A: I’m extremely impressed with berberine. I’m quite surprised we haven’t heard more about it in the US. Although the MOA is unknown it has shown significant promise in improved glucose tolerance and enhanced energy partitioning (less body fat, more lean tissue), and it has been shown to improve blood lipid profiles. You all know my thoughts on cholesterol, but if you are an individual with high LDL type b or familial hypercholesterolemia, the unique MOA of berberine makes it far more desirable as a treatment than inhibiting the mevalonate pathway via statins and the tremendous adverse effects that causes on the entire body.
Regarding cinnamon: from the studies I have read Cinnamomi cassiae extract (Cinnamon bark: Lauraceae) is the most potent form. Great results on fasting blood glucose, LDL, and triglycerides were found starting at 1 g a day. The response was somewhat dose dependent up to several grams a day, but 1 gram gave most of the benefits of the 6 g (was not linear). I would say start at 1 g.
