Berberine is sometimes promoted in social media as a “natural Ozempic,” but scientific evidence does not support this comparison. A review by researchers from Wroclaw Medical University shows that this plant alkaloid does not act like incretin drugs and does not regulate metabolism through a single hormonal mechanism.

Current research indicates that berberine mainly affects the intestinal environment, influencing gut microbiota, inflammatory processes, and the integrity of the intestinal barrier. Its metabolic effects are therefore indirect and strongly dependent on the composition of the microbiota, which may explain why responses differ between individuals.

The authors also note that the compound’s low systemic bioavailability may favor its local action in the intestine, where it is metabolized by gut microorganisms. At the same time, berberine can cause gastrointestinal side effects and interact with several medications, which means it should not be treated as a universal metabolic supplement or a substitute for medical therapy.

An international group of researchers propose a new, more sustainable approach for welfare states to update their policies. The approach focuses on social investments and interventions, emphasising the monitoring and adaptation of the measures according to their effectiveness throughout their lifecycles. The researchers present the approach in a newly published open-access book.

As part of the Horizon Europe project Capable, researchers surveyed around 19’000 people from 13 European countries on 15 specific climate proposals in the summer of 2024. The aim was to determine how much support there is for the individual proposals and which factors influence opinions. 

To this end, participants were asked specifically about the reasons behind their decisions. The analysis reveals that costs are the biggest hurdle to the acceptance of climate regulations among the population. 

The innovative methodology of the study can be used in future long-term studies to better understand and track the political decisions of the population.