Natural Factors WellBetX Berberine 500mg - 60 V-Caps

BERBERINES

A constituent of herbal remedies that kills microbes, improves cardiovascular health, prevents diabetes and supports healthy cell growth. 

Berberines are a particular type of constituent found in a number of different plants that gives them a yellow colour. The most well known of which 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 a number of benefits of berberines in the treatment of: diabetes, Alzheimer's, depression, cardiovascular disease.

Antimicrobial Activity
Berberines have been used for their antimicrobial activity for centuries, and much of their traditional uses stem from this capability. Recent research has shown berberines to have antimicrobial activity against a large variety of organisms including: bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. 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 shows inhibitory effects on the growth and reproduction of certain microorganisms and viruses, such as Heliobacter pylori and hepatitis B virus. There is also some evidence that berberines can help to eliminate Candida (yeast) infections.

Antioxidant
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 the damage and protect the blood vessels against cardiovascular disease. It is also this effect that helps berberines to combat Alzheimer's disease.

Cardiovascular Health
 Berberines 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 not to mention it's ability to to reduce blood pressure, and blood sugar levels all of which can lead to heart disease.

Diabetic
The anti-diabetic affect 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.

Weight Loss
Researchers believe that taking berberines may help in weight loss. This is because weight loss is caused by improved function of regulating hormones, such as insulin, adiponectin and lepton. It also inhibits the growth of fat cells at a molecular level. In a 12 week study in obese individuals taking 500mg of berberine three time a day resulted in about a 5 pound weight loss on average. The participates also lost around 3.6% of their body fat.

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 leaky gut.

Protects the Brain and Mental Health
Berberines have been established as beneficial in the treatment of a number of central nervous system disorders. It has the ability to protect neurons, and prevent their death, while improving circulation to the brain. Research has shown a protective effect in Alzheimer's, cerebral ischemia, mental depression, schizophrenia and anxiety.

How can I take berberines?
Berberines can be found in a number of different herbs, and the dosing for each can be found in their individual articles (links above). When dosing berberines directly, the dose is not yet completely established, although current evidence suggests 500mg twice a day.

Berberines – QUICK FACTS

PARTS USED
· Berberines can be found in a number of herbs such as: Goldenseal, Oregon grape, Barberry and P. amurense.

APPLICATIONS
· Diarrhea, leaky gut, cardiovascular health, diabetes, infection, multi-drug resistant bacteria, yeast infection.

OPTIMUM DOSAGE
· 500mg twice daily of berberines when supplemented directly. For dosing of each herb, please see links above. (Clinical doses may be higher as recommended by your practitioner).

WORKS WELL WITH
· L-glutamine, antioxidants, Echinacea.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
· Berberines are not safe for use during pregnancy or while breast-feeding. Use should also be avoided in children under the age of 5.
· Berberines may lower blood sugar levels, and diabetics and those with hypoglycemia should use with caution. It also lowers blood pressure, so those taking blood pressure medications should use caution.
· Berberine may increase the blood concentration of cyclosporine and should not be used with this medication.