An ancient herb, berberine shows promise as a modern health tonic, supporting heart, cholesterol and blood sugar health. Swanson Berberine delivers a guaranteed 400 mg of pure berberine HCl. Berberine is favored among herbalists because it may help support overall cardiovascular health. Specifically, berberine has been shown to support healthy cholesterol and glucose levels already within the normal range, with potential to bolster insulin sensitivity. It also aids blood flow, promoting circulation to maintain healthy blood pressure. This multifaceted action sets berberine apart from other herbal supplements or specialized heart health formulas that typically focus on either glucose, cholesterol and BP health, but not all. Scientists now believe that many of the benefits observed with berberine may be related to its action on an important enzyme known as AMPK (adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase). AMPK is a systemic enzyme that influences how the body creates and uses cellular energy. This action has a cascading effect on a wide variety of metabolic processes, cellular health and more. Berberine activates AMPK to not only influence how the body uses glucose, but to also promote a healthy balance of cholesterol and triglycerides which supports healthy arteries and overall cardiovascular function. By helping the body react to and use glucose effectively, berberine may also help with weight management and GI tract health. As research into berberine widens in scope, we are learning more about how it may help with gut health. Studies indicate berberine may contribute to balanced microflora--thereby assisting digestion, metabolism and immune health--as well as liver health and function. The liver's role in digestion and metabolism is to help convert food into body-ready nutrients, break down fats including cholesterol, and metabolize glucose, all with the goal of providing your cells and organs with energy. Berberine helps this by activating AMPK and supporting liver enzymes.
