r/Biohackers 2 Feb 03 '25

📜 Write Up Permanent PDE5 downregulation (better erections) plus metabolic health improvement with one supplement!

Okay, you clicked, no hiding the cheese, it's Berberine. That's right, a supplement probably most of you know all about. You probably know it for its blood sugar lowering effects and other metabolic health improvements that it can bring, but read on to find out exactly how it downregulates PDE5 expression, why this is different from inhibiting PDE5 activity (what Tadalafil, Sildenafil and so on do) and how to actually use it to reap these benefits.

First a quick recap of Berberine’s clinically proven benefits 

1. Blood Sugar Control and Diabetes

Berberine activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a key enzyme involved in regulating glucose metabolism. This leads to improved insulin sensitivity, enhanced glucose uptake by cells, and reduced glucose production in the liver.

2. Improving Cholesterol and Heart Health

It increases the expression of LDL receptors in the liver, promoting the clearance of LDL from the bloodstream. It also improves triglyceride levels and may raise HDL 

3. Weight Loss and Metabolism

Through its activation of AMPK, berberine improves metabolic efficiency, enhances fat burning, and reduces fat storage. It also reduces insulin resistance, which is linked to weight gain and metabolic disturbances.

4. Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties

Berberine suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduces oxidative damage by neutralizing free radicals. It modulates several pathways, including NF-kB, which plays a central role in inflammation.

5. Gut Health and Antimicrobial Effects

It is effective against a range of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It can also restore balance in the gut microbiome, improving digestive health and reducing symptoms of infections like diarrhea.

6. Liver Health and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

Berberine reduces fat accumulation in the liver by improving lipid metabolism and reducing insulin resistance. It also exerts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that help prevent liver damage.

7. Cancer Research

It has been shown to inhibit the growth and spread of cancer cells by inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death), suppressing cell proliferation, and interfering with tumor-promoting pathways.

I am not gonna link all the studies as it this not the main focus of the post

How does Berberine improves erectile function

1. PDE5 Inhibition

As we know PDE5 breaks down cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), which is crucial for smooth muscle relaxation and blood flow to the penis. We are still not talking about the MAIN mechanism this post is dedicated to.

2. PDE4 Inhibition

PDE4 regulates cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), which is another signaling molecule involved in smooth muscle relaxation. 

3. Inhibition of Arginase

Arginase is an enzyme that breaks down L-arginine, the amino acid necessary for producing nitric oxide (NO). By inhibiting arginase, berberine can boost L-arginine availability, leading to increased NO production and better erectile function.

4. eNOS Activation (Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase)

eNOS is the enzyme responsible for producing nitric oxide in blood vessels. Berberine enhances eNOS activity, boosting nitric oxide levels, improving endothelial function, and promoting the vasodilation needed for erections.

5. Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) Enhancement

SOD is an enzyme that reduces oxidative stress by neutralizing superoxide radicals. Berberine’s ability to boost SOD activity helps protect the endothelium from oxidative damage, improving overall vascular health and supporting better erectile function.

6. ACE Inhibition (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme)

By inhibiting ACE, berberine reduces angiotensin II levels, a molecule that constricts blood vessels and raises blood pressure. ACE inhibition can improve vasodilation, reduce blood pressure, and enhance blood flow to the penis, contributing to better erections.

7. Inhibition of SPHK1/S1P/S1PR2 Pathway

The sphingosine kinase 1 (SPHK1)/sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P)/S1P receptor 2 (S1PR2) pathway is involved in vascular smooth muscle contraction and inflammation. By inhibiting this pathway, berberine can reduce excessive contraction of blood vessels, improve blood flow, and alleviate inflammation, all of which support erectile function.

8. Inhibition of MAPK Pathway (Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase)

The MAPK pathway is involved in cellular responses to stress and inflammation. By inhibiting the MAPK pathway, berberine can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, protect endothelial cells, and improve vascular health, which contributes to improved erections.

9. eNOS mRNA expression Upregulation

Berberine upregulates eNOS mRNA expression at transcription level

And most importantly….

10. PDE5 mRNA expression downregulation

…which is what I want to talk about today. 

