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Both bergamot and berberine are well-known for their ability to protect cells from the adverse effects of free radicals.* As natural polyphenol and alkaloid compounds, respectively, bergamot and berberine display antioxidant properties and support the body’s natural inflammatory responses.*
Bergamot vs. berberine—which one of these works best for your health? Get the answers to common queries about these two plant-derived compounds, how they support different health functions, and ways to incorporate them into your diet. Use the links below to jump ahead to different topics on this page.
Bergamot is a citrus fruit of the Citrus bergamia Risso et Poiteu plant and is extensively grown in southern Italy. The fruit is the size of an orange with a yellow peel. Citrus fruits are naturally rich in flavonoids and are known for their antioxidant properties and the ability to help maintain the body’s natural inflammatory response. An exceptionally high content of flavonoids in bergamot translates to its therapeutic potential in supporting immune health, heart functions, glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism, and nervous system function.
Berberine is an alkaloid—a class of nitrogenous organic compounds of plant origin found in the roots, rhizomes, and stem barks of barberry, Oregon grape, tree turmeric, goldenseal, yellowroot, Californian poppy, and similar trees. The antioxidative and immunomodulatory properties of berberine protect your heart, liver, and nervous system, help regulate glucose metabolism and lipid metabolism, and promote weight management.*
Traditionally, bergamot has been used as an extract, juice, or essential oil. Bergamot juice and essential oil contain up to 93-96 percent of volatile compounds, resulting in the wide use of bergamot peel in the perfume and cosmetic industries. Flavonoids such as neoeriocitrin, naringin, neohesperidin, and C-glucoside, among others, found in bergamot have been of significant interest for their cardiovascular benefits and role in enhancing glucose tolerance.* The following table summarizes how bergamot supports a wide range of health functions.
| Function | How Bergamot Works |
Lipid Metabolism | Bergamot initiates1 adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase—an enzyme that plays a critical role in activating glucose and fatty acid uptake and oxidation.Flavonoids present in bergamot—particularly neoeriocitrin, naringin, and rutin—have been reported to lower the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein particles. |
Glucose Metabolism | The flavonoid naringin present in bergamot2 enhances overall insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance. |
Cardiovascular Function | Bergamot protects against free radical damage in the body, including the vascular endothelium, an important determinant of cardiovascular health.The lipid and glycemic effects of bergamot might be associated with promoting cardiovascular health. |
Neuroprotection | Studies3 in rats have demonstrated the role of bergamot essential oil in enhancing extracellular glycine, aspartate, and taurine in the hippocampus of the brain, thereby benefiting synaptic transmission. |
Wound Healing | Bergamot oil and its major active components, such as limonene, linalyl acetate, and linalool, demonstrate immunomodulatory and wound healing activities, while supporting the body’s natural inflammatory response. Bergamot juice (20 mg/kg) shows promising results in lowering pro-inflammatory cytokines—the signaling molecules secreted by immune cells that are involved in the up-regulation of inflammatory reactions. |
Numerous randomized clinical trials have demonstrated the neuroprotective and cardiovascular protective effects of berberine, along with its insulin-resistance-enhancing action.* The therapeutic benefits of berberine are attributed to its antioxidative properties and its role in mediating inflammatory responses.* The following table summarizes how berberine supports various health functions.
| Functions | How Berberine Works |
Glucose Metabolism | Berberine’s glucose support properties include stimulating glucose breakdown, promoting insulin secretion, inhibiting glucose synthesis from non-carbohydrate components, and limiting digestion of carbohydrates in the intestine.* The potential benefits of berberine for providing nutritional support in diabetes lie in its ability to benefit insulin resistance and promote natural blood sugar regulation.* Berberine also enhances lipid metabolism, inhibiting lipid accumulation, particularly that of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C).* |
Immune Response | Berberine has been found4 to inhibit functions and differentiation of pro-inflammatory T helper (Th) cells.* It also indirectly down-regulates the activity of other immune cells to limit Th-cell-mediated inflammatory responses.* |
Liver Detoxification | Berberine’s Liver Detox Benefits: Berberine has been found5 to enhance liver functions, help moderate elevated liver enzymes, and lower fatty deposits in the liver.* |
Weight Management | Owing to its benefits in glucose and lipid metabolism, berberine is currently trending for its potential role in weight management that could help individuals improve their overall health.* |
Both bergamot and berberine are well-tolerated with minimal reported adverse side effects and are considered safe to be used as ingredients in dietary supplements. Although several of the potential benefits of bergamot and berberine are similar, they likely influence different biochemical pathways to exert their beneficial effects. It is worth noting that the mechanisms of action of these plant-derived compounds are not fully understood yet.
| Bergamot vs. Berberine: Similarities and Differences | ||
| Bergamot | Berberine | |
| Origin | A citrus fruit of Citrus bergamia Risso et Poiteu plant. | Roots, rhizomes, and stem barks of barberry, Oregon grape, tree turmeric, goldenseal, yellowroot, Californian poppy, and similar trees. |
| Properties | Both have antioxidant properties and promote the body’s natural response to inflammation.* | |
| Chemical composition | Bergamot has a high content of flavonoids. | Berberine is an alkaloid. |
| Benefits | Both exert similar benefits on the heart, immune health, endocrine health, and the nervous system.* | |
| Mechanisms of Action | Flavonoids present in bergamot help lower blood lipid levels. | Berberine is less effective than bergamot in lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels. |
When comparing bergamot vs. berberine, there is no definitive top choice. Each compound works well under different physiological conditions to support your overall health and wellness.
The synergistic effects of bergamot and berberine are being extensively studied6 on the mechanisms of action underlying cholesterol synthesis, triglycerides, and LDL-cholesterol oxidation. This approach has shown promising results by acting at different levels on the cholesterol pathway.*
There have been limited studies on the bioavailability of bergamot, and the available bioavailability studies have only assessed the presence of flavanone metabolites after 1 to 4 hours post-consumption of bergamot juice. To better understand the potential of bergamot as a cardioprotective agent, bioavailability studies involving more prolonged periods (up to 24 to 48 hours) are required.
The poor absorption, extensive metabolism, and rapid loss of berberine from the body results in an absolute bioavailability of less than 1%. Dihydroberberine (dhBBR) — a reduced derivative of berberine, displays a 5-fold intestinal absorption rate compared to that of berberine. However, dhBBR is unstable and is oxidized to berberine in gastrointestinal tissues.
Although there is ongoing research exploring the effects of taking bergamot and berberine together, it is recommended to consult with your health-care provider before incorporating both supplements into your diet.
A berberine supplement can support your gastrointestinal health, cardiovascular function, liver function, immune function, glucose metabolism, and lipid metabolism, as well as promoting a healthy weight management program.* Consult with your health-care provider to evaluate the need for a berberine supplement in your diet.
Although the safety profile of berberine is well established, it is always advisable to consult with your health-care provider before taking a berberine supplement with a prescription medication.
The efficacy of a berberine supplement formulation is determined by its enhanced palatability, bioavailability, and absorption in the body. Tesseract’s BerberActiv®, an innovative, oral berberine supplement formulation, exhibits optimal absorption of the active ingredient to support your overall health.*
The proprietary CyLoc® – DexKey® nutrient delivery nanotechnology facilitates unprecedented absorption of billions of berberine molecules in the intestinal tract. Each berberine molecule is encased in the CyLoc® matrix that masks the bitterness of berberine. The DexKey® reactors accompany CyLoC® molecules and release them at the desired point in the intestinal tract. The enhanced absorption of berberine enables micro-dosing, which means ingesting a lesser amount of berberine to achieve a powerful and rapid physiological response to support health functions.*
The power of Tesseract supplements lies in enhancing palatability, maximizing bioavailability and absorption, and micro-dosing multiple nutrients in a single, highly effective capsule. Shop products on our website and learn more about how they can help support your endocrine health.*
Works Cited:.
