Reversing Diabetes

 

Diabetes is one of the most rampant diseases of our time. According to the American Diabetes Association, in 2012, 29.1 million Americans, or 9.3% of the population, had diabetes. [1]

In fact, diabetes is growing at a fairly fast rate. A study completed by the CDC & Research Triangle Institute concluded that If recent trends in diabetes prevalence rates continue linearly over the next 50 years, future changes in the size and demographic characteristics of the U.S. population will lead to dramatic increases in the number of Americans with diagnosed diabetes. [2]

According to the current mainstream approach, the major goal in treating diabetes is to minimize any elevation of blood sugar (glucose) without causing abnormally low levels of blood sugar. Type 1 diabetes is treated with insulin, exercise, and a diabetic diet. Type 2 diabetes is treated first with weight reduction, a diabetic diet, and exercise. [3] Currently the belief is “Diabetes is a chronic disease that has no cure.”– The American Diabetes Association.

But what if we could not only prevent diabetes before it happened, but also reverse it once it shows up?

 

6 Test Subjects Reverse Diabetes In 30 Days

In the film Simply Raw: Reversing Diabetes in 30 Days, six test subjects were used, all of whom had varying lifestyles and conditions but were all diabetic- five type 2, and one type 1. Each subject was taking insulin.

Before we get into the results of this film, let’s take note of what is established about type 1 and type 2 diabetes. This information is from The National Diabetes Education Program:

Type 1 diabetes – the body does not make insulin. Insulin helps the body use glucose from food for energy. People with type 1 need to take insulin every day.

Type 2 diabetes – the body does not make or use insulin well. People with type 2 often need to take pills or insulin. Type 2 is the most common form of diabetes.

The participants of the program were as follows:

• Austin (age 25) was not only a type 1 diabetic, but he also had a drinking problem.
• Kirt (age 25) had a blood sugar reading of 1200. Normal is below 100. His doctor told him, “You should be dead.”
• Bill (age 58) was seeing a cardiologist and had neuropathy. He could not feel his feet.
• Michelle (age 36) was quite obese.
• Henry (age 58) took insulin plus 9 pills daily. Blood sugar was at 464.
• Pam (62) was quite obese. Her father, brother and sister are also diabetic.

 

The Method

The approach Gabriel Cousens takes to cure people of diabetes is all about changing their diet. He states that research shows that in terms of health, meat eaters have 4 times more breast cancer, 3.6 times more prostate cancer, 4 times more diabetes, and much more in general chronic disease. If you’re just having milk, that’s 3 times more leukemia.[4]

Given his position on diet, he believes in taking a mainly raw approach to eating and consuming a plant based diet. His team prepares raw, well-balanced and whole meals for the test subjects throughout the 30 day period. The food becomes their medicine.

With medical supervision, all of the subjects took their medication as needed and ate the food that is provided to them by Gabriel and his team at the Tree Of Life Rejuvenation Center.

 

Results

By Day 3 of the program Kirt, Bill and Henry were able to stop taking insulin and medication. Their blood sugar levels had already dropped to the normal range after just 3 days of changing their diet. Pam was able to cut her insulin intake by 1/3. Austin, the type 1 diabetic, was able to cut his insulin intake down to half. And Michelle saw her blood sugar at around 362. This discouraged her to the point where she didn’t want to stay in the program any longer, although she did.

By day 12 of the program, Henry’s blood sugar had dropped 256 points compared to day 1. He was not using medication to lower his blood sugar levels. Although he was seeing great results, Henry felt he was too old for the program and requested to go home. His family arrived on day 17 and he went home. By that time, he was no longer taking 17 medications, he had lost 30 pounds and his blood pressure had decreased. In Henry’s case, his addiction to the food he used to eat was too difficult to overcome.

By the very last day, day 30, incredible results were seen that intensely challenges the current belief that diabetes has no cure.

