EC Clinical and Medical Case Reports

Berberine, a botanical dietary supplement, is currently being marketed in the United States as a weight loss supplement in various dosage forms, including tablets, capsules, and gummies. A literature review was conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of berberine as a pharmacologic option for weight loss. Four published systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses of human clinical trials were identified and reviewed. Data related to dosage, duration of therapy, and efficacy and safety outcomes were included in the review. Results from clinical studies indicate that berberine is a safe and well-tolerated supplement that may support weight loss efforts. Studies revealed that berberine, used at a dose of > 1 gram daily for a minimum of 12 weeks, produces statistically significant reductions in waist circumference and body mass index (BMI), and modest reductions in total body weight. Studies also revealed that berberine supplementation is associated with significant improvements in dyslipidemia indices and lipid profiles, insulin resistance, glycemic control, and inflammatory markers, which may help prevent obesity and metabolic syndrome through regulation of glucose homeostasis and lipid metabolism, and may contribute to improved clinical outcomes in patients with metabolic disorders. In addition, berberine has been shown to exhibit a favorable safety profile with minimal gastrointestinal adverse effects that are usually self-limiting. Current clinical evidence supports the use of berberine supplementation as a complementary or adjunct therapy for weight loss. The use of berberine as primary therapy for weight loss is not recommended due to its modest effects on total body weight. Pharmacists must play a key role in counseling patients on the safety and efficacy of berberine for weight management and how to optimize their supplementation.

Keywords: Berberine; Weight Management; Weight Loss; Obesity; Metabolic Disorders; Metabolic Syndrome; Dietary Supplement; Complementary Therapy

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