Article by Dr. Pham Thi Kim Dung - Department of Pharmacy - Vinmec Times City International General Hospital
Berberine is widely used to treat gastrointestinal diseases such as colitis, dysentery, jaundice hepatitis, and conjunctivitis-related eye pain, as well as some skin conditions like athlete's foot, itching caused by fungal infections, etc. Globally, there are studies on other effects of berberine, including lowering blood sugar, reducing cholesterol, aiding weight loss, and supporting cancer treatment.
1. What is Berberine?
Berberine is an isoquinoline alkaloid compound with a yellow color, found in many medicinal plants such as Coscinium fenestratum (Gaertn.) Colebr. (Menispermaceae), Phellodendron amurense Rupr. (Rutaceae), Coptis chinensis Franch. (or Coptis quinquesecta Wang., Ranunculaceae), certain species of Berberidaceae family, and Mahonia nepalensis DC.
Berberine is extracted from plants rich in this compound, such as Coscinium fenestratum, Phellodendron amurense, Coptis chinensis, and then formulated into pharmaceutical forms like tablets, capsules, film-coated tablets, eye drop solutions, and topical powders. The Vietnam Pharmacopoeia contains a monograph on Berberine chloride in tablet and film-coated forms.
2. Uses of Berberine?
The most commonly used pharmaceutical form of Berberine is the tablet form, which is applied to treat gastrointestinal diseases, with the following indications:
- Treatment of dysentery (bacterial dysentery) and dysentery syndrome
- Amoebic dysentery
- Intestinal inflammation and diarrhea
3. Dosage and Administration of Berberine:
Common Berberine dosages are 10mg, 50mg, 100mg, and 500mg per tablet.
Dosage (which can be converted to mg for other tablet dosages):
- Adults and children over 15 years old: 12-15 tablets of 10mg per dose, twice daily.
- Children:
- From 2-4 years: 2 tablets of 10mg per dose, twice daily.
- From 5-7 years: 5 tablets of 10mg per dose, twice daily.
- From 8-15 years: 10 tablets of 10mg per dose, twice daily.
Administration: The most suitable time for taking the medication is 1-2 hours before meals, preferably in the morning and evening.
4. Side Effects of Berberine:
Berberine is generally safe for most people when taken for a short period.
However, some individuals may experience side effects such as nausea, vomiting, headaches, dizziness, tachycardia (rapid heart rate), and low blood pressure. If an overdose occurs, patients should stop using the drug immediately and seek medical attention for examination and treatment.
Precautions for pregnant and breastfeeding women and infants:
Berberine is contraindicated for pregnant women throughout the entire pregnancy, breastfeeding mothers, and newborns. Berberine may interfere with bilirubin excretion in the liver, increasing bilirubin levels in the blood and causing jaundice in the fetus, which can lead to seizures. It may also increase uterine contractions, potentially causing premature labor.
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