Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine and metabolic disorder
affecting approximately 8% of women of reproductive age. We all know about the
variety of risk factors that have been associated with PCOS, including obesity,
glucose intolerance, and dyslipidemia, which leads to a significantly increased
risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. Insulin
resistance is known to play a critical role in the pathophysiology of PCOS.
Most individuals with PCOS are prescribed metformin as a form of insulin
sensitizer for many metabolic and reproductive dysregulations. Currently
researchers are looking at the benefits of berberine on fertility and insulin
sensitivity in women with PCOS.
What is berberine?
Berberine has a long history of medicinal use in Chinese and
Ayurvedic medicine.
This alkaloid is present in Hydrastis Canadensis (goldenseal), Coptis chinensis
(Coptis or goldenthread), Berberis aquifolium (Oregon grape), Berberis vulgaris
(barberry), and Berberis aristata (tree turmeric) and has shown some promising
research with PCOS.
Studies indicate that berberine possesses a wide range of
biochemical and pharmacological activities in conditions such as:
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- High cholesterol
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Immune challenges
- Breast Cancer
- Intestinal infections
- Joint problems
- Low bone density
- Weight control
How does berberine work?
Berberine targets a very basic regulator of metabolism
called AMPK-activated protein kinase (AMPK).
AMPK activation:
- Stimulates the uptake of glucose into the cells
- Improves insulin sensitivity
- Reduces glucose production in the liver
- Slows the release of free fatty acids, which lowers lipid
levels and prevents harmful fat deposition
- Boosts fat burning in the mitochondria
- Stimulates the release of nitric oxide (NO), a signaling
molecule that relaxes the arteries, increases blood flow and lowers blood
pressure, and protects against atherosclerosis
Berberine and PCOS
In a 2012 study published in the European
Journal of Endocrinology, researchers evaluated the effects of berberine in
comparison to metformin in women with PCOS. The study showed that subjects who
were on metformin and berberine had significant improvement in insulin
sensitivity than the control group. The berberine group also had significant
decrease in their triglycerides and increase in HDL cholesterol (good
cholesterol) levels than that of the metformin group.
In a recent 2014 study, researchers compared the
effectiveness of berberine and metformin in PCOS women scheduled for IVF
treatment. Both berberine and metformin treatments prior to IVF, improved the
pregnancy outcomes. What was also recorded was that berberine had much more pronounced
therapeutic effect and achieved statistically significant more live births with
fewer side effects than metformin.
Berberine can definitely be used in individuals with PCOS.
As with any drug/ botanicals it is important to be vigilant about its dose and
duration. Repeated use of berberine down-regulates several important liver
enzymes (P450 cytochromes) that the body uses to eliminate drugs especially
CYP2D6, CYP2C9, and CYP3A4. Some of the drugs that these enzymes detoxify are
tricyclics, MAOIs, SSRIs, opiates, anti-arrhythmics, beta-blockers, Cimetidine,
Coumadin, sulfonylureas and most steroid hormones.The use of berberine during
pregnancy is contraindicated.
Berberine can result in hypoglycemic episodes, especially if
taken with other medications or supplements that also lower glucose and
insulin. If you are interested in taking berberine, seek guidance from a
functional medicine practitioner or a health professional who is well- versed
with supplements and who can determine if berberine is right for you and
appropriate dosage level.
References
Wei W1, Zhao H, Wang A, Sui M, Liang K, Deng H, Ma Y, Zhang Y, Zhang H, Guan Y.
A clinical study on the short-term effect of berberine in comparison to
metformin on the metabolic characteristics of women with polycystic ovary
syndrome. Eur J Endocrinol. 2012 Jan;166(1):99-105.
Li Y1, Ma H, Zhang Y, Kuang H, Ng EH, Hou L, Wu X. Effect of
berberine on insulin resistance in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: study
protocol for a randomized multicenter controlled trial. Trials. 2013 Jul
18;14:226.
An Y1, Sun Z, Zhang Y, Liu B, Guan Y, Lu M. The use of
berberine for women with polycystic ovary syndrome undergoing IVF treatment.
Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2014 Mar;80(3):425-31. doi: 10.1111/cen.12294.
Aarti Batavia MS, RDN, CLT, FSCP, IFMCP is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and founder of Nutrition & Wellness Consulting LLC in Novi, Michigan. Aarti is an Institute of Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner and has received advanced training in adverse food reactions and has completed a certification course (Certified LEAP Therapist-CLT) that provides a much deeper understanding of how to manage the dietary component of conditions where food sensitivities play a role. Aarti consults with patients nationally and internationally improving their health with a new approach to dietary care. If you or someone you know needs help, please contact Aarti for a phone consultation. Website: http://www.aartibatavia.com
- See more at: http://www.pcosnutrition.com/links/blogs/berberine-and-pcos.html#sthash.keQbHnjh.dpuf