Is berberine a better medicine for diabetes?

As of 2015, early studies suggest that berberine use for a three-month period may work as well as some prescription diabetes medications, states WebMD. However, berberine isn't a proven medication for diabetics and should be used with caution, as it may lower blood sugar to a dangerous level.

An appropriate dosage level of berberine is not known as additional research is needed, according to WebMD. People with low blood pressure should use berberine with caution, and it should never be taken by pregnant or breast-feeding mothers, as brain injury to the infant can occur. Berberine is not to be used by individuals who take medications such as Sandimmune and Neoral.