NOW Foods Berberine Phytosome Review

NOW Foods Berberine Phytosome is a dietary supplement sold as a vegetarian capsule. The label lists a serving size of 1 veg capsule. Each serving contains 550 mg of Berberine Phytosome. The other ingredients are hypromellose (the cellulose capsule), microcrystalline cellulose and stearic acid from a vegetable source. The label does not print the number of servings per container, so check the bottle for the count. The printed directions read: Suggested Usage: Take 1 capsule 1 to 2 times daily before meals. Because the capsule shell is made from cellulose, it is a plant-based capsule rather than a gelatin one. Buyers most often say the capsules are easy to swallow and have no aftertaste, and many say they trust the NOW Foods name. Some report changes in cravings or appetite, while a few say they noticed nothing clear.

Product Focus: Blood SugarAlso covers:HormonesMetabolismDigestionHeart
Tier ⓘ
Tier 2 · Rank 7
Tier 2 · Researched. Human studies show improvement in an aging-related function or a specific goal, and the reviews agree. Rank 7 within Tier 2 for Blood Sugar; 7 of 78 overall. Tiers run from 1, the strongest evidence, to 5. How we grade →
Evidence ⓘ
80 /100
How strongly the evidence says this product works: human studies count most, then real reviews, then our biohacker panel.
Positive Reviews
91% of 211
Biohacker Mentions
7 of 10

Study, Trial or Testing Result Summary

Members Only63 human studies · 52 improved
63 human studies52 improved6 no effect16,248 people studied

This product gives 1100 mg of berberine a day, above the 600 mg that worked in studies. Berberine has strong human evidence for lowering blood sugar. A pooled look at 37 trials in 3,048 people with type 2 diabetes found it lowered fasting blood sugar and long-term blood sugar, without raising the risk of blood sugar dropping too low [1]. A pooled look at 46 trials found similar drops, plus better insulin response, lower blood fats and lower inflammation markers [2]. In 409 adults newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, 12 weeks of berberine lowered long-term blood sugar by about 1 point versus about 0.6 on placebo, though it caused more stomach upset [3]. In 116 people with type 2 diabetes, 1 gram daily for 3 months lowered long-term blood sugar from 7.5% to 6.6% [4]. In 300 adults with newly found high blood sugar, 16 weeks lowered fasting and after-meal blood sugar more than placebo [5]. Benefits looked weaker after 90 days of use, above 2 grams a day, or in people over 60 [6]. These studies used plain berberine; this product uses a phytosome form meant to be better absorbed. Animal and cell studies are never counted.

See all 63 studies →Hide the studies

Review Totals and Summary

Members Only211 reviews · 91% positive
211 reviews · Amazon 72 · Vitacost 62 · Walmart 48 · IHerb 29
91% positive3% neutral6% negative

Buyers rate NOW Foods Berberine Phytosome highly, with about 211 ratings across the stores that sell it. Most reviews are positive, and a few are lukewarm or unsure about any effect. **What buyers say it did for them:** The most common report is a change in appetite or cravings. One buyer wrote that their mum "really noticed a difference in her cravings." Another said "I'm not craving sweets as much." Some mention weight, with one saying "I feel like I'm losing some weight." Others describe feeling more balanced after meals, or better digestion and energy. One buyer who had tried other berberine brands called this "the first one that I actually see results from." Several buyers say they saw nothing clear. One said "I don't really feel any effect," and another could not "attribute any specific changes to this product alone" because they take several supplements. **What buyers complain about:** Complaints are few. A couple of buyers could not tell whether it was doing anything, and one thought that might be because they took only one capsule a day. One buyer was waiting for a longer stretch of use before judging. Another noted that eight orders came at different times, with the last taking about a week to arrive, though they were still very satisfied overall. **Taste, smell, pill size and form:** Buyers often call the capsules easy to swallow. One said "Small pill size and easy to take." Another found them "tasteless which makes it easy to take." One reported "no fishy aftertaste." Size opinions vary a little: one called the size "average," and one found the capsules "on the larger side, but they're still easy to take." Buyers also mention that the capsules are vegetarian or vegan. **Value for money:** Few reviews speak about cost. One buyer said "The price was great" and valued the store membership perks. Others said they would buy again or keep it on monthly reorder, which points to satisfaction with what they got. **Who it seems to suit and who it did not:** Reviewers include people in their 40s and 50s, a new mother, a pre-diabetic buyer and a nutritionist. Many chose it for its phytosome form, saying they wanted better absorption, and several said it was gentle on the stomach. Others were switching from another berberine product. Many also said they trust the NOW Foods name. It suited those who wanted an easy capsule with no aftertaste. It did less for buyers who noticed no change, including one who also trained hard and already took berberine before.