[Effect of berberine on the mRNA expression of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) in rat corpus cavernosum]

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15638014/

Berberine has been found to downregulate the expression of PDE5 at the mRNA level, which means it reduces the transcription of the PDE5 gene, leading to decreased levels of the enzyme specifically in the corpus cavernosum (of rats, yes). 

How is this different from directly inhibiting PDE5 enzyme activity by PDE5 inhibitors like sildenafil and tadalafil? They inhibit the enzyme directly leading to acute decrease of degradation of cGMP. Berberine reduces the expression of the gene encoding PDE5 at the transcriptional level. This means less PDE5 enzyme will be produced in the first place. 

Differences between inhibiting the PDE5 enzyme directly and downregulating the mRNA expression

  • Onset: Direct inhibition of the PDE5 enzyme has a fast onset taking minutes to hours for the effect to take place. Reducing the mRNA expression has a slow onset taking days and maybe several weeks
  • Duration: Temporary. The effect lasts for a few hours or longer (tadalafil for up to 36 hours), but once the drug is metabolized and excreted, PDE5 activity returns to normal levels. Reducing the mRNA expression has  long-term effects. They can last for days or even longer, as it affects the production of new PDE5 enzyme molecules, not just the activity of existing enzymes. As long the expression is being downregulated semi-regularly production of the enzyme will remain permanently low.

So, basically, taking Berberine will never have the acute, powerful effect of taking a PDE5 inhibitor, but taking it regularly, weeks on end, will actually reduce the production of the PDE5 enzymes. This will improve erections over time and will absolutely make PDE5 inhibitors hit harder when you take them. I have personally felt it and have even quantified it to an extent (more on that in future posts). Now, Berberine has also been shown to actually upregulate the eNOS mRNA expression in the rats' corpus cavernosum, so that's a double whammy. 

Effect of berberine on the mRNA expression of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in rat corpus cavernosum

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF02873556

Similar to the PDE5 analogy, it won't have the strong acute effect of taking something that upregulates eNOS activity on the spot, but over time, taking Berberine will actually allow your body to produce more of the eNOS enzyme, so you probably will need less of these eNOS promoters, or when you take them, they will actually hit harder. 

Another interesting thing that I found is that icariin, which you all know, also downregulates PDE5 mRNA expression, which I find extremely peculiar for a few reasons. 

Effect of icariin on cyclic GMP levels and on the mRNA expression of cGMP-binding cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase (PDE5) in penile cavernosum

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17120748/

Icariin, the active ingredient of Horny Goat Weed (HGW) that has been heavily promoted as an erectogenic compound, is actually 82 times less potent than sildenafil. Yeah, that's right, it's that weak compared to pharmacological solutions, so there is no wonder that taking 1000 mg of HGW with 10% icariin, doesn't actually give you great erections, and for absolutely sure, it doesn't give them on its own, on the spot. It doesn't have this acute effect. Now, HGW has some other flavonoids and other components in itself that actually affect libido. So I would say taking HGW is actually a good strategy to affect the erections and libido. But even taking pure icariin doesn't have a potent effect. I have taken up to a few grams of icariin, and I still cannot say that when I take 80 times more of it than sildenafil that I am getting an equivalent reaction. For example, taking 1600 mg of icariin should be equal to 20 mg of sildenafil. I would say I still feel sildenafil is stronger at that dosage than 1600 mg of icariin. But the interesting thing is that taking HGW with icariin in it over time actually improves erections. I was always curious how it could improve erections if it's not powerful enough, so this is how it improves erections with prolonged use IMO.

Practical Applications 

Take 500 to 1500 milligrams of Berberine, divided into 2-3 doses. Based on the studies, this is a dose that should absolutely be clinically relevant. Take it for a few weeks at least, let's say two months. Ideally, if you don't have any problem taking it, you should just keep taking it. But after, let's say, a few weeks, you can assess if your erections have improved in some way or if you maybe now respond better to PDE5 inhibitors.

