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supplement

Berberine HCl

Chemical structure of Berberine HCl (PubChem CID 12456)
Structure via PubChem
Half-life
5 h
Typical timing
with_meal
Food rule
with food
Default unit
mg

Studied for

Weight LossLongevity

Overview

Berberine is a bioactive compound found in several plants, including *Berberis aquifolium* (Oregon grape), *Berberis vulgaris* (barberry), and *Coptis chinensis* (goldenseal). It is an alkaloid, a class of naturally occurring chemical compounds that mostly contain basic nitrogen atoms. Berberine has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly traditional Chinese medicine, where it has been employed for various ailments, including gastrointestinal issues and infections (Examine.com). Berberine hydrochloride (Berberine HCl) is a common salt form of berberine, often used in dietary supplements due to its stability and absorption characteristics. While research on berberine is extensive, much of it is in preclinical or early-stage human trials, and its exact mechanisms and optimal uses are still being investigated.

Deep dive

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Known interactions

  • Category rule: glp1 × supplement
    Note

    GLP-1 medications slow stomach emptying, changing how/when oral supplements absorb; rapid weight loss raises the importance of protein and micronutrients.

    Time oral supplements when nausea is lowest; prioritize protein and micronutrients; discuss with your provider.

  • Category rule: supplement × medication
    Note

    Some supplements change how the body processes medications (absorption, liver enzymes, or additive effects).

    Specific pairs are checked against a licensed drug database and shown with their own severity. Always confirm with your provider or pharmacist.

  • Compound-pair rule
    Caution

    Berberine inhibits CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein, raising statin levels and myopathy risk.

    Separate dosing and monitor for muscle pain.

  • Compound-pair rule
    Caution

    Berberine inhibits CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein, raising statin levels and myopathy risk.

    Separate dosing and monitor for muscle pain.

  • Compound-pair rule
    Caution

    Berberine inhibits CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein, raising statin levels and myopathy risk.

    Separate dosing and monitor for muscle pain.

  • Compound-pair rule
    Caution

    Berberine inhibits CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein, raising statin levels and myopathy risk.

    Separate dosing and monitor for muscle pain.

  • Compound-pair rule
    Caution

    Berberine inhibits CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein, raising statin levels and myopathy risk.

    Separate dosing and monitor for muscle pain.

  • Compound-pair rule
    Note

    Both lower blood glucose.

    Monitor glucose closely when combined.

Sources referenced

- Examine.com - NIH Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) - PubChem - Mayo Clinic - DrugBank - Cochrane Library

Stackwise compiles summaries from publicly available scientific and regulatory references. Always verify important decisions with a licensed clinician.

Related compounds

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Related benefits

Other compounds studied for the same benefits as Berberine HCl.

Weight Loss

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Longevity

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