Major interaction on record — check this product against your medications before combining. Based on 3 of 4 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Berberine Plus Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by True Botanica

Berberine Plus label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Major
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 30, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Berberine Plus 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

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Major

Berberine Plus is a dietary supplement by True Botanica with 4 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for blood sugar control, high cholesterol, heart and metabolic health.Based on those ingredients, 1,350 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Barberry Bark, Root Extract, Berberine Hydrochloride, Bioperine Nature's Thermonutrient. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

Jump to a section

Check Your Meds Against Berberine Plus by True Botanica

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Berberine Plus by True Botanica — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

Pharmacist-reviewed data Checks every ingredient Answer in seconds
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Berberine Plus by True Botanica

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.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 11, 2026

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 4 of its 4 active ingredients.
  • “Bioperine Nature's Thermonutrient” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label gives one combined amount (2 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

Berberine Plus contains four active ingredients. The main one is berberine hydrochloride, a plant alkaloid.

The product also includes piperine (a compound from black pepper), barberry bark and root extract, and barberry pentas. These are paired with inactive ingredients — microcrystalline cellulose, cellulose, and magnesium stearate — which are fillers and binders in the capsule.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Berberine supplement for health support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Diabetes, Hyperlipidemia, Hypertension, Metabolic syndrome, Obesity, Impaired glucose tolerance (prediabetes) — and 4 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Berberine is rated "Possibly Effective" for Diabetes (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Berberine is rated "Possibly Effective" for Hyperlipidemia, Hypertension.
  • Also on file: European Barberry is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Diabetes, Hyperlipidemia.

Berberine has been rated possibly effective for several conditions based on available evidence. These include high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), high blood pressure (hypertension), type 2 diabetes, and blood sugar control.

It's also possibly effective against Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium linked to stomach ulcers. The evidence isn't definitive for any of these, which is why the rating is 'possibly' rather than 'proven,' but the research direction is promising.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Berberine European Barberry Black Pepper

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 3 of the 3 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 3 of 3.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 3 of 3.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Berberine is generally well tolerated when taken by mouth, but digestive upset is common — abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, gas, nausea, and vomiting can occur. Some people also report dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, or headache.

The safety data advises against berberine during pregnancy because it may cross the placenta and has been linked to newborn harm, and it should be avoided while breastfeeding because it passes into breast milk.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Berberine European Barberry Black Pepper

Meds to double-check

Major interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Major identified

At least one ingredient has a documented Major-severity interaction. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 3 of the 3 matched ingredients can interact with medications — European Barberry, Black Pepper, Berberine.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; diabetes medications; lithium.
  • For scale: 1,351 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before you take Berberine Plus, check with your pharmacist if you use cyclosporine (a Major interaction), or any blood pressure medications, blood thinners, diabetes drugs, CNS depressants, or medications broken down by the liver enzymes CYP3A4, CYP2D6, or CYP2C9 (all Moderate interactions). Use the medication checker below to look up your exact drugs.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

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 Plus may be worth considering if you're looking to address cholesterol, blood sugar, or blood pressure — and you take no medications that interact with berberine. If you're on cyclosporine, any blood thinner, diabetes drug, blood pressure medication, or drugs metabolized by major liver enzymes, you need to talk with your pharmacist before adding this.

Expect potential digestive side effects.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 4 of 4 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Aug 22, 2025.

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

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Berberine Plus, straight from the product label.

Brand True Botanica
Net contents 120 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Aug 22, 2025
DSLD ID 336204
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), No Allergies, Gluten Free, Dairy Free
From the label
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 Plus by True Botanica, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
2 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
60
IngredientAmount% DV
Piperine1.9 mg--
Berberine Hydrochloride500 mg--
Barberry Bark, Root Extract20 mg--
Bioperine Nature's Thermonutrient2 mg--
Barberry Pentas40 mg--

Other ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Cellulose, Magnesium Stearate

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
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.
Formula

A uniquely full spectrum berberine product. Contains all of the barberry herb's natural components, a high concentration of its main active ingredient berberine, plus the plant's natural salts and minerals. BioPerine included in order to further enhance bioavailability.

Formulation

Contains no milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, sesame, or soybeans. Gluten free.

Vegetarian capsules.

Precautions

Consult your health care provider before using this product if you are pregnant, lactating or have other medical concerns or compatibility issues.

Do not use this product if allergies to the listed ingredients are known to exist or if any adverse effects result after taking the first dose.

This product contains a desiccant package, which should not be eaten.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Storage

Keep desiccant in the bottle until all capsules have been taken.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

FDA Statement of Identity

A Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested usage: Two capsules once or twice daily, or as suggested by your health care provider.

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Berberine Plus by True Botanica label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

Berberine Plus label

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)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Berberine Plus by True Botanica

These are the 4 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container60 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Berberine Hydrochloride

Interacts with
1,160 drugs
500 mg per serving

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 Hydrochloride monograph & interactions

Barberry Bark, Root Extract

Interacts with
1,210 drugs
20 mg per serving Form: Berberis vulgaris Bark Extract, Berberis vulgaris Root Extract

European barberry is a shrub whose root, bark, and berries contain berberine, a bitter plant alkaloid that has been studied mostly in isolated form. S...