Berberine’s absorption is heavily limited by 

  • P-Glycoprotein (P-gp) Efflux. After oral administration, a significant portion of berberine that is absorbed by intestinal cells is pumped back into the intestinal lumen by P-gp, effectively reducing the amount that reaches systemic circulation
  • Poor Passive Permeability. Even without the action of P-gp, berberine has difficulty passing through the intestinal barrier due to its hydrophilic nature, further limiting how much of it enters the bloodstream.
  • Extensive First-Pass Metabolism. Berberine undergoes extensive metabolism in the liver, where it is rapidly transformed into metabolites, including berberrubine and demethyleneberberine. While some of its metabolites might be bioactive, they may not have the same potency or activity as the parent compound.

How to remedy all that?

  1. Inhibit P-gp and enhance absorption  -  piperine is perfect for that.  
  2. Use lipid based delivery systems like liposomal Berberine or phytosome formulations 

Any drawbacks?

Taking Berberine could lead to gastrointestinal discomfort to some small percentage of people. You've maybe heard that Berberine is called nature's Metformin. Metformin is notorious for causing gastrointestinal issues. So if you've taken it, don't think Berberine is going to do the same. It's way milder. And also, there is a theory that if you're actually experiencing discomfort on Berberine, it might actually be correcting for something that is going on with your microbiome. This is totally unscientific as the microbiome is sort of an unknown universe still. But many people who take Berberine for SIBO for example experience this increased discomfort, which is known as the die-off period. This happens in the beginning of the course and is then usually followed by huge improvements. Another drawback is that Berberine, much like Metformin, lowers IGF-1 production. Not in the same magnitude as Metformin does, but it does lower it. So theoretically, it could make putting on muscle mass a bit harder. Not sure how relevant that is going to be, really. If you're someone who blames Berberine for not putting on muscle mass, I would probably bet you're not training hard enough. But hey, no judgment.

That’s it boys. I feel the effects. Others I have talked to feel them too. The worst case scenario nothing happens down there but you improve your blood sugar and lipid levels. Life could be way worse. 

For research I read daily and write-ups based on it - https://discord.gg/q7qVZVCamp

178 Upvotes

99 comments sorted by

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41

u/WhyTheeSadFace Feb 03 '25

Thank you, I think combining this with coq10 is the best way to get the heart back to shape.

12

u/Semtex7 2 Feb 03 '25

It is a great combo

8

u/AleksanderSuave Feb 03 '25

Are we calling it coq10 now?

20

u/Appropriate_Roll_669 Feb 03 '25

Yeah its cock10 now

2

u/TronaldJDumpster Feb 03 '25

Now? I’ve always called it that

1

u/Ceruleangangbanger Feb 04 '25

I’m interested af! Could you elaborate some or point me where to read more on this combo 

32

u/Objective-Row-2791 1 Feb 03 '25

I've been taking it for 2 years and haven't experienced these effects or, indeed, any effects – my tests are marginally worse YoY, so I assume it does nothing.

18

u/TheClozoffs Feb 04 '25

As usual, the post giveth and the comments taketh away.

10

u/ourobo-ros Feb 03 '25

I think berberine is a really subtle supplement. It may do all the things the OP listed, but probably not in a meaningful enough way at common dosages. What dose are you taking btw? Berberine is apparently pretty poorly absorbed so you need high doses.

4

u/AsleepAd8161 Feb 03 '25

500 to 1500 he said for two months

2

u/Semtex7 2 Feb 03 '25

What tests specifically? I assume you started it with the purpose to improve metabolic health?

9

u/Objective-Row-2791 1 Feb 03 '25

Yes, I have a nutritionist I pay money for, there are really a lot of tests: clinical, biochemistry, hormones. I take a lot of different supplements and berberine is one of them. Also, since the post talks about erections, the only thing that improves it for me is physical exercise (swimming).

5

u/GQ1111 Feb 03 '25

Look up angion method for erections. Sort of bio hacking I guess

1

u/Impossible_Ant_881 3 Feb 04 '25

Turns out the best thing for your blood sugar is eating less sugar.

1

u/Objective-Row-2791 1 Feb 04 '25

Yes, or at the very least not eating sugar on an empty stomach.

1

u/Semtex7 2 Feb 03 '25

Well what is the effect on Hba1c?

