Berberine is an ammonium salt that occurs in plants like barberry (Berberis vulgaris), Oregon grape (Berberis aquafolium) and tree turmeric (Berberis aristata). Others without the berberis prefix include Amur cork tree, Californian poppy, and prickly poppy. It exists in the bark, roots, stems, and rhizomes of the various plants.
It is yellow in color and was initially used to dye things like leather, wool, and even wood. It was traditionally used as a dietary supplement and medicine against bacterial infections, yeast, fungal infections, and parasites.
Uses
It has been seen as a good treatment for trachoma, a bacterial infection that afflicts the eye and may cause blindness. It is also present in some eye drops for the treatment of eye conditions.
Due to its antibiotic properties, some people apply it topically on the skin to treat burns and other injuries. It is said to kill bacteria thus reducing the occurrence of an infection in the affected area, such as hyaluronic acid.
Congestive heart failure exhibits a weak heartbeat. Berberine has been found to increase the strength and activity of the heart meaning an improvement in the condition. This, in turn, improves the quality of life for the patient and also increases their mortality. This occurs when Berberine is paired with prescription drug therapy.
Studies have been conducted on both animals and humans and they revealed that berberine has an effect on blood glucose. It was found to reduce blood sugar by reducing insulin resistance. This greatly improves diabetes in a patient.
A recent study unearthed the ability of Berberine to curb damage to brain molecules from oxidation. It does this by inhibiting the action of the enzymes that break down memory molecules in the brain. It also reduces the number of peptides that may interfere with memory function and lowers lipids that may inhibit blood flow to the brain. As a result, it may also be able to keep Alzheimer’s disease at bay.
It helps in the reduction of total blood cholesterol and bad (LDL) cholesterol as well. This improves weight loss possibilities, heart health, and general health.
Other studies conducted showed that it could also reduce inflammation, improve bone density, reduces the spread of cancer cells and even protect you from brain damage. It tackles almost all the major problems that may afflict the human body thus ensuring great health.
Precautions
Pregnant women and those that are nursing should not take this compound because it may affect the unborn child or the nursing child respectively.
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