Biohacker Summary

Members Only7 of 10 recommend it
7 of 10 biohackers on our panel recommend it

Most of the panel recommends or uses berberine, and it is the only ingredient they discuss for this product. Seven of ten lean toward recommending it, mainly for blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity, with others citing cholesterol, heart health, sleep, and gut balance. Two panelists take 500 mg with meals, one reports feeling fine on up to 750 mg or a gram when taken with a large carbohydrate-rich meal, and two name dihydroberberine as a form they like. Cautions are clear: one panelist says taking it on an empty stomach caused low blood sugar, brutal headaches, dizziness, and impaired vision, another advises care when combining it with other glucose-lowering supplements or meds, and one stopped using it after he changed his diet. Several also see it as a natural alternative to a med, though one prefers the med because more data exists, and one is skeptical of supplement claims in general.

See all 9 biohackers →Hide the biohackers
  • Thomas DeLauer · Berberine · recommends
    • 6 Nov 2026 · recommends · YouTube ↗
      Recommends berberine as a metabolic reset, driving up AMPK to improve insulin sensitivity and dialing down fat and fructose processing in the liver that increases uric acid.
    • 25 Oct 2026 · neutral · YouTube ↗
      Mentions dihydroberberine as a component that can be used to optimize and support the AMPK pathway, helping to tune it up and have a higher baseline.
    • 24 Oct 2026 · uses · YouTube ↗
      Has found berberine to be very helpful for some of his patients who are night snackers, especially those with a sweet tooth.
    • 28 Sep 2026 · recommends · YouTube ↗
      Recommends berberine if one is going to have fruit later in the day, as it specifically restores the AMPK-driven fat suppression.
    • 26 Sep 2026 · recommends · YouTube ↗
      Recommends Dihydroberberine to improve mitochondrial performance and turn up the AMPK dial.
    • 1 Sep 2026 · recommends · Instagram ↗
      Recommends Berberine, stating that 500mg taken three times with meals has shown comparable results to a med in dropping HbA1c and fasting glucose.
    • 20 Jun 2026 · recommends · YouTube ↗
      Would start taking berberine because it helps with high glucose.
    • 18 Jun 2026 · neutral · YouTube ↗
      Mentions dihydroberberine or berberine as a powerful tool to upregulate activity, especially in the context of optimizing pathways to support key areas of change like hormone health.
    • 13 Jun 2026 · recommends · YouTube ↗
      Likes berberine for people who are insulin resistant, noting it helps lower blood glucose spikes when taken with meals. He cautions against taking it on an empty stomach due to potential nausea or hypoglycemia.
    • 10 Jun 2026 · recommends · YouTube ↗
      Recommends berberine in occasional doses for general blood sugar regulation, noting it activates AMPK, similar to a med, triggering glucose clearing, and has shown efficacy in reducing HbA1c and improving gut microbiome for glucose uptake.
  • Dr. Eric Berg · Berberine · recommends
    • 30 Oct 2026 · recommends · YouTube ↗
      Recommends adding berberine as another natural remedy to the combination for cancer.
    • 25 Oct 2026 · recommends · Instagram ↗
      Dr. Eric Berg states that Berberine combined with a lower-carb diet may help support healthy blood sugar levels and reduce cravings over time.
    • 20 Oct 2026 · neutral · YouTube ↗
      Notes that some people add berberine, which supports healthy blood glucose and makes one insulin resistant.
    • 20 Sep 2026 · recommends · Facebook ↗
      Recommends taking berberine to block the effects of grains.
    • 18 Sep 2026 · recommends · Instagram ↗
      Suggests incorporating anti-cancer foods like berberine to help prevent pancreatic cancer.
    • 5 Sep 2026 · recommends · YouTube ↗
      Recommends taking berberine, stating it is very beneficial for type 2 diabetes.
    • 3 Sep 2026 · neutral · X ↗
      Dr. Eric Berg states that berberine may support blood sugar, but it should not be treated as an equivalent substitute for other treatments.
    • 2 Sep 2026 · recommends · Facebook ↗
      Lists berberine as an epigenetic factor that may help with cancer prevention.
    • 23 Aug 2026 · recommends · YouTube ↗
      Recommends berberine as a natural version of a med, citing powerful research that shows it makes the body more sensitive to insulin and has fewer side effects than a med.
    • 29 Jul 2026 · neutral · Podcast ↗
      Berberine is often compared to a med because of its potential effects on blood sugar and insulin resistance. More than 50 clinical trials have investigated berberine, with studies reporting improvements in A1C, fasting blood sugar, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol comparable to those seen with a med.
  • Siim Land · Berberine · recommends
    • 19 Oct 2026 · recommends · YouTube ↗
      Recommends berberine as a herbal supplement that increases fat metabolism, lowers mTor and blood sugar, making it a good combination for increased autophagy, and notes that meta-analyses show it reduces blood sugar, promotes weight loss, and decreases cholesterol.
    • 7 Oct 2026 · recommends · Instagram ↗
      Recommends Berberine for blood sugar and cholesterol, based primarily on human research, especially randomized controlled trials showing measurable benefits.
    • 6 Oct 2026 · neutral · X ↗
      Lists Berberine as one of 15 supplements backed by human studies.
    • 28 Sep 2026 · warns · YouTube ↗
