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

Because magnesium and berberine work in different ways, some people wonder whether taking them together could have a stronger effect on blood sugar. —Morgan Pearson, Verywell Health, 9 Jan. 2026

However, there's no evidence that this practice, referred to as 'cycling', has any benefit in preventing any toxicity associated with long-term berberine use. —Emmanuella Ogbonna, Health, 26 Dec. 2025

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, there are some studies that support berberine’s weight loss potential, but others had inconclusive outcomes. —Caroline C. Boyle, USA Today, 28 Nov. 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