Berberine - the natural alternative to Ozempic
Today Berberine is being touted by all the Western health coaches as a miracle herb which acts like Nature’s Ozempic.
But did you know that Indian Ayurvedic Rishis prescribed Berberine (Berberis aristata) aka Dāruharidrā for prameha (urinary disorders, such as diabetes) & controlling insulin several thousands of years ago?
Here are some ancient references :
Caraka Saṃhitā (Cikitsāsthāna 6.45–46, Prameha Cikitsā) Caraka prescribes Nityapāna (daily decoction) of bitter herbs for Prameha. “Nyagrodhādi gaṇo vā’tha prameheṣu pradīyate || Dāruharidrā triphalā mustā lodhrā caiva prayojayet |” (Cikitsāsthāna 6.45–46) Translation: For Prameha, the Nyagrodhādi group of herbs is prescribed. One should also use Dāruharidrā, Triphalā, Mustā, and Lodhrā. This is one of the earliest direct mentions of Dāruharidrā for diabetes-like conditions.
Suśruta Saṃhitā (Cikitsāsthāna 12.10, Prameha Cikitsā) “Dāruharidrātriphalaśṛṅgāṭaka-lodhrāni prameheṣu prayojayet” Translation: In Prameha, Dāruharidrā, Triphalā, Śṛṅgāṭaka, and Lodhrā are prescribed.
Aṣṭāṅga Hṛdaya (Cikitsāsthāna 10.17–18, Prameha Cikitsā) “Dāruharidrā triphalā mustā lodhrā ca pramehajit ||” Translation: Dāruharidrā, Triphalā, Mustā, and Lodhrā are destroyers of Prameha.
Bhāvaprakāśa Nighaṇṭu (Harītakyādi Varga, 197–201) In the commentary on Prameha, it specifically highlights: “Dāruharidrā pramehaghnaḥ” Translation: Dāruharidrā alleviates Prameha (urinary disorders including diabetes).
So across all three classical Ayurvedic texts (Caraka, Suśruta, Aṣṭāṅga Hṛdaya), Dāruharidrā is repeatedly grouped with Triphalā, Mustā, Lodhrā as a key anti-diabetic drug. Modern pharmacology confirms this with berberine’s hypoglycemic activity.
Now how did they know such specific details about Daruharidra thousands of years ago is the real mind boggling question.