      Advises caution when using berberine with glycine, as it is a glucose-lowering medication.
    • 28 Aug 2026 · warns · YouTube ↗
      Is skeptical about most supplements, including berberine, because he doesn't see any evidence to back up their claims, which are often based on personal testimonials.
    • 7 Aug 2026 · neutral · YouTube ↗
      Mentions berberine as a compound that can increase autophagy, but notes it doesn't come close to exercise in effectiveness.
    • 29 Jun 2026 · uses · X ↗
      He takes 500 mg of berberine with meals for blood sugar control.
    • 27 Jun 2026 · uses · YouTube ↗
      Would take berberine for pre-diabetes.
    • 12 Jun 2026 · warns · YouTube ↗
      Advises caution with berberine due to its antibacterial effects and potential to change the microbiome, especially if one doesn't have gut problems.
    • 6 Mar 2026 · neutral · YouTube ↗
      States that berberine also showed a lifespan extension in their hands.
  • Dr. Rhonda Patrick · Berberine · neutral
    • 18 Oct 2026 · neutral · Instagram ↗
      Notes that berberine is a promising compound for cardiovascular health, with potential benefits spanning lipid metabolism, artery health, and the gut microbiome.
    • 18 Oct 2026 · neutral · X ↗
      Notes that berberine lowers LDL cholesterol in randomized trials and is interested in its connection to ApoB, artery plaque, and the gut microbiome.
    • 19 Aug 2026 · neutral · X ↗
      Notes that berberine has been on their radar for glucose control for years, and a new study on a biooptimized form of berberine showed reductions in fasting glucose, improved glucose tolerance, and an increase in fasting.
    • 1 May 2026 · recommends · Facebook ↗
      Recommends berberine for atherosclerosis, noting it has a more compelling evidence base, showing reduction in plaque formation and improvement in LDL, HbA1c, and glucose regulation.
    • 26 Aug 2025 · recommends · Facebook ↗
      Recommends Berberine for optimizing blood glucose, noting that meta-analyses show it reduces fasting glucose and HbA1c in people with type 2 diabetes.
    • 26 Aug 2025 · neutral · X ↗
      Notes that Berberine may not have the same inhibitory effect on muscular hypertrophy and strength gains as a med, but there are currently no studies to support or refute this.
    • 5 Aug 2025 · neutral · Podcast ↗
      Discusses ideal dosing for berberine.
    • 17 Jul 2025 · neutral · Facebook ↗
      Notes that berberine is also effective for blood glucose regulation, similar to apple cider vinegar.
    • 15 Jul 2025 · recommends · YouTube ↗
      States that berberine is undoubtedly effective for improving insulin sensitivity.
    • 27 Dec 2023 · neutral · YouTube ↗
      Discusses berberine, noting it is a mitochondrial toxin and an analog of a med, and mentions a systematic review suggesting it was beneficial in lowering LDL cholesterol and reducing a med myopathy.
  • Dave Asprey · Berberine · recommends
    • 1 Sep 2026 · recommends · YouTube ↗
      Recommends berberine as a good alternative to a med for longevity, citing its similar pathway effects without the downsides and its positive impact on the microbiome.
    • 29 Aug 2026 · neutral · YouTube ↗
      Dave Asprey discusses berberine as a plant compound that genuinely lowers blood glucose, comparable to a med in some trials, but notes its poor absorption and lack of lifespan data, classifying it as a glucose drug, not a longevity drug.
    • 4 Jun 2026 · recommends · Podcast ↗
      Notes that berberine supports sleep optimization, ketosis, and blocks a cancer growth pathway most drugs cannot touch.
    • 9 Oct 2025 · neutral · YouTube ↗
      Prefers a med over berberine, stating there is more data for a med, though berberine might be useful for diabetics.
    • 4 Sep 2025 · recommends · Podcast ↗
      Dave Asprey and his guests reveal how berberine can improve metabolism, regulate dopamine, and protect the brain, and can rival meds.
    • 4 Sep 2025 · neutral · YouTube ↗
      Mentions that GL Perfect contains bioavailable berberine, which is 250 times more bioavailable than normal.
    • 17 Jul 2025 · uses · YouTube ↗
      Takes berberine when he eats carbs to help manage blood sugar levels.
    • 6 Mar 2025 · neutral · YouTube ↗
      Notes that Intellx DNA provides information on what doses of berberine, such as two grams, were used in studies to improve blood sugars, emphasizing that a small amount won't have the same effect as a larger dose.
    • 3 Dec 2024 · uses · YouTube ↗
      Mentions needing 72 milligrams of Berberine as part of personalized supplements.
    • 22 Sep 2024 · warns · YouTube ↗
      States that berberine has anti-parasite qualities and he takes it nearly constantly, but warns that it is not without risk, as he experienced abnormally low heart rate and blood pressure on two occasions, which he attributes to berberine.
  • Dr. Mark Hyman · Berberine · uses
    • 20 Jul 2026 · uses · X ↗
      Takes 500 mg of Berberine with meals for blood sugar control.
    • 25 Sep 2024 · recommends · YouTube ↗
      Recommends berberine to help with insulin resistance.
    • 26 Jul 2024 · recommends · YouTube ↗
      Mentions that berberine may be helpful for people with insulin resistance and that he uses it in his practice.
    • 17 Apr 2024 · recommends · YouTube ↗
      Recommends taking berberine as a natural way to increase GLP-1.
    • 18 Mar 2024 · recommends · YouTube ↗
      Used an herbal regimen that included berberine as part of a combination product to treat a patient's dysbiosis and yeast overgrowth.
    • 21 Feb 2024 · neutral · YouTube ↗
      Mentions that berberine can affect certain genes.
