Berberine HCl (sustained release)

Tier 2 — promising · Glucose · GI tolerability

Sustained-release berberine reduces the GI side effects (cramping, diarrhoea) common with standard berberine. Early studies suggest similar blood sugar lowering with fewer gut complaints. Most clinical evidence still comes from the standard form. SR formulations are newer, more expensive, and have fewer independent trials. A reasonable option for those who cannot tolerate regular berberine.

Dose: 500–1,000 mg/day sustained-release berberine HCl; fewer GI side effects than standard form