Is Berberine Really "Nature's Ozempic" and Should You Try It?

Medically reviewed by Barbie Cervoni MS, RD, CDCES, CDN

Ozempic is the hottest buzzword in health news these days. From subways to buses and tabloids to talk shows, it is impossible not to see mentions of or ads for Ozempic everywhere, touting its benefits for quick weight loss. Now, another plant-derived supplement is entering the scene. Berberine has gained popularity for its natural blood sugar-lowering effects, and is being called "nature's Ozempic." Is berberine really a natural alternative to the prescription drug Ozempic? We asked the experts to find out.

Understanding Berberine and Ozempic

Berberine is a natural bioactive compound extracted from different plants, including barberry, goldenseal, tree turmeric, and a group of shrubs called Berberis. It is a bitter-tasting, yellowed-colored compound that is frequently used as a dye and sold as a supplement in capsules filled with yellow powder.

Berberine has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine and is widely used to treat diarrhea and other gastrointestinal complaints. More recently, modern science is capitalizing on its benefits for various health conditions. Research on berberine points to its benefits, including reducing blood sugar levels, decreasing insulin resistance, increasing beneficial bacteria in the gut, improving blood lipids, promoting weight loss, and protecting against fatty liver.

Related: What Is an Appetite Suppressant?

The prescription medication Ozempic is intended for individuals with type 2 diabetes to manage blood sugar levels concurrently with diet and exercise changes. Ozempic may also help lower the risk of heart attack and stroke for those who have both heart disease and diabetes. Recent research (and lots of anecdotal evidence) has shown that Ozempic is effective for weight loss as well. Studies on Ozempic have proven users lose weight for several years. Although this is buzzing now it's been going on for a long time.

Ozempic, also called semaglutide, is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, which means that it helps the body to increase insulin secretion from the pancreas, inhibit glucagon release, and suppress hepatic gluconeogenesis, or glucose release from the liver. The main mechanism of the drug is delayed gastric emptying which suppresses appetite. According to Dr. Charlie Seltzer, MD, a board-certified physician in obesity medicine and internal medicine, "the reason that Ozempic causes weight loss is that it suppresses appetite very strongly." A reduced appetite means less food intake which means weight loss.

Berberine vs. Ozempic: Examining the Similarities and Differences

Berberine is gaining traction in the media as "Nature's Ozempic" due to its potential effects on the body. One of the main actions of berberine is the activation of an enzyme called AMPK, which plays a role in regulating metabolism and energy levels. It lowers blood sugar by increasing the amount of glucose that is taken into muscle cells.

Both Work in Various Ways to Reduce Blood Sugar

Similar to Ozempic, berberine seems to work via a number of different ways to lower blood sugar levels, including decreasing insulin resistance, increasing glycolysis (the process that helps the body break down sugars inside cells), decreasing sugar production in the liver, and creating antimicrobial benefits to help alleviate gastrointestinal complaints and improve the gut microbiome. However, studies on berberine are small and short. You can't really compare as if the two products were apples to apples.

Both May Aid in Weight Management

Berberine may also help with weight management. According to Justine Chan, MHSc, RD, CDE, "while the results are still preliminary, in studies targeting cells and involving rats, berberine was shown to stimulate the same gut hormone that Ozempic targets. This hormone helps you feel full for a longer time, making you eat less. Berberine may also reduce leptin levels, which can act as a natural appetite suppressant." Note that we cannot compare animal studies to human studies, however, we can use the learnings from animal studies to inform future human studies or to hypothesize about potential benefits or mechanisms in humans.

It's important to note that the results from taking each product are drastically different. Berberine use may yield a small amount of weight loss, whereas, Ozempic can yield a large amount. Additionally, neither product is a replacement for behavioral and lifestyles changes like diet and exercise.

Related: The 9 Best Supplements for Heart Health, According to a Dietitian

Ozempic Has a Larger Impact on Appetite

The most profound difference between berberine and Ozempic is its effect. "There are a few studies that show berberine can suppress appetite, but the impact is negligible compared to Ozempic," says Seltzer. Additionally, since berberine is a supplement, it is not regulated by the FDA, whereas Ozempic is approved for use as second-line treatment in type 2 diabetes (but not necessarily solely for weight loss).

