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Berberine - properties, action, side effects, reduction
Many dietary supplements and medicines are of natural origin. For thousands of years, medicine has been based mainly on plant substances, which were used as medicines, adjuvants, and poisons. The use of unprocessed substances has many advantages that will certainly satisfy not only people interested in natural medicine, but also sports. Berberine has been on the Polish market for several years, but this supplement is becoming more and more popular not only among "sickly" people. but also among those who want to take care of their immunity and evenimprove their figure. What properties does this supplement have and what are its advantages? You will learn about this in the article below.
WHAT IS BERBERINE?
Berberine is a plant substance that comes from the Berberis species. Chemically, it should be noted that it is a compound occurring in the group of alkaloids. This substance comes from the structure of the barberry plant and tin. It is worth pointing out that it is obtained from many parts of the plant, from roots and bushes to leaves and fruits. Currently, it has earned a reputation as one of the strongest forms of supplementation. Its territorial presence is not far away, and therefore its market price will not be high either. Plants of the Berberis species have been found in Europe for many years. Unfortunately, for a long time it was exterminated by European farmers because it was a tasty snack for one of the pests that also destroyed the crops of other plants. For purely material reasons, farmers decided to weed it en masse. However, over time, due to its health-promoting properties, it was recognized as an effective form of natural medicine. Already in the medieval Chinese medicine cabinet, this plant was considered a wonderful medicine. In addition, the Chinese cultivated it as an ornamental plant, but the greatest interest was in substances that could have a beneficial effect on our health. Berberine fruits were administered in natural medicine in the form of dried fruit, tea or decoctions. It is worth emphasizing that currently its substance is widely used in numerous pharmaceutical and sports supplements.
BERBERINE DOSAGE
Depending on what we expect from the supplement, the dosage should be based on 2 to 3 servings a day. Converting this into capsules we get approximately 2-4 capsules a day. According to various sources, it is not recommended to use a dose higher than 1200-1500 mg per day. There is a common belief that the most effective dose is to administer 500 milligrams three times a day.The best time to use it is before eating a meal. This supplement works for several hours, so it is worth taking the dose at intervals such that there is a constant content of berberine in the blood.
BERBERINE ACTION
Barberry fruit contains a set of ingredients that are bioactive and support the action of ascorbic acid. These ingredients are commonly referred to as "Vitamins P". This complex includes several polyphenolic compounds (anticyanins and flavonoids), including: Rutoside. Berberine also contains the pigment: Beta Carotene, i.e. vitamin A, which supports the visual processes and helps in the treatment of dermatological diseases. The red color of the ingredient is caused by anthocyanin compounds and lutein, which, in combination with vitamin A, support the functioning of the visual organ.Other barberry alkaloids are:
Berbamine - lowers blood pressure, Kryptonin - regulates heart function, Protopin - has an analgesic effect, Palmatine - has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, Narcotine - enhances the analgesic effect. Moreover, the presence of numerous polyphenols with antioxidant, anticancer and protective properties on the vascular wall was also found. The presence of tannins in barberry fruits has been confirmed, which have the ability to coagulate proteins on the surface of mucous membranes. This results in an astringent and anti-inflammatory effect in the treatment of dermatological diseases and diarrhea.