• Kirt no longer needed medications. His blood sugar had dropped 214 points to as low as 73 (normal) without medication. It was later found out he was type 1 diabetic since the beginning. Status: Within normal range.
• Bill stopped taking 19 medications and lost 32 pounds. His blood sugar dropped 214 points to 74 (normal) without medication or insulin. Status: Within normal range.
• Michelle stopped taking all of her medications and lost 23 pounds. Her blood sugar dropped from 291 to 109 without the use of medication. Status: Within normal range.
• Pam lost 26 pounds while her blood sugar dropped 167 points down to 112 without medication. Status: Within normal range.
• Austin, who is type 1 diabetic, lost 20 pounds and reduced his insulin from 70 units down to 5. Status: Drastic improvement in diabetic condition.

As you can see, all participants had drastic turn-arounds in their health and all had their diabetes either completely reversed or severely under control. A type 1 diabetic (Kirt) had his diabetes completely cured -something that is considered impossible. All type 2 diabetics no longer needed insulin.

 

What Does This Tell Us?

Like many things in modern medicine, we don’t have all of the answers and in a lot of cases we have a difficult time admitting that what is currently mainstream  isn’t always the best course of action.

People everywhere are taking alternate routes to achieve results equal to and sometimes better than what is made available to them through mainstream voices like doctors and government appointed professionals. I feel it’s important that people know their options and have a fair chance of hearing them out. I know many people with diabetes who aren’t aware of the power of food in transforming their condition yet are taking insulin and following mainstream ideas as if it’s the only truth.

It isn’t to say that the mainstream is bad, it’s simply that we are missing out on other options in a big way. After all, the American Diabetes Association makes claims about there being no cures yet the above results would suggest there is more to that story.

Source:

http://www.collective-evolution.com/2014/09/09/these-people-reversed-their-diabetes-in-30-days-with-this-one-change/

Boswellia Benefits

Boswellia (boswellia serrata) is a tree gum resin that has multiple health benefits. Also known as frankincense, it has been burned as incense in religious and cultural ceremonies for centuries.  In today’s alternative health world boswellia is widely regarded as a potent anti-inflammatory nutrient, wherein its primary active ingredient, acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA), inhibits the inflammatory enzyme 5-lipoxygenase.  Excess 5-lipoxygenase is common in joint pain, allergies, respiratory conditions, and cardiovascular problems.  A number of new studies give insights into boswellia, a unique nutrient, even expanding its potential usefulness.

A recent review of boswellia highlighted its many uses in traditional ayurvedic medicine: arthritis, diarrhea, dysentery, ringworm, boils, fevers (antipyretic), skin and blood diseases, cardiovascular diseases, mouth sores, bad throat, bronchitis, asthma, cough, vaginal discharges, hair loss, jaundice, hemorrhoids, syphilitic diseases, irregular menses and liver stimulation.  In modern times boswellia has accumulated scientific data supporting its anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory uses, along with the ability to lower cholesterol, prevent plaque buildup, and defend your liver. 
Articles on Boswellia:
Boswella – Helping Joints, Killing Germs & Even Boosting Your Brain,
Boswella Update:  Helping Joints, Killing Germs, & Reducing Inflammation, and
Boswella Effective Against Oral Pathogens.

In an animal experiment of intentionally induced free radical damage, boswellia reduced the amount of damage in the liver by 80 percent and in the heart by 50 percent.  The researchers demonstrated potent anticoagulant properties, significantly reducing platelet aggregation.  Preventing your blood from getting too sticky is vital to healthy circulation and stroke prevention.  Boswella not only lowers factors in your blood that promote stickiness, but it also has a direct impact on the rate of clotting.  In this study it extended the prothrombin time on par with heparin.

The association of joint pain and obesity is a common finding.  Researchers now know that it isn’t just the extra weight causing mechanical wear and tear.  There appear to be common inflammation mechanisms causing both joint destruction and obesity.  One emerging culprit is excessive amounts of lipopolysaccharide (LPS).  LPS is generated as bacteria sheath off their outer wall.  Overweight individuals typically have imbalanced digestive bacteria making larger-than-normal amounts of LPS, which enter the general circulation and trigger inflammation, including joint inflammation.  Another new study shows that boswellia can directly attach itself to toxic LPS, preventing the LPS from doing anything inflammatory.  This is a novel way that boswellia reduces inflammation and is of particular value for individuals who are overweight and experiencing joint pain.

