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There’s a growing interest in natural compounds and their ability to improve metabolic function, treat disease, and improve longevity.
Two of the more popular compounds, resveratrol and berberine, are often taken together. This is because they have complementary effects, especially on metabolic health, inflammation, and longevity.
Despite this, there are few human trials and studies. Current research focuses on animal and non-living organism studies. And while human trials are needed, there is promising data on the effectiveness of both supplements when taken together.
In this article, we cover:
Resveratrol 101
Resveratrol is a naturally occurring polyphenolic compound. It’s known for its antioxidant properties, which may help neutralize free radicals or unstable molecules that can potentially damage cells and contribute to aging and disease.
Resveratrol activates a group of proteins called sirtuins, particularly SITR1, which are involved in longevity and metabolic regulation. The activation of this pathway promotes autophagy—a cellular clean up process that removes and repairs damaged cells to improve lifespan [1].
Animal studies have shown the following benefits:
- Inflammation reduction
- Caloric restriction (also known as fasting, a known factor in longevity)
- Supports metabolism
- Reduced risk of heart disease
- Improved insulin sensitivity
Berberine 101
A natural compound found in plants, including goldthread, philodendron, and goldenseal (among others), berberine has been used as a traditional Chinese medicine and in Ayurvedic practices for over 1,000 years.
Berberine activates AMPK pathways, which play a key role in various longevity benefits, including autophagy and inflammation regulation.
Potential health benefits include:
- Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties
- Improved blood sugar regulation
- It may help lower cholesterol
- Improved heart health
How resveratrol and Berberine work together
Resveratrol and berberine each have unique benefits. However, they can also be taken together because they work on different anti-aging pathways.
For example, resveratrol activates a group of proteins called sirtuins, particularly SITR1, which acts as a regulator in various pathways. This causes a downstream of potential benefits, including anti-inflammatory benefits and its ability to mimic calorie restriction (also known as fasting), a known factor in longevity.
Meanwhile, Berberine activates AMPK pathways, which play a critical role in regulating growth, metabolism, and other essential cellular processes. It may also improve sugar regulation and cholesterol and help with weight loss because it mimics the effects of fasting. These pathways and endocrine system benefits may improve longevity [2,3].
SITR1 and AMPK complement each other, potentially improving metabolic health and longevity. They each target different proteins via shared pathways, improving longevity effects.
We cover more on the scientific research below.
Scientific evidence for combined use of Berberine and Resveratrol
Current evidence for the combined use of berberine and resveratrol focuses on animal and non-living organism studies. Existing research is limited to human trials and studies. Although, findings from studies in mice and non-living organism experiments look promising.
Animal studies, in particular, have shown promising results for using the combination of berberine and resveratrol. For example, one study investigated the effect of both compounds on high-fat diet-induced obese mice. Results showed a significant reduction in total cholesterol and LDL-C levels compared to taking either natural compound individually [4].
Furthermore, non-living organism and cell-based studies found resveratrol to enhance the intracellular activity of berberine, leading to increased LDL receptor expression in liver cells and may have potential benefits in improving cholesterol [5].
Again, as previously mentioned, human trials are limited, and we need to wait for definitive results to see the effect that both natural compounds have on the human body.
Potential benefits of combining Resveratrol and Berberine
Combining natural compounds, such as resveratrol and berberine, might be beneficial because of their complementary properties. And while they don’t necessarily need to be taken together, you may experience more effective results.
Potential benefits of taking resveratrol and berberine include…
Resveratrol activates a group of proteins called sirtuins, mainly SITR and berberine activates the AMPK pathway, both of which have downstream knock-on benefits, such as improved metabolic health, cardiovascular benefits, and caloric restriction, which are related to longevity.
Improved metabolic health
Berberine and resveratrol both activate key metabolic regulators. They also enhance insulin sensitivity. When used together, they can improve blood sugar control and metabolic balance.
For other potential metabolic health benefits, you may wish to consider NMN supplements, some of which are sometimes paired with resveratrol.
Cardiovascular benefits
When taken together, resveratrol and berberine may reduce LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. They may also improve endothelial function, which is responsible for regulating blood flow and inflammation and controlling fluids and electrolyte balance.
Anti-inflammatory effects
Both resveratrol and berberine contain anti-inflammatory properties, reducing pro-inflammatory markers such as TNF-alpha and IL-6, which play key roles in inflammatory responses and the immune system.
These anti-inflammatory effects may benefit certain populations at risk of certain chronic inflammatory conditions such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, and arthritis [6].
Potential impact on longevity pathways
Resveratrol and berberine activate proteins and longevity pathways that mimic caloric restriction while also enhancing cellular repair, mitochondrial health, and function. This can help slow down aging and improve longevity.
Potential target populations - who could benefit most?
So, who could benefit most from combining resveratrol and berberine supplementation?
Based on current research, people who are looking to support cellular aging are likely to benefit most from resveratrol and berberine supplementation.
When taken together, it’s a natural way to target key pathways responsible for anti-aging and longevity.
If you’re beginning to feel the effects of aging or want to improve longevity and add more natural ways to target key pathways responsible for anti-aging and longevity, then consider resveratrol and berberine to your longevity stack.
Safety & dosage considerations
Before taking any supplements, it’s important to educate yourself on potential side effects and interactions.
And while not everyone will experience side effects, potential known risks of resveratrol include:
- Hormonal effects, mainly concerning estrogen receptors
- Diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain
- Allergic reactions
- Adverse reaction to other medications or drugs
Side effects of berberine may include:
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- An upset stomach
- Flatulence
- Allergic reactions
Side effects of both compounds may occur due to incorrect dosage or as a reaction to the individual compounds.
There are currently no known negative potential interactions when these compounds are combined. But again, there is a lack of human trials—this is just something to keep in mind.
If you choose to take resveratrol and berberine, it’s essential that you get the correct dosage. Typically, 500mg of resveratrol and anywhere between 500 to 1,500mg of berberine is recommended. Despite this, human studies have not yet determined the optimal dosage for combining these natural compounds.
You can also start your dosage on the lower end, increasing dosage as needed.
Drug interactions
Taking resveratrol in high doses via supplements might increase bruising and bleeding risk when taken with other anticoagulants, antiplatelet, and non-steroidal and anti-inflammatory drugs [7].
Similarly, berberine taken with drugs that lower blood pressure might cause blood pressure to go too low and may also cause an increased risk of bruising and bleeding.
Always consult a healthcare professional before taking new supplements, especially if you have an existing condition such as low blood pressure or blood thinning.
Key takeaways
- Resveratrol and berberine can be taken together to improve metabolic and cardiovascular health
- Animal and non-living organism studies look promising, but there is a lack of human trials
- When both compounds are taken together, they can potentially activate key metabolic regulators and improve insulin sensitivity (among other benefits)
- Always consult a healthcare professional before taking any new supplements
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