Berberin 500 mg, 60 capsules

High-purity extract from the roots of Berberis aristata

The roots, stem, bark and berries of the Berberis plant contain the important bioactive substance berberine. The species used by Vitals is also known as Indian barberry or tree turmeric.
Plants containing berberine have been used for thousands of years in India, China, Japan and numerous other countries. Since the 1950s, berberine has also been used as an isolated substance and marketed as a dietary supplement. Scientific interest has grown considerably over the last two decades, and around 200 articles on berberine are now published each year.

Absorption of berberine

Some of the berberine remains in the gastrointestinal tract. It leaves beneficial bacteria unharmed, making it ideal for taking before or alongside a probiotic. Once absorbed by the intestinal mucosa, it is reabsorbed into the intestinal lumen and broken down in the intestinal wall or in the liver. It is therefore understandable why plasma levels of berberine remain low. However, there are also studies showing that berberine and its metabolites are rapidly absorbed by organs such as the liver, kidneys, muscles, lungs, brain, heart, pancreas and adipose tissue. In most of the tissues analysed, berberine levels were found to be many times higher than the blood plasma levels.

Effects of berberine

A key mechanism of action of berberine is that it promotes the activity of AMPK (adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase), which is known as the ‘metabolic master switch’. This enzyme is involved in glucose and fat metabolism by supporting the cellular uptake and oxidation of glucose and fatty acids. As a result, it influences blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

Key ingredients

* No reference amount specified under the Food Information Regulation (LMIV)

Ingredients

Berberine hydrochloride (berberine, extracted from Berberis aristata root), rice starch (Oryza sativa), vegetable capsule (pullulan, from fermented cassava starch), sunflower oil (Helianthus annuus).

Recommended intake

Take 1–2 capsules per day with water at mealtimes.

Storage instructions

Store in a cool, dry place away from light (not in the fridge).

Legal information

Do not exceed the recommended daily intake. Food supplements are not a substitute for a balanced and varied diet and a healthy lifestyle. Keep out of reach of young children.