1Nauman MC, Johnson JJ. Integrative food, nutrition and metabolism vol. 6,2 (2019): 10.15761/IFNM.1000249. doi:10.15761/IFNM.1000249
2Dayarathne LA, et al. Journal of veterinary science vol. 22,6 (2021): e92. doi:10.4142/jvs.2021.22.e92
3Rombolà L, et al. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 22,4 614. 11 Apr. 2017, doi:10.3390/molecules22040614
4Ehteshamfar S-M, et al. Journal of cellular and molecular medicine vol. 24,23 (2020): 13573-13588. doi:10.1111/jcmm.16049
5Nejati L, et al. Medical journal of the Islamic Republic of Iran vol. 36 39. 20 Apr. 2022, doi:10.47176/mjiri.36.39
6Amante C, et al. Life (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 12,8 1162. 30 Jul. 2022, doi:10.3390/life12081162
Coenzyme Q10 – or CoQ10 – is an endogenous fat-soluble and vitamin-like compound found naturally in every cellular membrane of the body, particularly the mitochondrial membranes. Because CoQ10 is primarily involved in cellular energy production, its level is highest in organs with high metabolism rates, such as the heart, kidney, and liver. As an antioxidant, CoQ10 protects cellular components from the adverse effects of oxidative stress.*
CoQ10’s therapeutic effects in addressing oxidative stress are well-known, and this nutrient has been extensively studied for its role in promoting women’s health.* Get all the answers below regarding CoQ10 benefits for women, how it supports various health functions, and why you should include a CoQ10 supplement in your diet. Use the links below to jump ahead to different topics on the page.
Research studies1 show that women generally experience lower levels of oxidative stress and subsequent production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) than men. However, oxidative stress in women typically increases with age. It is assumed to be due to lower levels of estrogen—a hormone responsible for the development and maintenance of female characteristics of the body. CoQ10’s antioxidant effects help mitigate mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in female bodies.*
The following table summarizes how CoQ10 supports various health functions in women.
| Health Function | CoQ10 Benefits |
| Reproductive Health | Oxidative stress influences2 the entire reproductive lifespan of a woman and is associated with modulating the age-related decline in fertility. ROS plays a role in pathological processes involving the female reproductive tract. CoQ10 supplementation can limit oxidative stress to promote reproductive health.*Learn more about CoQ10’s menstrual cycle effects. |
| Bone | Estrogen helps build and maintain bone mineral density. A gradual decline of estrogen with age significantly impacts bone quality and increases the risk of fracture. CoQ10 supplementation inhibits oxidative stress and cell senescence (cell aging) and promotes bone formation.* |
| Heart | Reports3 suggest that although women develop heart disease about 10 years later than men, they are likely to experience worse outcomes after a heart attack. CoQ10’s potential cardiovascular health benefits include protecting cardiac muscle tissues from oxidative stress, enhancing lipid profiles, and helping to maintain optimal blood pressure.* Learn more about CoQ10 vs. fish oil to support your heart health. |
| Skin | Aging and fluctuating hormonal levels impact skin health, resulting in loss of skin elasticity, wrinkles, skin pigmentation, etc. CoQ10 promotes healthy skin by limiting oxidative stress in skin cells, particularly the dermis layer.* Learn more about coenzyme Q10’s skin benefits. |
| Gastrointestinal Health | Women, particularly postmenopausal women, are more likely4 to experience gastrointestinal disorders than men. CoQ10 exerts gastroprotective effects to promote gut health.* |
The role of excessive ROS resulting in oxidative stress and its impact on female reproductive health are well-documented. Oxidative stress affects the reproductive years, resulting in a gradual age-induced decline in fertility, and menopausal years too. Reactive Oxygen Species play a potential role in various pathological processes involving the female reproductive tract.
In randomized controlled trials, the role of CoQ10 supplementation has been explored to understand how it limits oxidative stress.* The following table summarizes the potential role of CoQ10 in supporting female reproductive health.*
| CoQ10 and Reproductive Health | |
| Enhancing oocyte quality: The quality of the human oocyte—the immature egg cell, depends on optimal mitochondrial function and adequate cellular energy levels. CoQ10 has been found5 to exert beneficial effects in enhancing oocyte quality and subsequent reproductive performance.* | |
| Supporting the development of competent follicles: CoQ10 supplementation is believed to exert positive effects, particularly at the follicular level, by supporting a more favorable environment for competent ovarian follicle development.* |
Aging is characterized by a marked reduction in bone volume, microstructural destruction of bone tissue, and increased fragility of bone tissue.
Our bones are composed of different types of cells, and aging impacts the normal functioning of these cells. The increased number of osteoclasts (the cells that dissolve and break down old or damaged bone cells) and the decrease in the number of osteoblasts (the cells involved in bone synthesis and mineralization) result in loss of bone mass and strength.
In women, increased osteoclast activity is linked to low estrogen levels and other hormonal changes in the body. Several studies highlight the role of CoQ10 and its beneficial effects on supporting bone health.* However, the exact mechanism underlying CoQ10-mediated protection of bones is still unclear.
The following table highlights some of the potential beneficial effects of CoQ10 on bone cells.*
| CoQ10 and Bone Health | |
| Promoting osteoblast proliferation and differentiation: Studies6 in rats have established the beneficial effects of CoQ10 on the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblast cells.* | |
| Inhibiting oxidative stress and cell senescence: CoQ10 protects7 mitochondria from oxidative damage, thereby inhibiting oxidative stress to bone cells and their subsequent aging.* CoQ10 also helps in promoting osteoblastic bone formation and inhibiting osteoclastic bone resorption.* |
Women often experience poorer outcomes after a heart attack, partly due to failure to identify and address cardiovascular disorders. The oxidative stress in heart muscles impacts the normal functioning of the heart, resulting in a wide range of pathological conditions. Due to its antioxidant properties and role in enhancing oxygen utilization on the cellular level, CoQ10 supplementation shows the potential to support a healthy heart.*
The following table highlights some of the key benefits of CoQ10 for heart health.*
| CoQ10 and Heart Health | |
| Maintaining normal blood pressure: Blood pressure is usually higher in men than in women at similar ages. However, after menopause, women experience elevated blood pressure levels even higher than that of men. CoQ10 helps maintain a normal systolic blood pressure in the body.* | |
| Enhancing lipid profiles: CoQ10 supplementation has been found to help maintain normal total cholesterol levels, as well as high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol levels.* | |
| Addressing side effects of statin medications: Statin medications lower cholesterol levels. Although women are less frequently prescribed statins and receive relatively lower doses, CoQ10 supplementation can address the side effects of statins, such as muscle aches and weakness.* |
Technically, a woman’s skin begins aging after the age of 20 as the dermis layer of the skin produces one percent less collagen each year. As a woman ages, her skin becomes thinner, less elastic, and more fragile. Skin cells are more prone to be damaged by free radicals and require a high amount of cellular energy for regeneration and repair. CoQ10 supports healthy skin through the following mechanisms.*
| CoQ10 and Skin Health | |
| Stimulating collagen production: CoQ10 helps stimulate8 collagen synthesis by enhancing gene expression of type I, IV, and VII collagen.* | |
| Maintaining cellular metabolism: CoQ10 helps maintain the regular metabolism of aging skin cells, particularly keratinocytes, by enhancing their mitochondrial functioning.* | |
| Maintaining flexibility and stability of skin: CoQ10 limits the seasonal deterioration of viscoelasticity of the skin, the property that makes the skin flexible and stable.* |
During menopause, low levels of hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, slow down the process of food passing through the intestine. The increased span of the digestive process results in more water reabsorption back into the bloodstream, leading to increased bloating, constipation, and other gastrointestinal discomfort.
The following table highlights how CoQ10 supports a healthy gastrointestinal environment.*
| CoQ10 and Gastrointestinal Health | ||
| Enhancing gut microbiota: CoQ10 helps9 support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, thereby enhancing the intestinal flora balance.* | ||
| Protecting gastric mucosa: Gastric mucosa, the mucous membrane found in the stomach, is prone to injury due to certain medications and pathological conditions. CoQ10 supplementation has been found10 to limit inflammation and subsequent injury to the gastric mucosa.* |
Eating a balanced diet containing meat, fish, fruits and vegetables, and nuts supports the endogenous production of CoQ10 in your body. However, there are reasons why you should include a CoQ10 supplement in your diet.
There is limited data on the safety and efficacy of CoQ10 supplementation during pregnancy or breastfeeding. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, then consult with your healthcare provider before including a CoQ10 supplement in your diet.
CoQ10 supplements can interact with prescription medicines for blood thinning, glucose metabolism, and kidney and liver disorders. It is always recommended to consult with your healthcare provider before taking a CoQ10 supplement with any prescription medicine.
