Berberine in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Lan J, Zhao Y, Dong F, Yan Z, Zheng W, Fan J, Sun G
Published in Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Methodology
Meta-analysis of 27 randomised trials of berberine, the principal alkaloid in goldenseal, for glucose and lipid control
Key Findings
Berberine lowered fasting glucose, HbA1c and LDL cholesterol comparably to standard oral hypoglycaemics when combined with lifestyle change.
Conclusions
Most claimed metabolic benefits of goldenseal derive from berberine, studied almost entirely as an isolated compound rather than as goldenseal root.
Limitations
Trials mostly Chinese, small and at moderate risk of bias; berberine dose in goldenseal products is far lower.
Supplements Studied
Berberine lowered fasting blood glucose, HbA1c and LDL cholesterol comparably with standard oral hypoglycaemic agents.
Berberine lowered fasting glucose, HbA1c and LDL cholesterol comparably to standard oral hypoglycaemics when combined with lifestyle change.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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