An Observational Study of the Antidiabetic Activity of Berberine in Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients

Abstract

Background Suboptimal glycemic control is a common situation in diabetes, regardless of the wide range of drugs available to achieve glycemic targets. There is in fact a growing body of literature on plants used for the treatment of diabetes. In this respect, in the past few years, attempts were made to use natural plant products for the treatment of patients with diabetes. Berberine is a commonly available as a nutraceutical and it is a potential candidate for diabetes.

Methods and Results A total of 30 newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus patients were included in the study after obtaining their informed written consent. They were divided into two groups (n = 15 each), receiving either metformin 500 mg/12 h or berberine 500 mg/12 h p.o. for 12 weeks. No other antidiabetic drugs were given. Therapeutic life style measures were common in both groups. Physical examination and estimation of laboratory parameters were done at baseline and after 12 weeks. Laboratory parameters estimated were fasting blood glucose level (FBG), post prandial blood glucose level (PPBG), glycated hemoglobin (GHb), lipid profile, serum alanine transferase and serum creatinine. Berberine treatment significantly reduced FBG, PPBG, GHb levels and there was significant improvement in lipid profile. The results were comparable to those with metformin.
Conclusion Berberine (500 mg twice daily) may be a useful antidiabetic drug.