Swanson Berberine HCl 400 mg – Premium Herbal Supplement - 60 Caps
Swanson Berberine HCl 400 mg – Premium Herbal Supplement - 60 Caps
✎ Too long? Here's what matters:
- ✅ Backed by 46+ randomised controlled trials — more clinical research than almost any supplement ingredient
- ✅ HCl form only — the exact form used in peer-reviewed human studies (base form absorbs at under 1%)
- ✅ Studied against metformin — a 2008 RCT in Metabolism journal found comparable glucose effects over 3 months
- ✅ Activates AMPK — the same cellular pathway triggered by exercise and the drug metformin
- ✅ 400 mg per capsule, 60 caps — pure formula, no fillers beyond capsule shell
- ✅ Ships next day from Dublin — dispatched via DPD across Ireland
ⓘ Food supplement. Not a medicine. Full research references below.
Swanson Berberine HCl 400 mg — One of the Most Researched Plant Alkaloids in Metabolic Science
Berberine is not a new discovery. It has been used in traditional herbal preparations across Asia and Europe for over 1,000 years. What makes it unusual in the supplement world is the volume and quality of modern scientific interest that has followed. While most supplement ingredients are backed by little more than animal studies and marketing copy, berberine has been examined in dozens of peer-reviewed randomised controlled trials (RCTs) — the gold standard of clinical research.
This is a food supplement, not a medicine. But if you are the kind of person who wants to understand exactly what published science says about an ingredient before spending your money — this page is for you.
What Published Research Has Documented About Berberine
The following findings are drawn from peer-reviewed studies indexed on PubMed and published in established medical and pharmacology journals. These are findings about berberine as a compound, reported here factually. They do not constitute a claim that this product will produce the same outcomes for any individual.
📊 Glucose Metabolism — Multiple RCTs
A landmark pilot study published in the journal Metabolism (Yin et al., 2008, PMC2410097) examined 36 adults with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes over a 3-month randomised trial. The study found that berberine produced a glucose-lowering effect comparable to that of metformin over the same period, with significant reductions recorded in HbA1c, fasting blood glucose, and postprandial blood glucose. Berberine also outperformed metformin on certain lipid markers in that study, including triglycerides and total cholesterol.
📊 Meta-Analysis Evidence — 46 Randomised Trials
A systematic review and meta-analysis published in Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity (2021, PubMed ID: 34956436) pooled data from 46 randomised controlled trials examining berberine in the context of type 2 diabetes. Across those trials, berberine was associated with statistically significant reductions in HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose, and two-hour postprandial glucose, as well as improvements in insulin resistance markers (HOMA-IR) and lipid profiles including LDL, triglycerides, and total cholesterol.
📊 Umbrella Meta-Analysis — Across Multiple Meta-Analyses
A 2023 umbrella meta-analysis published in Clinical Therapeutics (Nazari et al., 2024, PubMed ID: 38016844) synthesised the findings of multiple existing meta-analyses of randomised placebo-controlled trials. It found that berberine supplementation was consistently associated with reductions in fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, and HOMA-IR across the body of evidence, while also showing effects on inflammatory markers including CRP and IL-6.
📊 Mechanism — AMPK Activation
Multiple independent research groups have documented that berberine activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) — an enzyme sometimes described in research literature as a master regulator of cellular energy. Published mechanistic studies show AMPK activation by berberine is associated with increased glucose uptake in peripheral muscle and fat tissue, inhibition of gluconeogenesis in the liver, and modulation of lipid metabolism pathways. This is the same cellular target activated by exercise and caloric restriction, and it is the same pathway through which metformin is understood to act.
📊 Lipid Profiles — Cardiovascular Risk Markers
A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised double-blind trials published in Cardiology Discovery (Lei et al., 2023) evaluated berberine's effects on blood glucose, blood lipids, and blood pressure. The review concluded that berberine demonstrated a meaningful efficacy and safety profile in improving these cardiovascular risk markers across a wide range of metabolic conditions including prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidaemia, and metabolic syndrome.
Why HCl Form Matters
Berberine in its base form has notably poor oral bioavailability — research has documented absorption rates of well under 1% in standard formulations, largely due to poor intestinal absorption and first-pass elimination in the liver (Liu et al., 2016, Fitoterapia). The hydrochloride (HCl) salt form is the form used in the majority of the published human clinical trials cited above. It is the established, standardised research form of berberine, and it is the form used in this product. When comparing berberine products, the form matters — most published RCT evidence is specifically on berberine HCl.
