Berberine vs Metformin: What's the Difference (2023)

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berberine vs metformin

Metformin and berberine both have potential for controlling blood sugar levels and problems related to them. While metformin is a prescription drug with a longer history of clinical usage, berberine is a naturally occurring substance that is accessible without a prescription. To make it easier for you to know the differences, here's a comparison of two:

Source:
  • Berberine: Berberine is a chemical found in some plants like European barberry, goldenseal, goldthread, Oregon grape, phellodendron, and tree turmeric.
  • Metformin: Metformin is not derived from plants or animals. It is a synthetic pharmaceutical medicine, which means it was created in a laboratory rather than derived from nature. Metformin was developed using chemicals discovered in the French Lilac plant (Galega officinalis), however the medicine is manufactured using chemical processes.

Medical Use:
  • Berberine: Berberine has been used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. It has gained attention for its potential to help manage blood sugar levels, reduce cholesterol, and promote weight loss. 
  • Metformin: Metformin is an oral anti-diabetic drug in the biguanide class for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, in particular, in overweight and obese people and those with normal kidney function. Metformin has several benefits in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, including decreased hyperinsulinemia, weight reduction, augmented fibrinolysis, improved lipid profiles and enhanced endothelial function. (S)

Mechanism of Action:
  • Berberine: Berberine appears to work by multiple mechanisms, including improving insulin sensitivity, increasing the uptake of glucose by cells, and reducing the production of glucose in the liver.
  • Metformin: Metformin primarily reduces hepatic glucose production and increases insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues, such as muscle and fat cells.

Efficacy:
  • Berberine: A study suggests that berberine can improve obesity and hyperlipidemia by reducing triglyceride, total cholesterol, and LDL and increasing HDL; reduce insulin resistance to improve type Ⅱ diabetes; and prevent diabetic encephalopathy.
  • Metformin: Metformin is a well-known and highly effective medicine for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It has undergone significant research and is regarded a first-line treatment.

Side Effects:
  • Berberine: Berberine is generally considered safe when taken in appropriate doses, but like any dietary supplement, it can have potential side effects such as digestive issues and may also interactions with medications or medical conditions.
  • Metformin: Common side effects of metformin include gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain. In rare cases, it can cause lactic acidosis, a serious condition.

Availability:
  • Berberine: Berberine is available over-the-counter as a dietary supplement in many countries and can also be found in herbal remedies.
  • Metformin: Metformin is available by prescription and is subject to regulation by healthcare professionals.

Dosage:
  • Berberine: A common dosage recommendation is 500 mg - 1500mg per day, half an hour before meals. However, the dose may be different in some people. It can be vary depending on several factors, such as the reason for taking it, the form of the supplement, and individual factors such as age and health status.
  • Metformin: The maximum daily dose is 2,000mg a day. This can be taken as four 500mg tablets a day. Liquid metformin should be taken in 5ml doses of 500mg, 850mg or 1,000mg. Sachets come in either 500mg or 1,000mg doses. However, this medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription. 

If you have any medical illness, best to consult with a healthcare professional before choosing between berberine and metformin. They will help you to choose based on your individual health status, goals, and any specific needs you might have. Keep in mind that the effectiveness of these two can vary from person to person, so what works best for one individual might not be the same for another.


Best Berberine Supplements

1. NutriFlair Premium Berberine HCL 1200mg



Berberine Hydrochloride (HCL) is a compound found in several plants, including goldenseal, barberry, oregon grape, and tree turmeric. It provides free-radical fighting activity, immune system support, and proper microbial balance. It helps activate AMPK, also known as the body's metabolic master switch. The NutriFlair Berberine with Ceylon Cinnamon helps support cognitive & gastrointestinal health, glucose metabolism, cholesterol, and lipid levels within normal ranges*

- Vegan, Non GMO, Gluten-free 
Our Doctor formulated Berberine with Ceylon Cinnamon capsules, is made with 100% Natural, Vegan, Non-GMO, Gluten-free ingredients. Our capsules contain NO Fillers, Soy, Preservatives, Binders, or chemicals

- Tested & Trusted Ingredients 
Our non-gmo, soy-free, gluten-free and dairy-free, berberine capsules supplements is Made in the USA, in a duly registered, approved, inspected state-of-the-art facility, with strict adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Each and Every batch is 3rd Party Tested for Quality, Purity, and Potency. This includes all our Best Quality capsules, tablets, pills, gummies, supplements, vitamins, multivitamins, vegan and natural foods, powders, oils, and extracts

Ratings: 4.4 out of 5 - more than 8,000 global ratings

My A1C has been running borderline pre-diabetic (5.7 - 5.9) for 3 years and my Dr. has told me I need to get it down. I've tried diet/exercise but it really didn't make a lot of difference. After taking this supplement for only 2 months, my A1C tested at 5.5 last week! The Dr. said "whatever you're doing, keep it up - it's working!" So happy about this! It worked for me and I will definitely keep taking it.


