Cinnamon vs Berberine

Cinnamon is one of the oldest known spices, used medicinally in ancient Egypt and China. Ceylon cinnamon (true cinnamon) is preferred medicinally over cassia cinnamon due to lower coumarin content. It has been extensively studied for blood sugar regulation and metabolic health.

Berberine is an alkaloid found in several plants including barberry, goldenseal, and Oregon grape. It has been used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for over 3,000 years. Modern research has revealed it to be one of the most potent natural compounds for metabolic health, with effects rivaling some pharmaceutical drugs.

Cinnamaldehyde, Cinnamic acid, Eugenol, Proanthocyanidins, Coumarin (lower in Ceylon)

Berberine, Palmatine, Jatrorrhizine, Columbamine, Berbamine

Digestive aid, Blood sugar regulation, Warming remedy, Cold and flu treatment, Antimicrobial

Digestive aid, Antimicrobial, Fever treatment, Eye infections, Diarrhea treatment

Type 2 diabetes blood sugar support, Metabolic syndrome, PCOS insulin resistance, Antimicrobial properties, Cholesterol reduction

Type 2 diabetes and blood sugar regulation, Cholesterol management, PCOS support, Gut health and SIBO, Weight management

1-6g powder daily, or 250-500mg extract daily

500mg 2-3 times daily with meals (total 1000-1500mg daily)

Liver disease (cassia type due to coumarin), Concurrent diabetes medications (risk of hypoglycemia), Mouth sores or oral sensitivity

Pregnancy, Breastfeeding, Neonates and infants, Concurrent diabetes medications (risk of hypoglycemia), Low blood pressure

Mouth irritation, GI upset, Liver damage (high-dose cassia), Allergic reactions, Blood sugar drops

GI upset, Constipation, Diarrhea, Flatulence, Nausea, Cramping