Berberine For Acne: What You Need To Know
Acne is a frustrating issue for those who care about their skin. Berberine is a natural compound extracted from various plants, known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial abilities. Recently, it has gained recognition for its skin health benefits, including reducing inflammation and supporting balanced skin microbiota. This article will explore how berberine's mechanisms can impact acne, making it a promising solution for acne treatment.
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Key Takeaways
- Berberine is a natural compound extracted from various plants, known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
- Potential Skin Health Benefits of Berberine: Anti-inflammatory support, antibacterial effects, hormone balance support, skin recovery, antioxidant properties, gut health support, and insulin sensitivity improvement.
- The dosage in studies on berberine typically ranges from 1,000 to 1,500 mg per day.
What Is Berberine?
Berberine is an isoquinoline alkaloid commonly extracted from several medicinal plants, including Coptis chinensis, Berberis vulgaris, and Hydrastis canadensis [1].
It has been used in traditional medicine and is now recognized for its numerous health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-cancer, and cardiovascular support.
Berberine has also been studied for its effects on improving blood sugar levels, lowering cholesterol, and aiding in weight loss. Recently, berberine has emerged as a helpful solution for reducing acne due to its inherent properties.
Benefits Of Berberine For Acne Treatment
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Research shows that C. acnes bacteria are responsible for inflammatory acne. Berberine has been shown to effectively reduce inflammation. Studies indicate that berberine not only inhibits the growth of this bacterium but also reduces redness and discomfort on the skin [1].
Moreover, recent research indicates that berberine and its derivatives possess strong anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties, especially within the digestive system [2]. Berberine's anti-inflammatory properties are supportive for overall skin health.
Antibacterial Action
Berberine has powerful antibacterial properties. It combats various microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, while being safe for human cells. Berberine also enhances the effectiveness of certain antibiotics like penicillin and ciprofloxacin [3].
For acne, berberine is particularly effective against Cutibacterium acnes—the bacterium that causes inflammation and acne. Studies show that berberine can inhibit the growth of C. acnes and disrupt the bacterial cell membrane structure, leading to the leakage of components such as potassium, magnesium, and alkaline phosphatase. Consequently, this reduces bacteria and inflammation, supporting the treatment of inflammatory acne caused by this bacterium [4].
Hormonal Balance
Hormonal imbalances can also contribute to acne, and berberine may help us achieve hormonal balance.
Supplementing with berberine has shown positive results in balancing hormones in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Specifically, berberine reduces testosterone levels and increases sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), helping improve hormonal balance in the body. This can help maintain hormonal balance, which may contribute to skin clarity [5].
Promotes Wound Healing
The wound-healing ability of berberine has been studied in diabetic mice, showing that wounds healed faster. Berberine works by stimulating an enzyme called TrxR1, which helps reduce cell damage and enhance tissue recovery, thus supporting wound healing [6].
Although the studies do not directly relate to acne treatment, this wound-healing capability of berberine may assist in reducing acne lesions and reducing skin inflammation.
One study developed a gel containing berberine for acne treatment. The results showed that this gel caused less irritation to the skin and was more effective than other commercial products. Therefore, berberine-containing gel is a promising method for safely and effectively reducing acne [7].
Antioxidant Properties
Berberine has excellent antioxidant capabilities. This allows it to protect cells from damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS).
The mechanism of berberine not only directly neutralizes ROS but also stimulates cell protection pathways like P13K/AKT/Bcl-2 and Nrf2/HO-1. This helps reduce oxidative stress, reduce cell damage and inflammation, supports overall health, and improves conditions related to oxidative stress [8].
Thanks to this mechanism, berberine can also help improve skin conditions and reduce acne formation.
Supports Gut Health
One of the benefits of berberine is its ability to support gut health. Studies show it improves gut structure in chickens, making the intestinal villi longer and reducing inflammation. Additionally, berberine alters the diversity of gut bacteria, increasing the number of beneficial bacteria [9].
Overall, berberine promotes better digestion and helps reduce inflammation, providing benefits for gut health.
You can certainly recognize how this benefit supports acne treatment, right? Maintaining gut health is important for overall skin well-being, as it supports a balanced and healthy body. Therefore, maintaining a healthy gut can help reduce acne conditions.
Improve Insulin Sensitivity
Berberine helps reduce insulin resistance, combat inflammation, and fight bacteria that cause acne, such as Propionibacterium acnes. It reduces the growth of keratinocytes, aiding in the reduction of acne.
One study showed that 98% of patients using berberine improved, comparable to 91% of patients using minocycline, indicating that herbal supplementation can be as effective as antibiotics without side effects [10].
Another study examined the effects of berberine on glucose and lipid metabolism, as well as inflammatory factors and insulin resistance in patients with metabolic syndrome. The results indicated that berberine could help regulate blood glucose and lipid levels, reduce insulin resistance, and lower inflammation in the body in individuals with metabolic syndrome [11].
This would also support berberine in reducing sebum production, thereby lowering the risk of acne. Thus, berberine can be a helpful aid in acne treatment.
Things To Note When Using Berberine For Acne
Currently, there is no exact dosage for using berberine.
