Berberine is a natural alkaloid found in a wide variety of traditional herbs including goldenseal, barberry and Oregon grape. Many herbalists credit this unique alkaloid for the benefits of ancient herbal tonics used by native populations throughout the world. Swanson Premium Brand Berberine delivers a guaranteed 400 mg of pure Berberine HCl, naturally derived from Indian barberry or tree turmeric.
Berberine is favored among herbalists because it may help support overall cardiovascular health. Specifically, berberine has been shown to support healthy cholesterol and glucose levels already within the normal range. This combined action sets berberine apart from other herbal supplements or specialized heart health formulas that typically focus on either glucose or cholesterol health, but not both. Give your heart an extra serving of support with berberine.

Rich Traditional Origins
Berberine-containing herbals have found a place in traditional health practices around the world. Goldenseal, for instance, was popular in Native American traditions. Phellodendron remains a valued ingredient in traditional Chinese herbal preparations. Barberry is a traditional European herbal. Found in the stems, bark and roots of these plants, Berberine is now believed to be the most instrumental ingredient behind the multi-faceted benefits of these various herbal traditions.

Science Supports Historical & Future Benefits
Today, Berberine has emerged from the shadows of its herbal carriers to gain a name for itself, regardless of its source. Thousands of studies have been published (easily searchable online) within the last decade, and they point toward new applications while providing rationale for the traditional use of Berberine-containing herbs.

Many studies demonstrate Berberine's effect on smooth tissues such as those found in the GI tract. Others document the alkaloid's ability to influence metabolic functions and support healthy lipid metabolism—actions that may promote liver health, cardiovascular health and insulin function with auxiliary benefits for healthy weight management, cellular health and more.

How it Works & What's to Come
Scientists now believe that many of the benefits observed with Berberine may be related to its action on an important enzyme known as AMPK (adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase). AMPK is a systemic enzyme that influences how the body creates and uses cellular energy. This action has a cascading effect on a wide variety of metabolic processes, cellular health and more. AMPK activation is now believed to be the central mechanism of action behind Berberine's benefits.

Current research is focused on further understanding Berberine's potential benefits for lipid metabolism as it relates to a variety of applications, including healthy blood lipid maintenance, weight and glucose management and more. Scientists are also investigating potential benefits for cellular defense and physical comfort.