Reviews and Information for Berberine
Berberine Supplements
Trying to find the best berberine or goldenseal supplements? ConsumerLab tested 10 different products. Many failed our tests of quality. Find out why, see our top picks for berberine and goldenseal, and learn if these are effective for weight management, type 2 diabetes, fatty liver, high cholesterol, H. pylori infection, and other conditions.
Berberine Supplements Review
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CL Answer
What is berberine? Can it really lower blood sugar? Are there any cautions? Which supplements are best?
What is berberine and can it really lower blood sugar for someone with type 2 diabetes? Find out more information about berberine.
CL Answer
When taking a statin drug like Lipitor or Crestor, are there supplements I should avoid or take?
Learn about the interactions between certain supplements and atorvastatin (Lipitor), rosuvastatin (Crestor), and other cholesterol-lowering statins.
CL Answer
Which supplements and foods can help lower or control blood sugar?
Find out which supplements can help lower or control blood sugar. Supplements including turmeric/curcumin, fiber, cinnamon, and ginseng are believed to help lower blood sugar.
News Release
February 26, 2024
Latest ConsumerLab Survey Shows Growth in Popularity of Magnesium and Several Smaller Supplements
White Plains, New York, February 26, 2024 — A recent survey of more than 10,000 people who regularly use dietary supplements shows that supplements that experienced the greatest absolute growth in popularity during 2023 were pregnenolone (+7.5 percentage points), magnesium (+4.8 pts), berberine (+4.
News Release
September 14, 2023
Best and Worst Berberine and Goldenseal Supplements, According to ConsumerLab Tests
White Plains, New York, September 14, 2023 — Recent ConsumerLab tests revealed problems with nearly 45% of the berberine and goldenseal supplements selected for testing. Powders and capsules containing goldenseal (which naturally contains berberine) were particularly likely to have issues.
CL Answer
Do any supplements help with fatty liver disease? Are some diets more beneficial than others?
Find out if supplements such as vitamin E, fish oil, milk thistle, curcumin, choline, probiotics, vitamin D, reishi mushroom, or extra virgin olive oil are beneficial for fatty liver disease and learn which diet (Mediterranean, ketogenic, DASH, or fasting diets) seems to have greatest benefit.
Clinical Update
8/15/2017
Problem with 60% of Berberine Supplements
Berberine is a popular supplement for glucose control, but a recent study of 15 products in the U.S. found that nine contained only 33% to 89% of claimed amounts of berberine. You can find out which brands were low and which had acceptable amounts, and learn about the clinical evidence for berberine and cautions in the CL Answer about Berberine >>
Clinical Update
12/22/2023
Problems With Berberine Sold on Amazon
Recent tests of 33 berberine supplements purchased on Amazon and Walmart.com showed that many contained less than half the listed amount of berberine. Get the details, by brand, in our Berberine and Goldenseal Supplements Review, which includes our tests of popular brands and Top Picks for berberine and goldenseal.
Clinical Update
7/31/2021
Improving Berberine Absorption?
Learn if special formulations have greater benefit than berberine alone, in the ConsumerTips section of our Berberine and Goldenseal Supplements Review.
Clinical Update
8/04/2023
Berberine for Prediabetes?
Does taking berberine help lower blood sugar and cholesterol in people with prediabetes? Find out what a recent study showed the Berberine section of our Berberine and Goldenseal Supplements Review.
Also see: Which supplements and foods can help lower or control blood sugar?
Clinical Update
12/02/2022
Is Berberine Safe?
- Can berberine cause DNA damage?
- Can berberine change the gut microbiome?
Learn more in the Concerns & Cautions section of our Berberine Supplements Review.
Clinical Update
2/04/2020
Berberine vs. Colon Cancer?
A large study investigated the potential for berberine (promoted for blood sugar control) to prevent precancerous colon polyps. Find out if it worked in the What It Does section of the Berberine & Goldenseal Supplements Review. Also see our Top Pick for berberine.
Clinical Update
6/05/2018
Berberine Side Effect
Supplements that contain berberine (a compound extracted from goldenseal) can cause a range of side effects, in addition to drug interactions. It was recently reported that berberine can cause a rare, but severe, skin reaction. Learn more in the Concerns and Cautions section of the Berberine and Goldenseal Supplements Review. Also see our Top Pick among products in this category.
