Berberine is an active alkaloid found in the Berberis and Coptis genera. These plants have a 3000-year-old history of medicinal use, mainly for inflammation, infection, and digestive issues.
There has been substantial interest in the anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory activities of Berberine in recent years. So far, Berberine has been found to reduce colorectal adenomas and improve radiation enteritis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and metabolic syndrome by positively changing the intestinal microbiome.
As research continues to investigate the full extent of Berberine’s therapeutic potential, the herbal remedy stands out as a compelling candidate for the management of Diverticulitis post-recovery symptoms, otherwise known as Post-Diverticulitis Syndrome which presents as IBS-like symptoms. These symptoms are believed to stem from bacterial imbalance and low-grade inflammation, which may be alleviated by Berberine’s ability to promote a healthy bacterial environment while protecting the gut from pathogenic bacteria.
The Medicinal History of Berberine
Berberine is an important anti-bacterial remedy in both Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and Middle Eastern folk medicine. In Ayurveda, Berberine is recommended for eye, ear, and mouth infections, as well as wound healing, hemorrhoids, indigestion, dysentery, snake bites, and scorpion stings.
In TCM, Berberis is found in one of the rare sacred herbs for ‘damp-heat’ conditions, Coptis chinensis. Coptis is said to ‘drain fire’ and clear heat in the liver, and is commonly used to combat diarrhea and intestinal parasites. Coptis is also used today in China to treat diabetes.
The Benefits of Berberine for Diverticulitis
Berberine has been shown in clinical trials to increase the production of butyrate, a vital short-chain fatty acid for regulating the intestinal environment, keeping mucosal inflammation at bay, and strengthening the gut walls.
In fact, butyrate has been found in human trials to lower the recurrence of diverticulitis episodes, making berberine an extremely promising natural remedy for Diverticulitis.
For those with Post-Diverticilitis Syndrome experiencing IBS-like symptoms, berberine may alleviate abdominal cramps by reducing visceral hypersensitivity. Visceral hypersensitivity is an extreme response to stimuli and is implicated in the development of Diverticulitis symptoms, especially sharp abdominal pain.
How does Berberine work for Diverticulitis?
Berberine works to stabilize the digestive system mainly through its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial actions.
Berberine targets inflammation by blocking several pathways, including myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) pathways. This in turn inhibits the pro-inflammatory NF-κB signaling pathway. An activator of this NF-κB-MLCK pathway is Tumor necrosis factor TNFα, a pro-inflammatory cytokine overexpressed in patients with Symptomatic Uncomplicated Diverticular Disease (SUDD).
This overexpression can cause increasing permeability of intestinal tight junctions. Put simply, it damages the integrity of the intestinal barrier. This allows intestinal microbes to pass from the gut lumen into the deeper layers of the mucosa, further exasperating inflammation.
Berberine not only downregulates the TNFα–NF-κB–MLCK pathway but protects the intestinal tight junctions and repairs damage to the gut wall.
Additionally, berberine may be able to regulate aberrant host immunity, one of the biological determinants of Diverticulitis. Berberine exerts a variety of antimicrobial activities, reducing harmful gut bacteria while increasing healthy bacteria, which may ultimately improve immune function.
Possible Side Effects of Berberine
Mild and temporary side effects of berberine may include:
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation / Diarrhea
- Gas
Berberine has been well-tolerated by adults and has a good safety profile in doses of up to 1.5g daily. However, it is believed to be unsafe during pregnancy as it may reach the placenta and have an effect on the fetus. Berberine should also be avoided when breastfeeding.
There is no safety data on berberine for children and is therefore best avoided, especially in infants.
Berberine may potentially interact with some blood pressure medications, blood thinners, diabetes medications, Dextromethorphan, and Cyclosporine. It’s always best to consult with your treating physician before adding berberine to the mix.
How to Take Berberine for Diverticulitis
While there is no established dose for berberine, studies show benefits with doses between 0.4 and 2 g per day. Most supplement providers recommend taking berberine 2-3 times per day before meals.
But as always with supplements for medical conditions, it’s important to work with your medical team to ensure the right product, dose, and treatment duration for you.
Evinature