We are now in an epidemic of type 2 diabetes.  Interestingly, many people who persist in this condition also develop type 1 diabetes, because their pancreas gets too inflamed and tired out from having to try to make insulin all the time.  Another recent study shows that boswellia was able to prevent the rise in blood sugar due to toxin-induced type 1 diabetes.  Boswellia protected the insulin producing cells in the pancreas from damage.  It reduced a number of inflammatory messages, including two of the most common that are elevated when a person is overweight (IL-6 and TNFa).  This study supports the idea that boswellia can help protect the pancreas.

One of the hot topics in cancer research is the subject of epigenetics.  Epigenetics deals with the topic of how genes are expressed, rather than a true genetic malfunction based on a change to the DNA sequence.  Researchers studying epigenetics now realize the power of environment and nutrition to influence gene function and thus cancer risk. New research shows that boswellia is another nutrient that can influence epigenetic function.  Working with colon cancer cells researchers found that boswellia changed epigenetic function so that tumor suppressor genes started functioning again.

Boswellia continues to be an exciting nutrient with multiple health benefits.  There are many pathways of inflammation; boswellia is one of the most powerful natural inhibitors of the 5-lipoxygenase pathway.  Since virtually every poor condition of health that sets in during aging is associated with increased amounts of inflammation, you need all the help you can get to tilt the balance of anti-inflammation in your favor.  Boswellia is one nutrient worth having on your team.

Source:

http://www.wellnessresources.com/health/articles/boswellia_an_anti-inflammatory_with_multiple_talents/

Berberine Benefits

Berberine: Berberine is an alkaloid found in various different medicinal herbs. Probably the most popular herb containing berberine is Goldenseal (Hydrastis Canadensis), followed by Oregon grape (Berberis aquifolium) and Chinese Isatis (Isatis tinctoria).

A 1990 study tested the tumor-killing effect of berberine compared to the chemotherapy drug BCNU (carmustine) in both glioma cell cultures and in rodents implanted with tumors. Berberine alone produced a 91% kill rate in cell cultures, compared to 43% for BCNU. Combining berberine with BCNU yielded a kill rate of 97% (Zhang, RX et al 1990).

A 1994 paper described in vitro experiments using berberine alone, or in combination with laser treatments, on glioma cells. The combination was especially effective, suggesting “the possibility of berberine as a photosensitive agent” (Chen KT et al 1994).

A 2004 paper tells us that berberine increases the benefit of radiation treatment by making glioblastoma cells more sensitive to radiation damage, without affecting healthy brain cells (Wallace J et al 2004). A similar effect is seen in lung cancer wherein berberine sensitizes lung tumor cells to radiation (Peng PL et al 2008, Liu Y et al 2008).

Berberine slows the spread of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, decreasing motility of the tumor cells (Liu SJ et al 2008). Berberine inhibits gene expression and enzyme activity necessary for glioblastoma and astrocytoma growth (Wang DY et al 2002). It also inhibits an enzyme called arylamine N-acetyltransferase (NAT). NAT may initiate cancer and has been correlated with the carcinogenic effect of heterocyclic aromatic amines, the kind of chemicals formed when red meat is cooked (Hung CF et al 2000).
 
The scientific understanding of how berberine actually works continues to advance. A 2007 description suggested that berberine acts “through several ways, such as regulating apoptotic gene expression, suppressing the formation of tumor angiogenesis [and] blocking signal transduction pathway” (Yang J et al 2007). A 2008 study explained that berberine triggers apoptosis in glioblastoma cells through the mitochondrial caspases pathway (Eom KS et al 2008). As of 2009, research reported that berberine kills glioma cells through several mechanisms: “Cytotoxicity is attributable to apoptosis mainly through induced G2/M-arrested cells, in an ER-dependent manner, via a mitochondria-dependent caspase pathway regulated by Bax and Bcl-2” (Chen TC et al 2009).

 In 2010 explanations for action expanded to include the inhibition of NF-KappaB and the reduction of a series of chemicals that help cancer cells to survive, including one called survivin (Pazhang Y et al 2010). Survivin slows down apoptosis, allowing tumor cells to survive. Healthy cells do not produce survivin but cancer cells typically do (Pandey MK et al 2008).

