Berberine has been growing in popularity as a safe and naturally occurring remedy for treating diabetes. There have been various scientific studies that prove it reduces sugar production in the liver and insulin resistance.
As a result, numerous manufacturers have flooded the market, offering their versions. Several of them are claiming to be the next best thing in diabetic treatments.
As we’ve found out, not all of them are top-notch quality and chemically pure. That’s reason enough to be wary, especially when buying a product you’re going to swallow.
That’s why we saw it fit to analyze and test several widely-used berberine products from various brands. Our objective was to determine which of them is the real deal and filter out all the pretenders.
Best Berberine Supplements Ranked
From those that passed our criteria, we rounded up thirteen of the best berberine supplements in 2023.
- Sunergetic Premium Berberine Supplement – Buy here Editor’s Choice
- Solaray Berberine Advanced Formula – Buy here
- Thorne Research Berberine – 500 – Buy here
- Integrative Therapeutics Berberine Complex – Buy here
- Swanson Premium Berberine – Buy here
- Amazing Formulas Berberine Plus – Buy here
- Dr. Whitaker’s Berberine – Buy here
- Bulksupplements Pure Berberine HCL Powder – Buy here
- We Like Vitamins Berberine – Buy here
- Vitamins Because Berberine – Buy here
- Doctor Recommended Supplements – Buy here
- Toniiq Berberine Capsules – Buy here
- Smart Nutra Labs Berberine Capsules – Buy here
Editor’s Choice: Sunergetic Premium Berberine Supplement
For our Editor’s Choice, Sunergetic Premium Berberine Supplement gets our unanimous nod as the best berberine supplement based on the following:
Level Up Your Fitness: Join our 💪 strong community in Fitness Volt Newsletter. Get daily inspiration, expert-backed workouts, nutrition tips, the latest in strength sports, and the support you need to reach your goals. Subscribe for free!
- It provides a potent 1,200mg berberine dose in each daily serving.
- This supplement is non-GMO.
- The capsules are vegetarian and easy to swallow.
- It doesn’t have any preservatives whatsoever.
- It’s made in the USA and registered with the FDA.
- The manufacturer is GMP-certified and strictly conforms to the guidelines.
The Premium Berberine Supplement from Sunergetic is one of the best berberine supplements you’ll find.
Each bottle contains 60 600mg capsules served twice for a potent 1200mg daily dose, higher than most brands.
The company used only the highest-quality berberine and non-GMO ingredients with no preservatives. It’s an excellent product for maintaining healthy blood sugar levels.
It also helps with cardiovascular health and weight loss. The product underwent strict GMP standards in a US facility registered with the FDA.
Pros
- Provides a daily dose of 1200mg of berberine HCL
- Manufactured in the USA in a certified GMP facility
- Non-GMO ingredients
- Contains no preservatives
- Affordable
Cons
- Bottle only has enough tablets for a month
- No given details on concentration purity
Ingredients
- Berberine – root and bark extract from Indian barberry (berberis aristata) shrubs
- Hypromellose – oral delivery component
- Microcrystalline Cellulose – used as a filler or bulking agent
- Silica – used for flow and as an anticaking agent
- Vegetable Magnesium Stearate – binder and helps maintain consistency and disintegrate quickly
Rating
4.6 of 5
Who Makes It?
Sunergetic has been around for eight years and gained a reputation as a reliable producer of high-quality natural supplements.
All their products come out of certified facilities that comply with GMP accepted standards. They’re also confident to provide a 1-year money-back guarantee to any unsatisfied buyer.
2. Solaray Berberine Advanced Formula
Both barberry and Oregon grape root extracts were the sources for berberine. However, the “Advanced Formula” comes from the Oregon grape, which contains some antioxidant properties.
Apart from the berberine, the only other ingredient is the vegetable cellulose used for the soft capsule.
Pros
- Uses 250mg barberry berberine HCL
- Uses 285mg Oregon grape berberine extract
- Oregon grape extract provides additional antioxidant benefits
- Non-GMO ingredients
- Easy to swallow vegetarian capsule
- Backed by a 60-day money-back guarantee
Cons
Could have a higher daily dose
Ingredients
- Berberine HCl 250mg – from barberry root
- Berberine Extract 285mg – from Oregon grape
- Vegetable Cellulose – used for the capsule
Rating
4.6 of 5
Who Makes It?
Based in Utah, Solaray has almost 50 years of experience and enjoys high regard in the health supplements industry. It garnered numerous awards from various nutritional publications.
