Is this trendy supplement really 'nature’s Ozempic?' Experts on berberine

How does AMPK activation aid weight loss in berberine?

Why is berberine called 'nature’s Ozempic'?

What GI side effects does berberine cause?

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You might have seen this compound on the shelves of your local pharmacy.

Traditionally used in herbal medicine, berberine is now commonly stocked as a supplement at stores in the United States.

Interest in berberine supplements took off in 2023, with Google searches reaching an all time high in June of that year. Search berberine on TikTok and you'll find countless videos discussing the supplement’s weight loss potential – with some going as far as to brand it “nature’s Ozempic.”

Beyond weight loss, berberine also has a few other potential benefits to be aware of. Recent research has investigated berberine’s role in supporting heart health and lowering blood sugar levels, per Healthline.

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How do berberine supplements hold up against prescription medication? Here’s what experts have to say.

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What is berberine? Details on its makeup and benefits

Berberine is a chemical compound derived from plants like tree turmeric, barberry, goldenseal, goldenthread – all of which have historically played an important role in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine.

Berberine offers many potential benefits, from weight loss support to blood sugar regulation, Alma Simmons, a registered dietitian nutritionist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, previously told USA TODAY.

On the cellular level, berberine supports a number of functions, says Simmons. “One of the main functions is activating an important enzyme called AMPK, which regulates metabolism,” she explained. “It can also enhance the body's ability to respond to insulin, helping cells absorb glucose more efficiently.”

Berberine has potential benefits for heart health, such as lowering triglycerides (fat in the blood), total and LDL cholesterol, and systolic blood pressure, said Dr. Lona Sandon, PhD, RDN, LD, a registered dietitian nutritionist and associate professor of clinical nutrition at UT Southwestern. A review that considered berberine’s effects on heart health found some studies supporting this claim, but due to the high risk of bias, the researchers recommended more clinical trials be performed.

Berberine vs. Ozempic

Does berberine offer a natural alternative to medications like Ozempic, as many users on social media claim? “Berberine has shown to help with weight loss, but in comparison to Ozempic, they work through different pathways,” Brian Lee, a pharmacist at UCLA Health, previously told USA TODAY. 

Ozempic and Wegovy are brand medications of the same generic name: semaglutide. They are prescription GLP-1 agonists that promote weight loss by slowing digestion and reducing appetite, Lee said. Both medications have undergone testing and received approval by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration – Wegovy for targeting weight loss, and Ozempic for treating Type 2 diabetes. Studies have proven semaglutide has positive weight loss effects.

Berberine supplements, on the other hand, activate AMPK enzymes in your body, which work to regulate metabolism (offering potential benefits for weight loss), Lee said. When it comes to studies measuring berberine’s effect on losing weight, “existing studies do not include weight loss as an end point,” Sandon said. “The studies generally speculate on the potential for weight loss benefits.” According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, there are some studies that support berberine’s weight loss potential, but others had inconclusive outcomes. 

So, if you’re comparing medications like Ozempic or Wegovy side by side to an herbal supplement like berberine, “there is more proven data with GLP-1 agonists for weight loss as it is FDA-approved,” Lee said. If you are considering taking berberine supplements for weight loss, consult your health care provider or pharmacist first, he underscores.

Who shouldn't take berberine?

It is not recommended for young children, or people who are pregnant or nursing, to take berberine supplements, Simmons said. There are also a few medications that berberine interacts with (such as diabetes, blood pressure and antiseizure medications), which is why it’s always important to speak with your health care provider before taking any kind of herbal supplement, Lee said.

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If you’re in the clear to take berberine, there are a few potential side effects to consider. Berberine can upset your gastrointestinal system, causing symptoms like: nausea, diarrhea, constipation, gas and abdominal pain, Simmons said. It’s also possible that taking berberine can increase your bilirubin levels, blood sugar levels and blood pressure, she added. 

Finally, “it is always important to remember that supplements do not undergo the same safety and efficacy testing as prescription medications,” Sandon said. “If you choose to take a supplement, stick to a well-known brand and look for third-party testing.”