Several hundred published papers suggest that berberine is effective against not only brain tumors but a range of cancers. In the last few months alone, several interesting papers have been published. Among their conclusions are: berberine prevents cell growth and induces apoptosis in breast cancer cells (Kim JB et al 2010; Patil JB et al 2010); berberine is cytotoxic to cervical cancer cells (Lu B et al 2010); berberine inhibits cell growth in pancreatic cancer cells by inducing DNA damage (Pinto-Garcia L et al 2010); and berberine triggers cellular suicide in tongue cancer (Ho YT et al 2009).

Boswellia: The resin from Boswellia serrata also has an important role in treating brain cancer. Boswellia is commonly used for treating inflammation because it acts as an NF-KappaB inhibitor. It is neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and reduces anxiety (Moussaieff A et al 2009).
One important use of boswellia is in the treatment of traumatic brain injuries. Boswellia decreases the brain swelling from glioblastoma, allowing a decrease in the use of prednisone and thus reducing its side effects (Janssen G et al 2000).

Boswellia inhibits hippocampal neurodegeneration and exerts a beneficial effect on functional outcome after closed head injury, as evidenced by reduced neurological severity scores and improved cognitive ability in an object recognition test (Moussaieff A et al 2008).
A 2006 paper reports that Boswellia serrata was gaining importance in the treatment of edema surrounding tumors and other chronic inflammatory diseases. This study suggested that boswellia might be considered as an alternative to corticosteroids in reducing cerebral peritumoral edema (Weber CC et al 2006).

Finding ways to reduce or replace steroid use in the treatment of brain tumors is important, since steroid drugs may protect brain tumor cells. According to a 2000 article in Neuroscience, “glucocorticoids are often used in the treatment of gliomas to relieve cerebral oedema, the inhibition of apoptosis by these compounds could potentially interfere with the efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs.” (Gorman AM et al 2000)
A 2006 study reported that steroids interfere with glioma cell apoptosis (Ní Chonghaile T et al 2006). Steroids block the cancer-killing action of camptothecin, a chemotherapy drug used in treating glioma (Qian YH et al 2009).

Boswelliamay be doubly useful for primary brain tumors. Studies published in 2000 (Winking M et al 2000) and 2002 (Park YS et al 2002) tell us that in addition to helping reduce cerebral swelling around the tumor, boswellia also kills glioblastoma cells in a dose-dependent manner.
Boswellia is also useful for treating secondary brain tumors. In 2007 researchers reported using boswellia to treat a patient with breast cancer metastasis to the brain. Familiar with the German research on using boswellia in the treatment of primary brain tumors, the team tried it with these secondary brain tumors and reported benefit. After ten weeks of boswellia treatment in combination with radiation treatment, all signs of brain metastases on the patient’s CT scans had disappeared (Flavin DF 2007).

Curcumin: Curcumin is extracted from turmeric rhizomes (Curcuma longa), a plant that has been eaten for thousands of years. As of this writing, the National Institute of Health’s website, PubMed, lists 1,335 published papers on curcumin and cancer in the peer-reviewed scientific literature.

A growing number of these studies focus specifically on using curcumin in connection with brain cancer. A 2006 paper tells us curcumin suppresses growth of glioblastoma by triggering the apoptotic pathways that destroy glioblastoma cells (Karmakar S et al 2006). Curcumin turns off the signals in the cells that protect glioblastoma cells from apoptosis, allowing the suicide process to destroy the cancer cells (Karmakar S et al 2007, Luthra PM et al 2009).

Curcumin has a similar action against other brain tumor types, including meduloblastoma cells and pituitary cancers (Bangaru ML et al 2010, Elamin MH et al 2010). Curcumin inhibits pituitary cancer from forming (Schaaf C et al 2010). It also slows growth of pituitary tumors and inhibits production of excess pituitary hormones by tumors (Schaaf C et al 2009, Miller M et al 2008).

