Berberine
Berberine hydrochloride. Dietary Supplement, plant compound / metabolic support.
This page describes what Berberine is and its known risks. It is not medical advice and not a guide to using it. Many of these substances are prescription-only or illegal to use without a prescription. Speak to a doctor.
- Class
- Dietary Supplement
- Legal status
- Over-the-counter (unrestricted)
- Half-life
- ~3-5 hours
- Liver strain
- None at typical doses
- Kidney strain
- None at typical doses
- Converts to estrogen
- None
- Suppresses natural hormones
- Not typically
Medical uses
- Investigational for type 2 diabetes and cholesterol
What it does in the body
Metabolic
- Lowers blood sugar and cholesterol in studies, partly through AMPK
Forms, half-life and detection
| Form | Half-life | Reported detection window |
|---|---|---|
| Oral (capsule) | ~3-5 hours | N/A (not a banned substance) |
Side effects and health risks
Gastrointestinal
- Constipation, cramping and diarrhoea
Interactions
- Affects how many medicines are broken down
Related compounds
- Creatine Monohydrate
- Creatine Hydrochloride (HCl)
- L-Glutamine
- GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid)
- Dextrose
- Melatonin
- BCAAs (Branched-Chain Amino Acids)
- EAAs (Essential Amino Acids)
Questions
What is the half-life of Berberine?
About ~3-5 hours. Half-life is the time for the level in the blood to fall by half.
How long is Berberine detectable?
Testing windows of N/A (not a banned substance) are reported, depending on the test and the person.
Is Berberine legal?
Over-the-counter (unrestricted). Laws differ by country and change; check the rules where you live.
What blood tests matter with Berberine?
Ask a doctor which tests suit you.
What are the side effects of Berberine?
Gastrointestinal: constipation, cramping and diarrhoea. Interactions: affects how many medicines are broken down.
For information only, not medical advice. MyoStats is a tracking tool used at your own discretion. Speak to a doctor before changing your training, diet, medication or anything you take.