Ozempic Fuels Interest in Dietary Supplement with Roots in Ancient Traditional Medicine

Ozempic Fuels Interest in Dietary Supplement with Roots in Ancient Traditional Medicine

Edited by: TJVNews.com

The growing popularity of the Ozempic weight-loss craze has sparked interest in berberine, a dietary supplement with a rich history in ancient traditional medicine, according to a recently published report in the Wall Street Journal. Dubbed “nature’s Ozempic,” berberine has garnered millions of views on TikTok, where users claim it can aid in weight loss and provide various health benefits. While berberine has been used for centuries in Chinese, Indian, and Middle Eastern traditional medicine, its efficacy as a weight-loss supplement remains a topic of debate, the WSJ report indicated.

Berberine is a bright-yellow compound extracted from the stem, roots, or bark of various plant species. Traditional medicine practitioners in China, India, and the Middle East have used plants containing berberine for thousands of years to treat an array of ailments, including diabetes, infections, jaundice, and wounds, as was indicated in the WSJ report. The compound’s extensive history and traditional use have piqued the interest of modern researchers.

While berberine is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), small studies conducted on humans and rodents have yielded promising results. The WSJ report said that research suggests that berberine may help lower blood glucose and cholesterol levels and improve insulin resistance. Scientists are also investigating its potential effects on neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and cancer biology. However, it is important to note that the studies linking berberine to weight loss are limited, and other lifestyle changes such as exercise and healthier eating habits may contribute to observed shifts, the WSJ reported.

The report also indicated that Kiki Mahoney, a TikTok user from Knebworth, England, shared her experience with berberine as a weight-loss aid. Despite considering herself relatively healthy and not overweight, Mahoney purchased berberine tablets online after seeing testimonials about its appetite-suppressing effects. The WSJ report said that while Mahoney’s personal account suggests a decrease in appetite, it is essential to acknowledge that her results could be attributed to a placebo effect or other lifestyle changes she may have made concurrently.

“It could be an absolute placebo, but I have not woken up with those thoughts in my head,” she said, adding that she didn’t consult her physician or feel the need to, the WSJ reported. Mahoney saw prices online jump from the equivalent of about $6 a bottle to about $37 since early June. When she saw a bottle sold for $19, she sprang for a two-month supply, as was reported by the WSJ. “It wasn’t a lot of money, and it was worth giving it a try,” she said.

Dr. Elizabeth Bradley, the medical director at the Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Functional Medicine, has observed moderate weight loss, reduced cholesterol, and improved blood glucose levels in her patients who have incorporated berberine into their routines, as was reported by the WSJ. However, Dr. Bradley emphasizes that lifestyle changes and individual variations may influence the outcomes. She initially recommended berberine as an antimicrobial supplement and later extended its use to address insulin resistance associated with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Berberine is available in the United States as a pill or powder from various manufacturers. However, like other dietary supplements, it lacks FDA approval. The WSJ reported that while generally considered safe for most individuals, berberine may cause mild side effects such as stomach pains, diarrhea, and constipation. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid berberine due to its potential effects on fetal development.

Lisa Kroon, a diabetes specialist and professor at the University of California San Francisco School of Pharmacy, cautions against considering berberine as a quick-fix solution for weight loss, the WSJ reported. She suggests that the placebo effect may play a role in its perceived effectiveness.

“It isn’t going to be the quick fix that people are pursuing in terms of weight loss,” she said, according to the WSJ report. Kroon said the so-called placebo effect might be at play, where, “If you believe it is going to help you lose weight, maybe it does.”

Researchers note that berberine’s impact on weight loss alone remains weak, and further studies are necessary to establish its efficacy, the report said.

Moreover, the quality of berberine supplements can vary significantly among different brands. The WSJ reported that researchers have found inconsistencies in the berberine content of products available in the U.S., highlighting the importance of careful selection and quality control when purchasing berberine supplements.