2. Nutrivein Premium Berberine HCL 1200mg Plus Organic Ceylon Cinnamon 

Nutrivein Premium Berberine HCL 1200mg Plus Organic Ceylon Cinnamon

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- Premium Berberine Plus Organic Ceylon Cinnamon
Our Natural Berberine provides you with 1200mg per serving with 200mg Organic Ceylon Cinnamon. Powerful for supporting glucose metabolism. Berberine also helps to support increased concentration, memory and overall well-being. It also supports heart and gastrointestinal health.

- Powerful Health Benefits of Berberine
Nutrivein berberine features berberine hydrochloride, a form that has been widely studied and may be absorbed more easily by the body. Berberine is a plant alkaloid and has antioxidant properties. We use only the highest-quality Berberine HCL (Berberis Aristata)

- Helps Maintain Healthy Body and Optimal Wellness
Many people take Berberine for a variety of health benefits to support weight loss, heart health, PCOS and AMPK regulation. Some choose to combine it with milk thistle, curcumin, silymarin, Ceylon cinnamon, or alpha lipoid acid (ALA). Common misspellings include berbine, berberin, burburine, berburine, barberine, berberene, or berberine hci.

- Tasteless and Easy to Swallow Dose
With our whooping twice daily 1200mg dose, you'll get the help you need without having to swallow a huge pill. Our size 00 capsules are vegan/vegetarian friendly and soft easy-to-swallow capsules. You will be able to reap all the benefits stress free and in the form of tiny capsules. Our supplement is Made in the USA in a registered and inspected facility that is (GMP) compliant. It's also GMO free and Third Party Tested. Health is #1.

Ratings: 4.5 out of 5 - more than 5,600 global ratings

I’ve lost weight and during my weight lost journey when I would eat out for special ocasións i take these pills and I don’t gaine weight combined with excersize or even walking


3. Toniiq Ultra High Strength Berberine HCl 500 mg

Toniiq Ultra High Strength Berberine HCl

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- Meet The Next Generation of Berberine 
Toniiq Berberine is an 82x concentrated extract, making it one of the most highly concentrated berberine products on the market. Our berberine contains an unprecedented purity level of 97% (most Berberine extracts and Berberine 1200mg supplements won't reveal their purity levels). Higher purity means more of the active compounds that give berberine its powerful health-promoting properties.

- Wild Harvested from the Mineral-Rich Foothills of the Himalayas
Because our Berberis Aristata is grown in the wild, only the most resilient plants (rich in active components and nutrients) make it to harvest. Toniiq Berberine is produced using an aqueous extraction process to ensure nothing but the highest levels of purity and potency in the finished product.

- Setting a New Standard for Purity 
To ensure that you are getting a high-quality Berberine 500mg supplement, each batch is tested for quality and purity both during and after manufacturing.

- Quality, First, and Foremost 
Toniiq products are produced in a GMP-certified and NSF-approved state-of-the-art manufacturing facility right here in the USA.

Ratings
4.4 out of 5 - more than 5,500 global ratings

My blood pressure before was around 130-135 0over 90. Since using berberine for about 6 weeks now my blood pressure has been consistently around 125 over 82.


4. Doctor Recommended Supplement Berberine

Doctor Recommended Supplement Berberine

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- Effective! Maintain a Healthy System
Berberine HcL (Berberis Aristata) is a compound found in plants such as barberry and goldenseal

- High Quality! Single Ingredient Supplement
Our Doctor Recommended Pure Berberine is made with only one main ingredient Berberine HCI and vegetable cellulose capsules. With Doctor Recommended it is our mission to make sure you will always get the highest-quality, pure, and safe products that help our customers to live happier and healthier lives

- Made In USA! Third Party Tested
In a registered laboratory that meets cGMP standards. With NO Artificial ingredients, binders, color additives, chemical, fillers or preservatives. This product is All Natural, Free of Soy, Gluten, Milk, Egg, Wheat, GMOs, Peanuts, Sweeteners, Shellfish

Ratings: 4.4 out of 5 - more than 13,000 global ratings

When I started taking this brand of berberine I noticed my blood glucose went down. I thought it was a fluke. I alternate my berberine brands and every time I took this one, my blood glucose dropped significantly. I recommend this brand for now. I say for now because none of these supplements are consistently made. We'll see.


5. Thorne Berberine Supplement

Thorne Berberine Supplement

BUY ON AMAZON

- Healthy Body
Berberine is effective in helping to maintain a healthy weight and cholesterol levels already within a normal range

- Optimal Wellness
Berberine provides immune function support and promotes a healthy respiratory tract

- GI Support
Supports beneficial bacterial balance in the gut and helps to maintain a healthy microbiome*

- Free From 
Doesn't contain gluten, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, dairy, soy, fish, or shellfish

Ratings: 4.6 out of 5 - more than 2,600 global ratings

I've been taking this supplement with several others for years to help support my adrenal health and weight loss goals.

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