Berberine
Blood Sugar & Metabolic Support
Overview
- Berberine is a naturally occurring isoquinoline alkaloid found in several medicinal plants (e.g., Berberis spp., Coptis chinensis).
- It has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, primarily as a bitter‑tasting agent that supports metabolic and cardiovascular health.
- Modern research focuses on its ability to modulate glucose, lipid, and inflammatory pathways, making it a popular nutraceutical for metabolic support.
Chemistry
- Berberine is a protoberberine alkaloid with the molecular formula C₂₀H₁₈NO₄⁺ and a molecular weight of 336.36 g·mol⁻¹.
- IUPAC Name: 13‑Methyl‑2,3‑dihydro‑3,9‑dimethoxy‑5,6‑dihydro‑1,2‑dioxolo[3,4‑a]isoquinolin‑5‑ium.
- Molecular Structure: The molecule contains a planar, positively charged quaternary nitrogen (a “Berberine‑type” isoquinoline framework) and four methoxy groups that contribute to lipophilicity and membrane‑binding properties.
- Activity: The cationic nature confers strong DNA intercalation and antimicrobial activity.
- Solubility: It is sparingly soluble in water (≈0.5 mg mL⁻¹ at pH 7) but readily soluble in ethanol, methanol, and chloroform; acidified solutions increase solubility for extraction.
Sources & Quality
- Commercial berberine is most commonly extracted from the roots, bark, or rhizomes of Berberis species (e.g., Berberis vulgaris, Berberis aristata), Coptis chinensis, and Hydrastis canadensis (golden‑root).
- Extraction: Extraction typically uses ethanol or methanol, followed by purification via chromatography and crystallization.
- Production: Some manufacturers employ microbial fermentation (e.g., Streptomyces spp.) to produce berberine under GMP conditions.
- Quality Considerations:
- Verification of the alkaloid content (≥95 % pure).
- Absence of heavy metals.
- Low residual solvent levels.
- Testing: Look for third‑party testing (e.g., USP, NSF) and certificates of analysis that confirm identity (HPLC‑UV) and purity.
- Standardization: Standardized extracts are usually labeled “berberine HCl” or “berberine alkaloid” with a defined mg per capsule.
Where to Buy Berberine
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