


What is berberine used for?Īccording to TikTok, a whole lot. Today, berberine is available in supplement form and taken orally, though it is sometimes delivered intravenously or topically. These plants have long been used in traditional medicines - including Native American and Chinese practices - to treat a wide variety of illnesses, including eye conditions, diarrhea, jaundice and acne. “So when people get excited about supplements out there, even if there is some evidence, we can’t just assume that it’s magic - even Ozempic’s not magic in itself.” What is the supplement berberine?īerberine is a type of plant substance known as an alkaloid, and is found in a variety of plants, including barberry, goldenseal, Oregon grapes and coptis. “With weight loss and with diabetes management, even when (we offer) a prescription medication, we always, always, always also combine it with lifestyle interventions,” she says. But the natural label does not guarantee a pure and unprocessed substance, and consumers may not realize that a supplement can seriously interfere with other medications they are taking.Īnd even if a supplement truly comes from natural sources, it’s still unlikely to provide a quick and easy fix for health conditions such as obesity. “If you are looking at something that’s being considered a ‘natural’ version of a medication, it can look really appealing,” says Schmidt. And you should always take a beat to scrutinize a claim that a supplement is “natural,” Schmidt says. Schmidt, M.Ed., RDN, LD, a registered dietitian with Mayo Clinic, thinks the term “nature’s Ozempic” for berberine is good marketing - but not necessarily honest or helpful.Īlthough research suggests some good uses for berberine, it’s not ready for prime time as an obesity treatment. Semaglutide has skyrocketed in popularity as an often effective (albeit sometimes very expensive) weight-loss measure.

Ozempic is a type 2 diabetes drug known by the generic name semaglutide that also is used for weight loss. The supplement berberine has been branded as “nature’s Ozempic” on social media. Step aside, Ozempic - there’s a trending, alternative weight-loss supplement on the scene.