Clinical Update
10/13/2023
Berberine & Cancer
Does berberine reduce the risk of colon cancer recurrence? Find out what research has shown in the Other uses section of our Berberine Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks for berberine.
CL Answer
8 Supplements That May Help Treat Peptic Ulcers – And Some to Avoid
Peptic ulcers caused by H. pylori infection are typically treated with antibiotics, but certain supplements may also help. Find out which 8 supplements might be beneficial - and which should be avoided.
Clinical Update
11/22/2022
Berberine Top Pick Changed
We are no longer recommending our original Top Pick among berberine supplements. Find out why, and see our current product suggestion in the Top Picks section of our Berberine and Goldenseal Supplements Review.
Clinical Update
6/23/2023
Berberine for Body Composition?
A form of berberine is promoted as having "a positive effect on body composition." We looked into the study on which this claim is based. See what we learned in the What It Does section of our Berberine Review.
CL Answer
Dietary Supplements and Herbs to Avoid When Breastfeeding
Find out which supplements should be avoided when breastfeeding, including medicinal herbs, soy, and flaxseed.
CL Answer
Which supplements and lifestyle changes improve sleep, and which cause insomnia?
Find out which vitamins may help you sleep and learn if any vitamins or supplements can cause insomnia.
CL Answer
What are the health benefits of black cumin seed (black seed) oil?
Find out if black seed oil has health benefits, such as lowering blood pressure or cholesterol, asthma, weight loss, and others. Dosage, forms, including black seed oil and black seed powder, safety information, using black seed oil in foods and more. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.
Recalls & Warnings
December 11, 2020
Goldenseal Recalled Due to Microbial Contamination
On December 4, 2020, WishGarden Herbs, Inc. issued a recall of 14 lots of Cord Care Powder and Goldenseal Powder because they were manufactured using ingredients that were potentially contaminated with the bacterium Cronobacter sakazakii.
Clinical Update
6/06/2023
Berberine's New Popularity
Berberine is being called "nature’s Ozempic" – referring to the type 2 diabetes drug also used for weight management. But is there evidence to support this? See our Berberine Review to find out what it can do, if it's safe, how products rate on quality, and our top choices.
Product Review
Echinacea Supplements Review
Many Echinacea Supplements Fail CL's Tests. Make Sure You Know What You're Getting!
CL Answer
I take warfarin (Coumadin), an anticoagulant drug. Are there supplements I should avoid, or be taking, due to this drug?
Find out which supplements should be avoided when taking blood thinners (anticoagulants) like warfarin (Coumadin), including vitamin K, St. John's wort, and curcumin.
CL Answer
Which supplements can help lower my triglycerides?
Find out whether fish oil supplements, or plant-based oil supplements, such as flaxseed oil and echium oil are best for lowering triglyceride levels. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.
CL Answer
What supplements should I stop taking before surgery?
Info on which supplements to avoid before surgery due to increased risk of bleeding or interference with anesthesia.
CL Answer
I've heard that grapefruit juice can interact with medications because it inhibits an enzyme that breaks down drugs in the body. Do any supplements interact the same way with drugs?
CYP3A4 inhibitors, such as grapefruit, can interact with certain medications by inhibiting the liver enzyme that metabolizes many drugs. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.
Recalls & Warnings
August 20, 2020
Goldenseal Recalled Due to Microbial Contamination, One Death Reported
On August 17, 2020, Maison Terre issued a recall of all lots of organic Goldenseal Root Powder because recent testing found it has the potential to be contaminated with various microorganisms including Enterobacter cloacae, Cronobacter sakazakii, Cronobacter dublinensis, and others.
CL Answer
Are there supplements I should avoid when taking apixaban (Eliquis) or similar blood thinner drugs like Xarelto?
Learn about supplement interactions with apixaban (Eliquis), rivaroxaban (Xarelto) and other blood thinner drugs in the direct factor Xa inhibitors class.
Product Review
Prostate Supplements Review (Saw Palmetto and Beta-Sitosterol)
Find the Best Prostate Supplement for Symptoms of BPH. See Which Prostate Supplement Passed or Failed CL's Tests of Quality.