The dosage in studies of berberine typically falls within the range of 1,000 to 1,500 mg per day [12], [13]. Berberine has a half-life of a few hours, so it does not stay in the body long.
While it is generally considered safe, many users of berberine have experienced uncomfortable digestive symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, or diarrhea. Therefore, you should also monitor your health when using berberine. If these situations worsen, you need to seek medical advice immediately [14].
Another important note when using berberine is its potential for drug interactions. Berberine can interact with certain medications, such as cyclosporine, which is used to reduce organ transplant rejection. Therefore, you should pay special attention if you are taking any medications and considering using berberine.
Additionally, berberine can cause bilirubin accumulation in newborns, posing a risk of brain damage. Thus, it is not safe for newborns and is also not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, as it may affect the fetus or infant.
Other Methods To Reduce Acne
In addition to using berberine to reduce acne, we can also employ several other measures, such as:
- Relaxing the Mind: Stress can exacerbate acne. Incorporating relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises can help manage stress.
- Washing the Face Twice a Day: Using a gentle cleanser can remove excess oil and dirt, reducing clogged pores.
- Green Tea: Using green tea extract or skincare products containing green tea can help reduce inflammation and bacteria.
- DIY Natural Masks: Homemade masks with ingredients like aloe vera or yogurt can provide soothing and antibacterial benefits.
- Balanced Diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can positively impact skin health.
- Regular Exercise: Regular physical activity promotes circulation and helps reduce stress, which can be beneficial for skin health.
- Exfoliating Regularly: Gentle exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells and reduce clogged pores.
Conclusion
Berberine has the potential to be an effective natural solution for those struggling with acne. The benefits of berberine for acne are undeniable. However, as with any product, consulting a healthcare professional and incorporating it into a comprehensive skincare routine is essential for achieving the best results.
References
- [1] Sun L, Yu Q, Peng F, et al. The antibacterial activity of berberine against Cutibacterium acnes: its therapeutic potential in inflammatory acne. Frontiers in Microbiology. 2024;14. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2023.1276383
- [2] Zou K, Li Z, Zhang Y, et al. Advances in the study of berberine and its derivatives: a focus on anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects in the digestive system. Acta Pharmacologica Sinica. 2016;38(2):157-167. doi:https://doi.org/10.1038/aps.2016.125
- [3] Dash S, Kumar M, Nidhi Pareek. Enhanced antibacterial potential of berberine via synergism with chitosan nanoparticles. Materials Today Proceedings. 2020;31:640-645. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2020.05.506
- [4] Sun L, Yu Q, Peng F, et al. The antibacterial activity of berberine against Cutibacterium acnes: its therapeutic potential in inflammatory acne. Frontiers in Microbiology. 2024;14. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2023.1276383
- [5] Mariangela Rondanelli, Riva A, Petrangolini G, et al. Berberine Phospholipid Is an Effective Insulin Sensitizer and Improves Metabolic and Hormonal Disorders in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A One-Group Pretest–Post-Test Explanatory Study. Nutrients. 2021;13(10):3665-3665. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13103665
- [6] Zhou R, Xiang C, Cao G, et al. Berberine accelerated wound healing by restoring TrxR1/JNK in diabetes. Clinical Science. 2021;135(4):613-627. doi:https://doi.org/10.1042/cs20201145
- [7] Qureshi M, Qadir A, Mohd Aqil, et al. Berberine loaded dermal quality by design adapted chemically engineered lipid nano-constructs-gel formulation for the treatment of skin acne. Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology. 2021;66:102805-102805. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jddst.2021.102805
- [8] Mohsen Imenshahidi, Hosseinzadeh H. Berberine neuroprotection and antioxidant activity. Elsevier eBooks. Published online January 1, 2020:199-216. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-817780-8.00014-1
- [9] A High Dose of Dietary Berberine Improves Gut Wall Morphology, Despite an Expansion of Enterobacteriaceae and a Reduction in Beneficial Microbiota in Broiler Chickens | mSystems. mSystems. Published 2022. Accessed October 13, 2024. https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/msystems.01239-22#:~:text=Dietary%20inclusion%20of%20berberine%2C%20a,investigating%20its%20effects%20in%20chickens.
- [10] Clark A, Haas K, Raja Sivamani. Edible Plants and Their Influence on the Gut Microbiome and Acne. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2017;18(5):1070-1070. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms18051070
- [11] Cao C, Su M. Effects of berberine on glucose-lipid metabolism, inflammatory factors and insulin resistance in patients with metabolic syndrome. Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine. Published online February 22, 2019. doi:https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2019.7295
- [12] Lan J, Zhao Y, Dong F, et al. Meta-analysis of the effect and safety of berberine in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, hyperlipemia and hypertension. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2015;161:69-81. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2014.09.049
- [13] Dong H, Wang N, Zhao L, Lu F. Berberine in the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2012;2012:1-12. doi:https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/591654
- [14] Berberine and Weight Loss: What You Need To Know. NCCIH. Published 2022. Accessed October 13, 2024. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/berberine-and-weight-loss-what-you-need-to-know
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