In the world of blood sugar management and weight loss, berberine is quickly gaining recognition as a powerful natural alternative to popular prescription drugs like Ozempic. Ozempic (Semaglutide) has become a go-to treatment for stabilising blood sugar and promoting weight loss. While Ozempic has revolutionised weight loss and diabetes treatment, berberine is emerging as an equally compelling option—offering similar benefits but through a unique and entirely different biological mechanism.
Ozempic's rise to fame, however, has also created a new wave of celebrity endorsements, with many high-profile individuals using it for weight loss.1 This has increased the demand for the drug, causing a shortage and price increases. As a result, many individuals who rely on Ozempic for medical conditions like type 2 diabetes are finding it difficult to get supplies. 2
What Is Ozempic and how does it work?
Ozempic is part of a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. These medications stimulate the release of GLP-1, which increases insulin secretion when blood sugar levels rise. Additionally, GLP-1 slows gastric emptying and suppresses appetite, leading to improved blood sugar control and potential weight loss. This multi-faceted mechanism has made Ozempic a game-changer in the management of type 2 diabetes and obesity. 3
How Berberine works: A different pathway
Berberine is a constituent found in herbs including Barberry, Goldenseal, Oregon grape and Turmeric. Unlike Ozempic, which directly stimulates GLP-1 release, berberine works through a different mechanism. It activates an enzyme called AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which is essential for regulating energy balance, glucose metabolism, and fat storage. By activating AMPK, berberine improves insulin sensitivity, enhances glucose uptake by cells, and helps lower blood sugar levels. 4 Berberine's metabolites also play a significant role in its beneficial effects on metabolic health, particularly in managing type 2 diabetes. 5
Research has shown that berberine not only regulates glucose metabolism but also supports cardiovascular health, reduces hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol), and combats hypertension. 4 A meta-analysis of 27 studies has concluded that berberine can be just as effective as conventional diabetes medications like metformin in managing blood glucose levels. 5
Berberine and Weight Loss
Beyond regulating blood sugar, berberine has shown promise in aiding weight loss. A 2020 review of 12 studies published in Clinical Nutrition ESPEN found that berberine supplementation positively affected body weight, body mass index (BMI), and belly fat in individuals with obesity. 6 By improving insulin sensitivity and regulating glucose metabolism, berberine helps reduce fat accumulation, promoting weight loss. This makes berberine an attractive natural alternative for those struggling with both type 2 diabetes and excess weight.
Berberine's Impact on GLP-1 Secretion
Recent studies have also shed light on berberine's potential to stimulate GLP-1 secretion, providing an additional mechanism for regulating blood sugar. Unlike Ozempic, which directly stimulates GLP-1, berberine activates pathways that enhance GLP-1 production. A study published in The American Journal of Chinese Medicine in 2024 demonstrated that berberine metabolites could reduce oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, which in turn increased GLP-1 secretion. This boosted glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. 7 The study identified two specific berberine metabolites—berberrubine (BBB) and palmatine (PMT)—which significantly increased GLP-1 production and enhanced glucose tolerance in mice. BBB and PMT also protected cells from oxidative damage and inflammation, further improving their function. Moreover, berberine has been shown to activate bitter taste receptors in the gut, specifically TAS2R38, which plays a role in GLP-1 release, contributing to berberine's blood sugar-lowering effects. 8 These findings suggest that berberine's impact on GLP-1 secretion may be a key factor in its beneficial effects on glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity.
Additional Herbs: Cinnamon and Fenugreek
While berberine is emerging as a powerful natural alternative to Ozempic, other herbs also have effects of stimulating GLP-1 secretion and enhancing metabolic health.
Cinnamon: A spice with multiple benefits
Cinnamon herbal tincture has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Recent research suggests that cinnamon may also stimulate GLP-1 release, improving insulin sensitivity and helping regulate blood sugar levels. A study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that Cinnamon supplementation improved insulin sensitivity in individuals with type 2 diabetes. 9 By increasing insulin secretion and promoting glucose uptake by cells, Cinnamon can be a useful addition for managing type 2 diabetes and weight.
Fenugreek: A fibre-rich herb for blood sugar control
Fenugreek, another herb widely used in both cooking and traditional medicine, has demonstrated promising effects on blood sugar control. Fenugreek seeds are rich in soluble fibre, which helps regulate glucose absorption and improve insulin sensitivity. Research suggests that Fenugreek may also enhance GLP-1 secretion, making it an excellent option for managing blood sugar levels naturally. A study published in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies found that fenugreek supplementation significantly improved blood glucose levels and insulin sensitivity in people with type 2 diabetes. 10
Conclusion
Although berberine does not directly substitute for Ozempic, it offers similar benefits, especially in regulating blood sugar, improving insulin sensitivity, and weight loss. By activating AMPK and potentially stimulating GLP-1 secretion, berberine provides a multi-faceted approach to metabolic health. Also, when combined with other herbs like Cinnamon and Fenugreek, it provides natural support for individuals with type 2 diabetes and those seeking to manage their weight.
References:
- Standard. Which celebrities are on Ozempic? Sharon Osbourne, James Corden, Oprah Winfrey, Kathy Bates. The Standard. Published January 23, 2023. Available from: https://www.standard.co.uk/showbiz/which-celebrities-are-on-ozempic-sharon-osbourne-james-corden-oprah-winfrey-kathy-bates-b1202353.html
- Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Ozempic (semaglutide) shortage 2022-2025. Therapeutic Goods Administration. Published September 30, 2022. Available from: https://www.tga.gov.au/safety/shortages/information-about-major-medicine-shortages/ozempic-semaglutide-shortage-2022-2025
- Diabetes UK. (2023). Ozempic. Retrieved from https://www.diabetes.org.uk/about-diabetes/looking-after-diabetes/treatments/tablets-and-medication/glp-1/semaglutide/ozempic
- Feng X, Sureda A, Jafari S, et al. Berberine in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases: from mechanisms to therapeutics. Theranostics. 2019;9(7):1923-1951. doi:10.7150/thno.30787
- Lan J, Zhao Y, Dong F, et al. Meta-analysis of the effect and safety of berberine in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, hyperlipemia and hypertension. J Ethnopharmacol. 2015;161:69-81. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2014.09.049
- Asbaghi O, Ghanbari N, Shekari M, et al. The effect of berberine supplementation on obesity parameters, inflammation and liver function enzymes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Clin Nutr ESPEN. 2020;38:43-49. doi:10.1016/j.clnesp.2020.04.010
- Yu, Y., Hao, G., Zhang, Q., Hua, W., Wang, M., Zhou, W., Zong, S., Huang, M., & Wen, X. (2015). Berberine induces GLP-1 secretion through activation of bitter taste receptor pathways. Biochemical Pharmacology, 97(2), 173-177. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bcp.2015.07.012
- Yang W. L., Zhang C. Y., Ji W. Y., Zhao L. L., Yang F. Y., Zhang L., & Cao X. Berberine Metabolites Stimulate GLP-1 Secretion by Alleviating Oxidative Stress and Mitochondrial Dysfunction. The American Journal of Chinese Medicine. 2024;52(1):253-274. https://doi.org/10.1142/S0192415X24500113
- Jiang, Y., Zhang, S., Xu, Y., et al. (2024). The effects of cinnamon supplementation on insulin sensitivity in individuals with type 2 diabetes. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
- Sharma, R., Choudhury, M., & Verma, S. (2016). Fenugreek supplementation improves blood glucose levels and insulin sensitivity in individuals with type 2 diabetes. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies