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Head-to-head evidence comparison — which supplement is right for you?
Berberine vs Hawthorn: Berberine has the stronger overall evidence (7.5 vs 6.5/10); they're alternatives for reduce inflammation — the best pick depends on your goals. Take the 60-second quiz for a pick tailored to your goals.
Berberine wins 2 of 3 categories. Both are solid choices — the best pick depends on your specific goals.
Verdict
Likely helps
12 of 15 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Verdict
Probably helps
4 of 6 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Shared outcomes (1)
Outcomes where both Berberine and Hawthorn 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
160-900mg extract (standardized to 2-3% flavonoids or 18-20% OPCs)
With meals, Split into 2-3 doses
Standardized extract (WS 1442 or LI 132 are most studied)
and 3 more not shown
4-12 weeks
8-12 weeks
First 2 weeks
If on diabetes medications
8-12 weeks
6-12 weeks
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.
Would integrated Western and traditional Chinese medicine have more benefits for stroke rehabilitation? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Stroke and vascular neurology (2022) · Meta analysis · n=6339
Our results indicate that the combined use of CM and WM could be more efficacious in stroke rehabilitation compared with the use of WM therapy alone.
Hawthorn extract for treating chronic heart failure: meta-analysis of randomized trials
The American Journal of Medicine (2003) · Meta analysis · n=632
Eight trials including 632 patients with chronic heart failure (NYHA classes I to III) provided data suitable for meta-analysis.
Traditional Chinese medicines benefit to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Molecular biology reports (2012) · Meta analysis · n=25661
Comparing with western medicines mentioned above, TCM had a better effect on the normalization of alanine aminotransferase and disappearance of radiological steatosis in the treatment of NAFLD.
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.
Based on meta-analysis showing 7-watt improvement in maximal workload. Effects primarily documented in mild heart failure patients. Most studies used WS 1442 extract standardized to 18.75% oligomeric procyanidins.
AI-estimated from published studies. Interpret as directional guidance.
Berberine has a higher evidence score (7.5/10 vs 6.5/10) and wins in 2 of 3 categories.
For reduce inflammation, Berberine has a higher relevance score (95 vs 90).
No known interactions between Berberine and Hawthorn have been documented in our database. However, always consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements.
The honest tier list — proven staples vs situational vs mostly marketing. The hub the other guides feed into.
Which supplements clash with blood thinners, thyroid meds, antibiotics & more — and what to do.
What genuinely lowers LDL/triglycerides — and why "red yeast rice" is a statin in disguise.
Berberine, inositol, magnesium vs the cinnamon/chromium hype — and the med-interaction warning.
The right pick depends on your goals. Answer a few quick questions for a personalised recommendation — or dig into the full evidence on each.