Each of Solaray’s more than 1,000 herbal products undergoes rigorous testing to ensure the highest quality.
3. Thorne Research Berberine – 500
Arguably the primary drawback of Berberine-500 from Thorne research is its hefty price tag compared to the competition.
Apart from that, you get a potent 85% pure berberine supplement containing no GMO ingredients or artificial preservatives.
It also boasts of having no stearates. Although harmless in small quantities, they can cause problems if consumed in large amounts.
The 60 capsules provide two servings of 500mg berberine for a daily 1000mg dose.
Pros
- Relatively strong 500mg berberine HCL dose for each capsule for a 1000mg daily serving
- 85% pure concentrate
- Vegetarian for easy consumption
- Free of GMOs
- Doesn’t have magnesium stearate or any artificial preservatives
Cons
- Somewhat expensive compared to alternative supplements
- 60 capsules are only enough for a month
Ingredients
- Berberine HCl – 85% concentrates from Indian Barberry root extracts
- Hypromellose – helps in oral delivery
- Microcrystalline Cellulose – filler or bulking agent
- Calcium Laurate – helps in ingredient consistency and binds them in a capsule
Rating
4.5 of 5
Who Makes It?
Thorne Research has vast 30-year experience in supplying premium nutritional supplements. Their products range from multi-vitamins to treating gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, neurological, liver, endocrine, immune, and other disorders.
Besides their FDA-certified GMP facilities, they also have TGA and NSF International certifications.
4. Integrative Therapeutics Berberine Complex
Berberine Complex from Integrative Therapeutics is a berberine complex formula with additional beneficial compounds.
It’s the only one of two products featured with additional sources of berberine. The manufacturer mixed extracts from barberry, goldenseal, and Oregon grape to develop this formula.
For 90 capsules ingested twice daily, that’s equivalent to a 45-day supply.
Pros
- Berberine complex formula includes extracts from barberry root, goldenseal, and Oregon grape
- Additional beneficial compounds, such as hydrastine and canadine
- The company provides a more holistic approach with proper diet and supplements
Cons
- May be pricey for some
Ingredients
- Berberine Complex – 400mg barberry root extract, 400mg Oregon grape root, and stem extract, 100mg Goldenseal root and rhizome extract containing hydrastine, canadine, and berberine
- Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose – vegetable material for the capsule
- Cellulose – used for bulk
- Magnesium Stearate – serves as a disintegrating binder
- Silicon Dioxide – acts as a flow agent
Rating
4.5 of 5
Who Makes It?
Integrative Therapeutics has over 35 years of experience in manufacturing and supplying health supplements.
The company tries to promote a collaborative solution for consumers. It promotes conventional clinical nutrition through a proper diet combined with scientifically proven supplements.
5. Swanson Premium Berberine
Even with its smaller daily dose of 400mg, Swanson Premium Berberine is one of the best berberine supplements.
The reason for its effectiveness is its high 97% berberine concentrates. It’s a bargain at just over 20 bucks for a 60-day supply. It comes in a small soft capsule that’s convenient to swallow once a day.
Pros
- Very potent 97% berberine concentration
- Very affordable
- Contains 60 capsules equivalent to a 2-month supply
- Manufactured inside a GMP facility certified by the FDA
Cons
- 400mg pill may be a bit lacking for some
Ingredients
- Berberine HCL 400mg – 97% concentrate extracted from Indian Barberry root
- Gelatin – used as capsule material
- Rice Flour – serves as a filler
- Calcium Palmitate – used as a flow agent
- Silica – anticaking agent
Rating
4.4 of 5
Who Makes It?
Founded by Leland Swanson, Swanson Vitamins has been a manufacturer of various scientifically-backed dietary supplements for over 50 years.
Leland was a passionate golfer who became a self-taught natural health enthusiast to save his golf game from arthritis. The company out of Fargo, North Dakota, grew to become a manufacturer and Internet marketer of a comprehensive line of natural health-related products.
6. Amazing Formulas Berberine Plus
Each bottle contains 120 500mg capsules. You take one twice a day after a meal to get a daily dosage of 1000mg for two months.
The company manufactures the product from its GMP-certified facility in New Jersey. It undergoes strict quality assurance by third-party testers.
Pros
- Two 500mg servings for a daily dose of 1000mg
- 2-month supply with 120 capsules
- Manufactured in the US in GMP certified facility
- The products are third-party tested for quality
- Affordable price
- Free standard shipping in the US
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- No mention of berberine source or concentrations
- Uses rice flour as a filler
Ingredients
- Berberine HCl 500mg – from unnamed barberry plant
- Gelatin – for the capsule
- Magnesium Stearate – serves as a disintegrating binder
- Microcrystalline Cellulose – bulking agent
- Rice flour – used as a filler
Rating
4.4 of 5
Who Makes It?