Barberry Bark, Root Extract monograph & interactions

Bioperine Nature's Thermonutrient

Interacts with
1,019 drugs
2 mg per serving Form: Piper nigrum

Black pepper is a common kitchen spice that is generally safe in the amounts used in food. Its extract, piperine, is mostly added to supplements to he...

Bioperine Nature's Thermonutrient monograph & interactions

Barberry Pentas

Interacts with
1,210 drugs
40 mg per serving Form: Barberry Root Ash Pentas, Barberry Root Pentas

European barberry is a shrub whose root, bark, and berries contain berberine, a bitter plant alkaloid that has been studied mostly in isolated form. S...

Barberry Pentas monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Cellulose, Magnesium Stearate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Berberine Plus by True Botanica Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Berberine Plus?

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 checker
1,350Drugs
1 Major 1,321 Moderate 28 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Barberry Bark, Root Extract 1,210
Berberine Hydrochloride 1,160
Bioperine Nature's Thermonutrient 1,019

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Berberine Plus interact with 1,350 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

3 of the 4 ingredients in Berberine Plus interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Barberry Bark, Root Extract Berberine Hydrochloride Bioperine Nature's Thermonutrient

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Berberine Plus with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Barberry Bark, Root Extract8 drug types · 1,210 drugs

Anticholinergic Drugs

Theoretically, taking European barberry with anticholinergic drugs might cause additive effects.
In vitro evidence suggests that European barberry might have anticholinergic properties.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, European barberry may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
In vitro and animal evidence suggest that berberine, a constituent of European barberry, might inhibit platelet aggregation. Theoretically, European barberry might have a similar effect.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking European barberry with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Preliminary clinical evidence suggests that European barberry juice reduces fasting glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes who are also taking antidiabetes drugs. Additionally, some animal studies show that berberine, a constituent of European barberry, has antiglycemic potential. Monitor blood glucose levels closely.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, taking European barberry with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Animal and human research suggests that European barberry extracts can have hypotensive effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cholinergic Drugs

Theoretically, taking European barberry with cholinergic drugs might decrease the effects of cholinergic drugs.
In vitro evidence suggests that European barberry might have anticholinergic properties.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cns Depressants

Theoretically, concomitant use with drugs that have sedative properties may cause additive effects.
Animal research suggests that berberine, a constituent of European barberry, might have sedative effects. Theoretically, European barberry might have a similar effect.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)

Theoretically, concomitant use with cyclosporine may cause additive effects.
Berberine, a constituent of European barberry, can reduce the metabolism and increase serum levels of cyclosporine. This effect is attributed to the ability of berberine to inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4), which metabolizes cyclosporine. Theoretically, European barberry might have a similar effect.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, European barberry might increase the levels and clinical effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
There is very preliminary evidence suggesting that berberine, a constituent of European barberry, might inhibit the CYP3A4 enzyme. Theoretically, European barberry might have a similar effect.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Barberry Bark, Root Extract full monograph & interactions

Berberine Hydrochloride15 drug types · 1,160 drugs

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.

Likelihood Probable Evidence A
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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence A
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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence C
Berberine Hydrochloride full monograph & interactions

Bioperine Nature's Thermonutrient17 drug types · 1,019 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, black pepper might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs.
In vitro research shows that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, seems to inhibit platelet aggregation. This has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, black pepper might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Animal research shows that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, can reduce blood glucose levels. Monitor blood glucose levels closely. Dose adjustments might be necessary.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Atorvastatin (Lipitor)

Theoretically, black pepper might increase blood levels of atorvastatin.
Animal research shows that taking piperine, a constituent of black pepper, 35 mg/kg can increase the maximum serum concentration of atorvastatin three-fold. This has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)

Theoretically, black pepper might increase the effects and side effects of cyclosporine.
In vitro research shows that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, increases the bioavailability of cyclosporine. This has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2D6 (Cyp2D6) Substrates

Theoretically, black pepper might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
In vitro research suggests that some constituents of black pepper inhibit CYP2D6. This has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, black pepper might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
In vitro research and pharmacokinetic simulation data suggest that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, as well as the pepper fruit seem to inhibit CYP3A4. This has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Lithium

Theoretically, black pepper might increase blood levels of lithium due to its diuretic effects. The dose of lithium might need to be reduced.
Black pepper is thought to have diuretic properties.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Nevirapine (Viramune)

Black pepper might increase blood levels of nevirapine.
Clinical research shows that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, increases the plasma concentration of nevirapine. However, no adverse effects were observed in this study.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
P-Glycoprotein Substrates

Theoretically, black pepper might increase levels of P-glycoprotein substrates.
In vitro research shows that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, seems to inhibit P-glycoprotein.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Pentobarbital (Nembutal)

Theoretically, black pepper might increase the sedative effects of pentobarbital.
Animal research shows that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, increases pentobarbital-induced sleeping time.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Phenytoin (Dilantin)