Curcumin’s mechanisms of action are complex. It acts through multiple pathways, interfering with cancer growth and stimulating cancer destruction (Choi BH et al 2008). Curcumin decreases Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), a chemical that promotes tumor migration and invasion (Lu DY et al 2010, Song H et al 2006). It also acts as an angiogenesis inhibitor (Perry MC et al 2010).
An article in Brain Research confirms that curcumin crosses the blood brain barrier; thus reaching the brain and any tumor cells there (Purkayastha S et al 2009). A study published in the Journal of Neurochemistry reported that curcumin sensitized glioma cells to several of the chemotherapy drugs often utilized to treat brain cancers (cisplatin, etoposide, camptothecin, and doxorubicin) as well as to radiation. “These findings support a role for curcumin as an adjunct to traditional chemotherapy and radiation in the treatment of brain cancer” (Dhandapani KM et al 2007).

Curcumin has long been known for poor bioavilability, requiring high doses to achieve desired blood levels. A novel curcumin formulation, BCM-95^®, has been developed. It delivers up to seven times more bioactive curcumin to the blood than earlier curcumin formulations. Human evidence for the increased bioavailability of BCM-95^® was published in a 2008 study in the Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Science (Antony B et al 2008). An earlier animal trial was published in Spice India in 2006 (Merina B et al 2006).

Other Natural Ingredients

Quercetin: Quercetin enhances glioma cell death (Siegelin MD et al 2009). While killing cancer cells, quercetin protects healthy brain cells (Braganhol E et al 2006).
An especially interesting study tested a combination of quercetin and the chemotherapy drug temozolomide (Temodar®) on astrocytoma tumor cells. Temozolomide is commonly used for the treatment of glioma in conjunction with radiation therapy. This drug typically kills brain tumor cells by triggering a process called autophagy, while quercetin promotes necrosis in a dose dependent manner.

This study reported for the first time that quercetin combined with temozolomide was much more effective in inducing apoptosis, programmed cell death, in glioma cells than was either substance alone. To quote the authors, “Our results indicate that quercetin acts in synergy with temozolomide and when used in combination rather than in separate pharmacological application, both drugs are more effective in programmed cell death induction. Temozolomide administered with quercetin seems to be a potent and promising combination which might be useful in glioma therapy” (Jakubowicz-Gil J, et al 2010).

Resveratrol: Resveratrol also strongly inhibits brain tumor cells (Leone S et al 2008, Shao J et al 2009, Gagliano N et al 2010). Quercetin and resveratrol, when taken together “presented a strong synergism in inducing senescence-like growth arrest. These results suggest that combining these polyphenols can potentiate their antitumoral activity, thereby reducing the therapeutic concentration needed for glioma treatment” (Zamin LL et al 2009).

Green Tea and Coffee: People who drink five cups per day of tea or coffee are 40% less likely to get glioma (Holick CN et al 2010). A 2006 study informed us that the EGCG in green tea reduces the radio-resistance of glioblastoma cells potentially increasing the benefit of the standard radiation and chemotherapy treatment of this cancer (Karmakar S et al 2006).

Caffeine, found in significant quantities in coffee and green tea, inhibits migration of glioblastoma cells and increases survival (Kang SS et al 2010). It also makes glioma cells more sensitive to ionizing radiation and chemotherapy (Sinn B et al 2010). Caffeine enhances the effect of temozolomide in radiation treatments (Chalmers AJ et al 2009).

At least part of the explanation for these benefits is that coffee is a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) gamma agonist (Choi SY et al 2007). PPAR gamma agonists inhibit brain tumor growth and possibly even brain cancer stem cells (Grommes C et al 2010, Chearwae W 2008).
Sulforaphane: Sulforaphane is one of the active compounds in cruciferous vegetables, especially broccoli, responsible for their anti-cancer action. It has been shown to confer neuroprotection and preserve blood-brain-barrier integrity in animal models (Dash PK et al 2009).

Sulforaphane activates “multiple molecular mechanisms for apoptosis in glioblastoma cells following treatment” (Karmakar S et al 2006). Resveratrol and sulforaphane act synergistically against brain tumor cells. A 2010 article states, “Combination treatment with resveratrol and sulforaphane inhibits cell proliferation and migration, and reduces cell viability. Resveratrol and sulforaphane, may be a viable approach for the treatment of glioma.” (Jiang H et al 2010)

Source:

http://www.lef.org/protocols/cancer/brain-tumor/page-02

Can Berberine Prevent Tumors?