A CoQ10 supplement will be effective only if it displays enhanced bioavailability and absorption of the active ingredient in the body.
Tesseract Medical Research has developed a unique and hypoallergenic CoQ10 supplement formulation for optimal absorption of the active ingredient, making CoQ10 a therapeutic reality.* CoQ10 Pro consists of the proprietary CyLoc® – DexKey® nutrient delivery nanotechnology that enables unprecedented absorption of billions of CoQ10 molecules in the intestinal tract. Each CoQ10 molecule gets encased in the CyLoc® matrix, while accompanying DexKey® reactors release these molecules at the desired point in the intestinal tract. Enhanced absorption of the active ingredient means ingesting a lesser amount of CoQ10 is needed for a powerful and rapid physiological response to support your cardiovascular health.*
The power of Tesseract supplements lies in enhancing palatability, maximizing bioavailability and absorption, and micro-dosing multiple nutrients in a single, highly effective capsule. Shop products on our website and learn more about how they can help support your cardiovascular health.*
Citations:
1Kander MC, et al. Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine vol. 21,5 (2017):1024-1032. doi:10.1111/jcmm.13038
2Agarwal A, et al. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology vol. 3;28. 14 Jul. 2005, doi:10.1186/1477-7827-3-28
3Giardina EG. vol. 45,6 (2000):350-357.
4Cain KC, et al. International Journal of Fertility and Women’s Medicine vol. 54,7 (2009):1542-9. doi:10.1007/s10620-008-0516-3
5Rodríguez-Varela C, Labarta E. International Journal of Molecular Sciences vol. 22,17 9541. 2 Sep. 2021, doi:10.3390/ijms22179541
6Zheng D, et al. Molecular Medicine Reports vol. 17,1 (2018):400-407. doi:10.3892/mmr.2017.7907
7Wu X, et al. American Journal of Translational Research vol. 12,8 4314-4325. 15 Aug. 2020
8Mine Y, et al. Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition vol. 71,1 (2022):29-33. doi:10.3164/jcbn.20-187
9Zhao X, et al. The Korean Journal of Physiology & Pharmacology: Official Journal of the Korean Physiological Society and the Korean Society of Pharmacology vol. 25,4 (2021):261-272. doi:10.4196/kjpp.2021.25.4.261
You might have heard about coenzyme Q10 – or CoQ10 – and its role in supporting your heart health.* But if you are considering including CoQ10 in your diet, then you should know all the benefits of this nutrient molecule, any side effects it might cause, and why there might be a need for a CoQ10 supplement, etc.
Get all the answers to common queries about CoQ10’s pros and cons, different CoQ10 supplement forms, and how to determine the efficacy of a CoQ10 supplement. Use the links below to jump ahead to different topics on the page.
CoQ10 is an endogenous lipid-soluble compound that plays an essential role in cellular energy production. Although it is prevalent in all human tissues and organs, CoQ10 is mainly biosynthesized and concentrated in organs that have high metabolism rates and energy turnover, such as the heart, kidney, and liver. The beneficial effects of CoQ10 on different health functions, particularly heart health, have led to extensive CoQ10 research since the 1970s.
CoQ10 exerts an antioxidant effect and promotes the body’s natural inflammatory response to promote various health functions.* The therapeutic effects of CoQ10 increase the production of key antioxidants, such as superoxide dismutase—an enzyme that helps reduce vascular oxidative stress.* CoQ10 further lowers levels of lipid peroxidation by limiting the production of pro-oxidative compounds.* The antioxidant molecule preserves nitric oxide levels, which enhances blood flow and protects blood vessels.
The following table summarizes the potential benefits of CoQ10.
| Health Function | CoQ10 Benefits |
Heart | CoQ10’s potential cardiovascular health benefits include improving lipid profiles, protecting cardiac muscle tissues from oxidative stress, and maintaining optimal blood pressure.* Learn more about CoQ10 vs. fish oil to support your heart health. |
Skin | CoQ10 promotes healthy skin by limiting oxidative stress in skin cells, particularly the dermis layer.* It also helps maintain cellular metabolism by enhancing the mitochondrial functioning of aging skin cells.* Learn more about coenzyme Q10’s skin benefits. |
Reproductive Health | The age-dependent decline in female reproductive potential is associated with cellular mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. Experimental and clinical evidence1 suggests COQ10’s protective effects on reproductive health.* Learn more about CoQ10 benefits for women and CoQ10’s menstrual cycle effects. |
Immune System | Your immune system has intensive energy requirements. Because CoQ10 has a key role in cellular energy production, its adequate supply enables various immune cell types to function optimally.* Learn more about quercetin vs. CoQ10 and the perceived benefits for immune health. |
Because CoQ10 is naturally present in the human body, its safety profile is well-established. Toxicity is unlikely, even up to an intake of 1,200 mg/ day. CoQ10 supplements are generally well-tolerated with only minor and infrequent adverse effects. However, it is worth noting that the safety of the use of CoQ10 in pregnant and breastfeeding women, children, and infants has not been established. The following table summarizes some of the possible adverse side effects of CoQ10.
| CoQ10’s Possible Adverse Side Effects | |
| Infrequent adverse effects: Stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea | |
| Rare adverse effects: Headache, heartburn, fatigue, dizziness, irritability, etc. | |
| Contraindications: CoQ10 supplements might interact with prescription medicines for kidney and liver disorders, blood thinning, and glucose metabolism. |
As a lipid-soluble antioxidant, CoQ10 provides protection against oxidative damage to cellular components.* It is also able to regenerate vitamins C and E back to their active, fully reduced forms.* However, you should consider the possible side effects of CoQ10 and consult with your healthcare provider before including this therapeutic nutrient as a supplement in your diet.
The following table highlights some of CoQ10’s pros and cons and its role in supporting various health functions.*
| CoQ10 Pros and Cons | ||
| CoQ10 Pros | CoQ10 Cons | |
| Cardiovascular health | Clinical trials suggest the potential role of CoQ10 in maintaining optimal systolic blood pressure2.* | CoQ10 might interact with prescription medicines for high blood pressure. |
| Gastrointestinal health | CoQ10 can enhance3 the intestinal flora, supporting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.* | CoQ10 might cause minor side effects, such as stomach upset, heartburn, nausea, and diarrhea. |
| Skin health | CoQ10 supports optimal skin health—stimulating collagen production and decreasing oxidative damage to the skin.* | The potential side effects of CoQ10 can include skin itching or rashes. |
Although CoQ10 is naturally produced in your body, its level decreases as you age. CoQ10 levels have been reported to be particularly low in individuals with certain heart conditions or those taking a statin medication to lower cholesterol levels. Statin medications lower the liver’s production of cholesterol, thereby limiting the low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL) in the blood. However, they can also lower the amount of CoQ10 in the body, leading to a CoQ10 deficiency.
CoQ10 is a normal part of a balanced diet, predominantly found in meat, fish, nuts, and certain fruits and vegetables. Although these dietary sources support endogenous CoQ10 production, they might not be enough to significantly enhance the depleting CoQ10 level in your body. This is when you need a CoQ10 supplement to support your health.*
CoQ10 nutritional supplements are available as capsules, chewable tablets, oral sprays, and liquid syrups.
CoQ10 exists within the body in two forms—ubiquinone (the oxidized form) and ubiquinol (the reduced form). Ubiquinone and ubiquinol are a redox pair (oxidation-reduction) and are continually interconverted within cells depending on the demand for their various functions.
To maintain a consistent quality of CoQ10 supplements, CoQ10 is produced in the laboratory by fermentation. Due to the inherently unstable nature of ubiquinol, which gets reduced to ubiquinone, CoQ10 supplements could only be produced in the ubiquinone form until very recently. New encapsulation techniques have now made it possible to produce CoQ10 supplements in the ubiquinol form.
When taken orally in the form of a nutritional supplement, ubiquinol is oxidized to ubiquinone by gastric acid before it is absorbed. In the blood and in the lymph, CoQ10 remains in ubiquinol form irrespective of the initial dietary form.