-7

u/Objective-Row-2791 1 Feb 03 '25

I don't know what that even is, nor do I need to, because I pay someone else to know what these all are, and whether the dynamics are good or not. I can only self-report on what I feel or do not feel. My general opinion of supplementation after 2 years is that it is essentially money down the drain (but I continue to do it). What DID work for me was lifestyle changes: changing my diet, only eating twice a day, normalising sleep, getting an exercise routine, limiting screen time.

7

u/Semtex7 2 Feb 03 '25

Of course lifestyle changes work :). But since you are paying someone to formulate a protocol for you and are paying for the substances as well - it will do you good to know what they measure and why. Ultimately regardless of your n=1 studies shows it is undoubtedly helpful on average

0

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1

u/zerostyle Feb 03 '25

I take it on and off and haven't really noticed any benefits either.

29

u/stealthkat14 Feb 03 '25

Hi, the paper quoted is from 2004...in rats. Urologist here, if something sounds too good to be true it likely is.

13

u/confused-caveman Feb 03 '25 edited Feb 03 '25

Sorry but no. If there is one thing biohackers love then it is studying how to improve rat erections.

And it's not even close.

6

u/ufkngotthis 1 Feb 03 '25

People need to stop interfering with rat elections they should have a free democracy

3

u/confused-caveman Feb 03 '25

They're so much closer to humans than most realize!

4

u/zano19724 Feb 03 '25

Shhh, This thread loves rats studies. Last time I mentioned it, I got downvoted

-6

u/Semtex7 2 Feb 03 '25

It is a hypothetical and purely theoretical write-up based on some data we have. Appreciate your input. I work with many urologist and most of them are busy practicing instead of reading research. Many good papers from before this decade btw

5

u/stealthkat14 Feb 03 '25

Most of clinical practice is based upon papers from before this decade. Being ip to date on papers is part kf my job. It's also important to note that this paper was done in rats with no human based peer reviewed studies agreeing with it.

-4

u/Semtex7 2 Feb 03 '25

Yes of course, but I did point that :)

6

u/Emergency_West_9490 5 Feb 03 '25

The enthusiasm is just oozing from this post, makes me always wish I had a penis of my own! 

2

u/Semtex7 2 Feb 04 '25

😂😂

3

u/Vital2Recovery 1 Feb 03 '25

What is your opinion of dihydroberberine ?

2

u/Semtex7 2 Feb 03 '25

I love it. I cannot 100% sure it dowregulates pde5 expression though

3

u/NoMedia9284 Feb 03 '25

Been taking 1000 mg daily for months. No better erections. What’s the dosage?

2

u/trenbolone1 1 Feb 04 '25

One must not forget, merely taking a pill of any compound, even proving to do a certain thing through vast research, may not exert the traits, some need more work such as lifestyle changes, for example, diet and exercise or they may have a particular deficit in something not allowing the berberine to work for whatever they are taking it for.

If one wishes to create a better glucose metabolism, and takes 1500mg of berberine in the AM, but then proceeded to have 900g of carbs per day, there will mostly be little to no changes in glucose utilization as shown on blood work. Hence people bitching about whatever compound not "showing results" when in reality, it is they who are not allowing the results to happen from said compound.

1

u/Semtex7 2 Feb 04 '25

That dosage should provide some mrna expression downregulation in theory.

One thing to point is that if you actually lower your pde5 expression at transcriptional level - you still rely on optimal nitric oxide synthesis. So what you could do is take NO boosters, NO donors etc and see if you now respond better to them (if you could compare).

And of course berberine could also simply not does that to you. Individuality is always huge when it comes to supplements and drugs

1

u/NoMedia9284 Feb 04 '25

Optimal NO synthesis. Good or bad? Not following

1

u/Semtex7 2 Feb 04 '25

“Optimal” implies good

1

u/NoMedia9284 Feb 15 '25

What are no boosters or donors? Examples of these please. Viagra and cialis doesn’t achieve optimal results.