Synonyms

Acetone, berberine, barberry, benzophenanthridine alkaloid, berberin, berberin hydrochloride, berberine alkaloid, berberine bisulfate, berberine chloride, berberine complex, berberine hydrochloride, berberine iodide, berberine sulfate, berberine tannate, Berberis aquifolium, Berberis aristata, Berberis vulgaris, Coptis chinensis, coptis, goldenthread, goldenseal, Hydrastis canadensis, jiang tang san, Oregon grape, protoberberine, protoberberinium salts, tree turmeric.

 

Background

Berberine is a bitter-tasting, yellow, plant alkaloid with a long history of medicinal use in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. Berberine is present in the roots, rhizomes and stem bark of various plants including Hydrastis canadensis (goldenseal), Coptis chinensis (coptis or goldenthread), Berberis aquifolium (Oregon grape), Berberis vulgaris (barberry), and Berberis aristata (tree turmeric). Berberine has also been used historically as a dye, due to its yellow color.

Clinical trials have been conducted using berberine. There is some evidence to support its use in the treatment of trachomas (eye infections), bacterial diarrhea, and leishmaniasis (parasitic disease). Berberine has also shown antimicrobial activity against bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoans, helminths (worms), and chlamydia (STD). Future clinical research is warranted in these areas, as well as cardiovascular disease, skin disorders, and liver disorders.

Berberine has been shown to be safe in the majority of clinical trials. However, there is a potential for interaction between berberine and many prescription medications, and berberine should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women, due to potential for adverse effects in the newborn.

 

Evidence

DISCLAIMER: These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.
Heart failure: Preliminary research suggests that berberine, in addition to a standard prescription drug regimen for chronic congestive heart failure (CHF), may improve quality of life and heart function, and improve mortality. Further research is necessary before a firm conclusion can be drawn in this area.
Grade: B

Chloroquine-resistant malaria: One trial has assessed the use of berberine in combination with pyrimethamine in the treatment of chloroquine-resistant malaria. Well-designed clinical trials are still required in this field.
Grade: C

Diabetes (type 2): Historically, berberine has been suggested to aid in glycemic regulation. The safety and effectiveness of berberine for this indication remains unclear. More research is needed in this area.
Grade: C

Glaucoma: Preliminary study of berberine does not appear to reduce intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma. The safety and effectiveness of berberine for this indication remains unclear. Additional study is needed in this area.
Grade: C

H. pylori infection: Berberine has been compared with antibacterial drugs and ranitidine in stimulation of ulcer healing and Helicobacter pylori clearance. Berberine was suggested to be less effective at ulcer healing than ranitidine, but potentially more effective at Helicobacter pylori clearance. Additional study is needed in this area.
Grade: C

Hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol): Berberine may reduce triglycerides, serum cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol. Higher quality trials are needed before berberine's cholesterol-lowering effect can be established.
Grade: C

Infectious diarrhea: Berberine has been evaluated as a treatment for infectious diarrhea, including choleric diarrhea, although the data is conflicting. Therefore, there is currently insufficient evidence regarding the efficacy of berberine in the management of infectious diarrhea.
Grade: C

Parasitic infection (leishmania): The benefits of berberine in the treatment of leishmaniasis are widely accepted. Berberine is thought to be equally efficacious as the standard drug treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis, antimonite (sulfide mineral), although limited study of this treatment probably limits its widespread use. Additional study is needed to confirm these results.
Grade: C

Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count): Berberine has been shown to significantly increase platelet production in individuals with thrombocytopenia both as monotherapy and adjunctive therapy. Additional human study is needed to confirm these results.
Grade: C

Trachoma (eye disease): Berberine has been found to possess antimicrobial properties, and there is limited evidence of anti-inflammatory properties as well. Preliminary evidence suggests that berberine eye preparations may be beneficial for trachoma. However, the safety and efficacy of berberine for this indication remains unclear.
Grade: C

Tradition

WARNING: DISCLAIMER: The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.
Alcoholic liver disease, antibacterial, anticonvulsant, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial (typanosomes), antioxidant, antiviral, arthritis, bile secretion, burns, cancer, cardiovascular disease, dental conditions (root canal), dental hygiene, eye infections (general), fatigue, fever, headaches, high blood pressure, immunostimulant, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), leukemia, leukopenia, liver disease (alcoholic), osteoporosis, respiratory disorders, sedative, skin infections, urinary tract infection, ventricular tachyarrhythmias, yeast infections.

 

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)

A wide range of doses has been studied for berberine, although no dose has been proven effective. Berberine is possibly safe when taken by mouth in doses up to 2 grams daily for eight weeks. For hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol), 0.5 gram of berberine twice daily for three months has been used. For infectious diarrhea, berberine sulfate 400 milligrams as a single dose has been used. For thrombocytopenia, berberine bisulfate 5 milligrams, three times daily (20 minutes before meals) for 15 days has been used.

As an injection into the vein, berberine has been infused at a rate of 0.2 milligrams/kilogram per minute for 30 minutes. Injections should only be given under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist.
For trachoma, 0.2% berberine eye drops have been studied for eight weeks.

 

Children (younger than 18 years)

There is no proven effective dose for berberine in children. Nonetheless, berberine is possibly safe when used in otherwise healthy children, as young as two months, at recommended doses for treatment of diarrhea up to six days.

 

Safety

DISCLAIMER: Many complementary techniques are practiced by healthcare professionals with formal training, in accordance with the standards of national organizations. However, this is not universally the case, and adverse effects are possible. Due to limited research, in some cases only limited safety information is available.

 

Allergies

Avoided in individuals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to berberine, to plants that contain berberine [Hydrastis canadensis (goldenseal), Coptis chinensis (coptis or goldenthread), Berberis aquifolium (Oregon grape), Berberis vulgaris (barberry), and Berberis aristata (tree turmeric)], or to members of the Berberidaceae family. Allergic reactions have been reported, with symptoms of vomiting, itching, and a feeling of faintness.

 

Side Effects and Warnings

Berberine has been reported to cause nausea, vomiting, hypertension (high blood pressure), respiratory failure and paresthesias (abnormal sensations such as numbness or tingling); however, clinical evidence of such adverse effects is not prominent in the literature. Rare adverse effects including headache, skin irritation, facial flushing, headache, bradycardia (slowed heart rate) have also been reported with the use of berberine. Use cautiously when taking berberine for longer than eight weeks due to theoretical changes in bacterial gut flora.

Use cautiously in individuals with diabetes, as both human and animal studies indicate that berberine may decrease blood sugar levels. Also use cautiously in individuals with hypotension (low blood pressure), as berberine may have antihypertensive effects.

Patients with cardiovascular disease should also use caution as berberine has been associated with the development of ventricular arrhythmias in subjects with congestive heart failure.
Although not well studied in humans, berberine may also theoretically cause delays in small intestinal transit time or increase the risk of bleeding.

Berberine may cause abortion, eye or kidney irritation, nephritis (inflamed kidneys), dyspnea (difficulty breathing), flu-like symptoms, giddiness, lethargy, or liver toxicity.
Patients with leukopenia (abnormally low white blood cell count) should use cautiously due to the potential for development of leukopenia symptoms.
When injected under the skin, berberine may cause hyperpigmentation in the arm. Use berberine cautiously in individuals with high exposure to sunlight or artificial light due to potential for adverse phototoxic reactions.

Avoid in newborns due to potential for increase in free bilirubin, jaundice, and development of kernicterus (brain damage caused by severe newborn jaundice). Use berberine cautiously in children due to a lack of safety information.

 

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Berberine is not recommended in pregnant or breastfeeding women due to a lack of available scientific evidence. Although not well studied in humans, berberine has been suggested to have anti-fertility, abortifacient (abortion inducing), and uterine stimulant activity.
Berberine may cause kernicterus (brain damage) when used in newborn jaundiced babies, such as bilirubin encephalopathy (degenerative brain disease).

Interactions with Drugs

Berberine may counter or prevent irregular heartbeat. Caution is advised when taking berberine with other agents that alter heart rate.
Berberine may decrease the efficacy of tetracycline; in theory, berberine may decrease the efficacy of other agents with antibacterial activity.

Berberine bisulfate may stimulate platelet formation, and berberine may have an antiheparin action. Thus, berberine may interact with certain drugs that increase the risk of bleeding, and reduce their effectiveness. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants ("blood thinners") such as warfarin (Coumadin®) or heparin, anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix®), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®) or naproxen (Naprosyn®, Aleve®). However, berberine may be hepatoprotective (liver protective) when administered before toxic doses of acetaminophen.