Dose and Delivery Method

Another key difference: berberine is a supplement that is taken in a capsule by mouth whereas Ozempic is a weekly injection. While limited studies have been done, the suggested effective dose of berberine is 500 milligrams taken 2 to 3 times daily with meals. The dose of Ozempic is prescribed in conjunction with your healthcare provider based on your individual needs. Individuals generally start at 0.25 milligrams weekly and work up to 1 or 2 milligrams weekly.

The Scientific Evidence Behind Berberine

So, what does the research say about berberine? And is it worth trying?

• In one mice study, researchers examined the effect of berberine on GLUT2 translocation and intestinal glucose absorption in type 2 diabetes mouse model. Mice were given berberine for 6 weeks and found that it improved glucose tolerance and systemic insulin sensitivity in diabetic mice.

• Limited studies in humans and animals indicate that berberine could play a role in weight loss, but there aren't large enough, high-quality clinical trials to use this in practice.

• In another review of 12 studies, researchers found that supplementing with berberine resulted in significant reductions in body weight, body mass index, and belly fat.

• Other small trials suggest that berberine can help lower cholesterol and reduce your risk of heart disease. In a review of 16 studies, berberine was found to help with lowering total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and blood triglycerides, and increasing HDL cholesterol.

• It's important to note that high blood sugar is a major risk factor for heart disease, which is shown to be improved with berberine.

Note that much of the research on berberine is done in small studies or in animal models and many of these benefits need more robust research before any definitive recommendations can be made.

Expert Opinions and Recommendations

As the popularity of berberine and Ozempic are increasing, clinicians are gaining more experience with these supplements and medications for their patients.

"While berberine falls behind Ozempic in terms of its potential health benefits, it may curb your appetite a bit since it slows down carbohydrate digestion in the stomach," explains Catherine Karnatz, MPH, RD. Dr. Seltzer adds, "It may be worthwhile to try berberine, but I would not expect too much from a weight loss standpoint."

While berberine is generally recognized as safe, there are some risks to taking it for some individuals. Taking berberine may result in digestive issues such as gas, constipation, diarrhea, or bloating. "Individuals prescribed blood sugar management medications like metformin should proceed with caution if they are considering taking berberine, as the supplement may negatively interact with this drug class and cause hypoglycemia," states Karnatz.

Always consult a healthcare provider before beginning any new supplements or medications, especially if you have any co-occurring conditions or take medication.

Related: Can You Prevent Diabetes With Diet and Exercise?

Safety, Side Effects, and Precautions

As is the case with all supplements, berberine is not regulated by the FDA. If you do decide to incorporate the supplement into your routine, look for berberine that is third-party tested for purity and potency by a company such as USP, NSF, or ConsumerLab. This indicates that the product is free of potentially dangerous ingredients and contains what it claims on the label.

Known side effects of berberine are gastrointestinal-related and may include vomiting, diarrhea, gas, and bloating.

Berberine may be contraindicated in individuals taking other medications for diabetes that may lower blood sugar, so always check with a healthcare provider before adding the supplement. Further, berberine may not be considered safe for those taking drugs or herbs that improve blood clotting. Additionally, "pregnant or breastfeeding individuals or anyone trying to conceive should steer clear of berberine as the supplement can respectively transfer through the placenta and breast milk to baby," adds Karnatz,

Related: The 12 Best Supplements, According to a Dietitian

Making an Informed Decision

Current research on berberine is promising for lowering blood sugar, playing a role in weight loss, decreasing the risk of heart disease, and more. However, sometimes supplements are marketed with benefits that seem too good to be true. In this case, more research needs to be done before firm recommendations can be made. It is agreed upon amongst many experts, however, that berberine's effect is negligible compared to Ozempic, though it's worth a try if Ozempic isn't indicated. Additionally, the studies conducted are not long-term, so we do not know the long-term side effects of berberine.

Always be sure to weigh the available evidence and consult with a healthcare provider before beginning a supplement. Everyone has individualized needs and it is always important to lean on personalized, evidenced-based care in managing health conditions.

The Bottom Line

While berberine is showing promising potential in many areas, it is critical to approach its use with caution and under professional guidance. Individual responses to supplements vary and what works for one person may not work for another. Be sure to consult with a healthcare provider to make informed decisions that align with your specific health needs and goals.