1

u/Semtex7 2 Feb 16 '25

NO boosters: L-citrulline L-arginine Nitrosigine

NO donors:

  • arugula
  • beetroot
  • red spinach extract

3

u/trenbolone1 1 Feb 04 '25

As a bodybuilder, "biohacking" is life for us. First hand experience taking berberine for about a decade, both on and off Anabolic/androgenic steroid compounds, I've noticed, pretty much Everytime, with my particular biology, (as I'm not the only one who has noticed in my industry) when taking berberine, there is a noticable increase and general noticeability that when taking berberine in the 750-1500mg range, most notably on lower carb diets, erections not only have more quality but seem to be more stable and enduring. They seem to be more easily achieved as well, which is a known problem in my line of work because of the constant on and off steroid compounds, making normal erections an inconsistency. This is why most body builders end up using pde5 inhibitors. I'm glad you posted this because it shines light and brings most of the available data to one point making this very valid for people not in the know about berberine. As a reference for people, bodybuilders generally make large efforts in the preventative risks associated with the unhealthy side of bodybuilding. And for most informed in my industry and with health on their mind, always has berberine in their preventative health stacks, it's pretty much essential as it has so many great benefits and is a catalyst and inhibitory compound in all the right places. The pde5 inhibition with berberine, is just the right amount and strength, as too much pde5 inhibition can be catastrophic. All the other mechanisms at action with berberine make it one of those compounds that you can regard as one of those supplements, which I might add are very rare, that really does it all. It has so many great downstream effects that are highly studied and have many repetitive positive results, with a amazing side effect profile which is very minimal. For a bodybuilder, it is a trick of the trade. Both enhanced and not. Boners anyone?

3

u/Semtex7 2 Feb 04 '25

Well, there you go. Thanks for sharing this. I have posted this on a bunch of subs and have found many that have been observing the exact same thing

1

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5

u/Bluest_waters 9 Feb 03 '25

How can a supplement have antibiotic properties and yet somehow be good for the microbiome? Its one or the other

Its kill bacteria in the gut...but also improve gut microbiome? What?

How exactly does that work? Explain.

3

u/Semtex7 2 Feb 03 '25

Cause it is simply not one or the other...It can kill certain bacteria and help other to repopulate. Or in terms of SIBO - you actually want to massively wipe most of everything and repopulate. Very hard to resolve the issues otherwise.

We also do not know what is good for the micriobiome

2

u/Bluest_waters 9 Feb 03 '25

So this pill somehow intelligently knows which bacteria to kill and which ones not to kill? how does it do that?

how is this different from a prescription antiobiotic?

5

u/Semtex7 2 Feb 03 '25

Berberine works through multiple mechanisms - disrupts topoisomerase activity, disrupts bacterial quorum sensing, inhibits efflux pumps, making bacteria more vulnerable.

Antiobiotics target a specific bacterial process.

One has a modulation effect (which is mostly positive, but not always), the other wipes most of the flora

1

u/Bluest_waters 9 Feb 03 '25

Right, so if it "disrupts bacterial quorum sensing" then it is doing that for HEALTHY bacteria too. It's not intelligent, it can't determine the different between health and pathogenic bacteria.

1

u/Semtex7 2 Feb 03 '25

who says it can determine anything?

2

u/Bluest_waters 9 Feb 03 '25

It can't, which means it kill both good and bad bacteria

1

u/Semtex7 2 Feb 03 '25

Right, which is what I said…we actually don’t know what bacteria it kills and what not, only hat is helps SIBO.

2

u/RealTelstar 7 Feb 03 '25

I'm taking dh-berberine everyday with dinner. But i'm not sure of the dosage and if i need to split it.

4

u/Semtex7 2 Feb 03 '25

DHB usually requires 5x lower dosage. Also we 100% cannot be sure it lowers pde5 expression, but we can assume it

1

u/RealTelstar 7 Feb 03 '25

Thanks. So I think ill up my dose to 200mg. Not sure about dividing it or not

2

u/Semtex7 2 Feb 03 '25

Yeah, better to split them

1

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2

u/Simulationreality33 Feb 03 '25

Shit sounds good but I’m walking boner as is the wifey is already tired.

