> Neither is berberine any version of Ozempic, which is an analogue of glucagon-like-peptide-1 (GLP-1), a natural hormone that regulates blood sugar and helps people feel full. Berberine has nothing to do with GLP-1.
> Perhaps the most interesting laboratory finding, given the rising global tide of type 2 diabetes, is the control that berberine may exert over blood sugar. But there is a problem. Berberine is virtually insoluble in water and has low intestinal absorption which means it has poor bioavailability. […] Because of berberine’s poor bioavailability, supplements on the market are likely to be useless. However, some derivative of berberine, may yet make it to the physician’s prescription pad. But it won’t be for weight loss.
Apparently most of the effect is due to activation of the "bitter taste reception pathways" in the gut. So even though it has very low bioavailibility, it can still stimulate GLP-1 secretion just simply due to its incredible bitterness
Does it only stimulate GLP-1 in the gut, though? As I understand it, most of the positive effects of GLP-1 agonists are the effect they have on the brain's GLP-1 system, not the guts.
Nine of the 15 tested products (60%) failed to meet the potency standards of 90% to 110% of labeled content claim, as commonly required of pharmaceutical preparations by the U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention. Evaluation of the relationship between product cost and the measured potency failed to demonstrate an association between quality and cost. Variability in product quality may significantly contribute to inconsistencies in the safety and effectiveness of berberine. In addition, the quality of the berberine product cannot be inferred from its cost.
Worse still,
"Preparation and Evaluation of Antidiabetic Agents of Berberine Organic Acid Salts for Enhancing the Bioavailability"
Berberine—an isoquinoline alkaloid isolated from the rhizome of Coptidis rhizome, Cortex phellodendri, and other plant species—possesses a variety of pharmacological effects, including anti-cancer, anti-hyperglycemic, anti-hyperlipidemic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. However, its absolute bioavailability is as low as 0.68%. Low bioavailability greatly restricts the clinical development of berberine.
And yes its over the counter....I currently take one dose per day at 1200mg