Black pepper might increase blood levels of phenytoin.
Clinical research shows that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, seems to increase absorption, slow elimination, and increase levels of phenytoin. Taking a single dose of black pepper 1 gram along with phenytoin seems to double the serum concentration of phenytoin. Consuming a soup with black pepper providing piperine 44 mg/200 mL of soup along with phenytoin also seems to increase phenytoin levels when compared with consuming the same soup without black pepper.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Propranolol (Inderal)

Black pepper might increase blood levels of propranolol.
Clinical research shows that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, seems to increase absorption and slow elimination of propranolol.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Rifampin (Rifadin)

Black pepper might increase blood levels of rifampin.
Clinical research shows that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, seems to increase absorption and serum levels of rifampin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Theophylline

Black pepper might increase blood levels of theophylline.
Clinical research shows that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, seems to increase absorption and slow elimination of theophylline.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Amoxicillin (Amoxil, Trimox)

Theoretically, black pepper might increase the effects and side effects of amoxicillin.
Animal research shows that taking piperine, a constituent of black pepper, with amoxicillin increases plasma levels of amoxicillin. This has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)

Theoretically, black pepper might increase blood levels of carbamazepine, potentially increasing the effects and side effects of carbamazepine.
One clinical study in patients taking carbamazepine 300 mg or 500 mg twice daily shows that taking a single 20 mg dose of purified piperine, a constituent of black pepper, increases carbamazepine levels. Piperine may increase carbamazepine absorption by increasing blood flow to the GI tract, increasing the surface area of the small intestine, or inhibiting cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) in the gut wall. Absorption was significantly increased by 7-10 mcg/mL/hour. The time to eliminate carbamazepine was also increased by 4-8 hours. Although carbamazepine levels were increased, this did not appear to increase side effects. In vitro research also shows that piperine can increase carbamazepine levels by 11% in a time-dependent manner.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates

Theoretically, black pepper might decrease levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2.
In vitro research suggests that black pepper induces CYP1A2. This has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Bioperine Nature's Thermonutrient full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Berberine Plus, from the product label.

True Botanica

See all True Botanica products
Name
True Botanica, LLC
Street Address
1005 Richards Road, Suite D
City
Hartland
State
WI
ZipCode
53029
Phone Number
1-800-315-8783
Web Address
www.truebotanica.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Berberine Plus by True Botanica: Common Questions

Does Berberine Plus by True Botanica interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Berberine Plus has a known interaction with 1,350 medications, including 1 rated major. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Berberine Plus contains 4 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. Berberine is not safe in pregnancy — it may cross the placenta and has been linked to harm in newborns. Avoid it while breastfeeding too, because berberine passes into breast milk. Talk with your doctor or midwife about safer options.
What are the most common side effects?
Digestive upset is the main concern — abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, gas, nausea, and vomiting. Some people also report dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, or headache. Most effects are mild and happen early on.
Will berberine help my cholesterol or blood sugar?
The evidence says possibly. Berberine is rated possibly effective for high cholesterol and diabetes, which means research supports it but the evidence isn't yet definitive. Results vary person to person, and you should monitor your levels with your doctor.
What is piperine and why is it in here?
Piperine is a compound from black pepper. It's often added to supplement formulas because it may help your body absorb other ingredients more effectively. We don't hold interaction data for piperine, so check with your pharmacist if you're on medications and want to be thorough.
Can I take this with my blood pressure medication?
Berberine itself can lower blood pressure, and research shows it may have additive effects when combined with blood pressure drugs like amlodipine. This is a Moderate interaction — you need to talk with your pharmacist or doctor before adding it, especially since your blood pressure would need closer monitoring.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Berberine Plus is safe with your meds?

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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.

Berberine Plus label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Berberine Plus’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Berberine

Interacts with 1,160 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 varies and it is not a replacement for presc...

Read the full Berberine monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

European Barberry

Interacts with 1,210 drugs

European barberry is a shrub whose root, bark, and berries contain berberine, a bitter plant alkaloid that has been studied mostly in isolated form. Some early research on berberine is promi...

Read the full European Barberry monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Black Pepper

Interacts with 1,019 drugs

Black pepper is a common kitchen spice that is generally safe in the amounts used in food. Its extract, piperine, is mostly added to supplements to help the body absorb other ingredients (li...

Read the full Black Pepper monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Berberine Plus'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.

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 85 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.

Black Pepper 29 references
  1. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1996.
  2. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
  3. Bano G, Amla V, Raina RK, et al. The effect of piperine on pharmacokinetics of phenytoin in healthy volunteers. Planta Med 1987;53:568-9. PubMed
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Berberine 41 references
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European Barberry 15 references
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  2. 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
  3. Shamsa F, Ahmadiani A, Khosrokhavar R. Antihistaminic and anticholinergic activity of barberry fruit (Berberis vulgaris) in the guinea-pig ileum. J Ethnopharmacol 1999;64:161-6. PubMed
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