BERBERINE AND NATURAL MEDICINE
Due to the number of compounds contained in tissues and its undoubted effect, berberine has been used as a raw material for the production of medicinal preparations for centuries.Berberine is used to produce, among others: tinctures, extracts and decoctions that are applied to the skin in the case of diseases such as:
- psoriasis, - acne, - ulcers, - festering wounds, - atopic dermatitis or allergic lesions. Moreover, barberry can be dissolved and used orally in the form of decoctions and infusions, or even dissolved in wine or water. This form is an effective supplement for the deficiency of "vitamin C". in the diet, as well as solving digestion and metabolism problems. Moreover, the above-mentioned methodseffectively lower blood pressure, regulate heart function and have a beneficial effect on the level of glucose and cholesterol in blood plasma. Barberry fruit is also used to prepare a tincture called "berberysówka", which is seasoned with honey or used to make marmalades, juices and jams. This form of barberry provides a valuable source of vitamin C. An interesting fact is that barberry products, due to their natural healing properties, were even recommended by Saint Hildegard, a Franconian mystic and healer, who was the prototype for creating a diet that restores harmony between the soul and body. In natural medicine, Berberine infusions were valued, for example due to their effective effect on the liver and gallbladder. Already in the Middle Ages, this supplement was used for various ailments. Teas and other infusions were given for colds and immune problems. She used herantibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties to heal many people in these dark times. In addition to viral issues, it has been proven that it has healing properties for people suffering from mental illness, because it implies antidepressant effect. Berberine has been known around the world for its immune properties for several hundred years. Europeans used it based on information obtained from Chinese Medicine, whose history of herbal medicine dates back to ancient times!
DIABETES AND BERBERINE
Berberine is a supplement that has a significant impact on reducing problems in people suffering from diabetes. Scientists who analyzed the impact of using this substance on people suffering from diabetes have repeatedly commented on the effectiveness of this supplement. The results indicate that it works at the level of metformin and other strong antidiabetic drugs. Its effectiveness is based on activities that reduce insulin resistance and sugar absorption in the intestines. Berberine modifies the intestinal bacterial flora and also reduces glucose production in the liver. In addition to the above-mentioned positive news for diabetics, it should also be noted that people who regularly use this supplement have increased insulin secretion in the pancreas and slowed down the development of atherosclerosis. In the case of advanced diabetes, berberine eliminates the complications associated with it. So what are the advantages of berberine over typical diabetes medications? Some people suffering from diabetes also suffer from various liver diseases and cannot use metformin due to its toxic effect on the liver. The test results showed that berberine is not toxic to the liver and does not have a negative effect, on the contrary! As mentioned,it has a positive effect on the liver, and when using it, liver results improve.
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BERBERINE IN BODYBUILDING
For healthy people, the use of Berberine will lead to weight loss. This supplement accelerates the burning of energy reserves stored in the tissues and, consequently, fat burning. In addition to burning fat, berberine reduces total cholesterol. and "LDL cholesterol". It should be noted that it also leads to an increase in the level of cholesterol, which is healthy for us - HDL. Its use in bodybuilding will not only lead to fat burning, but will also provide us with the body's immunity during numerous loads. Much research has been carried out on this drug and it has been proven thatberberine has great properties for people practicing sports. People who are overweight will certainly use this supplement to boost their metabolism and activate the AMPK enzyme. This enzyme is responsible for regulating metabolism. All hormones responsible for activating fat burning are perfectly regulated thanks to berberine and can operate at their highest capacity. Administration of berberine will also strengthen our body's immunity, which will certainly facilitate comprehensive training without breaks for flu and colds.
