Home/Ingredients/Berberine HCl

Berberine HCl

Blood sugar · metabolic health · gut

Strong evidenceVegan244 studies on PubMedRead the research
Medically reviewed by Sarah Khan, Dietitian· Updated 30 May 2026
Last reviewed: May 30, 2026

Berberine HCl: Blood sugar · metabolic health · gut. Botanical compound that activates AMPK, supports healthy blood glucose, lipid profile, and metabolic flexibility. Standard dose 500 mg, taken in the midday, about $22/month. Evidence rating: strong evidence.

Where to buy

Thorne Berberine 500mg
Recommended
Thorne, Berberine HCl
500 mg · Midday · ~$22/month

suppdoc.io is an affiliate. Links may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.

All product options

Thorne Berberine 500mgBestseller
Berberine 500mg
Thorne
60 capsules · $32 · ★ 4.7
Buy on iHerb →Buy on Amazon →
Nutricost Berberine HCl 600 mgBest Value
Berberine HCl 600 mg
Nutricost
120 caps · $20 · ★ 4.5
Buy on iHerb →
Swanson Berberine HCl 600 mgPremium
Berberine HCl 600 mg
Swanson
120 caps · $17 · ★ 4.5
Buy on iHerb →
Thorne Berberine 1000 mgPremium
Berberine 1000 mg
Thorne
60 capsules · $30 · ★ 4.7
Buy on iHerb →
NOW Foods Berberine Glucose SupportBest Value
Berberine Glucose Support
NOW Foods
90 veg softgels · $24 · ★ 4.7
Buy on iHerb →

What is Berberine HCl?

Berberine is a yellow alkaloid extracted from plants like Berberis aristata, goldenseal, and Oregon grape, with a 3,000-year history in Traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. It is one of the most thoroughly studied natural compounds for metabolic health: clinical trials repeatedly show its ability to support healthy blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, often performing comparably to first-line metabolic medications. Its primary mechanism is activation of AMPK, the cellular 'metabolic master switch.' Standard dosing is 500 mg taken two to three times daily with meals. Berberine should not be combined with prescription glucose-lowering medications (such as metformin, sulfonylureas, insulin, or GLP-1 therapies) without clinician supervision, as it can add to their blood-sugar-lowering effect. It also inhibits the CYP enzymes and P-glycoprotein that process many drugs, so it can raise blood levels of immunosuppressants such as cyclosporine and tacrolimus and may interact with blood thinners; monitor closely and seek clinician guidance if you take these.

Botanical compound that activates AMPK, supports healthy blood glucose, lipid profile, and metabolic flexibility.

Best for your goal

Interactions

Related biomarkers

Other specialty

Elderberry Extract
Immune support · seasonal
Milk Thistle (Silymarin)
Liver support · antioxidant
ZMA (Zn + Mg + B6)
Sleep · recovery · testosterone (male)
Lithium Orotate (Low-Dose)
Mood stability · neuroprotection

Common questions

What is Berberine HCl?
Berberine is a yellow alkaloid extracted from plants like Berberis aristata, goldenseal, and Oregon grape, with a 3,000-year history in Traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. It is one of the most thoroughly studied natural compounds for metabolic health: clinical trials repeatedly show its ability to support healthy blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, often performing comparably to first-line metabolic medications. Its primary mechanism is activation of AMPK, the cellular 'metabolic master switch.' Standard dosing is 500 mg taken two to three times daily with meals. Berberine should not be combined with prescription glucose-lowering medications (such as metformin, sulfonylureas, insulin, or GLP-1 therapies) without clinician supervision, as it can add to their blood-sugar-lowering effect. It also inhibits the CYP enzymes and P-glycoprotein that process many drugs, so it can raise blood levels of immunosuppressants such as cyclosporine and tacrolimus and may interact with blood thinners; monitor closely and seek clinician guidance if you take these.
What is Berberine HCl used for?
Blood sugar · metabolic health · gut. Botanical compound that activates AMPK, supports healthy blood glucose, lipid profile, and metabolic flexibility.
What is the standard dose of Berberine HCl?
500 mg, typically taken in the midday. Approximate cost is $22 per month.
Who should avoid Berberine HCl?
Use extra caution, and speak to a clinician first, if you are pregnant or nursing, on blood thinners, taking prescription medication.
How strong is the evidence for Berberine HCl?
Strong evidence for its primary uses. See the full study list on the research page.

Not sure if Berberine HCl is right for you?

Take our quiz. We'll compose a personalised stack that fits your goals, body, and budget, in minutes.

Take the quiz →