Plant Compound SLASHES A1c Levels in 12 Weeks
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted May 10, 2025
Diabetes is skyrocketing in the United States.
And the trend shows no sign of slowing down.
The projected number of adults with diabetes is expected to increase from 22.3 million (9.1 percent) in 2014 to 39.7 million (13.9 percent) in 2030, and further to 60.6 million (17.9 percent) by 2060.
That’s a massive 165 percent increase from 2000 to 2050.
The picture is even more dire for seniors. For women 75 and older, diabetes cases are projected to rise from approximately 1.2 million in 2000 to over 4.4 million by 2050 (a 271 percent increase).
The increase is even more dramatic for men in this same age group—rising from about 0.8 million in 2000 to over 4.2 million by 2050 (a 437 percent increase).
Diet and exercise are critical to turn this trend around. But we also need ways to support those who are already battling this disease.
A natural compound with a scientific twist is poised to become the next big thing for managing type 2 diabetes.
Berberine is a natural compound in several plants, including goldenseal, barberry, and Oregon grape.
This herbal extract lowers blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity, reducing glucose production in the liver, and potentially slowing carbohydrate breakdown in the gut.
Berberine ursodeoxycholate is essentially a “super-charged” version of this already powerful compound.
In recent clinical trials, it achieved remarkable results and could offer millions with diabetes a safe and effective new treatment option.
After just 12 weeks of use:
- Patients taking a 500-mg dose had their A1c levels (a method that measures blood sugar over time) drop by 0.4 percent compared to placebo.
- Study participants taking a 1000-mg dose experienced an even larger reduction of 0.7 percent.
What do these numbers mean in the real-world?
Well, the higher 1000-mg dose helped nearly 56 percent of patients achieve the gold standard A1c target of less than 7.0 percent (compared to just 15 percent in the placebo group).
But the benefits didn’t stop there. Fasting blood sugar (the amount of glucose in your blood when you haven’t eaten) also improved significantly:
- The 500-mg group saw their levels drop by 13.0 mg/dL
- The 1000-mg group experienced an 18.4 mg/dL reduction
- The placebo group saw an increase of 0.3 mg/dL
And there’s more good news—this treatment was also linked to improved cholesterol profiles and liver enzyme levels. That’s critically important since many with type 2 diabetes also struggle with cholesterol issues and fatty liver disease.
Berberine itself isn’t new, of course—it’s been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. But this formulation combines berberine with ursodeoxycholate, a key component of bile that helps with digestion.
The added compound enhances berberine’s effects and potentially improves its already impressive safety profile.
Taking this form of berberine alongside a smart diet and regular exercise is a game-changer for managing blood sugar. Together, they create a powerful tag team that could help keep your diabetes in check far more effectively than either approach alone.
P.S. “Doomed to develop diabetes?” Not with THIS $3 supplement solution.
Source:
Ji L, Ma J, Ma Y, et al. Berberine Ursodeoxycholate for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2025;8(3):e2462185. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.62185
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Get Intermittent Fasting Benefits Without Going Hungry
Intermittent fasting, which involves cycling between eating and fasting periods, is effective. There’s plenty of evidence for that. It’s not just weight loss, either. Intermittent fasting has significant benefits for metabolic health. However, many people find fasting difficult to stick to—and others can’t do it at all due to medical issues—so they miss out on...
Just Diagnosed with Hypertension? —6 Things to Do Next
You’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure—now what? First, take a breath. You’re not alone—over 30 percent of adults worldwide have hypertension. That makes it one of the most common health issues… and a top cause of preventable deaths. The good news is that, unlike some conditions that can leave you feeling helpless, high blood...
Brain Games Are USELESS—Do These 5 Things Instead
I’ve seen a lot of lists lately claiming to have the secrets that keep your brain from turning into mush as you age. They typically advise activities such as doing crosswords, learning Spanish, or taking up the accordion. Challenging your mind with new learning experiences is definitely a great way to keep your brain engaged...
This $5 Fix REVERSES Cellular Aging in Just 6 Months
You take your vitamins, eat your vegetables, and feel healthy—so your nutrition is covered… right? Well, new research suggests that even health-conscious older adults may be missing crucial nutrients that keep their cells functioning like those of younger people. The trouble is that as we age, our bodies become less efficient at absorbing nutrients from...
Mailbag: Doctors Get Bone Health WRONG—Here's What Really Works
“Thank you so much for answering this. With millions of women who are seniors over 70 facing a diagnosis of osteoporosis, this is my question. What can we do naturally to help improve our bone density, especially in the spine lumber 1 and 2? Also, how do we help improve bone density in the femur...
Critical Brain Nutrient Missing In 9 Out of 10 American Diets
You’ve probably heard plenty about brain-boosting omega-3s, antioxidants, and B vitamins. But there’s another nutrient that’s just as critical for your cognitive health. However, it’s been flying under the radar… until now. Mounting evidence suggests this overlooked compound could be key to protecting your brain and enhancing memory. It may even reduce your risk of...
"Miracle Berry" Supercharges Your Microbiome
Happy Father’s Day to all the dads and granddads who’ve shared their wisdom, strength, and love through the years. Thank you for teaching us that the best medicine is laughter, love, and a father’s caring heart. Want to upgrade your health but don’t want complicated diets or expensive supplements? Science just revealed a delicious way...
This "Healthy" Sweetener is Sabotaging Your Weight Loss
Everyone knows that a balanced diet and regular exercise are crucial for maintaining a healthy weight. But what if the “diet” products you’re using to cut calories make you hungrier, so you eat more? Well, a shocking new study suggests that a popular artificial sweetener is secretly sabotaging your weight loss efforts. Let’s dig into...
“Banned in Europe” Food Additive Triggers Hormone Chaos
If you’ve ever enjoyed the bright white frosting on a cookie or vibrantly colored candy, you’ve likely consumed titanium dioxide. This common food additive, used to make products look more appealing, is now at the center of a growing health debate. Titanium dioxide is essentially makeup for food—a white powder that enhances colors and makes...
Your Phone Is DESTROYING Your Brain—Here's How to Fight Back
Ever notice how—after a day of bouncing between your phone, computer, and TV—your brain feels like it’s been stuffed with cotton? You may struggle to remember what you need at the store, fumble for words, or stare blankly at your crossword puzzle. It’s not because you’re getting older—it’s what your devices are doing to your...