Berberine
Berberine is a bioactive compound classified as an alkaloid, extracted from several plants including goldenseal, barberry, and Oregon grape. It has a long history of use in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. It primarily functions by activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), often referred to as a metabolic master switch, which helps regulate glucose and lipid metabolism.
Dosage by Body Weight
The standard dosage is 900 to 1,500 mg daily, typically divided into three doses of 500 mg each. It is best taken with or shortly after a meal to minimize gastrointestinal discomfort and capture the post-prandial blood glucose blunting effect.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Contraindicated
- Frequency
- Do not administer
- Tracking Notes
- Strictly contraindicated in newborns and infants due to the high risk of displacing bilirubin, potentially causing kernicterus (brain damage).
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- Not recommended
- Frequency
- Do not administer
- Tracking Notes
- Safety and efficacy have not been established for infants and young children.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- Not recommended
- Frequency
- Do not administer
- Tracking Notes
- Safety and efficacy have not been established for infants and young children.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- Not recommended
- Frequency
- Do not administer
- Tracking Notes
- Safety and efficacy have not been established for young children.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- Not recommended
- Frequency
- Do not administer
- Tracking Notes
- Safety and efficacy have not been established for young children.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Contraindicated | Do not administer | Strictly contraindicated in newborns and infants due to the high risk of displacing bilirubin, potentially causing kernicterus (brain damage). |
| 5-7 kg | Not recommended | Do not administer | Safety and efficacy have not been established for infants and young children. |
| 8-10 kg | Not recommended | Do not administer | Safety and efficacy have not been established for infants and young children. |
| 11-15 kg | Not recommended | Do not administer | Safety and efficacy have not been established for young children. |
| 16-20 kg | Not recommended | Do not administer | Safety and efficacy have not been established for young children. |
Formulation
Purpose
Commonly used to assist in blood glucose management, improve lipid profiles by lowering cholesterol, aid in weight management, and support gastrointestinal health.
Generic Name
BerberineBranded Drug Names
Berberine is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:
Scheduled Drug
No. This medicine is generally not treated as a scheduled/prescription-only drug in common consumer references, but local rules may vary.