With diet culture on the rise, berberine has been gaining attention. Online anecdotes are full of users swearing it’s a game-changer for weight loss, and it’s become increasingly popular among women with PCOS for its apparent ability to alleviate symptoms. In the most sensational claims, the best berberine supplements have even been likened to Ozempic, driving a frenzy of content – almost 40,000 posts on TikTok – and a surge in Google searches for the herb.
Vogue’s top pick of berberine supplements:
While it’s true that berberine can help curb sugar cravings, current research doesn’t support its comparisons to Ozempic or other pharmaceutical drugs. It is not an appetite suppressant, and doesn’t slow stomach emptying in the way semaglutides do. So what does berberine actually do? We asked experts to verify the trending claims, from how berberine helps PCOS to whether the buzz around its weight loss benefits is to be believed.
In this article:
See the Vogue-approved best berberine supplements below
JSHealth Berberine+
- Why it’s Vogue-recommended: This berberine supplement comes in doses recommended by endocrinologist Dr Jolene Brighten – at 550mg, each capsule provides a serving of berberine within the range clinical studies have shown to be effective. It also contains chromium, a mineral that works synergistically with berberine to stabilise blood sugar levels.
- Editor’s note: This formula is unique in that it combines 550mg of berberine phospholipids (a form of the extract designed to survive the digestive tract for increased bioavailability) with a further 500mg of berberine hydrochloride. Though the directions call for two capsules daily, you may wish to start with one and build up if you’re sensitive to stomach upset.
- Berberine dosage: 500mg
- Size: 60 capsules
Artah Metabolic Fix
- Why it’s Vogue-recommended: When choosing a supplement, nutritionist Rhian Stephenson recommends lower doses of Berberine paired with ingredients that enhance its effects. Here, berberine features alongside a supporting cast that includes chromium, cinnamon bark, myo-inositol and NAC. “NAC, for example, has shown consistent improvements in insulin resistance and fasting blood sugar in those with PCOS, metabolic syndrome, and obesity,” she says.
- Editor’s note: I’ve been through three bottles of this supplement and can attest that it does what it says. I’m less bloated after eating, don’t feel as peckish between meals, and I noticed improvements to my PCOS symptoms by the second month of use. It also includes L-carnitine, which is known to increase fat burning, and has helped me shift weight from areas that have been typically stubborn in the past.
- Berberine dosage: 200mg per 2 capsules
- Size: 60 capsules
Natroceutics Berberine Complex
Natroceutics Berberine Complex
- Why it’s Vogue-recommended: Set apart by its use of liposomes, this supplement encases berberine in a protective bubble that shields against digestive acids, helping more of the extract reach your bloodstream, where it can lower glucose levels. Elsewhere, it’s enhanced with chromium for blood sugar support.
- Editor’s note: On the higher end of the dosage range, this one may be more suited to those who are acclimatised to berberine or not prone to experiencing gut side effects.
- Berberine dosage: 550mg per capsule
- Size: 60 capsules
What’s That Patch Crave Control
What’s That Patch Crave Control
- Why it’s Vogue-recommended: If you’ve been following the TikTok boom, you’ll know berberine patches have amassed a huge fan base. Offering an alternative for the pill-averse, these form promises transdermal delivery for a gradual delivery of berberine that skips digestion and is absorbed through the skin. It’s worth noting that research on efficacy is not as extensive for berberine patches as it is for pills – but when we tried the patches, we did notice fewer cravings throughout the day.
- Editor’s note: Designed to stick on skin all day for a slow release of the extract, these can sometimes be quite tricky to take off. We recommend wetting the patch with a bit of water first for the easiest removal.
- Berberine dosage: Not stated
- Size: 30 patches
FAQs
What is berberine?
Berberine is a compound found in certain plants, including barberry, goldenseal and tree turmeric. It might appear trendy, but it has longstanding roots in ancient naturopathic remedies. “It has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for blood sugar, inflammation, and gut health, and has now emerged as a well-studied herb for metabolic health,” Stephenson notes.
How does berberine work?
“Berberine works primarily by activating an enzyme called AMPK – often referred to as the body’s ‘metabolic master switch’ – which improves insulin sensitivity, lowers blood glucose levels, and supports fat metabolism,” Dr Brighten explains.
Another area where berberine impacts is the gut microbiome. “Studies show it can increase levels of Akkermansia muciniphila, a keystone bacterial species linked to improved metabolic function,” according to Stephenson. “Because berberine supports Akkermansia levels in the gut, it has been associated with weight loss, craving control and overall metabolic efficiency.”
What does berberine do for PCOS?
Berberine improves insulin sensitivity, which is often impaired in people with PCOS. “Because insulin resistance is a major driver of hormonal imbalances in conditions like PCOS, berberine can indirectly support hormone regulation, improve ovulatory function, and aid in weight management,” says Dr Brighten. This could explain why many reviewers report more regular periods when taking the supplement.
Stephenson adds that these improvements to insulin sensitivity can decrease androgen levels. Symptomatic of PCOS, high androgen levels cause thick hair growth in areas like the face and chest for women with the syndrome, and so berberine can be beneficial for reducing unwanted hair growth.
How much berberine should I take?
Per Dr Brighten, most clinical studies showing benefits from berberine use doses of 500 mg, taken two to three times per day before meals, for a total daily dose of 1,000-1,500 mg. “This dosing schedule helps maintain stable blood levels and supports its effects on blood sugar, insulin, and lipids.”
However, Stephenson advises starting with lower doses to avoid discomfort. “I see a lot of people jumping straight into the maximum dosage – which is about 1,000-1,500mg per day for up to 6 months – but this can come with the risk of side effects, like diarrhoea, cramping and stomach pain,” she warns.
Who should not take berberine?
Both experts say that berberine should be completely avoided in pregnancy and used with caution by those with liver or kidney disease. If you have low blood sugar or high gut sensitivity, you may not tolerate berberine well. Crucially, those on prescription medications ought to seek their doctor’s approval before supplementing with berberine. “People taking medications for diabetes should consult a practitioner due to potential interactions,” Dr Brighten informs us.
Meet the experts:
- Dr Jolene Brighten, FABNE, MSCP, is a board-certified endocrinologist and the author of several books on women’s health
- Rhian Stephenson is an acclaimed nutritionist and naturopath
