Berberine is a bioactive phytochemical that can be extracted from several different plants. Berberine is one of the few compounds that is able to activate an enzyme called AMPK, an enzyme that plays a major role in regulating metabolism.

According to the Natural Medicine Journal: "Metabolic Syndrome occurs when these AMPK-regulated pathways are turned off, triggering a syndrome that includes hyperglycemia, diabetes, lipid abnormalities, and energy imbalances... In other words, activating AMPK can produce the same benefits as exercise, dieting, and weight loss—the lifestyle modifications considered beneficial for a range of maladies."

Berberine can be helpful for maintaining normal blood sugar levels, for weight control and for heart health. Berberine seems to slow the release of free fatty acids, which can contribute to keeping lipid levels within normal range. It also boosts fat burning in the mitochondria and stimulates the release of nitric oxide (NO), a signaling molecule that relaxes the arteries*