berberine and peptides FAQ

The most common side effects of berberine are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the dose you are taking or the specific product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

Berberine, a chemical found naturally in several plants, is used for many different reasons. However, the benefits of berberine are not well defined. Some common reasons that people use berberine include the following. Note: The FDAhas not reviewed berberine for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

There are no known interactions between berberine and foods or drinks. It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect berberine.

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if berberine is right for you. In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following. Other Medicines and Supplements. Berberine may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking berberine, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details. Pregnancy. It is not known if or how berberine could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. However, there are concerns about its use in pregnancy. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It may be best to avoid use of berberine while you are pregnant, until more data are available. Breastfeeding. It is not known if berberine passes into breast milk. But berberine may be harmful to infants. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

If you or someone else has used too much berberine, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222. Berberine may be taken in a wide range of doses depending on the product you choose and your reasons for using it. Read the product label closely and speak with a health care provider about how to take berberine safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take berberine.

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. Berberine may alter the blood levels of many medicines. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken. The interactions between berberine and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions for berberine is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before using berberine with any medicines.

Berberine is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease. Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider. Keep berberine out of the reach of children. The FDA has not tested berberine products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

While less common, the most serious side effects of berberine are described below, along with what to do if they happen. Severe Allergic Reactions. Berberine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking berberine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

Berberine is a chemical found naturally in many different plants in the Berberis genus, including barberry, Oregon grape, and goldenseal. Berberine is thought to act as an antioxidant. It is not clear if or how it might work to improve blood sugar levels, lower cholesterol, or increase weight loss.

You should store berberine according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.