written about it goes far beyond what a food supplement can say. This guide sticks to the facts: what berberine is, where it comes from, what to look for on the label and who should speak to a doctor before taking it.

What is berberine?

Berberine is an alkaloid, a naturally occurring nitrogen-containing compound made by certain plants. It is responsible for the deep yellow colour of the roots, stems and bark of those plants, and it has a strongly bitter taste. Berberine-containing plants have been used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic practice for a very long time. Today, berberine is sold in the UK as a food supplement. It is not a vitamin or mineral, and no health claims are authorised for it.

Where does it come from?

Berberine is found in several unrelated plants, including:

• Indian barberry (Berberis aristata), a shrub native to the Himalayas
• European barberry (Berberis vulgaris), a thorny shrub with red berries found across Europe, including parts of the UK
• Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis), a woodland plant from North America
• Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium), a common garden shrub
• Chinese goldthread (Coptis chinensis)

For supplements, berberine is extracted from the root and bark, purified and usually converted into a stable salt.

Forms and what to look for on a label

The most common form is berberine hydrochloride (berberine HCl), a stable, well-characterised salt. When you compare products, check:

• The botanical source, for example Berberis aristata root and bark.
• The standardisation, usually a minimum percentage of berberine HCl, such as 97%. A low-purity extract can carry a large capsule weight but much less berberine.
• The amount per capsule and the number of capsules in a daily serving.
• Other ingredients: fillers, binders, flow agents and the capsule shell.
• Suitability: vegan or not, and allergen information.

You may also see newer forms marketed under brand names. These are different raw materials, so compare the berberine content on the label rather than the name.

How people take it

Take berberine as stated on the label, at the serving size given, and never exceed the recommended daily dose. Many labels suggest taking it with a large glass of water. Because berberine is bitter and some people find it hard on the stomach, a label may suggest starting at the lower end of the serving range.

Who should check with a doctor or pharmacist first

This section matters more for berberine than for most supplements. Berberine can interact with a wide range of prescription medicines, partly because of the way the body processes them. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking berberine if:

• you take any prescription medication, including medicines for any long-term condition
• you are under medical supervision for any reason
• you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breastfeeding. Berberine is not advised during pregnancy or breastfeeding
• you are under 18. Our berberine is not intended for anyone under 18
• you have a liver condition

Do not start, stop or replace any prescribed medicine with a supplement. If you are unsure, bring the bottle to your pharmacist and ask.

Frequently asked questions

Is berberine a herb?

Not exactly. Berberine is a single compound found in several herbs. A berberine supplement is a purified extract, not the whole dried plant.

What does "97% berberine HCl" mean?

It means at least 97% of the extract by weight is berberine hydrochloride. The remainder is naturally occurring material from the plant and processing.

Why is it so yellow?

Berberine is a natural pigment. It has been used historically as a yellow dye for wool, leather and wood, and it can stain fingers or surfaces if a capsule is opened.

Mother Nature products

Our Berberine HCl 450mg Vegan Capsules contain 450 mg of berberine hydrochloride per capsule from Berberis aristata root and bark extract, standardised to a minimum of 97% berberine HCl. There are no fillers or binders, the capsule shell is plant-based HPMC, and the label directs 1 to 2 capsules daily with a large glass of water. Available in 60, 120, 180 and 360 capsule packs.

You can see the collection our berberine sits in.

Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.