Berberine, a derivative of the Coptis chinensis plant, has been used for centuries in alternative medical practices to combat digestive concerns from diarrhea to nausea. Clinically, it is recognized for its role in restoring balance to the GI tract, reducing overgrowth of commensal bacteria (the bacteria that normally live in the gut) and soothing inflammatory processes at the root source.
While there is still much to learn about the exact role that the gut bacteria play in digestive disorders, certain correlations have been made indicating their role in diverticulitis, SIBO, and other dysbiotic-based disorders, such as IBS.
Therefore, the benefits of Berberine are foundational for maintaining good gut health and harmony during digestion.
How Berberine May Impact Gut Health
Berberine can impact gut health through affecting a number of pathways and indigenous processes:
- Gut Microbiome Balancing: Our intestines are lined with trillions of bacteria, straddling hundreds of branches on the evolutionary tree. Bacteria are essential for digestion, as they assist in the breakdown of carbohydrates and proteins while returning essential nutrients and materials to the body. These colonies live in an everchanging balance, and when one or more species proliferate more or less than physiological harmony, or homeostasis, requires, it can cause issues with digestion.
- Improving Immune Signaling: Our immune system is a complex defensive establishment, with patrolling cells and signaling molecules called cytokines constantly on guard for threats. Sometimes, overgrowth of gut bacteria, such as develops in SIBO or diverticulitis, leads to an inflammatory response. By preventing the overgrowth in the first place, Berberine helps mediate the critical communication between the microbiome and self to improve digestion and reduce inflammation.
- Barrier Integrity: Many times in IBS, gut permeability is discussed as the ability of materials to pass through the gut epithelia, or lining. This is an essential process that allows the body to get the nutrients it needs from food, while passing along unwanted refuse. However, when this barrier is challenged, whether due to improper gut oscillations, weakening of the tight junctions holding barrier cells together, or in immune reaction to certain foods, Berberine assists by naturally reinforcing this barrier with the necessary materials to keep things moving as they should.
- Bile Acid Modulation: Fatty acids (FAs) are the hardest for the body to digest, and require many of the enzymes produced in the liver in a liquid called bile. This is eventually secreted into the small intestine, where chyme from the stomach (half-digested food in liquid form) passes into the duodenum and is subsequently dissolved. Altered bile acid metabolism or malabsorption can cause diarrhea and GI upset. Berberine modulates the impact of these acids with restoring balance to the gut walls, and the formation of bile acids can be indirectly dialed down to reduce these symptoms.
Berberine & Inflammation
Berberine plays a direct role in reducing inflammation through decreasing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, along the intestinal immune system. Specifically, Berberine downregulates IL-1beta and TNF-alpha, both which play a role in stimulating inflammation, increasing vasodilation, and recruiting white blood cells onsite. By preventing overstimulation of the immune system, Berberine allows for a more diverse gut microbiota to grow, improving digestion and reducing gut-borne inflammation. Berberine is often combined with curcumin to decrease inflammation–see Evinature’s DivertX protocol for more details.
Berberine & Common Digestive Concerns
Diarrhea/GI upset
Diarrhea is the condition of having loose, watery stools–oftentimes, this comes as a result of too many fatty acids or bile acids being produced and secreted into the GI tract. This can lead to malabsorption, meaning nutrients are not adequately absorbed into the bloodstream, as well as causing significant digestive distress. Berberine encourages the proliferation of butyrate-producing bacteria, or bacteria that make this energetic compound while breaking food down. This improves the digestive process, increasing the time that material passes though the GI tract as well as condensing the material more to prevent diarrhea.
IBS‑Type Symptoms (Bloating, Irregularity)
IBS, or Irritable Bowel Syndrome, is a cluster of related symptoms such as bloating, abnormal bowel movements, abdominal pain or cramping. The exact cause is unknown, however diagnosis differs from IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) due to the lack of inflammation. Berberine does not only improve inflammatory processes, however, and can be used to improve bacterial colonies lining the gut to assist with digestion.
IBD Adjunct (Ulcerative Colitis / Crohn’s)
An adjunct, or add-on, is a type of therapy or protocol that can be taken together with another, usually to enhance effect. In IBD, inflammation is present along the GI tract, though location and severity dictate exact diagnosis. Berberine is oftentimes used together with curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, to reduce inflammation and improve treatment outcomes. DivertX, Evinature’s signature curcumin and Berberine formula, can be used together with many medications, though consultation with your healthcare provider is essential for monitoring reaction and tracking changes.
Dysbiosis / SIBO Protocols
Dysbiosis is when the gut bacteria are unbalanced, leading to gastrointestinal distress and other symptoms. SIBO is one particular condition where overgrowth of bacteria within the small intestine leads to issues with digestion. Berberine is intended to moderate interactions with the microbiome to control undesirable side effects of overgrowth and dysbiosis, and can be used as a preventative aid.
Metabolic Health Connection
Some connection has been established between Berberine supplementation and improved metabolic profile. Berberine upregulates the proliferation of butyrate-producing bacteria, and butyrate can reduce lipid and glucose accumulation in the bloodstream. Likewise, Berberine has been indicated in promoting certain bacterial species that are better than others at breaking down FAs; however, further research is required to elucidate the exact role this compound can play in improving metabolic health.
Safety, Side Effects & Interactions
Berberine is generally considered safe for most individuals, but some may experience mild and temporary side effects as their body adjusts. These can include:
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Gas
Berberine should not be taken during pregnancy or while nursing. Individuals with diagnosed liver disease should consult Evinature’s Support team before using DivertX, as personalized guidance may be necessary based on their condition.
Summer Pitocchelli-Schwartzman
