Chinese Goldthread (Coptis chinensis) root contains berberine. People take it to support healthy blood sugar levels already in the normal range and to ease digestive discomfort.
Take berberine extracts with meals to reduce stomach upset. Berberine can lower blood sugar, so monitor your levels if you use diabetes medications. It also inhibits the liver enzyme CYP3A4, which may raise blood levels of many drugs, including statins and immunosuppressants. Do not use Chinese Goldthread during pregnancy or breastfeeding.