Recalls & Warnings
June 30, 2020
FDA Warns Seller of Alpha Lipoic Acid, Berberine, and More
On June 18, 2020, the FDA issued a warning letter to Only Natural, Inc. dba Bio Nutrition, Inc.
CL Answer
Which supplements can cause diarrhea?
Can supplements like magnesium cause diarrhea? Find out which supplements may cause diarrhea, such as vitamin B12, curcumin, magnesium, vitamin C and fish oil.
CL Answer
Which supplements can help to lower blood pressure?
Supplements to lower blood pressure, including CoQ10, vitamin C, fish oil, and olive oil, are all explored to find out what works.
CL Answer
Which supplements or OTC medications help reduce flatulence (gas), and are there any that make it worse?
Find out which supplements may help reduce flatulence (gas), and learn which supplements or foods may worsen symptoms of flatulence.
CL Answer
Can apple cider vinegar really lower blood sugar or help me lose weight?
Find out if apple cider vinegar can lower blood sugar and help with weight loss, and learn about its safety and side effects. ConsumerLab’s answer explains.
Clinical Update
2/14/2023
Supplements for Fatty Liver?
Find out how the following supplements, and other approaches, affect liver function in people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD):
Recalls & Warnings
June 13, 2022
Homeopathic Nasal Spray SnoreStop Recalled Due to Microbial Contamination
On June 9, 2022, Green Pharmaceuticals Inc issued a voluntary nationwide recall of one lot of its SnoreStop NasoSpray, a homeopathic nasal spray promoted to reduce snoring, due to the presence of Providencia rettgeri, a bacterium that can cause severe illness in some people.
Recalls & Warnings
December 08, 2015
Non-Decolorized Aloe, Goldenseal Root Added to Prop 65 List of Cancer-Causing Chemicals
On December 4, 2015, California's Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) added non-decolorized whole leaf extract of aloe vera and goldenseal root powder to the state's list of chemicals known to cause cancer - part of the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement ...
CL Answer
Which supplements and foods help relieve constipation and which can cause constipation?
Find out which supplements can cause constipation, including iron, calcium, protein powders and drinks and others. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.
CL Answer
Do any supplements help for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?
IBS supplements may help reduce irritable bowel symptoms such as pain, diarrhea and constipation. Supplements include probiotics, melatonin, and flaxseed.
Recalls & Warnings
August 28, 2018
FDA Warns Seller of Goldenseal and Parasite Supplements
On August 15, 2018, the FDA issued a warning letter to Healthy Healing dba Crystal Star, following a facility inspection which found certain statements product labels, including product labels for Women's Best Friend and Para Purge, to be drug claims.
Recalls & Warnings
April 17, 2018
FDA Warns Seller of Echinacea, Iron, Aloe Supplements & More for Manufacturing Violations
On March 30, 2018, the FDA issued a warning letter to Ozark Country Herbs following a facility inspection which found a number of the company's products, including Echinacea-Goldenseal, Natural Iron, and Aloe-Vera Goldenseal Salve, to be adulterated because they were prepared, packed, or held under ...
Recalls & Warnings
December 22, 2021
FDA Warns Seller of Liquid Magnesium, B-12, Berberine & More
On December 9, 2021, the FDA issued a warning letter to Wholly Liquid Nutritional Supplements LLC because it found statements on the company's website and social media about its products, including SpiroLaze, BioLaze, LiquiLaurin, VIT-B12, DeStress, and Omega Plus, to be ...
Recalls & Warnings
January 13, 2022
Senna Laxative Recalled Due to Microbial Contamination
On January 11, 2022, Lohxa LLC issued a voluntary recall of one lot of Senna Syrup 8.
Recalls & Warnings
December 09, 2021
FDA Warns Seller of Curcumin, Lion's Mane, Quercetin & More
On November 9, 2021, the FDA issued a warning letter to Synaptent, LLC because it found statements on the company's website about its products, including Berberine HCL, Curcumin, Lion's Man, Milk Thistle, Quercetin, Boswellia Serrata Extract, and Garlic Extract to be ...
