Berberine 500 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions
by Source Naturals
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking Berberine 500 mg against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.
Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy
Berberine 500 mg is a dietary supplement by Source Naturals with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for blood sugar control, high cholesterol, heart and metabolic health.Based on those ingredients, 1,160 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Berberine HCl. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.
Check Your Meds Against Berberine 500 mg by Source Naturals
Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Berberine 500 mg by Source Naturals — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.
AI summaries are generated from our interaction database for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Berberine 500 mg by Source Naturals
Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.
What’s inside
Full disclosure
Source Naturals Berberine 500 mg is a single-ingredient supplement containing berberine HCl, an alkaloid extracted from plants like goldenseal and Oregon grape. It comes in a capsule with inactive ingredients — hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, stearic acid, and magnesium stearate — that help form and stabilize the capsule.
Does it work?
Moderate evidence
Berberine has possibly effective evidence for six conditions: high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), high blood pressure (hypertension), diabetes, and H. pylori infection. That means there's some clinical research backing its use, but the evidence isn't conclusive or definitive yet.
If you're considering it for one of these purposes, talk it over with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it makes sense for you.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Orally, berberine is generally well tolerated, but many people experience digestive side effects — abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, gas, nausea, or vomiting. You might also feel dizzy, drowsy, tired, or get a headache.
Because berberine can cross the placenta and has been linked to newborn harm, it's not safe to take during pregnancy. It also passes into breast milk, so you should avoid it while breastfeeding.
Meds to double-check
Major interaction found
Before taking this product, double-check with your pharmacist if you take cyclosporine (a major concern), blood pressure medication, blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs, diabetes medication, sleep aids or anti-anxiety medications, or any drug that your liver metabolizes — berberine can slow that breakdown and raise drug levels in your blood.
The bottom line
Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.
Berberine is worth considering if you're dealing with high cholesterol, PCOS, high blood pressure, or diabetes — but only if your doctor or pharmacist clears it alongside your current medications. Because it interacts with so many drugs and affects how your liver processes them, it's essential to check your exact prescriptions before you start.
If you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, skip this supplement.
Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI
Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated May 22, 2020.
This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed
General information
Key facts about Berberine 500 mg, straight from the product label.
| Brand | Source Naturals |
|---|---|
| Barcode (UPC) | 021078027836 |
| Net contents | 60 Vegetarian Capsule(s) |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | May 22, 2020 |
| DSLD ID | 217105 |
| Product type | Non-nutrient/non-botanical |
| Supplement form | Capsule |
| Dietary claims / uses | All Other, Structure/Function |
| Intended target group(s) | Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Women (not pregnant or lactating), Gluten Free, Dairy Free |
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.
Supplement Facts
The label details for Berberine 500 mg by Source Naturals, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Berberine HCl | 500 mg | -- |
Other ingredients: Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Stearic Acid, Magnesium Stearate
Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
FDA Statement of Identity
Dietary Supplement
Formulation
Gastrointestinal, healthy blood glucose, and healthy cholesterol support
Suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
Contains no yeast, dairy, egg, gluten, corn, soy or wheat. Contains no sugar, starch, salt, preservatives, or artificial color, flavor or fragrance.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions
Suggested Use: 1 capsule 1 to 2 times daily with meals.
Formula
Source Naturals Berberine provides 500 mg of berberine hydrochloride, an amount shown in clinical studies to support multiple body systems. A human clinical trial has shown that berberine supplementation can support gastrointestinal health. Several clinical trials suggest that berberine can help support healthy blood glucose levels and healthy blood cholesterol levels already within the normal range.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place.
Precautions
Warning: Do not use if you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Do not use if either tamper-evident seal is broken or missing.
Keep out of the reach of children.
FDA Disclaimer Statement
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Berberine 500 mg by Source Naturals label
The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.
Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.
View the full label (PDF)The Ingredients in Berberine 500 mg by Source Naturals
This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.
Serving size1 Vegetarian Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Amounts shown are per serving.
Berberine HCl
Interacts with1,160 drugs
Berberine is a yellow plant compound that has shown promise for lowering blood sugar and cholesterol in some studies, but the quality of research vari...
