Berberine Supplements at Blooms The Chemist
Berberine is a plant compound taken as a herbal supplement, traditionally used in Chinese medicine and often chosen to help support healthy blood sugar and cholesterol levels as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. Blooms The Chemist stocks berberine supplements in tablet and capsule form, including high strength capsules and combination formulas, online and at Blooms The Chemist stores across Australia, with Pharmacist advice available to help you choose.
Single-ingredient berberine tablets, high strength capsules including a vegan friendly option, and a combination tablet that adds chromium and iodine are stocked, commonly standardised to 500mg of berberine per tablet or capsule. Berberine is grouped with the other heart and cholesterol supplements at Blooms The Chemist.
How to choose a berberine supplement
- Tablet or capsule: Both formats deliver a standardised berberine extract, so the difference is mainly the label directions.
- Single ingredient or combination: If you already take a multivitamin or another supplement, check for overlapping ingredients. Using multiple products with the same ingredient can mean taking too much.
- What else you take: Some supplements interact with prescribed medicines. A Blooms The Chemist Pharmacist can check a berberine supplement against your current medicines.
- Who it suits: These products are labelled for adults only and are not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Never stop a prescribed medicine in favour of a herbal supplement without first discussing it with your GP.
Using berberine supplements safely
Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Check with your Doctor or Pharmacist if you are taking prescribed medication, have a medical condition, or take other supplements. Taking too many supplements can cause health problems. [Source: Healthdirect Australia]
A herbal supplement is not automatically safe because it is a natural product. Dietary supplements can cause drug interactions or delay more effective treatment. [Source: Better Health Channel] If symptoms persist or side effects appear, stop taking the product and seek medical advice promptly from a Blooms The Chemist Pharmacist or your GP.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you buy berberine over the counter in Australia?
Yes. Berberine supplements are complementary medicines and do not need a prescription, so they are available online or at your nearest Blooms The Chemist store. Dietary supplements are the most common type of complementary medicine in Australia.
What is berberine?
Berberine is a plant compound found in the root of barberry (Berberis) plants, sold in Australia as a standardised herbal extract in tablets and capsules. Berberine has been used in traditional Chinese medicine and may have benefits that include lowering blood sugar & cholesterol. Being a herbal supplement, it needs the same care as any other medicine.
Can you take berberine with other medications?
Check with your GP or a Blooms The Chemist Pharmacist first. Some supplements interact with prescribed medicines, so always tell your doctor or pharmacist what you are taking.