Berberine · 120 capsules

What is berberine?

Berberine is an alkaloid that occurs naturally in the roots, bark, leaves and root stem of a number of plants. These plants include barberry, which gave the alkaloid its name. Berberine has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine and traditional Ayurvedic medicine. It is a popular remedy for treating various diseases and ailments. Numerous studies have shown that berberine has a whole range of potentially health-promoting biological effects in the body (1,2,3). Most human studies have investigated the effect of berberine on blood sugar control (2), blood lipids (3) and liver function (4). In other words, the main effects that have been investigated may not only be beneficial for bodybuilders and other athletes, but could also have a positive effect on health and well-being in general.

What are the health benefits of berberine?

Probably one of the most interesting health benefits of berberine is its effect on the regulation of blood sugar levels. Numerous studies have shown that berberine can significantly reduce not only the acute blood glucose levels of subjects after a meal, but also HbA1c, which is a marker of average blood glucose levels over the past few months (5,6). Researchers even came to the conclusion in a study that berberine could be just as effective as the well-known drug metformin in terms of blood sugar levels (7). According to the researchers, this effect appears to be based on the AMPK activation already described. This activation ensures an increased transport of glucose into the cells of the body. However, it also includes an acceleration of the repair of the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas, as well as an increase in the effect of insulin via an increase in the expression of insulin receptors on the surface of body cells and a slower breakdown of carbohydrates in the liver (8). In addition, according to various studies, berberine has a whole range of properties that can support and improve the health of the cardiovascular system. These include the ability to reduce levels of "bad" LDL cholesterol and blood lipid levels, as well as increasing levels of "good" HDL cholesterol (9). Other effects that have been shown to have a positive impact on cardiovascular health in test subjects include widening of the coronary arteries and alleviation of cardiac arrhythmias (9,10). In scientific studies, berberine has also shown the ability to fight dangerous pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites (11). It even had a moderate antibiotic effect, which enabled it to support and improve the function of the immune system in the test subjects (11,12). These effects have been known for centuries and berberine was probably already used as an intestinal antiseptic in the ancient Orient due to these properties.

What are the benefits of berberine for athletes and bodybuilders?

One of the most interesting properties of berberine for strength athletes is probably its ability to activate an enzyme called AMPK in the body. This effect was demonstrated in a study on various test subjects (13). AMPK is also referred to by scientists as the "master switch of metabolism", as it plays a primary role in the regulation of metabolism (14). AMPK is an enzyme that is also activated by physical exercise. Among other things, it increases the transport of fatty acids and glucose into the muscle cells, where it stimulates the burning of these energy sources (15). At the same time, it actively inhibited the build-up of body fat in test subjects (16), which is also an interesting effect for dieters. For athletes and bodybuilders, the results of the studies show increased training energy and greater muscle endurance during intensive and strenuous training sessions. For figure-conscious people who want to lose fat or maintain a low body fat percentage, the stimulation of the metabolism and increased fat burning could help them lose weight faster and maintain their weight more easily (17). The fat loss-promoting effects of berberine have also been demonstrated in a number of clinical studies (2,18,19). Of course, the improved regulation of blood sugar levels by berberine, which we have already discussed, could potentially further support a diet by preventing blood sugar fluctuations and food cravings. In addition, berberine has pronounced antioxidant properties (20,21) and can therefore protect the body's (muscle) cells and DNA from damage and destruction by free radicals. Together with the anti-inflammatory properties of berberine found in test subjects (2,21), this can promote and accelerate regeneration after training.

Whether you are an athlete or not, if you look at the various effects that berberine has shown in numerous studies, you quickly realize why it has been used for so many years. It has been shown repeatedly in scientific studies to be an integral part of traditional medicine and is also used to influence various aspects of human health. GN - Laboratories supplies berberine of the highest quality so that you can fully benefit from it. Berberine from GN Laboratories - because in the end only results count.