Berberine HCl monograph & interactionsOther (inactive) ingredients: Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Stearic Acid, Magnesium Stearate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
Berberine 500 mg by Source Naturals Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
Source Naturals Berberine 500 mg interacts with a substantial number of medications through several different pathways.
The most serious concern is cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), an immunosuppressant drug — berberine can slow down how your body breaks down cyclosporine and raise its levels in your blood to potentially harmful amounts. This happens because berberine blocks a liver enzyme (CYP3A4) that normally clears the drug.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
Berberine also affects how your liver processes many other medications. It can slow the breakdown of drugs metabolized by three key liver enzymes (CYP3A4, CYP2D6, and CYP2C9), which means those drugs may build up in your system and cause side effects.
Additionally, berberine may lower blood pressure on its own — if you take blood pressure medication, combining them could drop your pressure too far. There's also a moderate risk that berberine might increase bleeding if you're on blood thinners (anticoagulants) or antiplatelet drugs like aspirin.
And if you take diabetes medication, berberine might lower your blood sugar too much.
One more: berberine may amplify the sedative effects of CNS depressants like sleep aids or anti-anxiety medications.
Altogether, these interactions span 1,148 individual medications. Before you start this supplement, check your exact medications with the tool on this page.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
Want to check YOUR meds against Berberine 500 mg?
Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.
Go to the checkerIngredients driving the most interactions
Individual Drug Interactions
The ingredients in Berberine 500 mg interact with 1,160 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
1 of the 1 ingredient in Berberine 500 mg interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Berberine HCl
CyclosporineCequa, Ciclosporine, Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune, Verkazia +1 more
How Cyclosporine interacts with Berberine 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Berberine HclCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Cyclosporine (neoral, Sandimmune) Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Berberine Hcl + Cyclosporine interactionAdo-trastuzumab EmtansineKadcyla
How Ado-trastuzumab Emtansine interacts with Berberine 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Berberine HclCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Berberine Hcl + Ado-trastuzumab Emtansine interactionAbciximabReoPro
How Abciximab interacts with Berberine 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Berberine HclAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Berberine Hcl + Abciximab interactionAbemaciclibVerzenio
How Abemaciclib interacts with Berberine 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Berberine HclCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Berberine Hcl + Abemaciclib interactionAbiraterone
How Abiraterone interacts with Berberine 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Berberine HclCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Berberine Hcl + Abiraterone interactionAbiraterone AcetateYonsa, Zytiga
How Abiraterone Acetate interacts with Berberine 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Berberine HclCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Berberine Hcl + Abiraterone Acetate interactionAbrocitinibCibinqo
How Abrocitinib interacts with Berberine 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Berberine HclAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs, Cytochrome P450 2c9 (cyp2c9) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Berberine Hcl + Abrocitinib interactionAcalabrutinibCalquence
How Acalabrutinib interacts with Berberine 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Berberine HclCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Berberine Hcl + Acalabrutinib interactionAcarboseGlucobay, Prandase, Precose
How Acarbose interacts with Berberine 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Berberine HclAntidiabetes Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine may increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Berberine Hcl + Acarbose interactionAcebutololRhotral, Sectral
How Acebutolol interacts with Berberine 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Berberine HclAntihypertensive Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might have additive effects with antihypertensive drugs.
Read the full Berberine Hcl + Acebutolol interactionAcenocoumarolSintrom
How Acenocoumarol interacts with Berberine 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Berberine HclAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Berberine Hcl + Acenocoumarol interactionAcepromazineAtravet
How Acepromazine interacts with Berberine 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Berberine HclCns Depressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might increase the sedative effects of CNS depressants.
Read the full Berberine Hcl + Acepromazine interactionAcetaminophen, AspirinGemnisyn
How Acetaminophen, Aspirin interacts with Berberine 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Berberine HclAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Berberine Hcl + Acetaminophen, Aspirin interactionAcetaminophen, Aspirin, CaffeineExcedrin, Excedrin Extra Strength, Excedrin Migraine
How Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Caffeine interacts with Berberine 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Berberine HclAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Berberine Hcl + Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Caffeine interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, CaffeineEsgic, Esgic Plus, Fiogesic, Fioricet, Repan, Tecnal +1 more
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine interacts with Berberine 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Berberine HclCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Berberine Hcl + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, CodeineEsgic with Codeine, Fioricet w/ Codeine
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine interacts with Berberine 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Berberine HclCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Cns Depressants +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Berberine Hcl + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, CodeineBancap w/ Codeine
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine interacts with Berberine 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Berberine HclCytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates, Cns Depressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
Read the full Berberine Hcl + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine PhosphatePhrenilin #3
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine Phosphate interacts with Berberine 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Berberine HclCns Depressants, Cytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might increase the sedative effects of CNS depressants.
Read the full Berberine Hcl + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine Phosphate interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, PhenylephrineHycomine Compound
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, Phenylephrine interacts with Berberine 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Berberine HclCns Depressants, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might increase the sedative effects of CNS depressants.
Read the full Berberine Hcl + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, Phenylephrine interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, CodeineGesic C15, Gesic C30, Gesic C8, Lenoltec 1, Lenoltec 2, Lenoltec 3 +1 more
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine interacts with Berberine 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Berberine HclCytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates, Cns Depressants +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
Read the full Berberine Hcl + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, SalicylamideCodalan No.1, Codalan No.2, Codalan No.3
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, Salicylamide interacts with Berberine 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Berberine HclCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Berberine Hcl + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, Salicylamide interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, DihydrocodeineDHC Plus, Panlor DC, Panlor SS
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Dihydrocodeine interacts with Berberine 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Berberine HclCns Depressants, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might increase the sedative effects of CNS depressants.
Read the full Berberine Hcl + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Dihydrocodeine interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, IsomethepteneMigralam
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Isometheptene interacts with Berberine 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Berberine HclCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Berberine Hcl + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Isometheptene interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, PyrilamineMidol Max Strength Menstrual
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Pyrilamine interacts with Berberine 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Berberine HclCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Berberine Hcl + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Pyrilamine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Dextromethorphan HbrVicks Formula 44M Cough, Cold & Flu Relief
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Dextromethorphan Hbr interacts with Berberine 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Berberine HclDextromethorphan (robitussin Dm, Others), Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine may increase serum levels of dextromethorphan.
Read the full Berberine Hcl + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Dextromethorphan Hbr interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, PhenylephrineColrex
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, Phenylephrine interacts with Berberine 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Berberine HclCytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates, Cns Depressants +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
Read the full Berberine Hcl + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, Phenylephrine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, DextromethorphanCoricidin II Extra Strength Cold and Flu
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan interacts with Berberine 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Berberine HclCytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates, Dextromethorphan (robitussin Dm, Others) +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
Read the full Berberine Hcl + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan HydrobromideCoricidin HBP Maximum Strength Flu
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide interacts with Berberine 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Berberine HclCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Berberine Hcl + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, PhenylpropanolamineMulti Symptom Cold Relief
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylpropanolamine interacts with Berberine 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Berberine HclCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Berberine Hcl + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylpropanolamine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, PseudoephedrineChildren's Tylenol Cold Plus Cough, Tylenol Cold Ex Strength
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine interacts with Berberine 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Berberine HclDextromethorphan (robitussin Dm, Others), Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine may increase serum levels of dextromethorphan.
Read the full Berberine Hcl + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine interactionEach ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects
For each ingredient in Berberine 500 mg with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.
Berberine HCl
Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)
Berberine can increase serum levels of cyclosporine.
Berberine can reduce metabolism and increase serum levels of cyclosporine. Berberine might inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4), which metabolizes cyclosporine.
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs
Theoretically, berberine might increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
In vitro and in vivo research suggest that berberine can inhibit platelet aggregation. Theoretically, berberine might have additive effects when used with anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs and increase the risk of bleeding.
Antidiabetes Drugs
Theoretically, berberine may increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Clinical research shows that berberine may lower blood glucose levels. Theoretically, berberine might have additive effects with antidiabetes drugs and increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Antihypertensive Drugs
Theoretically, berberine might have additive effects with antihypertensive drugs.
Animal research suggests that berberine can have hypotensive effects. Also, a clinical study suggests that taking berberine in combination with amlodipine can lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure when compared with amlodipine alone.