Good Brands LLC subsidiary, Amazing Nutrition, is a US company operating for six years. It’s a fast-growing food additive and dietary supplement manufacturer that boasts over 1500 various products.
All of them come out of its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Jersey City that’s GMP certified by the FDA.
7. Dr. Whitaker’s Berberine
A capsule of Dr. Whitaker’s Berberine after every meal assures you of a daily dose of 1500mg that’s higher than others of a similar price.
For a favorable price, you get 90 500mg berberine capsules that should last you a month. On the downside, it contains more binders than its competitors.
Pros
- 500mg BerberPure Berberine HCL certified free of eight common allergens
- Highly potent 1500mg daily dose from three capsules
- Formulated by an esteemed pioneer in nutritional medicine, Dr. Julian Whitaker
Cons
- Contains more binders than similar products
- Three 500mg daily servings are only enough for a month
Ingredients
- Berberine HCL 500mg – uses BerberPure, which is a clinical-grade berberine
- Silica – anticaking agent
- Microcrystalline Cellulose – bulking agent
- Gelatin – soft material for capsules
- Magnesium Stearate – binder that helps with ingredient consistency
- Gum Acacia – used as another binder
Rating
4.3 of 5
Who Makes It?
Dr. Julian Whitaker is the respected founder of the Whitaker Wellness Institute and is the one who formulated this berberine product in his name.
He has over 30 years of experience and expertise in nutritional medicine. His company has a comprehensive line of natural supplements that provide preventive measures for various health issues.
8. Bulksupplements Pure Berberine HCL Powder
This product is pure berberine and comes in powder form. You can order a 1-kg, 500g, or 250g bag.
The 250g one goes for less than 70 bucks. Each package contains 2g packets good for four 500mg servings.
Unlike the other products featured here, there are no other ingredients on this one except the berberine. It’s up to you how much you want to consume.
A 1/4 teaspoon is about 400mg worth, 1/2 is 900mg, and one teaspoon is 1800mg. The typical dosage is 1500mg daily.
Pros
- Unadulterated berberine HCl
- Bulk prices
- No other ingredients
- The dosage is customizable
- Divided into convenient 2000mg packets
Cons
- The taste is unpleasant
Ingredients
Level Up Your Fitness: Join our 💪 strong community in Fitness Volt Newsletter. Get daily inspiration, expert-backed workouts, nutrition tips, the latest in strength sports, and the support you need to reach your goals. Subscribe for free!
- Berberine HCl – pure and comes in powder form
Rating
4.3 of 5
Who Makes It?
Bulksupplements is a company operating out of Henderson, Nevada, that supplies more than 500 pure diet supplements. It sells all products in grams to thousands of consumers or even in tons to other manufacturers.
They have a GMP-certified distribution and manufacturing facility registered with the FDA. It also has an in-house laboratory that tests and ensures a product’s quality before the company ships it out.
9. We Like Vitamins Berberine
Each bottle of We Like Vitamins Berberine contains 180 capsules, enough to last three months. With a twice-daily serving of 1200mg, that’s a potent dose of 2400mg each day.
For less than 50 bucks, it’s pretty affordable considering the 3-month supply. It’s also probably the amplest daily dose of berberine you’ll get.
Pros
- Potent 1200mg capsule taken twice a day for a 2400mg daily dose
- Contains 180 capsules equivalent to a 3-month supply
- Very affordable for the number of capsules
- Made in the US in a GMP facility certified by the FDA
- Contains no artificial ingredients and preservatives
- Contains no allergens
Cons
- No indications of berberine concentration
- Uses rice flour as filling
Ingredients
- Berberine HCL 1200mg – extracts from Indian Barberry
- Vegetable Cellulose – capsule material
- Rice Flour – used as a filler
- Vegetable Magnesium Stearate – used as a binder and for consistency
Rating
4.2 of 5
Who Makes It?
Paradise Herbs is a nutritional supplement company that has been around since 1994. Besides having more than 25 years of experience manufacturing premium quality dietary supplements and formulas, it also garnered several awards.
It ships its highly diversified products to over 2,500 stores in the US.
10. Vitamins Because Berberine
The capsules made by the company are of gelatin and contain 1000mg of berberine. As with most of the products featured here, they contain root extracts of the Indian Barberry shrub.