Product Facts
- Active ingredient: Berberine HCl — 400 mg per capsule
- Source: Naturally derived from Berberis aristata (Indian barberry root)
- Capsules per bottle: 60 (30-day supply at 2 caps/day; 60-day at 1 cap/day)
- Format: Gelatin capsule — not suitable for vegetarians or vegans
- Non-GMO formula
- Produced in GMP-certified facilities by Swanson Health Products, USA
- Distributed from Dublin, Ireland by Probiotic.ie — next-day DPD delivery across Ireland
Full Ingredient List (per capsule)
- Berberine HCl — 400 mg
- Gelatin (capsule shell)
- Brown rice flour
- Calcium palmitate
- Silica
- Stearic acid
Allergen note: No major allergens listed under EU Regulation 1169/2011. Manufactured in a facility that may also handle soy, dairy, and tree nuts.
How to Take
Take one capsule once or twice daily with food and a full glass of water. Do not exceed two capsules in any 24-hour period. Take consistently as part of a balanced diet.
In the published clinical trials cited above, berberine was most commonly studied at doses of 500 mg three times daily (1,500 mg/day). This product delivers 400–800 mg per day at the recommended dose. If you are considering a higher intake, consult your doctor or pharmacist first.
Who Looks at This Product?
Based on the published research profile of berberine, people who typically seek this ingredient out include those who:
- Are researching natural compounds studied in the context of glucose and lipid metabolism
- Are interested in AMPK-activating compounds as part of a broader wellness approach
- Have read the clinical literature on berberine and want a pure HCl form from a known manufacturer
- Are working alongside a healthcare professional and want a standardised supplement to discuss
This product is intended for adults aged 18 and over. It is not a medicine and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is berberine HCl and where does it come from?
Berberine is a bright yellow alkaloid found naturally in the roots, bark, and stems of several plants including Indian barberry (Berberis aristata), goldenseal, and Oregon grape. The HCl (hydrochloride) form is a salt form of berberine used to standardise potency and improve consistency. It is the form used in the majority of published human clinical trials on berberine.
Why does the HCl form matter — isn't berberine just berberine?
Not exactly. Berberine in its base form has very poor oral bioavailability — published pharmacokinetic research documents absorption rates of less than 1% in standard formulations. The hydrochloride salt form (berberine HCl) is the form used in virtually all the major human RCTs. When you see berberine research cited in media coverage, it almost always refers to berberine HCl specifically. Knowing the form is how you compare products meaningfully.
How many capsules are in the bottle and how long will it last?
Each bottle contains 60 capsules. At one capsule per day that is a 60-day supply. At two capsules per day (the maximum recommended dose) it is a 30-day supply.
Is this product suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
No. The capsule shell is made from gelatin, which is animal-derived. This product is not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.
Can I take this if I am on medication?
You should speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking berberine if you are on any prescription medication. This is particularly important if you take medication that affects blood sugar, blood pressure, or blood lipid levels, as your healthcare provider will need to be aware of your full supplement intake. Berberine is known to interact with certain drug metabolism pathways (CYP450 enzymes).
Are there any known side effects?
In published clinical trials, the most commonly reported side effects from berberine were gastrointestinal in nature — including nausea, constipation, and stomach discomfort — particularly at higher doses and especially when combined with other medications. One 13-week trial reported gastrointestinal adverse events in approximately 34% of participants. Taking capsules with food rather than on an empty stomach is generally recommended to reduce this risk. If you experience any adverse effects, discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.
Does this contain any allergens?
The formula does not include any of the 14 major allergens listed under EU food law (Regulation 1169/2011). It is produced in a facility that may also handle soy, dairy, and tree nuts. If you have a severe allergy, contact the manufacturer directly before use.
How quickly will my order arrive?
Orders are dispatched from Dublin, Ireland via DPD next-day delivery. Most orders placed before the daily dispatch cut-off arrive the following working day within Ireland.
What is the returns policy?
Probiotic.ie processes returns in line with Irish and EU consumer protection law. If your product arrives damaged or is not as described, contact Probiotic.ie directly and the team will resolve it for you.
Where is this product manufactured?
Swanson Berberine HCl 400 mg is manufactured by Swanson Health Products in Fargo, North Dakota, USA. It is distributed in Ireland by Probiotic.ie, based in Dublin.
Important Information
This product is a food supplement. It is not a medicine and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. The research cited on this page relates to berberine as a compound and does not constitute a claim that this specific product will produce the same results in any individual.
Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Do not exceed the stated recommended daily dose. Intended for adults aged 18 years and over.
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking any medication, or under medical supervision, consult your doctor or qualified healthcare professional before use.
Discontinue use and seek medical advice if any adverse reaction occurs. Do not use if the tamper-evident seal under the cap is broken or missing. Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.
Manufactured by: Swanson Health Products, Fargo, North Dakota, USA
Distributed by: Probiotic.ie, Dublin, Ireland