Berberine activates AMPK, the primary enzyme that monitors and regulates our cellular energy levels. Increasing the amount of AMPK in our bodies gets nutrients where they need to be, effectively controlling our metabolism. And AMPK is thought to be a tumor suppressor, essentially starving cells while they attempt to form cancerous tumors (though after cancer has developed, AMPK can sometimes promote tumor growth instead).

According to studies, berberine may stimulate glycolysis, the metabolic pathway by which sugar is broken down and converted to energy, and may inhibit gluconeogenesis, the creation of glucose. In effect, these activities decrease insulin sensitivity and help to balance blood sugar levels.

Additionally, berberine is thought to boost thermogenesis. These activities help suppress the liver’s tendency to make new glucose when liver cells become insulin resistant.

berberine may modulate the gut microbiota through enriching short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria and reducing microbial diversity. This in turn inhibits dietary polysaccharide degradation and decreases caloric intake in the gut, which may improve energy metabolism and intestinal health; anti-inflammatory effects; and immune regulatory effects.