Cns Depressants
Theoretically, berberine might increase the sedative effects of CNS depressants.
Animal research suggests that berberine may have sedative effects. Theoretically, use of berberine along with CNS depressants might produce additive therapeutic and adverse effects.
Cytochrome P450 2C9 (Cyp2C9) Substrates
Theoretically, berberine might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C9.
Preliminary clinical research shows that berberine can inhibit CYP2C9. Theoretically, taking berberine with drugs metabolized by CYP2C9 might increase drug levels and increase the risk of adverse effects.
Cytochrome P450 2D6 (Cyp2D6) Substrates
Theoretically, berberine might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
In vitro research and preliminary clinical evidence show that berberine can inhibit CYP2D6. Theoretically, use of berberine with drugs metabolized by CYP2D6 might increase drug levels and increase the risk of adverse effects.
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates
Theoretically, berberine might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
In vitro research and preliminary clinical research show that berberine moderately inhibits CYP3A4. Theoretically, use of berberine with drugs metabolized by CYP3A4 might increase drug levels and increase the risk of adverse effects.
Dextromethorphan (Robitussin Dm, Others)
Theoretically, berberine may increase serum levels of dextromethorphan.
Preliminary clinical research shows that berberine can inhibit cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) activity and reduce the metabolism of dextromethorphan. This may increase the effects and side effects of dextromethorphan.
Losartan (Cozaar)
Berberine might reduce the therapeutic effects of losartan by decreasing its conversion to its active form.
Preliminary clinical research suggests that berberine can inhibit cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) activity and reduce metabolism of losartan.
Metformin (Glucophage)
Theoretically, berberine might increase the therapeutic and adverse effects of metformin.
In vitro and animal studies show that berberine can increase the systemic exposure and half-life of metformin, potentially increasing metformin's effects and side effects. This interaction seems to be most apparent when berberine is administered 2 hours prior to metformin. Taking berberine and metformin at the same time does not appear to increase systemic exposure to metformin.
Midazolam (Versed)
Berberine can reduce metabolism of midazolam, which might increase the risk of severe adverse effects.
Preliminary clinical research shows that berberine can inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) activity and reduce metabolism of midazolam.
Pentobarbital (Nembutal)
Berberine might increase the sedative effect of pentobarbital.
Evidence from animal research shows that berberine can prolong pentobarbital-induced sleeping time. Theoretically, combining berberine and pentobarbital might increase the sedative effects of pentobarbital.
Tacrolimus (Prograf)
Berberine has been associated with increased blood levels of tacrolimus.
In a 16-year-old patient with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome who was being treated with tacrolimus 6.5 mg twice daily, intake of berberine 200 mg three times daily increased the blood concentration of tacrolimus from 8 to 22 ng/mL. Following a reduction of the tacrolimus dose to 3 mg daily, blood levels of tacrolimus decreased to 12 ng/mL.
Acetazolamide
Laboratory studies and initial clinical findings suggest that berberine has the potential to increase acetazolamide concentrations in the body. More research is needed to confirm this interaction.
Brand information
Manufacturer and brand details for Berberine 500 mg, from the product label.
Source Naturals
- Name
- Source Naturals, Inc.
- Street Address
- P. O. Box 2118
- City
- Santa Cruz
- State
- CA
- ZipCode
- 95062
- Web Address
- www.sourcenaturals.com
Berberine 500 mg by Source Naturals: Common Questions
Does Berberine 500 mg by Source Naturals interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
Can I take berberine if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
What stomach side effects should I expect?
Does berberine really work for diabetes and high cholesterol?
Why does this product interact with so many medications?
Can I take berberine with my blood pressure medication?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Not sure if Berberine 500 mg is safe with your meds?
Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.
Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.
The Full Monographs Behind Berberine 500 mg’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
Sources & How We Checked
Berberine 500 mg's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.
- NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD) — The official product label on file for this supplement.
- Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) — Evidence-graded clinical reference behind the ingredient interaction data.
Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.
The 41 references behind this product’s interaction data
Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.
