Berberine and health outcomes: An umbrella review
Li Z, Wang Y, Xu Q, Ma J, Li X
Published in Phytotherapy Research
Methodology
Umbrella review of 11 meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials of berberine, graded with AMSTAR-2 and GRADE, searched to June 2022
Key Findings
Berberine affected glucose, insulin resistance, lipids, body composition, inflammatory markers, colorectal adenomas and H. pylori, but most pooled estimates rested on low or very low GRADE certainty.
Conclusions
Effects are broad and consistent in direction, yet the underlying evidence quality is weak.
Limitations
Certainty limited by primary-trial bias and small samples; overlapping meta-analyses.
Supplements Studied
This review aimed to summarize and to grade the available evidence on the association between berberine consumption and health-related outcomes.
Most meta-analyses of berberine were rated low or critically low quality, tempering confidence in reported benefits.
Outcomes Measured
Most meta-analyses of botanical supplements were rated low or critically low quality, tempering confidence in reported hormonal effects.
Most meta-analyses of berberine were rated low or critically low quality, tempering confidence in reported metabolic benefits.
The results revealed that berberine significantly affects blood glucose levels, insulin resistance, blood lipids, body parameters and composition, inflammatory markers, colorectal adenomas, and Helicobacter pylori inf
Study Details
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Disclosures
Funding
Not reported
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.