Each bottle contains 180 capsules that should last for three months. It has a recommended serving of two for a total daily dose of 2000mg.
There are also generous buy-1-get-2-free promos on the official website.
Pros
- Twice 1000mg berberine serving for a dose of 2000mg each day
- A bottle contains 180 capsules equivalent to a 3-month supply
- Anti-inflammatory
- Contains no chemicals or artificial preservatives
Cons
- The brand lacks recognition
Ingredients
- Berberine HCl 1000mg – root extract from Indian Barberry
- Gelatin – used for the capsule
- Microcrystalline Cellulose – used as a filler
- Silica – anticaking agent
- Magnesium Stearate – helps in ingredient consistency and serves as a binder
Rating
4.1 of 5
Who Makes It?
Vitamins Because LLC had its humble beginnings as a small vitamin store in Florida about 15 years ago.
It has since grown to become a manufacturer of around 1300 various vitamin and diet supplemental products. They guarantee that any product you receive from them is 3-4 days fresh and contains no chemicals and preservatives.
11. Doctor Recommended Supplements
Yes, this is the name of the brand and we haven’t moved on to a new section in this review. It is actually a doctor-recommended supplement brand though as professionals do have a hand in creating their formulas.
The Doctor Recommend Supplements brand of berberine is a max potency product and apparently a fan favorite.
With 1200mg per serving, you’re certainly getting the best dosage possible from a quality option. It’s a single-ingredient supplement so no worries about unnecessary junk ingredients added in a lot of products.
It’s also made in the USA and is lab-tested for purity and potency.
All-in-all, a decent berberine supplement with a good company behind it.
Pros
- Max potency, single-ingredient product
- Gluten and soy-free
- No artificial ingredients, chemicals, fillers, or preservatives
- Non-GMO
- Lab-tested
Cons
- Few complaints about quality and stomach discomfort
Ingredients
- Berberine HCL
- Royal jelly – gelatinous substance from bees that may have many health benefits
- Vegetable cellulose capsule
Rating
4 of 5
Who makes it?
Doctor Recommended Supplements isn’t so-called for the heck of it. Their formulas are designed by medical professionals.
They go the extra mile to source the highest quality ingredients and the simplicity and transparency of their products are what makes their brand one to consider for supplement needs.
12. Toniiq Berberine Capsules
One capsule of Toniiq berberine is the equivalent of eighty-two raw berberine powder capsules to give you an idea of how potent this product could potentially be.
A serving contains 500mg of berberine at a purity level of 97% which is much higher than other options on the market that have more mg per serving.
Toniiq ingredients are sourced from the Himalayas and produced using an extraction process that ensures all the beneficial nutrients remain intact.
Pros
- 97% purity level
- Gluten-free
- Vegan-friendly
- Lab-tested
- Non-GMO
Cons
- Few complaints about quality
- few complaints about packaging
Ingredients
- Berberis bark extract (97% berberine HPLC)
- Vegetable capsule (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose)
- Vegetable cellulose – used for the capsule
- Vegetable magnesium stearate – used as a binder and for consistency
- Silicon dioxide – acts as a flow agent
Rating
4 of 5
Who makes it?
Accelerating the transition to longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives sums up the mission of the brand.
What does Toniiq (pronounced Tonique) mean? “Toniiq is an homage to two fathers of modern botanical chemistry, Joseph Pelletier and Joseph Bienaimé Caventou. The french duo were pioneers in the use of mild solvents to isolate active ingredients from plants.”
Their products are manufactured in Miami, Florida.
13. Smart Nutra Labs Berberine Capsules
Smart Nutra Labs Berberine contains 1200mg of 100% pharmaceutical grade Berberine HCL. It’s an all-natural supplement made in the USA and is a no-nonsense product that contains only the active ingredient and the capsule material.
Pros
- Potent 1200mg per serving
- Single-ingredient supplement
- No fillers, binders, or artificial ingredients
- Gluten-soy, and gelatin-free
- Vegan-friendly
- Non-GMO
- GMP-certified
Cons
- Few complaints about quality
Ingredients
- Berberine HCL
- Vegetable cellulose (capsule)
Rating
3.9 of 5
Who makes it?
Smart Nutra Labs is a relatively new company that was founded in 2019. They place a big focus on purpose, integrity, and trust, and strive to provide the best possible experience to their customers.
What are the Benefits of the Best Berberine Supplements?
For starters, berberine’s impressive health benefits include lowering blood sugar, helping the heart, improving digestion, causing weight loss, and being anti-inflammatory.
