Berberine

Berberine can strongly lower blood glucose and may affect insulin sensitivity and cholesterol; because it can drive glucose too low, it warrants caution and medical guidance. 1 2

• AMPK: Berberine activates AMPK, a pathway associated with fasting and low blood glucose. 3
• Large, high-carbohydrate meals: Some people take it to blunt the blood-glucose rise from a large meal. The speaker advises caution, consulting a doctor, and starting with the lowest amount that works. 4 5
• Low blood sugar effects: Taking berberine on an empty stomach or with too few carbohydrates can cause hypoglycemia; reported symptoms include headaches and dizziness. 6
• Canker sores: Applying berberine directly to canker sores was described as seeming to eliminate them quickly. A guest also said human clinical trials showed berberine to be safe, while noting that evidence included trials in dozens of people. 7 8