    • 16 Feb 2024 · recommends · YouTube ↗
      States that berberine helps with blood sugar regulation, insulin resistance, and cardiac health.
    • 7 Feb 2024 · neutral · YouTube ↗
      Mentions berberine as one of many phytochemicals that influence the AMPK pathway and have similar benefits to a med.
    • 13 Oct 2023 · recommends · YouTube ↗
      Recommends berberine as helpful for insulin resistance and regulating blood sugar.
    • 27 Sep 2023 · uses · YouTube ↗
      States that berberine has effects and they try it when dealing with tough, desperate patients.
  • Andrew Huberman · Berberine · uses
    • 13 Jul 2026 · uses · X ↗
      Takes 500 mg of berberine with meals to help with blood glucose.
    • 2 Jul 2026 · stopped · YouTube ↗
      Dr. Huberman states he will skip berberine because it gives him brutal headaches, makes him crave carbohydrates, and drops his blood sugar.
    • 30 Apr 2026 · neutral · Podcast ↗
      Discusses berberine and other potent molecules for regulating blood glucose.
    • 30 Apr 2026 · warns · YouTube ↗
      Warns that berberine is a serious step and one should talk to their doctor about it, as taking it on an empty stomach can cause hypoglycemia, brutal headaches, dizziness, and impaired vision; however, when taken with a large, carbohydrate-rich meal, he felt fine on up to 750 mg or a gram.
    • 28 Aug 2025 · neutral · Podcast ↗
      Mentions the use of fasting-related supplements, including berberine.
    • 28 Aug 2025 · warns · YouTube ↗
      Huberman warns that if you take berberine without ingesting carbohydrates, many people, including himself, experience a splitting headache due to becoming hypoglycemic, as it is a glucose clearing agent.
    • 3 Apr 2025 · recommends · Podcast ↗
      States that berberine can further support fat loss and discusses its impact on insulin.
    • 3 Apr 2025 · neutral · YouTube ↗
      Mentions berberine as a compound, derived from a plant, that is in growing use for reducing blood glucose and is very potent at doing so.
    • 13 Nov 2023 · warns · YouTube ↗
      Warns that berberine can decrease testosterone levels, and that people often take it for blood sugar or longevity without considering this side effect.
    • 31 Oct 2023 · warns · YouTube ↗
      Huberman does not take berberine because it gives him brutal headaches, which he attributes to its effect of lowering blood glucose.
  • Ben Greenfield · Berberine · recommends
    • 13 Jun 2026 · recommends · YouTube ↗
      States that berberine is great for sleep, upregulating serotonin and dopamine, and that their bioavailable berberine product is taken by 75% of users for sleep, even though it was created for blood glucose management.
    • 14 Mar 2026 · uses · TikTok ↗
      Now uses berberine as a natural strategy instead of a med and as a natural insulin-sensitizer.
    • 14 Mar 2026 · recommends · Podcast ↗
      Offers berberine as a natural alternative for better blood sugar control.
    • 14 Mar 2026 · recommends · YouTube ↗
      Recommends berberine or dihydroberberine as a powerful insulin sensitizing agent and a good alternative to a med, noting its comparable hemoglobin A1c reductions in some type 2 diabetes trials.
    • 26 Jan 2026 · neutral · Facebook ↗
      Berberine was mentioned in a study as a biofilm disruptor that can improve microbial access and affect outcomes in SIBO and methane-dominant cases.
    • 24 Oct 2025 · uses · Facebook ↗
      Uses Dihydroberberine as part of the Neuro Regenerate product to protect mitochondria, stabilize energy, and sustain cognitive output.
    • 18 Aug 2025 · recommends · Facebook ↗
      Recommends Dihydroberberine as a powerful antioxidant in Neuro Regenerate to support mitochondria and fuel clean, crash-free mental energy.
    • 17 Jul 2025 · recommends · YouTube ↗
      Mentions the report recommends taking 500 mg of berberine to address ETBF activity.
    • 26 Jun 2025 · uses · YouTube ↗
      Mentions berberine as something that can enhance fatty acid oxidation and white adipose to brown fat tissue conversion.
    • 31 May 2025 · recommends · YouTube ↗
      Recommends the regular use of berberine to help nuke bacterial overgrowth in the gut for those with FODMAP sensitivity.
  • Peter Attia · Berberine · stopped
    • 11 Sep 2023 · stopped · YouTube ↗
      Used to take berberine, which he called "poor man's a med," to buffer blood glucose and feel less sick after ingesting large amounts of calories on a cheat day, but stopped when he no longer followed the Slow Carb Diet.
    • 14 Feb 2020 · uses · YouTube ↗
      Uses berberine in clinical practice as a weak inhibitor of the enzyme PCSK9, which can help a subset of patients who overexpress PCSK9 and have high LDL cholesterol.
    • 26 Jan 2020 · recommends · YouTube ↗
      Suggests Thorne as the brand for berberine when recommending it to patients.
    • 23 Jan 2020 · uses · YouTube ↗
      Uses berberine in clinical practice as a weak inhibitor of the enzyme PCSK9, which can help lower LDL cholesterol in a subset of people who overexpress PCSK9.
    • 29 Oct 2018 · recommends · YouTube ↗
      Uses berberine in clinical practice because it is a weak inhibitor of the enzyme PCSK9, which degrades LDL receptors. He finds it effective for a subset of patients who overexpress PCSK9 and have high LDL, and he will prescribe it to see if it helps without prior testing.
    • 29 Oct 2018 · neutral · Podcast ↗
      Shares insights about berberine.
    • Date not recorded · stopped · Website ↗
      Used to take Berberine for longevity but stopped because he didn't see enough evidence.

