Scientists reviewed 11 studies involving 718 people to see if barberry supplements could help with health problems like high blood pressure and cholesterol. They found that people who took barberry supplements lost a small amount of weight, had lower blood pressure, and improved their cholesterol levels compared to those who didn’t take the supplements. The improvements were modest but consistent across different studies. While these results look promising, more research is needed to confirm how well barberry works as a natural health supplement.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether taking barberry supplements can improve health markers like blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels
  • Who participated: 718 adults from 11 different studies conducted between 2012 and 2023
  • Key finding: People taking barberry supplements showed small but meaningful improvements in blood pressure, weight loss, and cholesterol levels
  • What it means for you: Barberry supplements might be a helpful addition to a healthy lifestyle, but they’re not a magic cure and should complement, not replace, proven treatments

The Research Details

This was a meta-analysis, which means researchers gathered data from 11 separate studies that tested barberry supplements against fake pills (placebos) in different groups of people. They combined all the results to get a bigger picture of whether barberry really works. This approach is considered very reliable because it looks at multiple studies instead of just one, giving us more confidence in the results.

By combining results from multiple studies, researchers can spot patterns that might not be clear in smaller individual studies. This helps separate real effects from random chance and gives us a clearer picture of what barberry supplements can actually do.

The researchers used strict criteria to select only high-quality studies and used statistical methods to account for differences between studies. However, the improvements were generally small, and more long-term studies would help confirm these benefits.

What the Results Show

People taking barberry supplements lost an average of 3.3 pounds more than those taking fake pills. Their systolic blood pressure (the top number) dropped by about 10 points, and their diastolic pressure (bottom number) dropped by about 11 points. Total cholesterol decreased by about 18 mg/dL, bad cholesterol (LDL) dropped by 11 mg/dL, and triglycerides fell by 24 mg/dL. Good cholesterol (HDL) actually increased slightly by 2.5 mg/dL. Blood sugar levels also improved, dropping by about 17 mg/dL, and insulin resistance showed signs of improvement.

The supplements also appeared to help the body use insulin more effectively, which is important for blood sugar control. However, long-term blood sugar control (measured by hemoglobin A1c) didn’t show significant improvement, and BMI changes were minimal.

These results align with other research on polyphenol-rich foods and their heart-healthy benefits. The findings are consistent with what we know about antioxidant-rich berries and their potential to support cardiovascular health.

The studies were relatively short-term, so we don’t know about long-term effects or safety. The improvements, while statistically significant, were modest. Different studies used different doses and forms of barberry, making it hard to recommend specific amounts.

The Bottom Line

Barberry supplements may offer modest benefits for people looking to support their heart health and blood sugar control, but they should be used alongside proven lifestyle changes like healthy eating and exercise, not as a replacement

Adults with concerns about blood pressure, cholesterol, or blood sugar levels might be interested, but people on medications should consult their doctor first, as barberry might interact with certain drugs

The studies reviewed typically lasted a few months, so benefits might be seen within that timeframe, but consistency is key for maintaining any improvements

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily barberry supplement intake along with weekly blood pressure readings and monthly weight measurements
  • Add barberry supplements to your daily routine while logging other heart-healthy habits like exercise and vegetable intake
  • Monitor trends in blood pressure, weight, and energy levels over 3-6 months to assess personal response to supplementation

This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you have existing health conditions or take medications.