What is berberine and why should you add it to your supplement routine?

What is berberine and why should you add it to your supplement routine?

Interest in berberine has grown rapidly over the past few years, and in 2025 it has become one of the most searched natural ingredients in the wellness space. As a pharmacist, I can say the attention is justified. More people are asking how berberine fits into everyday health, particularly in relation to metabolism, energy balance, and general wellbeing.

What many Australians do not realise is that Vitaceuticals was one of the first companies to introduce berberine locally, making a premium, Australian made option available well before it became widely discussed.

Why berberine is gaining attention

Berberine is a bioactive compound found in several plants and has a long history of traditional use. What has driven renewed interest is modern research exploring how it supports metabolic processes in the body.

Berberine is commonly used to support carbohydrate and glucose metabolism, energy production and metabolic efficiency, as well as digestive balance and overall wellbeing.

Rather than acting as a stimulant or quick fix, berberine works by supporting systems that regulate how the body uses and manages energy.

How berberine works in the body

One of the most researched areas of berberine is its interaction with the AMPK pathway. AMPK is an enzyme involved in how the body regulates energy. It plays a role in how glucose is used, how carbohydrates are processed, and how energy is stored or released.

When AMPK activity is supported, the body is better able to use glucose efficiently, maintain steadier energy levels, support balanced carbohydrate metabolism, and reduce the tendency to store excess energy.

Berberine supports the body’s natural metabolic signalling rather than forcing a response. Its benefits are most noticeable when used consistently alongside balanced nutrition, regular movement, and adequate sleep.

The Vitaceuticals approach to berberine

What sets Vitaceuticals Berberine Plus apart is not just ingredient quality, but formulation intent.

Alongside berberine, the formula includes two botanicals traditionally used to support metabolic health.

Ceylon cinnamon, often referred to as true cinnamon, has a long history of traditional use and is commonly included in formulations designed to support glucose metabolism and energy balance.

Milk thistle has traditionally been used to support liver health. The liver plays a central role in carbohydrate processing and overall metabolic function, making it a considered inclusion in a metabolic support formula.

Together, these ingredients provide broader metabolic and digestive support than berberine alone.

A pharmacist’s considerations before starting

Before adding berberine to your routine, a few practical points are worth keeping in mind.

Choose products with an AUST L number to ensure TGA listed quality and safety.
Follow the recommended dosage, as consistency matters more than higher amounts.
Seek professional advice if you are taking medication, pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Focus on long term health rather than short term outcomes.

Berberine is best viewed as part of a broader lifestyle approach rather than a standalone solution.

Why choose Vitaceuticals Berberine Plus?

Vitaceuticals Berberine Plus is Australian made and pharmacist developed, and was among the earliest berberine formulations introduced in Australia.

It is formulated with berberine alongside Ceylon cinnamon and milk thistle, and designed to support metabolism, energy balance, and everyday wellbeing.

Key takeaway

Berberine is not a passing trend. It is a well established botanical with growing scientific interest, particularly for its role in carbohydrate metabolism and metabolic regulation.

With pharmacist oversight and a carefully designed formula, Vitaceuticals Berberine Plus offers a reliable option for those seeking daily metabolic support.



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