Berberine Advanced Protocols: Beyond Metformin for Diabetes and Cancer (2026)
Abstract Berberine has demonstrated glucose-lowering efficacy comparable to metformin through activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Beyond glycemic control, it modulates lipid metabolism, gut microbiota, inflammation, and oncogenic pathways including PI3K/Akt/mTOR and STAT3. This review examines clinical and preclinical evidence, advanced protocols, and future directions for diabetes and cancer applications. Keywords: Berberine, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Metformin, AMP-activated Protein Kinase (AMPK), Nutraceuticals, Cancer Metabolism, Glycemic Control, mTOR Signaling Introduction Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a global health challenge, affecting over 500 million adults worldwide, with prevalence projected to increase due to aging populations, obesity, and sedentary lifestyles. Chronic hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and low-grade systemic inflammation characterize T2DM, leading to microvascular complications such as nephropathy, retinopathy, and neuropathy, as w...