New kid on the block

The hype, the evidence, and all you need to know about berberine, dubbed ‘nature’s Ozempic’

- Anjali Kochhar

Berberine became a ‘wellness trend’ amid all the whispers in online health forums and wellness groups, with a few health enthusiasts calling it “the next big thing.” And just like that, berberine, a golden-yellow compound long used in Ayurveda and Chinese medicine, was everywhere. Dubbed ‘nature’s Ozempic’, the plant-based supplement promised better metabolism, blood sugar control, and even weight loss.

But does berberine really deserve the comparison, or is it another overhyped shortcut in our ever-growing pursuit of metabolic perfection?

Berberine is not new. Extracted from plants such as barberry, goldenseal, and tree turmeric, it has a centuries-long history in traditional healing. Its resurgence in today’s day and time, however, owes much to the global fascination with Ozempic, the prescription drug that’s redefined the weight loss conversation.

“Berberine is a yellow, plant-derived compound that has emerged into the limelight recently as ‘nature’s Ozempic; and for good reason,” explains Dr. Pratayksha Bhardwaj, World Record-holding dietician and weight management expert. “Clinical studies show that it activates an enzyme called AMPK, the master switch of metabolism, improving insulin resistance and fat metabolism.”

That “master switch” analogy is not exaggerated. AMPK (Adenosine Monophosphate-Activated Protein Kinase) helps the body use glucose efficiently, burn fat faster, and regulate cholesterol. International studies have shown that berberine may lower fasting blood sugar and HbA\Ic levels almost as effectively as metformin, one of the world’s most prescribed diabetes drugs.