Berberine 41 references
- Chan E. Displacement of bilirubin from albumin by berberine. Biol Neonate 1993;63:201-8. PubMed
- Janbaz KH, Gilani AH. Studies on preventive and curative effects of berberine on chemical-induced hepatotoxicity in rodents. Fitoterapia 2000;71:25-33.. PubMed
- Wu X, Li Q, Xin H, Yu A, Zhong M. Effects of berberine on the blood concentration of cyclosporin A in renal transplanted recipients: clinical and pharmacokinetic study. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2005;61:567-72. PubMed
- Zhang Y, Li X, Zou D, et al. Treatment of type 2 diabetes and dyslipidemia with the natural plant alkaloid berberine. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2008;93:2559-65. PubMed
- Huang XS, Yang GF, Pan YC. Effect of berberin hydrochloride on blood concentration of cyclosporine A in cardiac transplanted patients. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi 2008;28:702-4.
- Budzinski JW, Foster BC, Vandenhoek S, Arnason JT. An in vitro evaluation of human cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibition by selected commercial herbal extracts and tinctures. Phytomedicine 2000;7:273-82. PubMed
- Chatterjee P, Franklin MR. Human cytochrome p450 inhibition and metabolic-intermediate complex formation by goldenseal extract and its methylenedioxyphenyl components. Drug Metab Dispos 2003;31:1391-7. PubMed
- Marin-Neto, J. A., Maciel, B. C., Secches, A. L., and Gallo, Junior L. Cardiovascular effects of berberine in patients with severe congestive heart failure. Clin.Cardiol. 1988;11(4):253-260. PubMed
- Choudhry, V. P., Sabir, M., and Bhide, V. N. Berberine in giardiasis. Indian Pediatr. 1972;9(3):143-146.
- Shanbhag, S. M., Kulkarni, H. J., and Gaitonde, B. B. Pharmacological actions of berberine on the central nervous system. Jpn.J Pharmacol 1970;20(4):482-487. PubMed
- Wu, J. F. and Liu, T. P. [Effects of berberine on platelet aggregation and plasma levels of TXB2 and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha in rats with reversible middle cerebral artery occlusion]. Yao Xue.Xue.Bao. 1995;30(2):98-102.
- Peng, W. H., Hsieh, M. T., and Wu, C. R. Effect of long-term administration of berberine on scopolamine-induced amnesia in rats. Jpn J Pharmacol 1997;74(3):261-266. DOI
- Sharda DC. Berberine in the treatment of diarrhoea of infancy and childhood. J Indian M A 1970;54(1):22-24.
- Sabir M and Bhide NK. Study of some pharmacological actions of berberine. Ind J Physiol & Pharmac 1971;15(3):111-132.
- Tripathi YB and Shukla SD. Berberis artistata inhibits PAF induced aggregation of rabbit platelets. Phytotherapy Research 1996;10:628-630.
- Seery TM and Bieter RN. A contribution to the pharmacology of berberine. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 1940;69:64-67. DOI
- Xin, H. W., Wu, X. C., Li, Q., Yu, A. R., Zhong, M. Y., and Liu, Y. Y. The effects of berberine on the pharmacokinetics of cyclosporin A in healthy volunteers. Methods Find.Exp.Clin Pharmacol 2006;28(1):25-29.