There has been much debate about the relative bioavailability of the two forms of CoQ10 supplements. The initial absorption of CoQ10 into intestinal cells was previously thought to be enhanced by the reduction of ubiquinone to ubiquinol, leading to the assumption that the ingestion of supplemental CoQ10 in the ubiquinol form better facilitates the absorption process. The following table highlights some of the key differences between ubiquinone and ubiquinol.
| Ubiquinone versus Ubiquinol: A Comparison | ||
| Ubiquinone | Ubiquinol | |
| Chemical form | The oxidized form of CoQ10 | The reduced form of CoQ10 |
| Function | Required in the energy production of all cells except red blood cells; plays an important role in several steps of the electron transport chain in mitochondrial inner membranes | Provides critical antioxidant protection, preventing oxidation of cellular membrane lipids and lipoprotein lipids present in circulation |
Several studies report there is no significant difference in the relative bioavailability of ubiquinone and ubiquinol supplements. So, it is not necessary to take ubiquinol to enhance CoQ10 levels in plasma and plasma lipoproteins; i.e., taking a ubiquinone supplement will do the same.
Whether it is ubiquinone or ubiquinol, the bioavailability and absorption of a CoQ10 supplement depend4 on the formulation, especially:
CoQ10 supplement formulations containing nanoparticle complexes have been found to display superior bioavailability and absorption compared to supplements featuring uncomplexed CoQ10.
The average dietary intake of CoQ10 is 3 mg – 6 mg. Various oral formulations contain anywhere between 30 mg – 600 mg per serving of CoQ10. Although there is no established minimum or maximum ingested amount of CoQ10, the average amount necessary5 to attain a therapeutic blood level of more than 2.5 mcg/mL is 200 mg taken twice daily with a meal.
CoQ10 supplements can interact with prescription medicines. It is always recommended to consult with your healthcare provider before incorporating a CoQ10 supplement into your diet.
The efficacy of a CoQ10 supplement formulation depends on its absorption and bioavailability. As mentioned earlier, the type of CoQ10 formulation plays a critical role in enhancing its absorption in the body.
CoQ10 Pro is a unique CoQ10 supplement formulation developed by Tesseract Medical Research to ensure optimal absorption of the active ingredient to support cardiovascular health.* The proprietary CyLoc® – DexKey® nutrient delivery nanotechnology ensures unprecedented absorption of CoQ10 molecules in the intestinal tract—one molecule at a time. The CyLoc® matrix encases each CoQ10 molecule while the accompanying DexKey® reactors release each molecule at the desired point in the intestinal tract to achieve maximum absorption. Enhanced absorption enables micro-dosing—the ingestion of a lesser amount of CoQ10 to achieve a powerful and rapid physiological response to keep your heart healthy.*
The power of Tesseract supplements lies in enhancing palatability, maximizing bioavailability and absorption, and micro-dosing multiple nutrients in a single, highly effective capsule. Shop products on our website and learn more about how they can help support your cardiovascular health.*
Citations:
1Carneiro H, Fernanda M, Colaiácovo MP. Vitamins and Hormones vol. 121 (2023):143-167. doi:10.1016/bs.vh.2022.10.004
2Zozina VI, et al. Current Cardiology Reviews vol. 14,3 (2018):164-174. doi:10.2174/1573403X14666180416115428
3Zhao X, et al. The Korean journal of physiology & pharmacology: official journal of the Korean Physiological Society and the Korean Society of Pharmacology vol. 25,4 (2021):261-272. doi:10.4196/kjpp.2021.25.4.261
4Mantle D, Dybring A. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 9,5 386. 5 May. 2020, doi:10.3390/antiox9050386
5Raizner AE. Methodist DeBakey Cardiovascular Journal vol. 15,3 (2019):185-191. doi:10.14797/mdcj-15-3-185
Article Summary:
Moderate physical exercise is an indispensable part of a healthy lifestyle. Moderate and programmed physical exercise promotes fitness and offers various health benefits. However, intensive physical performance is also known to induce muscle fatigue, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Several studies have established the interrelation between intense physical workouts and an increase in the production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and free radicals that can have both positive and negative physiological effects. The therapeutic effects of antioxidants, such as berberine, have been found to address such exercise-induced oxidative stress.
Below, we discuss how berberine and exercise together support your overall health and why you should include a berberine supplement in your daily supplement regimen.
When you exercise, the oxygen demand in your body increases, particularly in skeletal muscles, resulting in a significant change in the blood flow to various organs. The exercise-induced muscle damage promotes the infiltration of phagocytes—the immune cells responsible for both the early and late stages of immune responses–at the site of injury. Although moderate exercise enhances the body’s antioxidant defense mechanism, intensive and exhaustive exercise generates an increased production of free radicals that can result in oxidative damage to biomolecules.
Excessive physical activity can lead to high levels of ROS that exhaust the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant systems of the body. Some indicators signaling the rise of free radicals in the body resulting from excessive physical activity are:
Increased levels of free radicals can impair cellular function, damage macromolecules, and even result in cell death. As a result, excessive physical activity can be detrimental with effects such as alterations in arterial pressure and heart rate, changes in the sleep cycle, appetite, and altered hormonal activity. Individuals undergoing excessive physical training or exercise often experience increased heartbeats even at rest, struggle to fall asleep, and have poor immune function.
In contrast, regular physical activity of moderate intensity is an adaptive response that results in higher levels of mitochondrial content and accumulates relatively lower levels of ROS. It is worth noting that the degree of oxidative stress and of muscle damage is not dependent on the absolute intensity of the exercise but on the degree of exhaustion of the individual performing the exercise. A constant physical activity with intensity progressing over time favors a more rapid recovery of the oxidation generated by strenuous exercise bouts or maximal aerobic tests.
The antioxidant property of berberine, along with its ability to support the body’s natural inflammatory response, is associated with limiting oxidative stress post-exercise, lowering muscle soreness and physical stress, and enhancing physical performance.* The following table summarizes how berberine’s potential therapeutic effects help counter exercise-induced exhaustion in the body.*
| How Berberine Addresses Exercise-Induced Exhaustion | |
| Building skeletal muscle mass | Berberine is associated3 with enhancing skeletal muscle mass*—a key to adjusting to the demanded physical performance capacities. |
| Cardiovascular protection | Berberine4 exerted cardioprotective benefits to exercise-induced heart muscle injury in rats.* |
| Limiting exercise-induced oxidative stress | Berberine inhibits exercise-induced oxidative stress through a complex mechanism of several kinases and signaling pathways.* |
With these benefits, berberine supplementation can provide an added advantage to enhance physical endurance,* in addition to rigorous training and diet. Incorporating an advanced berberine supplementation formula into your diet can support your goal to stay fit and limit muscle damage incurred during exercise.*
Tesseract’s BerberActiv® is a unique berberine supplement formulated for optimal absorption. The proprietary Cyloc® – DexKey® technology masks the bitter taste of berberine while enhancing its bioavailability and absorption in the body. The unprecedented absorption capabilities mean a lower dose of the active ingredient is needed to achieve a rapid and powerful physiological response. With BerberActiv® and exercise, you can enjoy the therapeutic benefits of berberine to support healthy weight management and optimal functioning of your body.*
Visit Tesseract Medical Research to learn more about berberine and exercise and how a berberine supplement can support your endocrine and immune health.
Citations:
1Reid MB. vol. 594,18 (2016): 5125-33. doi:10.1113/JP270653
2Wang H, et al. vol. 59,8 (2010): 1879-89. doi:10.2337/db10-0207
3Chen L, et al. vol. 13 4561-4569. 23 Nov. 2020, doi:10.2147/DMSO.S275301
4Wang YW, et al. Zhonghua xin xue guan bing za zhi vol. 47,8 (2019): 647-652. doi:10.3760/cma.j.issn.0253-3758.2019.08.010
Article Summary:
As the largest digestive gland in the body, the liver performs many vital functions, including removing toxins from the body’s blood supply, regulating blood clotting, and maintaining healthy blood sugar and lipid levels. The liver is frequently exposed to various substances, such as alcohol, chemicals, and drugs, and works to eliminate them from the body. Most of the toxins in the body are fat-soluble and accumulate in the fatty or adipose tissues. The liver breaks down these toxins into byproducts, which can often cause damage to the liver in the long run.
