Berberine

Berberine, is a compound isolated from a Chinese herb, able to lower cholesterol. Berberine is obtained from a thorny shrub (Berberis aristata :); it is an alkaloid contained in the root also of other plants. Today it is indicated for the maintenance of gastrointestinal homeostasis. Recent international studies indicate Berberine as a possible alternative to statins for the maintenance of lipid balance in the blood. The collected data show that the substance contributes to reducing cholesterol levels by a different mechanism than observed with statins.

Studies have shown that berberine increases the activity of the LDL cholesterol receptor gene and facilitates the removal of LDL cholesterol from the blood. A similar mechanism has been found in cases of hyperglycemia.