3121: Does This Popular Herb Harm Your Liver?

August 22, 2024

3121: Does This Popular Herb Harm Your Liver?

August 22, 2024

TT: Does This Popular Herb Harm Your Liver?

I’ve talked about berberine many times on the show and believe it has great potential to help with blood sugar dysregulation, insulin sensitivity, cholesterol, and more…

However, I’ve recently heard concerns from many people about berberine potentially causing liver toxicity.

Despite my ongoing research, I wanted to investigate this further and uncover the latest information on berberine and liver health.

So, join me on today’s Cabral Concept 3121 as we dive into all the research on berberine to find out whether this popular herb poses any risk to your liver. Enjoy the show, and I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Show Highlights & Big Takeaways

1. What is Berberine

Berberine is a natural compound found in several plants. It has been shown to help reduce unhealthy levels of oxidized cholesterol in the body, support insulin regulation, assist women with PCOS, and aid individuals with type 2 diabetes or blood sugar imbalances.

2. What Do Animal Studies Show:

Some studies on rats and cats have suggested that berberine could potentially cause liver injury. However, these findings are not directly applicable to humans. The dosages used in these studies were extremely high—equivalent to 500-700% more than the recommended dosage for humans—making it unlikely that similar effects would occur at standard human doses.

3. What Do Human Studies Show

Numerous human studies on berberine have been conducted, and no instances of liver injury have been reported in any published studies. Research suggests that berberine can improve liver function, reduce liver fat accumulation, and enhance insulin sensitivity, making it a promising option for managing NAFLD.