Ongoing liver detoxification, through an adequate intake of water, a balanced diet consisting of antioxidants such as berberine, and an overall healthy lifestyle, is critical for supporting hepatic health.* Below, we discuss the beneficial role of berberine in liver detoxification and why you should include a berberine supplement in your diet for a healthy liver.*
Berberine, a plant alkaloid, has garnered significant interest due to its hepatoprotective effects.* Berberine’s liver detox activity can be attributed to its antioxidant properties and its role in helping to maintain the body’s natural inflammatory response.* Berberine has been found to influence various metabolic pathways, such as the insulin pathway, adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling, and hepatic lipid transportation, to optimize liver functions.* Several clinical studies have investigated the beneficial benefits of berberine on liver cells, including protection against oxidative stress.* The following table highlights some of the studies that establish berberine’s liver detox benefits in the short- and long-term.*
| Berberine’s Liver Detox Benefits* | |
| Inhibiting hepatic gluconeogenesis*: Berberine suppresses1 the expression of the key hepatic gluconeogenic enzymes through the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway to exert glucose-stabilizing effects.* Maintaining a normal blood glucose level also helps lower blood insulin levels due to the inhibition of gluconeogenesis—the generation of glucose from non-carbohydrate precursors. | |
| Inhibiting ammonia detoxification*: The liver is central in urea synthesis, which forms the basis of ammonia removal. Impaired liver function impacts its urea synthesis capacity. Berberine inhibits2 hepatic gluconeogenesis. In an animal study3 on fingerling black sea bream, berberine supplementation was found to be beneficial for the hepatic antioxidant enzymes under ammonia stress. | |
| Stimulating glycolysis*: Berberine enhances3 glucose metabolism by stimulating glycolysis—the breakdown of glucose into energy and pyruvic acid.* Berberine-induced AMPK activation is assumed to inhibit glucose oxidation in mitochondria.* | |
| Regulating lipid metabolism*: Berberine promotes4 the excretion of cholesterol from the liver to bile, thereby contributing to healthy levels of blood lipids.* Berberine further induces hepatic autophagy—the natural, conserved degradation of liver cells or hepatocytes to repress lipid accumulation in them.* |
Although berberine plays a significant role in supporting liver health,* its bitter taste is a major hindrance to patient compliance. The poor bioavailability and absorption of berberine further adversely impact its efficacy as a liver-protective supplement.* That is why you need an advanced berberine supplement formulation that ensures optimal absorption in the body, making its benefits a reality.
BerberActiv® is a unique oral bioactive berberine complex that is available in both quick-release and sustained-release formulations. Developed by Tesseract Medical Research, BerberActiv® transcends common absorption and palatability issues through the revolutionary and proprietary CyLoc®-DexKey® nano delivery system. A CyLoc® molecular matrix compounded with a DexKey® release agent enables the targeted delivery of berberine molecules at the desired point in the intestinal tract without compromising their integrity. The optimal absorption of the active ingredient molecules enhances the efficacy of berberine as a master antioxidant and liver detox agent, thereby supporting healthy liver function.*
Visit Tesseract Medical Research to learn more about berberine’s liver detox benefits and how you can incorporate a berberine supplement into your diet.
Citations:
1Jiang S-J, et al. Berberine inhibits… World journal of gastroenterology vol. 21,25 (2015): 7777-7785. doi:10.3748/wjg.v21.i25.7777
2Moreira ES, et al. The short-term effects of berberine in the liver… Toxicology letters vol. 368 (2022): 56-65. doi:10.1016/j.toxlet.2022.08.005
3Yin J, et al. Berberine improves…. American journal of physiology. Endocrinology and metabolism vol. 294,1 (2008): E148-156. doi:10.1152/ajpendo.00211.2007
4Li X-Y, et al. Effect of berberine… Journal of translational medicine vol. 13 278. 27 Aug. 2015, doi:10.1186/s12967-015-0629-3
Article Summary
Both berberine and turmeric are known for their antioxidant properties and their role in helping to maintain the body’s natural inflammatory response.* Both are bitter-tasting, yellow-colored compounds that protect your body from oxidative stress.* Despite several similarities between these two compounds, they are not the same, and they exert their therapeutic effects through different biochemical pathways.
Below, we discuss berberine vs. turmeric, their similarities and differences, the benefits of including these antioxidants in your diet, and how Tesseract’s unique berberine and turmeric nutritional supplements support your health.*
Berberine is a plant alkaloid, one of a class of naturally occurring organic compounds that contain at least one nitrogen atom. Berberine is derived from the roots, rhizomes, and stem barks of plants, such as Oregon grape, barberry, tree turmeric, and others. There has been extensive research on berberine’s role in supporting endocrine health and glucose metabolism.* Berberine has also been shown1 to exert positive immuno-modulatory effects by directly modulating functions and differentiation of pro-inflammatory T-helper cells (Th1 and Th17) — the most critical cells required for adaptive immune responses.*
Curcumin, the major curcuminoid in turmeric, is a natural polyphenol found in turmeric (Curcuma longa) — a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial plant of the ginger family. Curcumin has been found to promote several health functions, including musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal (GI), and immune functions.* Clinical trials2 have established that curcumin targets multiple signaling molecules and demonstrates activity at the cellular level to exert numerous health benefits.*
The following table highlights similarities and key differences between berberine and turmeric.
| Berberine vs. Turmeric: Know the Similarities & Differences | ||
| Berberine vs. Turmeric | Similarities | Differences |
| Berberine and curcumin — the key ingredient of turmeric, are phytochemicals that display antioxidant properties.* | Berberine is derived from plants, such as barberry, tree turmeric, etc. Curcumin is derived from the roots of the Curcuma longa or turmeric plant. | |
| The safety profiles of both compounds are well established. | Chemically, berberine is an alkaloid that contains at least one nitrogen atom. Curcumin is a polyphenol that contains no nitrogen in its chemical structure. | |
| Both compounds are known for modulating gut functions and supporting immune health and inflammation.* | Berberine increases the production of beneficial butyrate-producing bacteria in the gut.* Curcumin favors the growth of beneficial bacterial strains in the gut.* | |
| In their natural forms, both compounds taste bitter and display poor bioavailability and absorption in the body. | Berberine and curcumin undergo extensive metabolism and are broken down into their respective active metabolites. | |
Clinical trials have found a potential of the combined effects of berberine and curcumin to modulate the intestinal microbiome and promote the body’s natural immune responses.* An integrative approach to optimizing the therapeutic effects of both compounds has shown promising results for individuals with certain health conditions.
Although berberine and curcumin positively influence multiple health functions, their poor natural bioavailability is a major hindrance to their therapeutic potential. Their bitter taste also results in poor patient compliance. Several recent formulations have been developed to mask their taste and enhance their absorption in the body, with nanoformulations showing better absorption and palatability than the unformulated phytochemicals.
When it comes to selecting berberine and turmeric nutritional supplements, there is no argument over their well-known beneficial effects. What matters, though, is how effective the supplement formulations are.
BerberActiv®, developed by Tesseract Medical Research, is a hypoallergenic berberine supplement that supports glucose metabolism, gastrointestinal function, cardiovascular health, lipid metabolism, and liver health.* The formulation contains solubility-enhanced berberine extracted from the roots of the Berberis aristata plant along with the proprietary CyLoc® – DexKey® nutrient delivery nanotechnology for unprecedented absorption and enhanced palatability.
TetraCumin® is a proprietary blend of Tetrahydrocurcumin — a highly bioactive metabolite of curcumin, which eliminates the need for the body to break down larger and difficult-to-absorb curcumin molecules. The proprietary delivery technology masks the bitter taste of curcumin and ensures the targeted delivery of the active ingredient molecules at the desired point in the GI tract. This translates to optimal absorption of curcumin to support your overall health.*
The power of Tesseract supplements lies in enhancing palatability, maximizing bioavailability and absorption, and micro-dosing multiple nutrients in a single, highly effective capsule. Shop products on our website and learn more about how they can help support your immune health.*
Citations:
1Ehteshamfar SM, et al. …immune-modulatory impacts of berberine….. Journal of cellular and molecular medicine 2020;24-23: 13573-13588. doi:10.1111/jcmm.16049
2Gupta SC, et al. Therapeutic roles of curcumin….. The AAPS journal 2013;15(1):195-218. doi:10.1208/s12248-012-9432-8
3Scazzocchio B, et al. Interaction between gut microbiota and curcumin….. Nutrients 2020;12(9):2499. doi:10.3390/nu12092499
You may have come across barberries in Persian and North African rice pilaf, salads, desserts, jams, or as a flavoring in candies and beverages. Recently, berberine—a compound derived from barberries and other plants—has gained popularity on social media as a potential aid for weight management.
