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Berberine is a quarternary ammonium salt (Figure 1) found in the roots, rhizomes, stems, and bark of plants such as Barberry (Berberis Vulgaris), Tree Turmeric (Berberis Aristata), Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis), and Oregon Grape (Mahonia Aquifolium). The use of berberine plant rich species such as the Berberis family has been used in Asia for over 3000 years1. Many clinical and experimental studies show that berberine has pharmacological properties such as immunomodulatory, antioxidative, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, and renoprotective effects. In medicinal chemistry, the structure of Berberine has been modified to create bioactive derivatives in order to increase potency and selectivity2.    Figure 1:...

Chromium is an essential mineral that helps to regulate insulin. Chromium is a chemical element that commonly exists in the oxidation states: Cr6+, Cr3+, and Cr2+. In terms of a mineral for human consumption, Cr3+ (Trivalent Chromium) is the only oxidation state that has been shown to have beneficial effects. In fact, Cr6+ (Hexavalent Chromium) is a known carcinogen1. Trivalent Chromium is given in supplemental form as Chromium Chloride, Chromium Picolinate, Chromium Polynicotinate (otherwise known as niacin-bound Chromium), or Chromium GTF. Chromium Polynicotinate and Chromium Picolinate only differ in the spacing by the position of the nitrogen in the functional...