Compare Supplements

Side-by-side comparison of 2 supplements

Bbr7.5

Berberine

Moderate safety

Pio4.0

Pioglitazone (Actos)

Limited safety

Evidence

Likely helps

Evidence Score7.5/10

Studies: 108

Meta-analyses: 20

Mostly mechanism / observational

Evidence Score4/10

Studies: 6

Meta-analyses: 1

Dosage & timing

Dosage:

1200mg

Best Time:

With meals · with food

Take with food

Form:

Berberine HCl capsules

Dosage:

Off-label metabolic use mirrors diabetes dosing (e.g. 15–45 mg once daily) under a clinician. A prescription drug; not an approved longevity regimen.

Best Time:

Morning

Can take on empty stomach

Form:

Oral tablet (pioglitazone)

What you'll notice

📉 Lower Blood Sugarpositive

4-12 weeks

❤️ Improved Cholesterolpositive

8-12 weeks

🤢 GI Side Effectstrade-off

First 2 weeks

📉 Improved insulin sensitivitypositive

Weeks to months

🧠 Reduced recurrent stroke / MIpositive

Months to years

🫁 NASH / liver histology improvementpositive

Months

Safety

Moderate safety

Contraindications:

Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Low blood pressure
Children

Drug Interactions:

Diabetes medications (metformin, insulin, etc.)
Blood pressure medications
CYP3A4 substrates (statins, calcium channel blockers, many medications)

Side Effects:

GI upset (cramping, diarrhea)ConstipationHeadache

Limited safety

Contraindications:

Symptomatic heart failure (NYHA III–IV)
Active or history of bladder cancer
Active liver disease / significant hepatic impairment

Drug Interactions:

Insulin
Gemfibrozil (CYP2C8 inhibitor)
Insulin secretagogues (sulfonylureas)

Side Effects:

Weight gainFluid retention / edemaBone fracture (especially women)

Works well with

Probiotics

complementary

Bitter Melon

complementary

Cinnamon

complementary

No synergies listed

How they work together

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