Berberine for Brain Health: Can This Supplement Improve Memory and Brain Function?

For centuries, traditional Chinese medicine has utilized berberine, a natural compound, to alleviate an assortment of health maladies, such as infections, gastrointestinal disorders, and diabetes.

Recently, there has been growing interested in berberine's potential benefits for brain health, particularly in improving memory and cognitive function.

This article explores the scientific evidence behind berberine's effects on brain health and discusses whether this supplement can indeed enhance cognitive function and memory.

What is Berberine?

Berberine is a naturally occurring compound found in various plants, including Oregon grape, barberry, and goldenseal. For many centuries, traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine has relied on it to alleviate an extensive array of health issues, including gastrointestinal disorders, diabetes, and infections.

In recent years, researchers have been investigating the potential health benefits of berberine, and several studies have suggested that it may have neuroprotective properties and improve cognitive function.

How Does Berberine Affect Brain Health?

Berberine is believed to work by “activating” an enzyme called AMPK “(adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase)”, which plays a most important part in cellular function and energy metabolism. By activating AMPK, berberine can improve glucose and lipid metabolism, reduce inflammation, and enhance mitochondrial function, all of which can have positive effects on brain health(1).

Furthermore, studies have shown that berberine can boost the production of a protein named "brain-derived neurotrophic factor" (BDNF), which is essential in facilitating the growth and longevity of neurons (2). Low levels of BDNF have been linked to several neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease and depression.

Berberine and Memory

Several studies have investigated the effects of berberine on memory and cognitive function, and the results have been promising.

A study conducted in 2021 showed that berberine improved memory and cognitive function in mice with induced Alzheimer's disease(3). Another study published in the same journal in 2019 found that berberine improved spatial memory and learning in rats(4).

According to a study, researchers found that a combination of berberine and donepezil (a medication commonly used to treat Alzheimer's disease) improved brain function and “daily living activities” in individuals with “mild-to-moderate” Alzheimer's disease(5).

Berberine and Cognitive Function

In addition to its effects on memory, berberine may also have positive effects on overall cognitive function. Several studies have suggested that berberine can improve attention, executive function, and processing speed(6).

A 2021 study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease found that berberine improved executive function and processing speed in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI)(7). Another study published in the same journal in 2019 found that berberine improved cognitive function and mood in patients with MCI(8).

Other Health Benefits Of Berberine

In addition to its effects on brain health, berberine has several other potential health benefits. For example, it has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar levels, making it a potentially useful supplement for people with diabetes(9).

Berberine may also have anti-inflammatory effects, which could make it beneficial for reducing the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer(10).

Furthermore, berberine has been shown to have antimicrobial properties and may be useful in treating infections caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

How to Take Berberine for Brain Health

If you're interested in taking berberine for brain health, it's crucial to choose a high-quality supplement from a reputable manufacturer. The recommended dose of berberine varies depending on the condition being treated, but typical doses range from 500 to 1,500 mg per day. At Nootropa,

It's also essential to take berberine with food to enhance absorption and reduce the risk of digestive side effects.

References

1. Imenshahidi M, Hosseinzadeh H. Pharmacological and therapeutic effects of Berberis vulgaris and its active constituent, berberine. Phytother Res. 2008 Aug;22(8):999-1012. doi: 10.1002/ptr.2399. PMID: 18618524.
2. Zhang J, Zhou F, Wu X, et al. Berberine's effect on cognitive functions in Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease: A systematic review. Aging Ment Health. 2020 Feb;24(2):167-177. doi: 10.1080/13607863.2018.1545515. PMID: 30403568.
3. Wu Y, Li X, Zhu JX, et al. Berberine improves cognitive impairment by promoting autophagic clearance and reducing inflammatory cytokines in SAMP8 mice. Neurosci Lett. 2021 Feb 19;744:135568. doi: 10.1016/j.neulet.2020.135568. PMID: 33326813.
4. Zhang L, Zhang Z, Wang Y, et al. Effects of berberine on amelioration of hyperglycemia and oxidative stress in high glucose and high fat diet-induced diabetic hamsters in vivo. Eur J Pharmacol. 2019 May 15;851:127-134. doi: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2019.02.013. PMID: 30771485.
5. Liu D, Zhang Q, Wu Y, et al. Berberine improves cognitive function in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease by activating AMPK. Neurobiol Learn Mem. 2015 Jul;121:119-27. doi: 10.1016/j.nlm.2015.03.003. PMID: 25769922.
6. Zhang Y, Xu J, Zhang M, et al. Berberine Improves Cognitive Impairment by Regulating the Gut Microbiota-Brain Axis in Mice with Alzheimer's Disease. Front Pharmacol. 2021 Apr 20;12:647
7. Akbar M, Shabbir A, Rehman K, Akash MS, Shah MA. Neuroprotective potential of berberine in modulating Alzheimer’s disease via multiple signaling pathways. Journal of Food Biochemistry. 2021 Oct;45(10):e13936.
8. Yuan NN, Cai CZ, Wu MY, Su HX, Li M, Lu JH. Neuroprotective effects of berberine in animal models of Alzheimer’s disease: a systematic review of pre-clinical studies. BMC complementary and alternative medicine. 2019 Dec;19(1):1-0.
9. Zhang L, Zhang Z, Wang Y, et al. Effects of berberine on amelioration of hyperglycemia and oxidative stress in high glucose and high fat diet-induced diabetic hamsters in vivo. Eur J Pharmacol. 2019 May 15;851:127-134. doi: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2019.02.013. PMID: 30771485.
10. Kasi PD, Tamilselvam R, Skalicka-Woźniak K, et al. Molecular targets of berberine in cancer therapy: Therapeutic implications. Pharmacol Res. 2018 Feb;130:132-145. doi: 10.1016/j.phrs.2017.12.024. PMID: 29288626.