New research suggests that taking berberine and curcumin together might help reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, a common condition that affects the digestive system.
The study, published in Nutrients, found that people with IBS who took a supplement containing berberine and curcumin twice daily for two months reported reduced abdominal discomfort, bloating, and diarrhea.
The authors noted that traditional pharmacological treatments for IBS are often ineffective and that the study shows berberine/curcumin supplementation could provide a new path for relief.
While the results are promising, Lexi Moriarty, RDN, a registered dietitian at Fueled + Balanced Nutrition, told Health that more rigorous research is needed to assess the supplement’s effect on IBS symptoms.
Miljan ŽivkoviÄ / Getty Images
Berberine is a compound found in certain plants, such as barberry and the Chinese herb Coptis chinensis. Curcumin is the active compound in the spice turmeric.
Both ingredients are considered generally safe and have long been used in traditional medicine to heal numerous ailments, including gastrointestinal conditions. In recent years, they’ve become popular as dietary supplements.
According to the study authors, some modern studies suggest that, when taken individually, the compounds produce effects on the body that could improve IBS symptoms. Both compounds may regulate the gut microbiome and reduce intestinal inflammation. Berberine might also regulate digestion, while curcumin could improve the health of the intestinal lining.
The authors also noted that there’s a growing body of evidence from various animal studies that supports the possible therapeutic effect of berberine and curcumin on IBS. More research, however, needs to be done on humans to investigate the safety and efficacy of the supplements and their impact on IBS symptoms.
Researchers wanted to see how a combination of berberine and curcumin would affect IBS patients in a clinical setting.
To do this, they analyzed the outcomes of 146 IBS patients in Belgium, recruited from 38 family physicians and three pharmacies that helped them manage symptoms. The participants first had IBS symptoms before the age of 50 and had no known family history of inflammatory bowel disease and no personal history of colorectal cancer, celiac disease, or other specific gastrointestinal diseases and symptoms.
Researchers divided the participants into two groups based on their clinical diagnosis. Half of the patients took standard IBS medications alone. The rest were instructed to also take a supplement called Enterofytol PLUS (200 milligrams (mg) of berberine and 49 mg of curcumin) after breakfast and dinner for two months.
The team initially took stool samples and assessed the severity of the participants’ IBS systems at the end of the two months.
People taking the berberine/curcumin supplement reported a nearly 50% improvement in abdominal discomfort, bloating, and quality of life. They also had more normal stools. Almost two-thirds of the group participants no longer needed to take medications.
About 7% of participants reported side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
Moriarty said the results would be more convincing if the study included more participants and followed them for longer. “IBS is often a lifelong condition for some patients, and long-term use is something that should be further investigated,” she said.
The inclusion of a randomized, blinded placebo group would also be necessary to eliminate the potential for the placebo effect and other variables, Moriarty added.
Hadley said that while berberine/curcumin supplements may be beneficial for IBS symptoms, she recommends consulting a healthcare provider before using it.
A medical professional can help you determine if a supplement makes sense for your particular case. They can also recommend the best brand and dosage, as well as assess whether any medications you take may interact with the compounds. Taking antidepressants or antibiotics with curcumin, for example, could raise the risk of adverse side effects.
Also, remember that supplements aren’t the only option for non-pharmaceutical relief. Expert-endorsed natural remedies for treating IBS include eating fiber-rich foods, staying active, limiting caffeine and alcohol, and reducing stress.