Berberine may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may also lower blood sugar. Patients taking drugs for diabetes by mouth or insulin should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary. Berberine may decrease total and LDL cholesterol, as well as triglycerides. Caution is advised in patients taking any cholesterol-lowering agents.

There may be additive hypotensive (blood pressure lowering) effects and bradycardia (slowed heart rate) when combining berberine with agents that lower blood pressure. Caution is advised.
Berberine may modulate the expression and function of PGP-170 in hepatoma cells. In theory, berberine may interact with antineoplastic agents.

Berberine and berberine sulfate have anti-inflammatory effects and may interact with COX-2 inhibitors. COX-2 inhibitor drugs include celecoxib (Celebrex®) and rofecoxib (Vioxx®).
Berberine may elevate the blood concentration of cyclosporin A. Caution is advised.
Berberine may interfere with the way the body processes certain drugs using the liver's "cytochrome P450" enzyme system. As a result, the levels of these drugs may be increased in the blood, and may cause increased effects or potentially serious adverse reactions. Patients using any medications should check the package insert, and speak with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, about possible interactions.

Although not well studied in humans, there may be a potential for synergism between berberine chloride and fluconazole. Berberine and L-phenylephrine may have additive effects when administered concurrently. Furthermore, berberine may reverse the secretory properties of neostigmine (Prostigmin®).

Berberine and 1,3-bis (2-chloroethyl)-1-nitosurea (BCNU) may have additive effects.
Berberine may increase sensitization to acetylcholine's hypotensive (blood pressure lowering) effects.
P-glycoprotein may contribute to the poor intestinal absorption of berberine.
It is been purported that berberine may have sedative effects. Although human study is lacking, caution is advised.

Berberine may competitively inhibit the binding of yohimbine to platelets. Patients taking yohimbine should consult with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, to check for interactions.

 

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

Berberine may counter or prevent irregular heartbeat. Caution is advised when taking berberine with other herbs that alter heart rate. Berberine may decrease the efficacy of tetracycline; thus, in theory, berberine may decrease the efficacy of herbs with antibacterial activity.

Berberine bisulfate may stimulate platelet formation, and berberine may have an antiheparin action. Thus, berberine may interact with certain herbs that increase the risk of bleeding and reduce their effectiveness. Multiple cases of bleeding have been reported with the use of Ginkgo biloba, and fewer cases with garlic and saw palmetto. Numerous other agents may theoretically increase the risk of bleeding, although this has not been proven in most cases.

There may be additive hypotensive (blood pressure lowering) effects and bradycardia (slowed heart rate) when combining berberine with herbs that lower blood pressure. Caution is advised.
Berberine may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using herbs or supplements that may also lower blood sugar. Blood glucose levels may require monitoring, and doses may need adjustment.

Berberine may decrease total and LDL cholesterol, as well as triglycerides. Caution is advised in patients taking herbs or supplements with cholesterol-lowering effects, such as red yeast rice.
Concomitant use of berberine-containing herbs may increase the risk of berberine toxicity. Berberine-containing herbs include: bloodroot, goldenseal, celandine, Chinese goldthread, goldthread, Oregon grape (Mahonia species), amur cork tree, and Chinese corktree.

Berberine may interfere with the way the body processes certain herbs or supplements using the liver's "cytochrome P450" enzyme system. As a result, the levels of other herbs or supplements may become too high in the blood. It may also alter the effects that other herbs or supplements possibly have on the P450 system.

Although not well studied in humans, berberine may have sedative effects.
Based on clinical study, tyramine-containing foods, such as wine, cheese, and chocolate, may have an interaction with berberine due to berberine's effect on decreasing levels of tyramine.
Berberine may competitively inhibit the binding of yohimbine to platelets. In addition, due to the antifertililty properties of berberine, use of yohimbe for fertility may not be effective.
Berberine may decrease the metabolism of vitamin B; therefore, the concomitant use of berberine with vitamin B should be avoided.

Source:

 http://www.healthline.com/natstandardcontent/berberine#4