- Zhang, Y., Li, X., Zou, D., Liu, W., Yang, J., Zhu, N., Huo, L., Wang, M., Hong, J., Wu, P., Ren, G., and Ning, G. Treatment of type 2 diabetes and dyslipidemia with the natural plant alkaloid berberine. J Clin Endocrinol.Metab 2008;93(7):2559-2565. PubMed
- Yin, J., Xing, H., and Ye, J. Efficacy of berberine in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Metabolism 2008;57(5):712-717. PubMed
- Zhang, H., Wei, J., Xue, R., Wu, J. D., Zhao, W., Wang, Z. Z., Wang, S. K., Zhou, Z. X., Song, D. Q., Wang, Y. M., Pan, H. N., Kong, W. J., and Jiang, J. D. Berberine lowers blood glucose in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients through increasing insulin re
- Guo, Y., Chen, Y., Tan, Z. R., Klaassen, C. D., and Zhou, H. H. Repeated administration of berberine inhibits cytochromes P450 in humans. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2012;68(2):213-217. PubMed
- Wei, W., Zhao, H., Wang, A., Sui, M., Liang, K., Deng, H., Ma, Y., Zhang, Y., Zhang, H., and Guan, Y. A clinical study on the short-term effect of berberine in comparison to metformin on the metabolic characteristics of women with polycystic ovary syndro
- Marazzi, G., Cacciotti, L., Pelliccia, F., Iaia, L., Volterrani, M., Caminiti, G., Sposato, B., Massaro, R., Grieco, F., and Rosano, G. Long-term effects of nutraceuticals (berberine, red yeast rice, policosanol) in elderly hypercholesterolemic patients. PubMed
- Meng, S., Wang, L. S., Huang, Z. Q., Zhou, Q., Sun, Y. G., Cao, J. T., Li, Y. G., and Wang, C. Q. Berberine ameliorates inflammation in patients with acute coronary syndrome following percutaneous coronary intervention. Clin Exp.Pharmacol Physiol 2012;39 PubMed
- Hermann, R. and von, Richter O. Clinical evidence of herbal drugs as perpetrators of pharmacokinetic drug interactions. Planta Med 2012;78(13):1458-1477. PubMed
- Chun YT, Yip TT, Lau KL, and et al. A biochemical study on the hypotensive effect of berberine in rats. Gen Pharmac 1979;10:177-182. PubMed
- Saksena HC, Tomar VN, and Soangra MR. Efficacy of a new salt of Berberine Uni-Berberine in oriental sore. Current Medical Practice 1970;14:247-252.
- Abascal K, Yarnell E. Recent clinical advances with berberine. Altern Complement Ther 2010;16(5):281-7. DOI
- Dong H, Zhao Y, Zhao L, Lu F. The effects of berberine on blood lipids: a systemic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Planta Med 2013;79(6):437-46. PubMed
- Hou Q, Han W, Fu X. Pharmacokinetic interaction between tacrolimus and berberine in a child with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2013;69(10):1861-2. PubMed
- Lan J, Zhao Y, Dong F, et al. Meta-analysis of the effect and safety of berberine in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, hyperlipemia and hypertension. J Ethnopharmacol. 2015;161:69-81. PubMed
- Li G, Zhao M, Qiu F, Sun Y, Zhao L. Pharmacokinetic interactions and tolerability of berberine chloride with simvastatin and fenofibrate: an open-label, randomized, parallel study in healthy Chinese subjects. Drug Des Devel Ther. 2018;13:129-139. PubMed
- Ju J, Li J, Lin Q, Xu H. Efficacy and safety of berberine for dyslipidaemias: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Phytomedicine. 2018;50:25-34. PubMed
- Xu L, Zhang Y, Xue X, et al. A phase I trial of berberine in Chinese with ulcerative colitis. Cancer Prev Res (Phila). 2020;13(1):117-26. PubMed
- Lyu Y, Zhang Y, Yang M, et al. Pharmacokinetic interactions between metformin and berberine in rats: Role of oral administration sequences and microbiota. Life Sci. 2019;235:116818. PubMed
- Chen YX, Gao QY, Zou TH, et al. Berberine versus placebo for the prevention of recurrence of colorectal adenoma: a multicentre, double-blinded, randomised controlled study. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2020;5(3):267-75. PubMed
- Zhang J, Wang Y, Jiang H, et al. Preventive effect of berberine on postoperative atrial fibrillation. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol 2022;15(10):e011160. PubMed
- Blais JE, Huang X, Zhao JV. Overall and Sex-Specific Effect of Berberine for the Treatment of Dyslipidemia in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trials. Drugs 2023;83(5):403-427. PubMed
- Panigrahi A, Mohanty S. Efficacy and safety of HIMABERB® Berberine on glycemic control in patients with prediabetes: double-blind, placebo-controlled, and randomized pilot trial. BMC Endocr Disord 2023;23(1):190. PubMed
- Nie Q, Li M, Huang C, et al. The clinical efficacy and safety of berberine in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a meta-analysis and systematic review. J Transl Med 2024;22(1):225. PubMed
- Koperska A, Moszak M, Seraszek-Jaros A, Bogdanski P, Szulinska M. Does berberine impact anthropometric, hepatic, and metabolic parameters in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease? Randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled tr
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DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
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