But did you know berberine offers a wide range of additional health and wellness benefits when used as a supplement?
Below, we answer common questions about berberine’s benefits and uses, including how it supports multiple aspects of health and wellness—and why choosing an advanced berberine formulation can make a difference in its effectiveness. Use the links below to jump ahead to different topics on the page.
Berberis vulgaris, commonly known as barberry, contains several compounds, including berberine, pectin, vitamins C and K, and quercetin. Berberine specifically, is a yellow bitter alkaloid with many potential health benefits. This phytochemical is is primarily extracted from the roots, rhizomes, and stem bark of barberry trees. The stem barks, roots, and rhizomes of these plants, containing berberine, have been used in various cultural medical practices for centuries..
The following table highlights some of the potential benefits and uses of berberine:
| Benefits and Uses of Berberine | |
|---|---|
| Antioxidant effects* | Berberine strengthens the body’s antioxidant defense system by increasing the levels of glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), which scavenge excessive free radicals.* 1 |
| Immunomodulatory effects* | Berberine down-regulates the production of proinflammatory cytokines that can cause undesirable unbalanced inflammatory responses.* 2
Berberine also beneficially influences acute phase proteins — the plasma proteins that up-regulate inflammatory responses.* 3 |
| Cardioprotective Effects* | Berberine’s benefits lipid and glucose metabolism, helping to maintain healthy blood sugar and lipid levels.* 4
Berberine helps maintain healthy vascular function by increasing nitric oxide production, which promotes normal endothelial relaxation.* 5 |
| Hepatoprotective Effects* | Berberine helps maintain normal liver lipid production and limits oxidative stress in the liver by limiting lipid peroxidation.* 6 |
| Nephroprotective Effects* | Berberine supplementation supports kidney health in individuals with high blood glucose levels, primarily through antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects.* 7 |
If berberine is abundantly found in nature, then why should you take a berberine supplement? This is because ingesting unformulated berberine might not achieve its health-promoting benefits as it displays poor intestinal absorption due to:
Berberine, in an advanced nutritional supplement format, overcomes its natural absorption challenges. The following are some of the key benefits of berberine supplements:
Berberine supplements are commercially available in the form of fluid or powdered extracts, tablets, and capsules.
Commercially available berberine supplement formulations usually contain 400-500 mg of berberine per capsule, with berberine hydrochloride salt being the primarily used ingredient. Additional active ingredients can also be included in berberine supplement formulations to enhance its efficacy.
However, poor absorption of berberine can remain a major challenge. Advanced berberine supplement formulations utilize drug delivery systems, such as phytosomes and cyclodextrins, to enhance the absorption and bioavailability of berberine extracts.12
The following sections highlight two common uses of berberine supplementation:
Berberine has recently gained attention for its potential role in weight management.* Its ability to support healthy glucose and lipid metabolism contributes to overall endocrine health, which in turn is linked to maintaining a healthy weight13. The following table highlights berberine’s benefits in maintaining endocrine health:
| Berberine and Endocrine Health | |
|---|---|
| Glucose homeostasis* | Berberine beneficially influences the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) pathway — a key cell signaling transduction pathway, to promote insulin secretion and down-regulate insulin resistance .*8 Berberine stimulates the breakdown of glucose into pyruvic acid, thereby releasing cellular energy.* 9 |
| Liver detoxification* | During starvation periods, liver cells play a key role in maintaining blood glucose levels by synthesizing glucose from non-carbohydrate sources in an essential manner. However, increased gluconeogenesis increases blood glucose levels. Berberine inhibits increased gluconeogenesis by the liver cells by beneficially regulating mitochondria-related pathways.* 10 Berberine promotes healthy blood lipid levels by increasing the excretion of cholesterol from the liver into bile, * |
| Weight Management* | Berberine is associated with promoting healthy weight management through enhancing metabolism by maintaining normal blood glucose and lipid levels by enhancing fatty acid oxidation and limiting lipid accumulation, particularly low-density lipoprotein (LDL).* 12 |
| Hormonal Balance* | Berberine plays a critical role in maintaining normal levels of hormones, such as insulin, estrogen, and testosterone, that benefit specific pathologies arising due to an imbalance of androgens (sex hormones) in females.* 13 |
| Lipid metabolism* | The adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a critical enzyme that promotes fatty acid oxidation and limits accumulation of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), often linked to cardiovascular disease. Berberine is a known activator of AMPK.* 14 |
Berberine exerts many beneficial effects to help counter various metabolic conditions that can adversely affect endocrine health.*
Berberine extracts have been traditionally used to help maintain normal inflammatory responses in various cells, including the kidneys, liver, pancreas, and fat (adipose) cells.* Research indicates that berberine interacts with the immune system’s T-helper cells to maintain a healthy inflammatory response.* However, berberine’s potential beneficial role in influencing cell signaling pathways and enzymes to limit adverse immune responses is still being investigated.
The following are frequently asked questions about berberine supplements:
Berberine supplements have a well-established safety profile. However, its effects on pregnant or breastfeeding women are unknown. Additionally, there is limited data on long-term intake of a berberine supplement. Excessive intake of berberine might cause gastrointestinal side effects, including flatulence, nausea, constipation, or diarrhea.
Limited research exists on the potential medication interactions with berberine, therefore It is always best to consult with your healthcare provider before initiating berbering supplementation. . .
When considering a berberine supplement, look for the following attributes:
BerberActiv® is a hypoallergenic berberine supplement formulation developed by Tesseract Medical Research. Tesseract’s proprietary CyLoc® – DexKey® nutrient delivery nanotechnology enables optimal absorption of berberine, thus achieving its many health-promoting benefits. The CyLoc® technology surrounds each berberine molecule in its smart delivery system to mask its bitterness and protect it from degradation during the transit through the stomach. The accompanying DexKey® reactors release each berberine molecule at the desired point in the intestinal tract for maximum solubility.
Tesseract’s advanced nutrient delivery nanotechnology addresses berberine’s palatability and bioavailability challenges to achieve user compliance. Berberine’s enhanced solubility enables micro-dosing, resulting in the intake of a lesser amount of berberine to achieve the desired health and wellness outcome.
Tesseract Medical Research’s innovative berberine formulation is developed through a well-designed quality control system and advanced analytical techniques. All Tesseract supplements are manufactured following Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).