CL Answer
Which supplements or foods can help lower cholesterol and keep my heart healthy? Are there any to avoid?
Information about heart health supplements & vitamins that help with cholesterol, including sterol esters, CoQ10, and vitamin D, and which may be bad for the heart, like calcium.
Recalls & Warnings
February 22, 2021
Canadian Creatine Recalled for Dangerous Levels of Vitamin D
On February 21, 2021, the Canadian company Genex Nutraceuticals recalled one lot of Perfect Sports Core Series Pure Creatine (also known as Creatine Powder) because it "contains vitamin D that is not listed on the label, at dangerous levels.
News Release
December 12, 2017
Berberine and Goldenseal: Avoid Fakes! -- ConsumerLab.com Testing Reveals the Best and Worst Supplements
White Plains, New York, December 12, 2017 — Berberine, a compound found in goldenseal root, may help to lower blood sugar in certain people, and may have other potential benefits. However, ConsumerLab.
CL Answer
Do any supplements help relieve stress?
Are there actually supplements for stress relief and panic attacks? Learn more about holy basil, fish oil, L-theanine, and ginseng.
CL Answer
Do any supplements help for flu?
Which supplements may help prevent or reduce symptoms of colds or the flu, including vitamin D, ginseng, NAC, and elderberry.
CL Answer
What are CoQ10 side effects?
CoQ10 side effects, such as nausea, headache, and insomnia, and how you can reduce the occurrence of CoQ10 side effects. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.
CL Answer
Which supplements may help with PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome)?
Many supplements are promoted to help treat symptoms of PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome), but do they really work? See the clinical evidence for inositol (myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol), alpha lipoic acid, vitamin B-12, folic acid, vitamin D and more.
Recalls & Warnings
October 30, 2020
Seller of Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Ashwagandha, and More Warned for COVID-19 Claims
On October 23, 2020, the FDA issued a warning letter to Predator Nutrition for selling the products Elixir, Salidroside, Unbreakable, Vitamin C + Bioflavonoids & Rosehip, Vitamin D3, and Ashwagandha with unsupported claims that they can treat coronavirus (COVID-19).
Recalls & Warnings
July 12, 2013
Herbal Supplement Company Warned For Drug Claims, Manufacturing Violations
On June 18, 2013, the FDA issued a warning letter to Herbs of Light, Inc.
Recalls & Warnings
August 03, 2023
Ozona Organics Liquid Probiotics Recalled Due to Risk of Microbial Contamination
On August 1, 2023, Ozona Organics, LLC recalled certain lots of its probiotic supplement, Ozona Probiotics for Digestive Health, also labeled as GoHealthy Probiotics for Infants, Toddlers, and Kids and GoHealthy Probiotics for Infants, Kids, Men, and Women, due to the ...
Recalls & Warnings
April 17, 2012
FDA Warns Seller of Diabetes Supplement Marketed with Rx Claims
The FDA has posted a Warning Letter (dated April 4, 2012) to Leaner Living regarding the marketing of its Glycosolve product.
Recalls & Warnings
June 02, 2018
FDA Warns Seller of Cough Suppressant & Grape Seed Supplements
On March 29, 2018, the FDA issued a warning letter to Yoder's Good Health Products following a facility inspection which found a number of the company's products, including Respiratory & Cough Formula and Life Drops to be adulterated because they were prepared, packed, or ...
Recalls & Warnings
August 25, 2022
Oregon’s Wild Harvest Warned by FDA for Manufacturing Violations
On July 8, 2022, the FDA issued a warning letter to Oregon’s Wild Harvest, Inc.
Recalls & Warnings
November 09, 2023
InnoMark Warned for Manufacturing & Misbranding Violations
On September 1, 2023, the FDA issued a Warning Letter to InnoMark, Inc.
Recalls & Warnings
January 19, 2022
FDA Warns Seller of Carnitine and Alpha Lipoic Acid Supplements
On November 18, 2021, the FDA issued a warning letter to GeroNova Research Inc.
Recalls & Warnings
June 13, 2013
Seller of Cardio, Immune, Greens Supplements and More Warned For Drug Claims
On May 29, 2013, the FDA issued a warning letter to dietary supplement company Nature's Answer, following a review a the company's website, www.naturesanswer.
