Multi-generational epigenetic inheritance carries signature of past trauma
As with many things in FxMed, berberine too is finding its way to the limelight. Study after study, now in top-tier journals and featured on Medscape, show what we’ve known for a long time: berberine works effectively and is arguably better tolerated than the standard hypoglycemic agent, metformin. We have quite an arsenal of evidenced-based compounds (I’d add Akkermansia and friends) demonstrating efficacy in human randomized controlled trials.
This most recent trial, published in JAMA Network Open, used a berberine ursodeoxycholate (HTD1801), an ionic salt of berberine and ursodeoxycholic acid, known to act as an inhibitor of AMP kinase (for its blood glucose control), as well as an inhibitor of the NLRP3 inflammasome, centering it as a counteragent to inflammation activation. I am curious about the potential benefit of that counter ion in this derivative – could it be an influence in this study, and is it perhaps a patentable combination that the researchers are going for?
The study included 113 patients with type II diabetes mellitus, who were randomized to receive either 500 or 1,000 mg berberine per day, or placebo, for 12 weeks. At 12 weeks, HbA1c had fallen by -0.4% (p=0.04) and -0.07% (p<0.001) in the two berberine groups, respectively. Fasting glucose fell by -13.0 and -18.4 mg/dL in the berberine groups. Blood lipids and liver enzymes also improved in the higher dose berberine group. The supplement was reported as safe and well tolerated.
Although the authors did not mention this connection, berberine also influences the composition of the gut microbiome, another way in which it may positively affect metabolism and inflammation.
Bottom line: A well-designed randomized, controlled trial published in JAMA Network Open adds to existing data that supports the use of berberine for glucose control and overall improved metabolic health in a dose-dependent manner. 1,000 mg/d is recommended over 500 mg/d for better outcomes.
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