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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
Likely helps
12 of 16 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Verdict
Likely helps
4 of 4 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Shared outcomes (1)
Outcomes where both Berberine and Dong Quai have evidence — compare verdict strength side-by-side.
500mg 2-3x daily (1000-1500mg total)
With meals, Split into 2-3 doses
Berberine HCl capsules
500-1500mg dried root extract daily
Divided doses with meals, Traditional use often stops during menstruation
Standardized extract
4-12 weeks
8-12 weeks
First 2 weeks
If on diabetes medications
2-3 cycles
2-3 cycles
4-8 weeks
Ongoing
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.
Treatment of chronic urticaria with traditional Chinese medicine: A systematic review, meta-analysis, and medication regularity
Medicine (2025) · Meta analysis · n=1192
TCM has great advantages in the treatment of CU, can effectively improve the symptoms, the curative effect is stable and safe, but there are still some deficiencies in the standardization of curative effect evaluation.
A review of traditional Chinese medicine for treatment of glioblastoma
Bioscience trends (2020) · Systematic review
Although the current treatment is multimodal, including surgical resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, it does not significantly improve survival time.
Z-ligustilide: A review of its pharmacokinetics and pharmacology
Phytotherapy research : PTR (2020) · Systematic review
New evidence suggests that Z-ligustilide has a wide range of pharmacological properties, including anticancer, antiinflammatory, anti-oxidant as well as neuroprotective activities and so on.
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.
Evidence limited to one small RCT (n=120) in cervical spondylosis patients using combination therapy. Effects on menstrual regulation are largely traditional use claims without direct study validation. Meta-analysis on amenorrhea treatment showed 91% effectiveness but used combination TCM formulas, not isolated dong quai.
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 55).
No known interactions between Berberine and Dong Quai have been documented in our database. However, always consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements.