Three Natural Compounds That Are as Powerful as Drugs
While some supplements, vitamins, and plant compounds have only been slightly studied and investigated, certain compounds have been thoroughly researched and been so effective that they are comparable to pharmaceutical drugs. In this article, we will review three natural, health-promoting supplements that are as powerful as drugs. *
Berberine
Berberine is a bioactive compound that is present in several plants, including Goldenseal and Barberry. Although it is not well-known, it may be one of the most potent and powerful substances on Earth and provides a wide range of health benefits.
However, one of berberine’s most important actions is its ability to lower blood sugar levels [1].
This ability is derived from two, main functions: its ability to 1) reduce glucose production in the liver, and 2) improve the body’s insulin sensitivity [2] [3].
In a 2012 study, researchers performed a meta-analysis and investigated berberine’s ability to treat type-2 diabetes [4]. The researchers identified fourteen randomized trials that involved a total of 1,068 participants. The researchers concluded, “Berberine appeared to be efficacious for treating hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia in T2DM (type-2 diabetes mellitus).” The effects were comparable to the common type-2 diabetes drug metformin [4].
In a 2008 study, researchers conducted a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial involving 116 patients, split into a berberine and placebo group [5]. The berberine group received 1 gram daily. At the end of the three-month trial, researchers noted the results.
In the berberine group, on average, fasting and post-load blood glucose decreased from 7.0 to 5.6 and 12 to 8.9, respectively. Further, hbA1c changed from 7.5 to 6.6, triglyceride from 2.51 to 1.61, total cholesterol from 5.31 to 4.35, and LDL particles from 3.23 to 2.55 [5]. The researchers concluded, “Berberine is effective and safe in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and dyslipidemia” [5].
Additional studies have also noted berberine’s ability to lower triglyceride levels, blood pressure levels, total cholesterol, and LDL particles [1] [6] [7] [8]. Further, berberine possesses antibacterial properties and may protect against heart disease and cancer [9] [10] [11].
If you are considering using a berberine supplement, consult with your healthcare practitioner before beginning because it is a potent substance and has a range of biological effects, especially if you are taking any medications.
Curcumin
Turmeric has been used for thousands of years for its medicinal properties, and one of its main components called curcumin has been thoroughly studied [12].
Curcumin is effective at alleviating inflammation because it acts at the molecular level by blocking an inflammatory signaling molecule called NF-kB [13] [14].
Its anti-inflammatory properties are so useful that it has been compared to anti-inflammatory drugs in several studies, such as NSAIDs like aspirin, without any significant side effects [15] [16].
In a 2012 randomized, pilot study, researchers investigated curcumin’s anti-inflammatory properties in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis [17]. The researchers found that 500mg a day was more effective than a pharmaceutical called diclofenac. The researchers also noted, “Curcumin treatment was found to be safe and did not relate any adverse effects” [17].
Further, curcumin possesses other health benefits, and since it is a powerful antioxidant, it can improve heart health and may help to prevent cancer [18] [19] [20].
In a 2014 study, researchers investigated the efficacy and safety of curcumin in major depressive disorder and found 1000mg to be as effective as a 20mg of Prozac [21].
If you are interested in trying a Turmeric/Curcumin product, check out Healthmasters’ Turmeric Force.
Garlic
Although garlic is a common seasoning agent worldwide, it has been used for thousands of years for its medicinal qualities, including by the Greeks and Romans [22].
Its main active component, called allicin is exceptionally beneficial for the heart [23].
Studies have investigated garlic’s ability to lower total cholesterol and LDL partial levels and found, on average, garlic can reduce these parameters by 10-15% [24] [25] [26].
Moreover, studies have found that aged garlic extract can substantially lower blood pressure, which is a significant risk factor for a variety of conditions, including heart disease, kidney disease, and early death [27] [28].
In a 2008 study, researchers conducted a meta-analysis and investigated the effects of garlic on blood pressure [29]. The meta-analysis included eleven studies, and the results showed an average decrease of 8.4 mmHg for systolic levels (upper-blood pressure measurement) and an average reduction of 7.3 mmHg for diastolic levels (lower-blood pressure measurement) for patients with hypertension [high blood pressure] [29].
In a 2013 study, researchers compared the blood-pressure-lowering effects of garlic and atenolol (a pharmaceutical) in 210 patients with hypertension [30]. The researchers found garlic supplementation to be more effective than the blood pressure-lowering drug atenolol [30].
Garlic has also been studied for its immune-supporting qualities.
In a 2001 randomized, placebo-controlled study that involved 146 participants, researchers found the garlic group was 63% less likely to get colds, and the duration of cold symptoms decreased by 70%, from 5 to 1.5 days, on average [31].
If you are interested in trying a garlic supplement, Healthmasters offers a highly-concentrated Garlic product.
Conclusion
As researchers continue to investigate the compounds of God’s creation, the effectiveness of an increasing number of natural compounds will be illuminated and be possible alternatives to harmful pharmaceuticals. Of these compounds, berberine, curcumin, and garlic are three of the most well-studied compounds and have demonstrated effectiveness to a level that surpasses many drugs.
If you have any questions about Healthmasters’ Turmeric/Curcumin or Garlic products, please feel free to call our office at 800.726.1834.
References:
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25498346
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21304897
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19800084
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23118793
[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18397984
[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23512497
[7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22780092
[8] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15531889
[9] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10767672
[10] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3365876
[11] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19704371
[12] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23633828
[13] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17885582
[14] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7559628
[15] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15489888
[16] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10404539
[17] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22407780
[18] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17569207
[19] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19233493
[20] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18462866
[21] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23832433
[22] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11238795
[23] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25153873
[24] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8169881
[25] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10975959
[26] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23590705
[27] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25525386
[28] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18456100
[29] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18554422
[30] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24035939
[31] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11697022
* This article is for informational purposes only. By providing the information herein, Healthmasters and its associates are not diagnosing, treating, curing, mitigating or preventing any type of disease or medical condition. Before beginning any type of natural, integrative, or conventional treatment or regime, it is advisable to seek the advice of a licensed healthcare professional.