HEALTH-PROOF EFFECTS OF BEBERINE
Berberine does not come only from fruit. Currently, it is obtained mainly from the leaves of the shrub. These leaves contain numerous isoquinoline alkaloid derivatives. Berberine is a biological compound that has antibacterial and antiprotozoal properties. In addition, berberine has a relaxing effect on smooth muscles, supporting bile secretion processes and gently lowering blood pressure. Additionally, berberine has strong anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Thanks to its bactericidal properties, it is called a "plant antibiotic". It is worth emphasizing that it is an effective remedy for lowering blood sugar and cholesterol levels. The problem, however, is the low bioavailability of berberine from plant material, which means that larger doses of this compound must be taken. Berberine may also help curemetabolic syndrome. This is a set of pathogenic factors that lead to the development of atherosclerosis and type 2 diabetes. This ingredient has been clinically tested on a group of women and men who suffered from metabolic syndrome. When using the supplement, both sexes experienced a decrease in BMI and an improvement in the overall condition of the body. Its invaluable effect was also noticed during the analysis of the number of "good bacteria". in the digestive system. People who used berberine experienced multiplication of good bacteria and the breakdown of sugar inside cells. Barberry leaves are used to create infusions that improve the functioning of the liver and bile ducts. In addition to the positive effect on our body, the administration of berberine also affects our brain function. including:
- improving cognitive functions, - improving the memory process, - improving the functioning of cholinergic pathways, - having a neuroprotective effect. Berberine normalizes the level of the BDNF factor, which is responsible for the improvement of existing neurons and supports the production of new neural connections, which translates into long-term memory. In addition, it also has a protective function for already produced neurons in the event of limited blood flow and reduced oxygen supply, which most often occurs in clots and narrowing of the walls of blood vessels. An amazing phenomenon is that research was carried out on a person who suffered a stroke but used berberine. This form of natural medicine has led to the protection of a significant number of neurons even under stroke. Its action was to inhibit caspase and kinase, as well as activate the protein pathway. Even people suffering from Alzheimer's disease, in 2016, conducted research which showed that berberine administered regularly inhibits the development of this disease. Hashimoto - an autoimmune disease, which is taking an increasing toll among a large group of people. be more gentle thanks to the use of berberine. In this case,berberine seals the intestines, limiting the resulting inflammation. It regulates their function and protects the intestinal lining while buffering the level of intestinal pathogens, which leads to improved immunity.
CONTRAINDICATIONS TO THE USE OF BEBERINE
Long-term use of preparations with berberine is associated with the accumulation of the alkaloid in the liver and heart muscle and its excretion from the body. Berberine causes increased release of bilirubin, which may result in jaundice, cholelithiasis and jaundice of the subcortical testicles. Berberine may also have an abortifacient effect. Therefore, it is especially not recommended to administer this drug to small children and pregnant women. The presented characteristics of berberine indicate that it is not only an ornamental but also a medicinal plant. Each of the barberry organs, apart from the inflorescence, is a raw material for biologically active substances with health-promoting properties. The incredible wealth of medicinal compounds makes berberine helpful in the treatment of many diseases and microorganisms. It is not only a cure for various ailments but can also be used as a dietary supplement that protects against such ailments. However, it should be remembered that despite its natural origin, berberine cannot be used in excessive doses, as it may result in complications and loss of health.
The use of berberine in Chinese medicine has a long history, where its significant effect on the digestive system is particularly appreciated. Modern dietary supplements containing berberine are increasingly used in the treatment of diabetes, thanks to the fact that they can regulate blood sugar levels. From a chemical point of view, berberine is an alkylloid compound that exhibits strong biological activity. Despite its benefits, it is necessary to know that there are also side effects of berberine, such as nausea and abdominal pain. For these reasons, it is worth contacting a doctor or dietitian before starting supplementation.
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Patryk Chodyniecki
Bibliography:
1. Błaszkowski J., 1999. Guide to exercises in phytopathology, Szczecin, Wydawnictwo AR.
2. Kopcewicz J., Lewak S., Gabryś H., 2002. Plant physiology, PWN, Warsaw.
3. Hartwel J. L., 1971, Plant used against cancer, S. Survey., Lloydia 34, 386-425.
4. Alemardan A., Asadi W., Rezei M., Tabrizi L,. 2013 Cultivation of Iranian seedless barberry (berberis integrerrima 'Bidaneh') Crops Prod. 50, 276-287.
5. Source: Own knowledge.
Bibliography:
1. Błaszkowski J., 1999. Guide to exercises in phytopathology, Szczecin, Wydawnictwo AR.
2. Kopcewicz J., Lewak S., Gabryś H., 2002. Plant physiology, PWN, Warsaw.
3. Hartwel J. L., 1971, Plant used against cancer, S. Survey., Lloydia 34, 386-425.
4. Alemardan A., Asadi W., Rezei M., Tabrizi L,. 2013 Cultivation of Iranian seedless barberry (berberis integrerrima 'Bidaneh') Crops Prod. 50, 276-287.
5. Source: Own knowledge.
