Overview
- Researchers presenting at the American Physiology Summit reported that berberine, curcumin, and blackcurrant were tied to smaller rises in body temperature during 60‑minute treadmill runs in a 93–98.6°F heat lab.
- Across double‑blind, placebo‑controlled tests, berberine and curcumin were linked to heart rates lower by about 3 to 8 beats per minute during the hot‑weather running bouts.
- The lead investigator proposed short‑term use before events with doses of berberine 1.5 grams daily for 7 days, curcumin 500 milligrams daily for 3 days, and blackcurrant 600 milligrams daily for 7 days, with berberine and curcumin taken with food.
- Signal differences emerged by compound, with berberine tied to lower perceived effort and curcumin and blackcurrant linked to improved gut‑barrier markers and reduced inflammation in blood tests.
- Experts stressed that the studies were small and measured indirect markers rather than real‑world performance, urged that hydration and standard heat‑illness steps remain primary, and noted supplements are not FDA‑approved before marketing.