---
title: 4 Surprising Botanicals to Promote Normal GLP-1 Production
description: Berberine, fenugreek, American ginseng, and gymnema may support GLP-1 production and healthy blood sugar and insulin metabolism, research suggests.
image: https://www.casi.org/hubfs/casi/featured/9-3-suprising-botanicals.jpeg
---

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# 4 Surprising Botanicals to Promote Normal GLP-1 Production

BM Bri Mesenbring, MS, CNS, LDN Sep 03, 2024

![4 Surprising Botanicals to Promote Normal GLP-1 Production](https://www.casi.org/hs-fs/hubfs/casi/featured/9-3-suprising-botanicals.jpeg?width=960)

[Nearly 75% of the American adult population aged 20 years and older is overweight or obese](https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/obesity-overweight.htm). Children are not far behind, as [55.6% of children and adolescents between the ages of 2 and 19 years are obese](https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/obesity-overweight.htm). Obesity is a risk factor for numerous chronic health conditions such as [cardiovascular disease](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38833133/), [type 2 diabetes mellitus](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK592412/), [cancer](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9857053/), [osteoarthritis](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9289681/), and [liver](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3575093/) and [kidney](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9675899/) diseases. As [obesity trends continue to rise](https://data.worldobesity.org/publications/WOF-Obesity-Atlas-v7.pdf), interventions from the medical community are expected to bring relief. Common medications that have been on the market for years, including [OzempicÆ (semaglutide)](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9486455/), [Wegovy](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8717485/)Æ (semaglutide), and [MounjaroÆ (tirzepatide)](https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038) have made their name as effective treatments for obesity and T2DM. Recently, these drugs have soared in popularity for their [use as weight loss agents](https://web.archive.org/web/20250101050911/https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-new-drug-treatment-chronic-weight-management-first-2014). These drugs have become so popular that [prescription fills increased by more than 400% between January 2021 and December 2023](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama-health-forum/fullarticle/2821688?resultClick=24). 

These prescription medications are classified as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, which mimic a hormone usually produced by the body — GLP-1. [Semaglutide and tirzepatide bind to the same receptor as GLP-1 and cause a similar action](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26371721/), which, in this case, [helps manage normal insulin and blood glucose metabolism](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26371721/). These drugs may even [help manage appetite](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26371721/), promoting feelings of satiety. Weight loss outcomes from GLP-1 RAs [may reach between 5.9% at three months and almost 11% at six months](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9486455/). [Side effects of these medications include nausea and diarrhea and range from mild to moderate in their severity](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-022-02026-4). Considering the side effects, [high costs](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2816824), and the route of administration (via injection), alternatives to these GLP-1 RAs may be preferred. Four plant-derived GLP-1 RAs, in particular, have promising data behind their efficacy. 

## Berberine (*Berberis aristata*)

[Berberine is highly regarded for its efficacy in supporting blood glucose regulation and healthy insulin metabolism](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5839379/). Evidence indicates berberine may play a supportive role in [the reduction of numerous markers of metabolic dysfunction, including fasting blood glucose (FBG), hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TGs), and fasting insulin](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5839379/). In vitro studies suggest that a proposed mechanism in which berberine may support metabolic health is [its potential ability to facilitate GLP-1 secretio](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38351702/)n. Two berberine metabolites, [berberrubine (BBB) and palmatine (PMT) have been reported to have significant pharmacological effects on GLP-1; namely, increasing the production of the GLP-1 peptide in cell studies](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38351702/). [Berberine’s efficacy is attributed to increased insulin secretion and receptor expression](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4377488/). Berberine [regulates glucose metabolism by supporting GLP-1 receptor production](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4057525/) and [inhibiting GLP-1 breakdown](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29451201/), which may help support an insulin response to a meal. However, further research is needed. 

**Fenugreek** **(*Trigonella foenum-graecum*)**  
 Fenugreek has a long history of medicinal use in India and China. Fenugreek contains several [compounds that act in various ways to support normal glucose and insulin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26336108/) [metabolism](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26336108/), including:

- N55 – may help [support GLP-1 response after meals](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-12290-x)
- Diosgenin – may help [support glucose and insulin metabolism and promote healthy pancreatic beta-cell function](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28729836/)
- 4-hydroxyisoleucine – may help promote [the body in releasing more insulin when there is glucose in the blood](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28729836/)
- Galactomannan (fiber) – [due to galactomannan’s sticky characteristics, it may help support blood sugar metabolism by slowing down sugar absorption](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28729836/) 

A systematic review and meta-analysis of trials published in 2023 involving 894 subjects reported that the [groups supplemented with fenugreek (from 0.5 g/day for four weeks to 10 g/day for six months) experienced a decrease in fasting blood sugar, after-meal rises in glucose, and a statistically significant reduction in HbA1C](https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=Effect+of+fenugreek+on+hyperglycemia:+a+systematic+review+and+meta-analysis), suggesting its use as a supportive herbal glucose regulator. 