It’s a pharmacological alkaloid that triggers AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase), an enzyme that increases metabolism in the body.
For those reasons, it has found use as a remedy for various ailments and conditions, such as:
Diabetes
It’s where berberine looks most promising. Studies have shown that it lowers blood glucose, making it as effective as metformin in dealing with type II diabetes problems.
It can even help prevent the disease from developing in the body. Moreover, it will help reduce damage to vital organs such as the kidneys and liver by improving insulin resistance.
Cholesterol
Another study discovered that it lowers triglyceride and cholesterol levels. Not only that, but it also helps raise good cholesterol or HDL.
When mixed with red yeast rice, it decreased side effects and provided increased protection from cholesterol.
Cardiovascular Health
Because it has proven effective in keeping blood sugar and cholesterol in check and helps reduce obesity, it can also help lower the risk of heart disease.
Berberine also releases nitric oxide that helps relax the arteries to ease blood circulation and reduce blood pressure.
Obesity
More studies are needed, but one found it reduced lipid levels and provided moderate weight loss to subject participants.
Since it has cardiovascular benefits and increases metabolism, many have found it more effective when coupled with exercise.
[Related: Berberine for Weight Loss: Does It Really Work?]
Who Should Buy Berberine Supplements?
Overweight People
People who are obese or merely overweight can benefit from increased metabolism and improve cardiovascular health from consuming berberine supplements.
Exercise becomes more effective in burning fat, and you’ll have more energy even if you’re on a diet. It will allow you to complete the required routines to lose that extra baggage.
People with Cardiovascular Issues
With open and more relaxed veins and arteries because of the nitric oxide released by berberine, it will improve the body’s supply of oxygen and nutrients.
Lower blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol will also make it easier for the heart to pump blood, making it less hard to exercise.
People with Digestive Problems
Berberine can kill harmful bacteria and promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut.
Doing so helps alleviate inflammation and pain inside the digestive system whenever antibodies go to war with the bacteria.
Athletes
Athletes who are needing to lose weight can benefit from improved cardiac function and increased metabolism. The improved blood circulation will produce more oxygen and provide more energy from nutrients, thereby enhancing athletic performance.
[Related: Best Fat Burners for Men and Women]
How Do I Pick the Best Berberine Supplements?
So far, the most studied is berberine HCL, where researchers found that the body absorbs it more quickly.
The primary extracts of the top supplements are from Indian barberry or berberis aristata. Also, look for products with non-GMO ingredients and no artificial preservatives.
Side Effects
Most regard berberine as safe if consumed in the right dosages. On the other hand, overdosing might cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, and other unwelcome side effects.
It also tends to react with other medications, and sometimes negatively. Moreover, its ability to reduce blood glucose makes it dangerous for people who experience hypoglycemia.
Recommended Dosage
For best results, only consume berberine after a meal and follow these guidelines:
- For Diabetes: take 900-1500mg in 2-3 doses daily for 2-4 months.
- For High Blood Pressure: you can take a daily dose of 900mg for two months.
- For High Cholesterol: you’ll need 600-1500mg in 2-3 doses daily for six months up to two years.
FAQs
What is Berberine?
Berberine is a chemical compound found in several plants such as barberry, goldenseal, Oregon grape, etc. Many studies have proven it helps stabilize blood sugar levels, reduce cholesterol, and improve digestion.
That’s why it’s a sought-after supplement to help treat diabetes, cardiovascular issues and aid in weight loss.
Is Berberine Safe to Take?
The consensus is it’s safe for short-term use by adults. However, its long-term effects have yet to be thoroughly evaluated by scientific studies.
You must seek your doctor’s advice before using any berberine product. It can be detrimental to pregnant women, children, and people with low blood pressure or suffering from hypoglycemia.
How Do I Take Berberine?
It’s best taken after a meal to take advantage of the body’s metabolism. It’s also critical that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions and that you don’t let your children use the supplements.
Recap
When examining all the products that made it to the top ten, there’s almost little difference between them. Most of the dissimilarities came from the berberine doses per capsule, other ingredients used, and price.
Almost all of them use berberine HCl extracted from Indian barberry or berberis aristata. Only two used different barberry and other sources for the chemical, yet they got some of the highest user ratings on Amazon.
We hoped to help you become better informed of the best berberine supplements in 2023. Nevertheless, you should consult first with your doctor to avoid any possible complications from using them.
Berberine shows a lot of promise, but there needs to be more research and studies to help validate its usefulness.
You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and
YouTube for even more content.
