---
title: "The effect of Berberine on weight loss in order to prevent…"
description: "Berberine shows promise for obesity prevention and treatment by influencing gut bacteria, glucose, and fat metabolism."
url: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/berberine.md"
canonical: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/berberine.html"
html: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/berberine.html"
type: "study"
study_key: "berberine"
journal: "Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy"
year: 2020
pmid: "32353823"
doi: "10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110137"
citations: 1
updated: 2026-09-02
author: "Gabriel Radu, DO"
author_credentials: "Physiatrist (PM&R). NY medical license 275110. NPI 1376861765."
publisher: "Magellan Longevity"
content_format: "markdown"
---

# The effect of Berberine on weight loss in order to prevent obesity: A systematic review

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## Citation

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Journal | Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy |
| Year | 2020 |
| PMID | [32353823](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32353823/) |
| DOI | [10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110137](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110137) |
| Study key | berberine |

## Takeaway

Berberine shows promise for obesity prevention and treatment by influencing gut bacteria, glucose, and fat metabolism.

## The question

What is the effect of Berberine on weight loss and obesity prevention?

## Hypothesis

Berberine may be effective in managing obesity and its related metabolic consequences.

## Methods

This systematic review critically overviewed experimental studies (in vitro, human, and animal) that evaluated Berberine's efficacy in obesity management and its metabolic effects.

## Results

In preclinical models, Berberine affected gut microbiota (reducing diversity at 100 mg/kg/day), inhibited α-glycosidase (200 mg/kg/day), and decreased adipocyte differentiation (150 mg/kg/day). It also inhibited hepatic gluconeogenesis and, when associated with Red Yeast Rice, decreased lipid levels in rats (40-380 mg/kg/day). Human studies confirmed gut microbe modulation (500 mg/day), beneficial impact on cholesterol absorption gene regulation (300 mg/day), and amelioration of glucose accumulation (1.0 g/day).

## Conclusion

Berberine demonstrates an impact on obesity treatment and prevention through various mechanisms, including effects on gut microbiota, glucose metabolism, adipocyte differentiation, and lipid levels, as supported by both preclinical and human studies.

## Limitations

The abstract does not explicitly state any limitations of the systematic review itself.

## Verbatim from the abstract

> Berberine and its effect on management of obesity and the related metabolic consequences were evaluated across in vitro, animal and human studies.

## Berberine Dosages and Effects

| Measure | Dosage (mg/kg/day or mg/day) |
| --- | --- |
| Reduced gut microbe diversity (preclinical) | 100 |
| Inhibited α-glycosidase (animal) | 200 |
| Decreased adipocyte differentiation (preclinical) | 150 |
| Modulated gut microbes (human) | 500 |
| Beneficial cholesterol absorption gene regulation (human) | 300 |
| Ameliorated glucose accumulation (human) | 1000 |

*Various dosages of Berberine demonstrated different effects in preclinical and human studies.*

## Where this study is used on Magellan

This paper is one of the citations behind the evidence grade on the pages below. Grades are assigned from the published research and are independent of affiliate commissions.

| Compound or device | Evidence grade | Graded pages |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Berberine HCl 500 mg (AMPK) | Moderate evidence | [Berberine HCl 500 mg (AMPK)](https://magellanlongevity.com/p/9.md) |

## Reference

1. **The effect of Berberine on weight loss in order to prevent obesity: A systematic review**
   Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy 2020 · [PMID 32353823](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32353823/) · [DOI 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110137](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110137)

   > Berberine and its effect on management of obesity and the related metabolic consequences were evaluated across in vitro, animal and human studies.

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## Related on Magellan Longevity

- [Berberine HCl 500 mg (AMPK)](https://magellanlongevity.com/p/9.md) — product graded on this and related evidence
- [The Effect of Berberine Supplementation on Glycemic Control and Inflammatory Biomarkers…](https://magellanlongevity.com/study/x5.md)
- [Longevity research map](https://magellanlongevity.com/longevity-research-map.html)
- [Evidence-based longevity supplements](https://magellanlongevity.com/longevity-supplements.md)

## Scope and disclosures

Educational information, not medical advice. Nothing here is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to your physician before starting any supplement or device, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication.

Editorial firewall: evidence grades are assigned from the published research and are independent of any affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate, Magellan Longevity earns from qualifying purchases.

Reviewed for accuracy by a board-certified physician (DO).