Berberine, an isoquinoline compound isolated from such herbs as goldenseal, has been shown to have many health benefits, including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-infectious effects.

Recent studies have shown that it also reduces the production of fat cells (adipocytes). But even more important, it reduces inflammation originating from these fat cells — which are a major source of inflammation in the body.

Obesity is associated with a great number of diseases such as atherosclerosis, heart attacks, strokes, cancer, glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts, sleep apnea, neurodegenerative diseases, and high death rates from flu infections.

The major reason obesity is linked with these diseases is that fat cells, especially abdominal fat cells, are associated with high levels of inflammation.

In a recent study, it was found that berberine not only reduces fat cell-induced inflammation, but also prevents fat cells from reproducing.

This could reduce not just obesity but particularly the most dangerous form of obesity: abdominal obesity.

Extensive testing of berberine has shown it to be a safe supplement. It is also known that berberine lowers LDL cholesterol levels and — as an antioxidant — reduces cholesterol oxidation.