berberine

noun

ber·​ber·​ine ˈbər-bə-ˌrēn 

: a bitter crystalline yellow alkaloid C₂₀H₁₉NO₅ obtained from the roots of various plants (such as barberry) and used in medicine especially for its antimicrobial properties

Examples of berberine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

How do berberine supplements hold up against prescription medication? —Caroline C. Boyle, USA Today, 28 Nov. 2025

However, berberine is poorly absorbed by the body. —Emmanuella Ogbonna, Health, 28 Nov. 2025

In some cases, if your healthcare provider approves, berberine may be used in conjunction with other treatments and lifestyle changes. —Karen Berger, Verywell Health, 5 Nov. 2025

Ingredients in Kind’s GLP-1 Patches include berberine, pomegranate, and L-glutamine extract, all of which have been shown to aid in the production of GLP-1, a naturally occurring hormone that regulates appetite. —Fortesa Latifi, Rolling Stone, 9 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

German Berberin, from New Latin berberis

First Known Use

1832, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

berberine

noun

ber·​ber·​ine ˈbər-bə-ˌrēn 

: a bitter crystalline yellow alkaloid C₂₀H₁₉NO₅ obtained from the roots of various plants (as barberry) and used as a tonic and antiperiodic