TikTok has recently been buzzing with posts suggesting Berberine may be a natural alternative to Ozempic weight loss injections, but some remain sceptical. Videos with the hashtag '#Berberine' have been viewed more than 84million times on the video sharing platform, with many sharing 'weight loss advice' and the 'benefits' of taking the substance.
Berberine is a bitter tasting compound found in plants like barberry, goldenseal, goldthread, Oregon grape, Californian poppies and tree turmeric. The substance is usually found in the roots, rhizomes, stems and bark and is classified as part of traditional Chinese medicine.
Some claim that berberine helps promote weight loss, regulate blood sugar and protect against several chronic conditions. But the actual evidence to support this is minimal.