A systematic review of seven Chinese randomized clinical trials found that berberine consistently alters gut bacteria composition, with six of seven trials showing meaningful changes, particularly in Type 2 diabetes patients.
In diabetic patients, berberine increased ?-Proteobacteria and decreased beneficial butyrate-producing bacteria, which help manage inflammation and metabolic function.
These gut bacteria changes occurred alongside improvements in fasting blood sugar, cholesterol and inflammatory markers, though the authors cautioned the compositional shifts were not universally beneficial.
Lab and animal studies have suggested berberine boosts beneficial bacteria, but human data reveal a more complex picture, with exact bacterial changes varying by health condition and study methods.
The findings highlight that berberine may work through multiple mechanisms, so individuals should consult a healthcare provider before use, as benefits may depend on personal microbiome and health status.
A systematic review of seven randomized clinical trials from China published in Nutrients has revealed that berberine – a yellow botanical compound used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 1,400 years to treat diabetes – consistently alters the composition of gut bacteria in patients taking the supplement.
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