Berberine is a phytochemical belonging to the alkaloid class. Berberine is found in a wide range of plants but is concentrated in barberry plants (Berberidaceae), huang lian (Coptis rhizomes) and goldenseal (Hydrastis Canadensis). Berberine has a number of medicinal effects and this may include the ability to regulate, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism favourably. For example, studies show that berberine can influence the microbiota in the consumer, such that the diversity of the organism is reduced. This may affect metabolic regulation indirectly. Berberine can also inhibit the carbohydrate digesting enzyme α-glucosidase, which may alter the digestion of starch and the absorption of glucose. Berberine may also affect the differentiation of adipocytes through changes in gene expression of cellular regulators. In addition, berberine can regulate hepatic gluconeogenesis which may down regulate glucose production in the liver. This last effect may also explain why berberine is also effective at lowering circulating levels of lipids.
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