RAL Summary

Members OnlyTier 2 for Blood Sugar

Many human trials and pooled analyses show berberine clearly lowers fasting and long-term blood sugar in type 2 diabetes [1][3], and 90% of 220 reviews are positive, meeting tier 2.

Where the evidence disagrees: 6 of the 63 human studies found no effect.

More Details

Members OnlyBody systems · Combine with · Possible side effects

Body systems: Endocrine system, Metabolic system, Digestive system, Cardiovascular system

Possible side effects: Studies report more stomach upset than placebo. Buyers mostly describe it as gentle on the stomach.

Supplement Facts

Berberine Phytosome 550 mg
Supplement Facts
Serving Size 1 Veg Capsule
Amount Per Serving% Daily Value
Berberine Phytosome550 mg†
† Daily Value not established.

Other ingredients: Hypromellose (cellulose capsule), Microcrystalline Cellulose and Stearic Acid (vegetable source).

Directions: Suggested Usage: Take 1 capsule 1 to 2 times daily before meals.

Barcode (UPC) 733739014290 · Label source: Reverseagelab · Report a label change

Show entire label

More blood sugar products

Members OnlyThe highest ranked for the same goal

Read more

Our articles on this subject

Graded November 11, 2026 by the Reverse Age Lab evidence engine, from human studies, real reviews and our biohacker panel. How we grade. Is this medical advice? No. Rala organizes the published evidence; go over any change with your doctor, especially if you take meds.