The power of Tesseract supplements lies in enhancing palatability, maximizing solubility, absorption and bioavailability, and micro-dosing multiple nutrients in a single, highly effective capsule. Shop products on our website and learn more about how they can support your endocrine health and immune function.*
References:
1,3Zheng L, et al. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine: eCAM vol. 2014:289264. doi:10.1155/2014/289264
2Ma J, et al. International Journal of Medical Sciences vol. 17,10 1464-1473. 8 Jun. 2020, doi:10.7150/ijms.45400
4Cai Y, et al. Frontiers in Pharmacology vol. 14 1283784. 15 Nov. 2023, doi:10.3389/fphar.2023.1283784
5Wang C, et al. European Journal of Pharmacology vol. 620,1-3 (2009):131-137. doi:10.1016/j.ejphar.2009.07.027
6Domitrović R, et al. Toxicology vol. 280,1-2 (2011):33-43. doi:10.1016/j.tox.2010.11.005
7Dai P, et al. Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine vol. 10,3 (2015):869-876. doi:10.3892/etm.2015.2585
8Zhou L, et al. Endocrinology vol. 149,9 (2008):4510-4518. doi:10.1210/en.2007-1752
8Murakami T, Bodor E, Bodor N. Physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol. 2023;19(3):129-137. doi:10.1080/17425255.2023.2203857
9Yin J, et al. American Journal of Physiology. Endocrinology and Metabolism vol. 294,1 (2008):E148-E156. doi:10.1152/ajpendo.00211.2007
10Zhang B, et al. Berberine promotes glucose uptake and inhibits gluconeogenesis by inhibiting deacetylase SIRT3. Endocrine vol. 62,3 (2018):576-587. doi:10.1007/s12020-018-1689-y
10Qiu M, Li J, Xie H, et al. Carbohydr Polym. 2025;364:123771. doi:10.1016/j.carbpol.2025.123771
11Wei X, et al. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine: eCAM vol. 2016 (2016): 3593951. doi:10.1155/2016/3593951
11Petrangolini G, et al. Alternat Med. 2021;2021:7563889. Published 2021 Nov 27. doi:10.1155/2021/7563889
12Lee YS, et al. Diabetes vol. 55,8 (2006):2256-2264. doi:10.2337/db06-0006
12Sharma VM, et al. Eur J Pharm Biopharm. 2024;203:114431. doi:10.1016/j.ejpb.2024.114431
12Yu F, Li Y, Chen Q, et al. Eur J Pharm Biopharm. 2016;103:136-148. doi:10.1016/j.ejpb.2016.03.019
13Ilyas Z, et al. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & Pharmacotherapie vol. 127 (2020):110137. doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110137
Li Z, Wang Y, Xu Q, et al. Phytother Res. 2023;37(5):2051-2066. doi:10.1002/ptr.7806
14Caliceti C, et al. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity vol. 2015 (2015):723093. doi:10.1155/2015/723093
15Di Pierro F, et al. Frontiers in Pharmacology vol. 14 1269605. 21 Nov. 2023, doi:10.3389/fphar.2023.1269605
16Ehteshamfar S-M, et al. Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine vol. 24,23 (2020):13573-13588. doi:10.1111/jcmm.16049
Article Summary:
You might have read or heard about berberine and its therapeutic effects that support various health functions.* This plant alkaloid is known to support healthy glucose and lipid metabolism, in addition to promoting gastrointestinal health, liver function, cardiovascular function, healthy weight management, and immune function.* As an antioxidant, berberine protects cells from oxidative stress, and berberine’s immuno-modulating effects help maintain the body’s normal inflammatory response.*
Berberine has been traditionally used across different cultures due to its perceived health benefits. Still, when you are considering including berberine in your daily supplement regimen, you likely will have several questions about its benefits and functions. Below, we answer some of the frequently asked questions about berberine, such as whether you can take berberine on an empty stomach, the right amount of berberine to consume, potential adverse effects of berberine, and the factors to consider when choosing a berberine supplement.
Berberine is extracted from the roots, rhizomes, leaves, twigs, stems, and bark of plants, such as tree turmeric, Oregon grape, barberry, and others. As a supplement ingredient, berberine is commonly available in the salt form of chloride and sulfate. While oral berberine supplements are the most common, it can be delivered intravenously or topically. The following are some FAQs regarding the intake and efficacy of berberine supplements.
Berberine can be taken right before eating a meal or shortly after, to help moderate blood glucose and lipid levels that spike after you eat.* Berberine can also be taken on an empty stomach if it does not cause any adverse effects, such as constipation, diarrhea, or bloating. Consult with your health-care provider to determine the best time of day you should take a berberine supplement.
Berberine is only minimally absorbed in the intestine, and it displays1 an absolute bioavailability of less than 1 percent. Taking a berberine supplement with herbs or spices, such as milk thistle or cinnamon, might enhance its absorption in the body.
A majority of commercially available berberine supplements contain 400-500 mg of berberine per capsule. Clinical studies have shown4 that overall ingestion of 1,000 mg – 1,500 mg of berberine daily resulted in a significant benefit to glucose metabolism over a period of 8-12 weeks.*
Berberine is considered clinically safe and well-tolerated by the human body. However, a few adverse reactions have been reported at higher amounts, primarily gastrointestinal distress, such as diarrhea and constipation.
Berberine’s effects on certain enzymes in the blood can influence its interactions with certain prescription medications. Although the safety profile of berberine is well established, it is recommended to consult with your healthcare practitioner before taking a berberine supplement with a prescription medication.
Common challenges associated with a majority of berberine supplements include the unpleasant taste of the active ingredient and its natural low bioavailability and solubility, resulting in poor absorption of berberine in the body and compromising its efficacy. When looking for a berberine supplement to support your diet, you should consider an advanced supplement formulation that can overcome these challenges.
Tesseract Medical Research has developed a revolutionary berberine supplement formulation, BerberActiv®, to optimize its absorption in the body. The proprietary CyLoc® – DexKey® nutrient delivery technology addresses the common challenges associated with berberine supplements to achieve patient compliance and enhanced efficacy. The CyLoc® technology encases each berberine molecule in its dextrin fiber matrix, masking the bitter taste and creating nano-sized particles that are more easily absorbed. The DexKey® technology releases the active ingredient at the desired point in the intestinal tract to enable maximum absorption and effectiveness.
Tesseract’s bioactive berberine complex is available in both quick-release and sustained-release formulations and supports the optimal functioning of the immune, cardiovascular, hepatic, and endocrine systems.*
Visit Tesseract Medical Research to learn if you can take berberine on an empty stomach and how to incorporate a berberine supplement into your diet to support your endocrine and immune functions.*
Citations:
1Habtemariam S. The quest to enhance the efficacy of berberine . . . : Physicochemical modification approaches. Biomedicines vol. 8,4 90. 18 Apr. 2020, doi:10.3390/biomedicines8040090
2Chen W, et al. Bioavailability study of berberine and the enhancing effects of TPGS on intestinal absorption in rats. AAPS PharmSciTech vol. 12,2 (2011): 705-711. doi:10.1208/s12249-011-9632-z
3Funk RS, et al. Variability in potency among commercial preparations of berberine.” Journal of dietary supplements vol. 15,3 (2018): 343-351. doi:10.1080/19390211.2017.1347227
Article Summary:
Berberine is a plant alkaloid — a class of nitrogenous organic compounds of plant origin found in many plants, such as Berberis vulgaris (barberry), Hydrastis canadensis (goldenseal), and Berberis aristata (tree turmeric). Berberine has a distinctive yellow color and fluorescence and is known for its various beneficial pharmacological properties. Berberine’s beneficial properties have led to its widespread use as a nutritional supplement supporting different endocrine and immune functions.*
Although berberine is presumed safe for oral ingestion, its poor bioavailability hinders its efficacy. While various formulations have been developed to enhance berberine’s effectiveness, it is challenging to determine which is the most effective berberine supplement for your health. Also, berberine has an intense bitter taste that makes it difficult for oral ingestion. Below, we discuss the factors impacting berberine absorption in the body, its oral intake, and frequently asked questions about how to choose a berberine supplement.
The physiochemical properties of berberine impact its oral bioavailability to a large extent. Studies1 reveal that less than 5% of an oral dose of berberine is absorbed in the intestine within 2.5 hours of its ingestion. Let’s look at how the physiochemical properties of berberine, along with the physiological aspects of the gut environment, hinder berberine’s absorption in the body.
| Factors Affecting Berberine Absorption | ||
| Solubility: The water solubility of berberine is relatively low. | ||
| Permeability: Berberine’s lipophobicity hinders its crossing the plasma membrane of intestinal cells. | ||
| Stability in GI tract environment: Berberine molecules tend to self-aggregate in a low pH environment, which results in poor absorption in the stomach and small intestine. | ||
| Metabolism in the gut wall and liver: Berberine undergoes extensive intestinal first-pass elimination, with a majority of berberine being metabolized in the liver. |
The slow rate of dissolution of berberine molecules adversely impacts berberine’s absorption in the body. In addition to its poor bioavailability and absorption, the bitter taste of berberine severely affects patient compliance. The combination of bitter-tasting berberine molecules and the presence of bitter-taste receptors in the oral cavity results in the unpalatability of most berberine supplements.
The chloride salt of berberine, a principal constituent of commercially available berberine supplements, displays high aqueous solubility and makes it challenging to mask its bitter taste. Slowing down the release rate of a supplement formulation and reducing the concentration of free molecules in the saliva is an essential approach to masking berberine’s bitter taste.
Here are some of the frequently asked questions on choosing a berberine supplement to include in your diet.
Dihydroberberine (dhBBR) has a 5-fold greater intestinal absorption rate than berberine, making it the most absorbable form of berberine. Clinical trials2 on rats show that the gut microbiota — the collection of microorganisms that colonize the gastrointestinal tract, converts berberine (BBR) into dhBBR. However, dhBBR is a transient form of BBR in the intestinal lumen and is oxidized back to BBR after its absorption in intestine tissues and, finally, when it enters the blood.
