Compared with lifestyle changes with or without placebo, berberine plus lifestyle changes showed significantly better hypoglycaemic and antidyslipidemic effects.
Trials had poor methodological and reporting quality. The conclusions made were inconclusive and further research is needed.
Compared with oral hypoglycaemics (metformin, glipizide, or rosiglitazone) berberine did not demonstrate significantly better hypoglycaemic effects but showed mild antidyslipidemic effects.
Berberine was effective in lowering FBG but not better than metformin, glipizide, or rosiglitazone. Berberine had no proven effects in decreasing PBG, HbAlc, or BMI and in regulating lipid metabolism.
Trials were at high risk of bias. High-quality trials are needed.
Three studies did not report AEs. Three reported no AEs. Three reported adverse events but did not indicate the group in which they occurred. Five reported AEs in the berberine group.
No significant difference between the treatment and the control group.
Seven studies reported that AEs happened in the course of the treatment, mostly gastrointestinal reactions such as constipation and diarrhea. Of them 3 studies reported the number of cases of AEs.
No significant difference between the treatment and the control group.