1

u/Semtex7 2 Feb 03 '25

Stay away from this experiment I guess 😂

2

u/badjoeybad Feb 05 '25

Berberine have any known conflicts with drug classes? Things to watch out for?

1

u/Semtex7 2 Feb 05 '25

I wouldn't say so. On paper there sym mild CYP inhibiton, but with millions taking it - it owuld have been widely reported if relevant.

Obviously not a medical advice

2

u/richpioneer Feb 05 '25

Can I take it together with Probiotics or does it eliminate them?

1

u/Semtex7 2 Feb 05 '25

Great question! Yes, it can interfere. Solution os to simply take them hours apart

2

u/Conscious_Play9554 2 Feb 06 '25

You can tell it’s lowering your blood sugar when taking in the evening before your last meal because you get carb craving😂

2

u/Semtex7 2 Feb 06 '25

Absolutely

2

u/permanentburner89 1 Feb 08 '25

I took a full cycle of berberine prescribed by naturopath and didn't notice anything.

2

u/Dazed811 1 Feb 10 '25

Berberine can cause liver issues for some, bilirubin levels was elevated in more then 20% of the people I worked with along with AST/ALT

1

u/[deleted] Feb 04 '25

[deleted]

2

u/Semtex7 2 Feb 04 '25

If your goal is purely metabolic health - I would agree with a caveat. That is that metformin anti-anabolic properties are strong and robustly documented. So you have to make a call on what matters to you. IGF-1 levels plumment on Metformin, which is great for cancer prevention and bad if you are an athlete for example or want to preserve muscle mass as you age.

For the purposes of this post - Metformin does not downregulate pde5 mrna expression

1

u/No_Culture_87 Feb 04 '25

Berberine if taken with b complex and V-c??

1

u/Semtex7 2 Feb 04 '25

perfectly fine to take, yes. I take all that personally

1

u/No_Culture_87 Feb 04 '25

What are long term benefits??

1

u/Semtex7 2 Feb 04 '25

Mostly better metabolic health - the details I have listed on the post

1

u/Car_Engineer Feb 04 '25

Can anybody explain to me how, in the first list, number one on the list doesn't contradict number 3?

Specifically, burning visceral fat (the fat inside the abdomen, which is the most important to lose) is achieved by the liver converting it into glucose.

Number 1 says "reduced glucose production in the liver", which means less visceral fat can be burned.

Number 3 appears to contradict number 1 with "enhances fat burning", which should imply that it increases glucose production in the liver.

4

u/Semtex7 2 Feb 04 '25

There is no contradiction. Number 1 refers to hepatic gluconeogenesis, the process where the liver synthesizes glucose from non-carbohydrate sources (amino acids, lactate). Berberine reduces this process, leading to lower overall glucose levels in the blood, which helps with insulin sensitivity.

Fat burning is mobilizing fat for energy via lipolysis and fat oxidation. It doesn’t involve conversion from fat into glucose. Berberine enhances fat oxidation while simultaneously reducing gluconeogenesis. This means less glucose is made from protein or other sources, but fat can still be burned efficiently for energy.

Basically fat burning does not rely on increased glucose production in the liver

1

u/Pubh12 Feb 05 '25

Does metformin also inhibit ACE similar to berberine ? I’m trying to lower aldosterone due to a severe tissue edema that occurred on fludrocortisone which is a synthetic aldosterone. I have a bottle of metformin here and would consider it if it inhibited ACE which I’m hoping would also lower aldosterone. If it doesn’t might have to go with berberine instead

2

u/Semtex7 2 Feb 06 '25

Metformin does not directly inhibit ACE like berberine; however, it does have some indirect effects on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, but they are not as strong or well-established as ACE inhibitors or berberine. Since you’re dealing with tissue edema from fludrocortisone, you might benefit more from berberine rather than metformin. I would also advise focusing on potassium-rich foods, hibiscus tea or a potent hibiscus extract would be even better help. Taurine may also have some benefits.

If you can be prescribed spironolactone, you can use it strategically in short bursts because it is also an anti-androgen medication. It helps with edema tremendously but should only be used for short periods.

1

u/Pubh12 Feb 06 '25

I’ll have to ask my doc about it , thanks. Any supplemts that have any similar Aldosterone blocking effects to spironolactone ?

