One study carried out in 2012, found that taking 500 milligrams of berberine three times per day caused approximately 5 pounds of weight loss, on average, and helped participants lose 3.6% of their body fat.

Berberine may also be effective as a weight loss supplement. In one older 12-week study in people with obesity, taking 500 milligrams (mg) of berberine three times per day caused about 5 pounds of weight loss, on average. The participants also lost 3.6% of their body fat (14).

A 2012 study among participants with obesity who took 500 milligrams (mg) of berberine three times daily found that participants lost 5 pounds on average after 12 weeks. However, evidence to support the effects of berberine on weight loss is not conclusive, and research is ongoing.

The strongest evidence we have comes from two meta-analyses, types of studies that pool together and analyse the results of other studies. These show that taking a 300-3,000mg berberine a day orally is associated with modest reductions in body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and body weight (around 3kg).

Early research indicates that berberine may help reduce body fat. In one small clinical trial that looked at treating nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, participants who took berberine every day for three months experienced significant weight loss. Berberine differs from herbal weight loss products, which often lack substantial data.