Recalls & Warnings
August 16, 2023
FDA Warns Sun Ten Laboratories for Manufacturing Violations, Drug Claims
On April 7, 2023, the FDA issued a warning letter to STPCA Inc. dba Sun Ten Laboratories because products were found to be adulterated because they were prepared, packed, or held under conditions that do not meet Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMP).
Recalls & Warnings
September 21, 2023
Moor Herbs, Inc Warned for Manufacturing Violations, Drug Claims
On August 1, 2023, the FDA issued a Warning Letter to Moor Herbs, Inc.
Recalls & Warnings
September 28, 2022
FDA Warns Muscle Sports for Joint Health, Immune & Workout Supplement, Vitamin C, Elderberry, and Other Claims
On September 23, 2022, the FDA issued a warning letter to Muscle Sports Products, LLC following inspection of the company’s websites which found statements about company products, including Join Revolution Capsules, IMMUNITY + Powder, Rhino Rampage PUMPED Capsules, Attack Pre-Workout ...
Recalls & Warnings
July 18, 2022
CVS, Target, Walgreens, and Other Oral Magnesium Citrate Laxatives Recalled Due to Bacterial Contamination
On July 14, 2022, Magnesium Citrate Laxative Oral Solution Lemon Flavor products manufactured by Vi-Jon, LLC and sold under various store brand names were recalled after testing identified the presence of the bacteria Gluconacetobacter liquefaciens.
Recalls & Warnings
July 22, 2022
FDA Warns Seller of Vision, Calcium & Magnesium Supplements and More
On June 14, 2022, the FDA issued a warning letter to New Sun Inc. following inspection of the company’s website which found statements about the company’s products to be drug claims.
Recalls & Warnings
August 08, 2022
Recall of Oral Magnesium Laxatives Expanded
On August 3, 2022, Plastikon Healthcare, LLC issued a recall of multiple oral suspension products due to microbial contamination.
Recalls & Warnings
September 08, 2020
Seller of "Diabetes Supplement" & More Warned for Drug Claims
On August 25, 2020, the FDA issued a warning letter to Nutritional Supplements Corporation Inc following a review of the company's website, which found statements made about some of the company's products, including Vitadone, Diabrex, and Viadevita to be drug claims.
Recalls & Warnings
November 07, 2015
Seller of "NaturalDoctor" Vitamin C, Echinacea and More Warned for Manufacturing Violations
On October 16, 2015, the FDA issued a warning letter Sound Healing Arts, PC, dba Grounds for Tea, LLC, following a facility inspection which found the company's products, including NaturalDoctor Vitamins C & K3, NaturalDoctor Goldenseal & Echinacea Plus, NaturalDoctor Centella ...
Recalls & Warnings
November 02, 2012
Manufacturer of Prostate, Inflammation and Cholesterol Supplements Warned For Drug Claims
On October 15, 2012, the FDA issued a warning letter to Ortho Molecular Products, Inc. for making drug claims about the following dietary supplements: Candicid Forte, Inflamma-bLOX, Lipitrol, Mucosagen, Prostatrol Forte, Resvoxitrol, Paracid Forte, VascuPak HTN and Lithium Orotate.
Recalls & Warnings
March 22, 2016
NOW Foods Recalls Ginkgo & Other Supplements
On March 18, 2016, NOW Foods issued a recall of the following dietary supplements due to errors on the labels:
Recalls & Warnings
September 16, 2015
Herbal Extracts Recalled
On September 15, 2015, Iowa Select Herbs, LLC issued a recall of numerous herbal exacts following a permanent injunction which required the company to stop selling supplements.
Recalls & Warnings
August 27, 2013
Immune Supplement Recalled Due To Undeclared Milk
On August 23, 2013, Reaction Nutrition, LLC issued a voluntary recall of immune support supplement LIVE CLINICAL 90 CAPS because it contains undeclared milk.
Recalls & Warnings
March 28, 2011
FDA Cracks Down on Violators of Supplement Manufacturing Rules
In February and March 2011, the U.S. FDA posted Warning Letters sent, respectively, to a distributor of dietary supplements and a supplement manufacturer for violations of current Good Manufacturing (GMP) rules.