Researchers have used several nanoparticulate approaches, such as solid-lipid nanoparticles, micelles, and liposomes to enhance the bioavailability and absorption of berberine. Nanoformulated berberine supplements developed through solid dispersion or cyclodextrin inclusion to mask the bitterness of berberine appear to be more effective and easier to ingest orally than unformulated berberine.
When choosing a suitable berberine supplement, it is essential to consider palatability, bioavailability, and absorption. BerberActiv®, the proprietary berberine formulation developed by Tesseract Medical Research, utilizes the revolutionary CyLoc® – DexKey® technology to achieve unprecedented absorption of berberine. The CyLoc® matrix masks the unpleasant taste of berberine to vastly enhance its palatability. Available in both quick-release and sustained-release forms, BerberActiv® supports a wide range of critical biochemical pathways to help maintain endocrine and immune health.*
Visit Tesseract Medical Research to learn more about how to choose a berberine supplement and how you can incorporate a berberine supplement into your diet to support various health functions.*
Citations:
1Pan, G, et al. Yao xue xue bao = Acta pharmaceutica Sinica 2003;38(12):911-914.2Feng R, et al. Transforming berberine into its intestine-absorbable form by the gut microbiota. Scientific reports 2015;5:12155., doi:10.1038/srep12155
Get the answers to common queries about CoQ10 deficiency symptoms, including how CoQ10 affects various health functions and the best way to enhance the CoQ10 level in your body. Use the links below to jump ahead to different topics on the page.
Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10, is an endogenous compound prevalent in all tissues and organs in your body and is mainly biosynthesized and concentrated in tissues with high energy turnover. As a naturally occurring quinone, CoQ10 is found in most aerobic organisms—from bacteria to mammals. This lipid antioxidant, also referred to as ubiquinone, is critical for producing adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the source of cellular energy production.
Because CoQ10 is involved in cellular energy production, it is abundantly present in those organs that have a high metabolism rate, such as the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, spleen, pancreas, and adrenal glands. In addition to its role as an energy transfer molecule in the electron transport chain, CoQ10 exerts therapeutic effects as an antioxidant, thereby supporting muscles, neurological health, cardiovascular health, cognitive health, skin health, oral health, and reproductive health.
The following table summarizes some of the key therapeutic applications of CoQ10.
| System | Therapeutic Applications |
Cardiovascular Health |
|
Skin Health |
|
Reproductive Health |
|
Immune Health |
|
The highest level of CoQ10 is found in heart muscle tissues. Various studies have established the benefits of CoQ10 on heart and muscle tissues for optimal cardiovascular health. The following table highlights some of the potential benefits of CoQ10 for your heart.
| Suppressing oxidative stress: Individuals affected with certain heart conditions have increased biomarkers of oxidative stress in their plasma. CoQ10 supplementation has been found1 to help maintain healthy levels of inflammatory biomarkers. | Helping maintain normal blood pressure: Clinical trials have suggested the potential role of CoQ10 in helping maintain normal systolic blood pressure. |
| Improving lipid profiles: CoQ10 supplementation has been found to improve lipid profiles, helping to maintain optimal total cholesterol levels and elevating high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol levels. | Addressing side effects of statin intake: Statin medications to lower cholesterol levels can cause statin-associated myopathy, such as muscle aches and weakness, which are attributed to CoQ10 depletion and can be addressed with CoQ10 supplementation. |
The skin, being exposed to both extrinsic and intrinsic stress factors, is more prone to oxidative stress and requires a high amount of cellular energy for the regeneration and repair of tissues. The antioxidant properties of CoQ10 help support optimal skin health, especially in the dermis layer. CoQ10 promotes healthy skin by:
CoQ10 levels in the body can become depleted with age, under the influence of certain medications, and with different pathological conditions. Primary CoQ10 deficiency resulting in a low CoQ10 level can be a direct result of poor biosynthesis of the antioxidant in the body, which can be addressed through the supplementation of high-dose CoQ10. Secondary CoQ10 deficiencies are caused by pathogenic variants in genes that are not directly involved in CoQ10 biosynthesis. Molecular genetic testing is the only way to distinguish between a primary and secondary CoQ10 deficiency. The following are several of the common CoQ10 deficiency symptoms.
| Muscle weakness and cramping | Statin medications to address high cholesterol levels can lower circulating CoQ10, resulting in muscle aches and cramping. |
| Exercise intolerance | Lipid accumulation and mitochondrial proliferation can lead to weakness and exercise intolerance. |
| Tiredness | With low amounts of cellular energy due to a depleting level of CoQ10, affected individuals can experience tiredness. |
| Poor eyesight | Blurred vision caused by gradual damage to the blood vessels in retinal tissues and optic nerves might also result from a CoQ10 deficiency. |
| Hearing loss | Hearing loss is common among individuals suffering from a CoQ10 deficiency. |
| Cognitive impairment | Poor cognitive performance can be associated with a CoQ10 deficiency. |
| Neurodegeneration | Various neurodegenerative conditions, including brain dysfunction, are associated with low levels of CoQ10. |
| Gum disease | Periodontal diseases, including swollen and tender gums, toothache or loose teeth, and bad breath are associated with CoQ10 deficiency. |
Your body will normally produce sufficient CoQ10 with a balanced diet rich in CoQ foods. Research studies suggest that dietary CoQ10 contributes to enhancing plasma CoQ10 concentrations. As a fat-soluble molecule, CoQ10 is better absorbed when taken with a fatty meal. Some CoQ10-rich foods that are easy to include in your diet are:
| Meat and Fish | Organ meats, such as liver and kidney, and fatty fish, including salmon, tuna, and mackerel |
| Fruits and Vegetables | Strawberries, oranges, broccoli, cauliflower |
| Nuts and Seeds | Sesame seeds, peanuts, pistachios |
| Legumes and Whole Grains | Lentils, soybeans, whole grains |
| Oils | Soybean oil, canola oil |
The therapeutic effects of CoQ10 can be hindered by its poor absorption and bioavailability in the body. Some of the key factors affecting CoQ10 absorption in the body are:
Supplement formulations have been developed to address the challenges of CoQ10’s poor bioavailability and absorption.
CoQ10 exists in the body in oxidized form (ubiquinone) and reduced form (ubiquinol). These two forms are continuously inter-converted within cells as part of the normal function of CoQ10. As CoQ10 is transported in the blood in ubiquinol form, it is commonly assumed that ingestion of CoQ10 supplements in ubiquinol form would facilitate the absorption process. However, ubiquinol is unstable and oxidizes to ubiquinone. Recent advancements in encapsulation techniques have made it possible to produce CoQ10 supplements in the ubiquinol form.
Oral CoQ10 supplements are available in the form of oral sprays, tablets, softgel capsules, and hard shell capsules.
CoQ10 supplements are well-tolerated with no adverse side effects. However, its safety in pregnant or nursing women, and children, has not been established.
It is always recommended to consult with your healthcare provider before incorporating a CoQ10 supplement in your diet or taking it with a prescription medicine.
The efficacy of a CoQ10 supplement lies in enhanced absorption and bioavailability of the active nutrient molecules. Tesseract’s CoQ10 Pro® is an innovative supplement formulation developed for unparalleled absorption and is in a sustained release format.
The proprietary CyLoc® – DexKey® nutrient delivery nanotechnology ensures unprecedented absorption of billions of CoQ10 molecules in the intestinal tract, one molecule at a time. The CyLoc® matrix encases each CoQ10 molecule in its smart delivery system, while the DexKey® reactors release each molecule at the desired point in the intestinal tract to achieve maximum absorption. Enhanced absorption enables micro-dosing—the ingestion of a lesser amount of CoQ10 to achieve powerful and positive therapeutic responses to address CoQ10 deficiency symptoms and support optimal health functions.
Citations:
1M Alma, et al. Coenzyme Q10: Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) 2020;9(4):341. doi:10.3390/antiox9040341
2Mine Y, et al.Journal of clinical biochemistry and nutrition 2022;71(1):29-33. doi:10.3164/jcbn.20-187
TThe power of Tesseract supplements lies in enhancing palatability, maximizing bioavailability and absorption, and micro-dosing multiple nutrients in a single, highly effective capsule. Shop productson our website and learn more about how they can help support cardiovascular health.*
