Dihydroberberine
Analytical
Code: 253200
Dihydroberberine (DHB) — better‑absorbed berberine prodrug; typical 100–200 mg with meals; human outcome data pending.
Dihydroberberine reduced form of berberine is a berberine prodrug designed to improve intestinal absorption. Gut bacteria reduce berberine to DHB, which is absorbed more readily and then oxidizes back to berberine in the intestinal wall/bloodstream.
| Benefit | Typical study dose* | Key human findings | High-quality sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Plasma exposure advantage | 100–200 mg per dose; with meals | Randomized crossover pilot (n=5): 100–200 mg DHB → significantly higher plasma berberine than 500 mg berberine; no acute 2 h change in glucose/insulin in healthy men. | PMC (pilot PK); industry-sponsored |
| 2 Metabolite profile | ~100–200 mg; 24 h sampling | Small 24 h study (n=9): DHB yielded higher blood levels of berberine and several metabolites vs a micellar berberine product. | MDPI (PK/metabolites) |
| 3 Glycemic support (inferred) | 100–200 mg with meals; 1–2× daily | Most outcomes evidence is for berberine (↓ fasting glucose/A1c, some lipids). DHB rationale is better absorption allowing lower doses; outcome trials are pending. | Frontiers reviews/clinical registries |
*Doses reflect early DHB supplement practice and PK studies; products differ. Start low and assess tolerance.
Mechanistic highlights
- Prodrug with improved uptake: Berberine ⇄ dihydroberberine redox cycle; DHB shows higher permeability (e.g., Caco‑2) and intestinal absorption in preclinical models.
- AMPK and metabolic pathways: After systemic re‑oxidation to berberine, downstream AMPK activation and hepatic/glucose signaling mirror the well‑characterized berberine mechanisms.
- Transporter/enzymes (caution): Berberine can interact with P‑gp and CYP enzymes (e.g., 3A4/2D6); DHB is expected to share similar liabilities.
Safety & practical use
- Usual supplemental range: 100–200 mg with meals, 1–2× daily; start on the low end.
- Tolerability: GI upset (nausea, cramps, diarrhea) can occur as with berberine; effective doses may be lower with DHB, but comparative safety data are limited.
- Drug interactions: Based on berberine data, potential interactions with CYP3A4/2D6 and P‑glycoprotein; caution with narrow‑therapeutic‑index meds (statins, tacrolimus/cyclosporine, antiarrhythmics, anticoagulants).
- Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Avoid. Berberine can displace bilirubin and has been associated with kernicterus risk; it passes into breastmilk. DHB is expected to share these concerns.
- Populations needing oversight: People with diabetes on medication, transplant recipients, arrhythmias, anticoagulants, or polypharmacy—consult a clinician/pharmacist.
- white to off-white powder
- Room (25-40C)
- 24 Months from manufacturing or testing date.
- 100mg - 600mg
- 200mg
- 100mg - 600mg
- 200mg
- Powder mixing for food/beverage (oil‑phase disperse or glycol premix)
- Heat Tolerant
- 0.00 - 0.00
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THB
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