Berberine

Berberine, derived from tree bark, is recognized for its potent ability to lower blood glucose levels, comparable to prescription medications like Metformin. Andrew Huberman emphasizes that while it can be useful, berberine should be approached with caution due to potential side effects, such as severe headaches and hypoglycemia when taken on an empty stomach. It's often referred to as the "poor man's Metformin" and is available over-the-counter 1 2.

Berberine activates the AMPK pathway, similarly to Metformin, which is associated with fasting and reduced blood glucose. It can also influence insulin sensitivity positively, help manage cholesterol levels, and decrease sugar cravings over time 3 4. However, the dosage is critical, and it should ideally be used under medical guidance, particularly when targeting blood glucose regulation and neural pathways related to sugar metabolism 5 6.