Berberine In Canada: A Powerful Supplement With Amazing Benefits
Updated Nov. 08th, 2023 | Read Time: 4 Minutes | What You Will Learn:
- Types of Berberine Supplements in Canada
- Barberry
- Goldenseal
- Oregon Grape
- Phellodendron Amurense
- Berberine Health Benefits
- Antimicrobial Activity of Berberine
- Strong Antioxidant Abilities of Berberine Supplements in Canada
- Promotes Healthier Cholesterol
- Anti-Diabetic Affect of Berberine Supplements Found In Canada
- Reduces Symptoms of Leaky Gut
- Protects the Brain and Mental Health
- Shopping For Berberine Supplements in Canada
Berberines are a particular type of constituent found in several different plants that give them a yellow colour. The most well-known of these are Barberry (Berberine vulgaris), Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium), and Goldenseal (Hydrastis Canadensis). These herbs have been used for over 2,500 years around the world to treat a variety of different health concerns. Traditionally, berberine was used as an antibiotic to treat bacterial, viral, parasite and Candida (yeast) infections. Current research has noted many benefits of berberines for diabetes, Alzheimer's, depression, cardiovascular disease, and unhealthy cell growth. Let's explore berberine supplements that you can shop for in Canada.
Types of Berberine Supplements in Canada
There are quite a few herbs that contain large amounts of berberine's. Let's explore the most commonly known herbs and the health benefits each offers.
Barberry
Bayberry has been used around the world for centuries to treat infections and diarrhea. Recent research has also found that it benefits the cardiovascular and nervous systems (brain and nerves).
Goldenseal
This natural antibiotic is one of the richest known sources of berberines. It has long been established as a mucous membrane tonic and is known in the herbal community as the "king of the mucous membranes".
Oregon Grape
The root of this shrub has been used for hundreds of years to help treat diarrhea. It is particularly useful in treating multi-drug-resistant bacterial infections. It can also be applied topically in a cream to help treat psoriasis.
Phellodendron Amurense
Recent research has shown that P. amurense contains berberines. It is this constituent that researchers believe gives the herb its ability to inhibit unhealthy cell growth in the lungs.
Berberine Health Benefits
Antimicrobial Activity of Berberine
Berberines have been used for their antimicrobial activity for centuries, and much of their traditional use stems from this capability. Recent research has shown berberines to have antimicrobial activity against a large variety of organisms including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. They also have antimicrobial activity against MRSA and can prevent their ability to stick to the epithelial cells and thus prevent MRSA from invading the body and causing infection. Berberines can also potentiate current antibiotics to allow them to once again be able to kill MRSA by bypassing their resistance ability.
In addition to this, berberines are strongly active against Gram-positive bacteria like Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Enterococcus, and Clostridium. All of these are bacteria that are frequent causes of infection, particularly in hospitals. Berberines also show inhibitory effects on the growth and reproduction of certain microorganisms and viruses, such as Heliobacter pylori and hepatitis B virus that have been shown to cause unhealthy cell growth. There is also some evidence that berberines can help to eliminate Candida (yeast) infections.
Strong Antioxidant Abilities of Berberine Supplements in Canada
Berberines are extremely strong antioxidants that can inhibit the generation of reactive oxidative species (ROS). Because of their extremely strong antioxidant abilities, they can help to protect cells against unhealthy cell growth, and protect the blood vessels against cardiovascular disease. It is also this effect that helps berberines to combat Alzheimer's disease.
Promotes Healthier Cholesterol
Berberine's strong antioxidant ability helps it to protect LDL ("bad") cholesterol from being oxidized, which is one of the strongest contributing factors to the formation of atherosclerosis. Recent evidence suggests that berberine has beneficial effects on dyslipidemia (imbalanced blood fats and cholesterol) as well. By promoting a healthier cholesterol and blood fat profile, berberines can help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Anti-Diabetic Affect of Berberine Supplements Found In Canada
The anti-diabetic effect of berberines has been well-established by research. Some interesting new research (2011) has found that this benefit may be due to the berberines helping to regulate the gut microbes and prevent inflammation. Interestingly, this implies that diabetes may be partially caused by an inflammatory state in the body. This is a relatively new way of viewing the origin of type II diabetes and has triggered a new direction for research.
Reduces Symptoms of Leaky Gut
Much of the earliest research on berberines surrounded their use for the treatment of diarrhea. This was also one of the original traditional folk uses in history. These compounds have been shown to help reduce immune-mediated damage of the endothelial tight junctions in the gut. This helps to restore the gut barrier function and reduce the symptoms of a leaky gut.
Protects the Brain and Mental Health
Berberine has been established as beneficial in the treatment of some central nervous system disorders. It can protect neurons and prevent their death while improving circulation to the brain. Research has shown a protective effect on Alzheimer's, cerebral ischemia, mental depression, schizophrenia and anxiety.
Shopping For Berberine Supplements in Canada
When shopping for an herbal supplement containing berberine, look for ones from trustworthy brands that use pure ingredients. When possible, look for formulas that use wild-harvested, fair-trade or organic herbs. It's important to follow the dosing directions found on the product label. If you are on any medication, pregnant or breastfeeding, speak to your healthcare provider prior to starting them.
Hi there, I am taking telmesartan 80 mg a day with high cholesterol, which I am not taking any medication . Is it safe to take Berberines? FYI I am soon to be 63.Thanks
Hello, Gwuama,
We're glad you've enjoyed our article on Berberine and thank you for your comment. We suggest that you speak to your health care practitioner or local naturopath as they will know your full health profile. If you need any assistance in selecting the best supplement based on your health care practitioners protocol, our friendly team is happy to help. In the mean time you may enjoy this video on cholesterol: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdaDj5QKI9o
Stay healthy & well.