Loading…
We use essential cookies (authentication, your saved goals/stack) by default. With your permission we'll also enable privacy-respecting analytics (Vercel Web Analytics, anonymous load-time metrics) and error-replay diagnostics (Sentry — DOM snapshots only when an error fires) so we can fix bugs faster. Learn more
Head-to-head evidence comparison — which supplement is right for you?
Berberine wins 2 of 3 categories. Both are solid choices — the best pick depends on your specific goals.
Verdict
Probably helps
4 of 7 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Verdict
Likely helps
12 of 16 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Shared outcomes (1)
Outcomes where both Andrographis and Berberine have evidence — compare verdict strength side-by-side.
400mg extract (standardized to 10-30% andrographolides), 3x daily for acute use
At first sign of cold symptoms, With meals
Standardized extract (10-30% andrographolides)
500mg 2-3x daily (1000-1500mg total)
With meals, Split into 2-3 doses
Berberine HCl capsules
2-5 days
2-5 days
2-5 days
4-12 weeks
8-12 weeks
First 2 weeks
If on diabetes medications
Herbal Medicines for the Treatment of Active Ulcerative Colitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Nutrients (2024) · Meta analysis
In pooled analyses, when compared with placebo, clinical response rates were significantly higher for Indigo naturalis (IN) (RR 3.70, 95% CI 1.97-6.95), but not for Curcuma longa (CL) (RR 1.60, 95% CI 0.99-2.58) or Andrographis paniculata (AP) (RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.71-1.26).
Safety of Andrographis paniculata: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Pharmacoepidemiology and drug safety (2021) · Meta analysis · n=1000
Incidence of serious AEs was very rare with the pooled incidence (95% CI) from RCTs of 0.02 per 1000 patients (0.0-0.5).
A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study to assess the efficacy of Andrographis paniculata standardized extract (ParActin®) on pain reduction in subjects with knee osteoarthritis
Phytotherapy research : PTR (2019) · Rct · n=103
Patients treated with 300 or 600 mg/day of ParActin® showed a significant reduction in pain at days 28, 56, and 84 compared with a placebo group.
Clinical Efficacy of Curcumin, Resveratrol, Silymarin, and Berberine on Cardio-Metabolic Risk Factors Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systemic Review and Bayesian Network Meta-Analysis
Phytotherapy research : PTR (2025) · Meta analysis · n=1337
For HbA1c, silymarin was more effective than resveratrol (MD -2.08, 95%Cl -3.50 to -0.72) (P < 0.05).
Effects of berberine and barberry on selected inflammatory biomarkers in adults: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials
Phytotherapy research : PTR (2023) · Meta analysis · n=1600
In addition, the non-linear analysis showed a significant lowering effect of berberine/barberry on IL-6 and TNF-α levels in doses <1000 mg/day and less than 5 weeks of intervention.
Berberine Ursodeoxycholate for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Clinical Trial
JAMA network open (2025) · Rct · n=113
The study included 113 patients with T2D (mean [SD] age, 54.3 [10.6] years; 72 male [63.7%]) who were randomized.
Based on RCT showing significant improvement in cough (SMD -0.39) and sore throat symptoms. Conservative effectiveness estimates due to moderate effect sizes in meta-analysis of respiratory infections.
Based on meta-analyses showing FPG reduction of 0.59-0.82 mmol/L and HbA1c reduction of 0.63%. Studies primarily used berberine HCl with low bioavailability. Effects require divided doses and may take 8-12 weeks.
AI-estimated from published studies. Interpret as directional guidance.
Berberine has a higher evidence score (9/10 vs 8.5/10) and wins in 2 of 3 categories.
For reduce inflammation, Berberine has a higher relevance score (95 vs 70).
No known interactions between Andrographis and Berberine have been documented in our database. However, always consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements.