This recently-unveiled food supplement from Indena S.p.A. is part of the “next generation” Phytosome® range. Berberine is a quaternary ammonium salt which can be sourced from various species of plants, Indena use Berberis aristata from the root of the plant. As pure berberine has poor oral bioavailability, absorption, and solubility in the GI tract, the solution in the past has been to increase the dose which can cause stomach cramps and other side effects. Indena have combined the innovative use of raw Berberis aristata extract with other proteins, antioxidants, and emulsifiers in order to eliminate the absorption issues whilst allowing the dosage to be kept low.
When compared with unformulated berberis extract, BerbeVis shows improved tolerability at all dilution levels and no cytotoxicity on in vitro intestinal cells. The raw Berberis aristata extract with the additional Phytosome® formulation improves and enhances solubility in GI fluids.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder characterised by excess androgen, reduced or no ovulation, insulin resistance and is estimated to affect approx. 5-10% of premenopausal women. Symptoms of PCOS can cause the person affected to develop diabetes, gestational diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and also increase the risk of stroke. 12 women with newly detected PCOS, who were not taking any medication, were given 550 mg of BerbeVis twice a day for 60 days. The primary endpoint tested was HOMA Index, which is a validated method used to correlate blood glucose and insulin. The results showed an average reduction in HOMA Index of 37% at 30 days, and 49% at 60 days; blood glycaemia and insulin were also reduced in that time, and blood lipid profile was improved. These results show that BerbeVis is an effective multitarget approach to PCOS symptoms by supporting metabolic health and blood sugar control.
Click here to read the Nutrients journal article on BerbeVis.