What is Berberine?
The short answer
Berberine is a bitter yellow compound found in some plants, such as barberry.
What it is
Alkaloid from barberry and goldenseal; activates AMPK in lab studies.
What people look into
Weight
- 2 sources
- Status as of
- How we source
- Ellum doesn't sell peptides.
Get updates on Berberine
What it is
- Type
- Plant isoquinoline alkaloid (botanical supplement)
- Also known as
- berberine hcl, berberine hydrochloride, natural ozempic, nature's ozempic
- How it works
- Alkaloid from barberry and goldenseal; activates AMPK in lab studies.
Regulatory status
Supplement How we label status
As of October 4, 2026, Berberine is sold in the US as a dietary supplement.
- Federal (FDA)
- Not an approved drug; sold as a dietary supplement (no FDA statement that it is unlawful found)
- WADA 2026
- Not named on the 2026 List
References
Sources as of October 4, 2026