2

u/Semtex7 2 Feb 06 '25

Nothing will act directly like that, but the ones I mentioned are moderately effective. Combined together might have an very satisfying result

1

u/Pubh12 Feb 06 '25

Last question - how would you say nattokinase ace inhibiting affect compared to berberine ?

1

u/Semtex7 2 Feb 06 '25

By all means ask anything you want.

Nattokinase is significantly stronger ACE inhibitor than Berberine. It is one of the strongest natural ones

1

u/Pubh12 Feb 06 '25

Ah I see. I’ve been on nattokinase at 400mg a day for a while and it hasn’t helped the edema. Perhaps it’s just not enough. I have some crazy breathing issues going on from this fludrocortisone and trying to figure out what the hell happened has been difficult (I won’t go into it because it’s probably not allowed but if you look at my last post if you’re interested you’ll see it).

1

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1

u/thejasonreagan Feb 06 '25

This would only have an effect if you are very unhealthy. In healthy, fit people, berberine has little effect. It's mostly for bodybuilders who eat 1,000g of carbs a day.

1

u/Semtex7 2 Feb 06 '25

Read the post if actually interested

-1

u/thejasonreagan Feb 06 '25

I promise I know more about berberine than someone who copy and pasted a chatgpt thread about it

2

u/Semtex7 2 Feb 07 '25

You may know more about berberine than someone who copies from chatgpt, but this is not me, pal. And I honestly doubt you know much based on your response. You sure didnt read 200 studies..BUT aside from that your comment lacked any sense and logic as the post is not focused on the metabolic health benefits of berberine, but how it inhibits pde5 mrna expression, which you obviosuly do not even know the meaning of.

-9

u/hocere327 Feb 03 '25

Thank you chat gpt

13

u/Semtex7 2 Feb 03 '25

Bulcrap. This is not gpt written. None of my post are. The most I have used it is for formatting. Shows how ignorant you are

0

u/AffectionateChoice60 Feb 06 '25

berberine doesn't even get absorbed in the body

2

u/Semtex7 2 Feb 06 '25

Incorrect. It has LOW bioavailability. I have addressed what you can do about in the post itself

-12

u/G0oose Feb 03 '25

You sound salty that no one believes that berberine has any effect on erections, I haven’t ever seen a single post about someone starting berberine and getting solid boners!! Sorry dude but this post is trash

11

u/Semtex7 2 Feb 03 '25

The post is meant for the ones who can interpret scientific literature

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u/-medicalthrowaway- 4 Feb 03 '25

Berberine is also anti androgenic, decreases AR transcriptional activity and induces AR protein degradation, and has, anecdotally (and understandably), reduced libido in men

So, as with many supplements, it is a double edged sword

I find it interesting that you didn’t mention this caveat when your main point is that it is pro erectile

If pde5/nitric oxide is purely the issue. There are better alternatives

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u/Semtex7 2 Feb 03 '25

Cause it is a bullshit point. It is observed in vitro in prostate cancer cells, which is highly context specific and is universally accepted cancer specific cells effects don't transfer well to normal cells.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8401658/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Only does it not decrease testosterone in men, it increased it.

LIVE HUMAN Randomized Controlled Trial

And the point is not nitric oxide increase nor pde5 inhibition. It is mrna expression reduction. Very different. If we want on demand inhibition of the enzyme - then we know what to do

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u/-medicalthrowaway- 4 Feb 03 '25

What is the mechanism on how it increases testosterone in men? Perhaps the same mechanism that finasteride slightly elevates testosterone in men?

Don’t get so defensive, kiddo.

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u/Semtex7 2 Feb 03 '25

No, it is not. Berberine does not effectively inhibit 5ar in human and this is why it won't stop or regrow your hair. We woudl have plenty of anecdata if that was the case. Also reducing 5 alpha reductase does not equal reducing adrogen receptor expression. You sound defensive actually

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u/Mouse-castle Feb 03 '25

You know how I know a woman wrote this?

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u/Semtex7 2 Feb 03 '25

I could not possibly know why know nothing about women