Berberine is a naturally occurring compound found in various plants. It belongs to a class of compounds known as alkaloids, which are organic compounds containing nitrogen. Berberine has a long history of use in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine systems, highlighting a long-standing recognition of its biological properties.
Plants Naturally Rich in Berberine
Many plants are naturally rich in berberine. The Berberis genus is a primary source, encompassing species like European barberry (Berberis vulgaris), Indian barberry (tree turmeric, Berberis aristata), and Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii). These shrubs typically contain berberine in their roots, bark, and stems.
Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis), a perennial herb native to eastern North America, concentrates berberine in its rhizomes and roots. Chinese Goldthread (Coptis chinensis), used in traditional Chinese medicine, also contains substantial amounts of berberine, primarily within its rhizomes.
Other plants include Oregon Grape (Berberis aquifolium), a Berberis family member, which stores berberine in its roots and bark. The Amur cork tree (Phellodendron amurense) also contains the alkaloid in its bark. Additional plants containing berberine include Yellowroot (Xanthorhiza simplicissima), Tinospora cordifolia, Prickly Poppy (Argemone mexicana), and California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica). The concentration of berberine can vary depending on the plant species and the specific plant part.
Berberine’s Presence in Common Dietary Ingredients
Despite its natural occurrence in various plants, berberine is not commonly found in significant quantities in everyday foods. Common fruits, vegetables, grains, or meats do not serve as sources of this compound. The plants that contain berberine are primarily specific medicinal herbs and shrubs.
While some berberine-containing plants, such as barberry, produce edible berries, the concentration of berberine in these fruits is generally much lower compared to amounts found in the roots, bark, or rhizomes. This distinction highlights that dietary intake through regular food consumption is not a practical way to obtain berberine. Primary sources are specialized botanical materials, not typical grocery store items.
How Berberine is Typically Consumed
Given its limited presence in common foods, individuals consume berberine through concentrated forms. This primarily involves herbal preparations, extracts, and dietary supplements. These products are derived from berberine-rich plant parts like roots, bark, or rhizomes.
Berberine is available in capsule or tablet form for standardized consumption. Some supplements combine berberine with other ingredients. These are sometimes included to enhance absorption, as its natural bioavailability can be limited. Consumption focuses on delivering a concentrated amount of the compound.