The use of berberine in the treatment of diabetes: The available evidence and expert opinion

Abstract

Nutritional supplements have been increasingly used in the prevention and treatment of a variety of chronic disorders including diabetes. Research evidence has been increasing suggesting the usefulness of several supplements including fenugreek, cinnamon, and lipoic acid in the management of diabetes.During the previous decades, berberines, a plant alkaloid that can be obtained from Rhizoma Coptidis and Coptis Chinensis Franch have been reported mostly by Chinese researchers to have beneficial effects in diabetes. This paper reviews the available evidence supporting the use of berberine in diabetes with the aim of providing expert opinion.Expert opinion: The available evidence suggests that berberine has anti-diabetic effects through improving insulin secretion and it can also improves lipids profile. Berberine has been reported to have pancreatic β-cells protective and can increase peripheral tissues insulin sensitivity. It can also stimulate glycolysis, and thus it can improve insulin resistance. In addition, it can inhibit intestinal α-glucosidase and reducing absorption of glucose decrease. However, the available evidence research also suggests the usefulness of several other supplements including fenugreek, cinnamon, and lipoic acid in the management of diabetes. Therefore, the choice of diabetic supplement depends to some extent on the availability and cost. It seems that berberine is the most available and cost effective diabetic supplement in China, however, it is not in other counties in the world including Iraq.