Evidence suggests berberine can support some conditions like diabetes and high cholesterol, and may be helpful in killing some harmful organisms like bacteria and viruses. However, there is not enough evidence to suggest using it in routine care for COVID-19 patients. Recommendations are based on its suggested general support to the immune system. 

Berberine is a yellow, bitter tasting compound, found in several plants like European barberry, goldenseal, goldthread, Oregon grape, phellodendron, and tree turmeric. It is commonly used by people with diabetes and high blood cholesterol to help treat these conditions. However, reported side effects include stomach upset and nausea.

Shortly after COVID-19 was first identified in China, scientists started looking into treatments to help with the infection. Before current treatment protocols were established through rigorous research, there were suggestions that some natural remedies, such as berberine, could be helpful in the treatment on COVID-19. This was largely based on research looking into the remedy’s effect on other viruses, bacteria and even symptoms that are common between other conditions and COVID-19. However, at the time these studies did not examine the novel COVID-19 virus and there was not enough evidence to draw a direct line between berberine’s impact on COVID-19. Some of the current studies examined the effect of berberine on viruses such as the influenza virus, but that effect was studied in mice and more evidence is needed to validate its effects in humans with the flu. 

A recent study by a group that developed an oral compound containing berberine called NIT-X looked into a potential protective immune effect of this compound, and claims to have validated that it reduces the multiplication of the COVID-19 virus in lung cells, as well as reducing inflammation. This study is meant to demonstrate the potential—not the current reality—of a berberine-based oral medicine. More research is needed to know its potential effect in actual patient care. 

To this day, these recommendations are based on the general suggested effects of berberine on reducing inflammation in the body, and there is not enough evidence supporting its routine use for treatment of COVID-19.

Current guidelines for treatment of COVID-19 patients consist of prevention and control of infection and supportive care for the infected. Supportive care largely depends on the severity of the symptoms, and ranges from monitoring and minimal support for mild cases that can be managed at home, to more specialized support including supplemental oxygen and mechanical ventilation support in more severe cases. 

Prevention remains the most effective method of combating COVID-19, with all of its variants, in order to minimize the number of cases that need treatment. Individuals who are eligible to be vaccinated safely should strive to receive the vaccine and maintain social distancing measures to protect themselves and their immediate contacts. 

The National Institute of Health posts regular updates to the guidelines of managing COVID-19 infections and exposure, including some medications approved for use in certain cases, and your primary healthcare provider should be able to help you navigate what is suitable for you. 

Since COVID-19 started to spread, a large number of unproven and unapproved products have become available on the market with claims to help with COVID-19. While natural products have a role in the treatment of some infections, their effect on COVID-19 remains unproven, and one should always examine the safety of a natural product when consuming it. These products contain compounds that can interact with other medications a person may be taking for other conditions, and may have some side effects. It is important to use only natural products that are well evaluated and researched in order to avoid additional, unnecessary health risks.