**American ginseng (*Panax quinquefolium*)**  
[American ginseng contains active compounds called saponins that support metabolic, immune, neurological, and cardiovascular health](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6468558/). American ginseng may [support how the body handles sugar and fat by supporting how insulin and a hormone called leptin work](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6468558/). Diabetic rats fed a high-fat diet and who [were given ginseng exhibited lower blood sugar and fat amounts after four weeks](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23444389/). These findings were linked with [higher amounts of GLP-1](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23444389/). In humans, a systematic review and meta-analysis [reported that patients with T2DM who were given daily ginseng (2.7 to 5 g/day for 4 to 12 weeks) experienced improved glucose control and insulin metabolism compared to the control](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26871778/). Similar results were experienced when [ginseng was co-administered with standard hypoglycemic medication](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29478187/) for eight weeks, signifying a possible synergistic effect.

## Gymnema (*Gymnema sylvestre*)

Also known as the “destroyer of sugar” in Hindi, [gymnema has been used for over 2,000 years to treat *madhu meha* or “honey urine.”](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28514906/) A study published in 2021 investigated whether supplementation with gymnema would affect blood sugar control. The study combined results from ten studies with 419 people who had T2DM. The [groups given daily gymnema supplementation (400 mg to 10 g for 21 days to 20 months) exhibited lower fasting blood sugar, lower blood sugar after meals, and lower HbA1C](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34467577/) compared to before they started taking it. In an animal study, diabetic rats who were given a gymnema extract for 28 days [exhibited lower blood sugar and HbA1C, and higher insulin compared to untreated rats](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/341814241_Effect_of_Gymnema_sylvestre_on_Insulin_Receptor_IR_and_Proglucagon_Gene_Expression_in_Streptozotocin_Induced_Diabetic_Rats). After the rats were sacrificed and examined, [the rats given gymnema exhibited higher insulin gene activity in the pancreas and higher proglucagon gene activity in the gut](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/341814241_Effect_of_Gymnema_sylvestre_on_Insulin_Receptor_IR_and_Proglucagon_Gene_Expression_in_Streptozotocin_Induced_Diabetic_Rats), which is important for insulin release after eating. The [researchers suggested that this increase in proglucagon may be the reason for the higher insulin levels and may have acted as a precursor to GLP-1 production](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/341814241_Effect_of_Gymnema_sylvestre_on_Insulin_Receptor_IR_and_Proglucagon_Gene_Expression_in_Streptozotocin_Induced_Diabetic_Rats). 

In summary, these four botanicals offer promising benefits to support overall metabolic health. These plant-derived compounds support blood sugar control and healthy insulin function through mechanisms similar to GLP-1 RAs, with fewer complaints and added health benefits. As interest in alternative medicine grows, these plants may provide effective adjuncts for those seeking to manage metabolic health holistically. 

**Learn more about nutrients, GLP-1, and health: **

[The Hidden Effects: Medications and Their Impact on Your GI Tract](https://www.casi.org/articles/medications-and-their-impact-on-gi-tract)

[Spore-Based Probiotics: Guardians of Gut Health](https://www.casi.org/articles/spore-based-probiotics-guardians-gut-health)

[Hungry for More: Nutrition Gaps in the Modern American Diet](https://www.casi.org/articles/nutrition-gaps-in-the-modern-american-diet)

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### Bri Mesenbring, MS, CNS, LDN

Clinical Application

## Clinical Considerations in Practice

 In clinical practice, practitioners considering the topics discussed above may also weigh nutrient form, delivery and formulation, alongside individual patient variability.

### Practitioner Formulation Example

![Berberine Synergy™](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/lemtscrs/production-www/44e46265b87fb2f14c78bf1fbe9d6943596d42e4-2000x2000.png?w=128&h=128&fit=max&auto=format)

Berberine Synergy™

Berberine and alpha lipoic acid · Capsules

[Explore Formulations →](https://www.designsforhealth.com/products/berberine)

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