Berberine May Help Support Healthy Cholesterol Levels

Berberine is a naturally occurring compound found in plants such as goldenseal, Oregon grape, and tree turmeric. A new study has found that berberine may help improve total cholesterol and LDL (bad) cholesterol.

Eighty-four men with high cholesterol levels participated in the study. They received 1,000 mg of berberine or a placebo daily for 12 weeks. Total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure, and testosterone were measured at baseline, week 8, and week 12.

Total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels were significantly reduced in the berberine group compared to baseline. Participants in the berberine group also saw reductions in triglycerides and blood pressure compared to the placebo group. They also saw a slight increase in testosterone levels.

The study was conducted by researchers from the University of Hong Kong. It was published online ahead of print on July 26, 2021, in the journal Nutrients.