Real-World Pilot Evaluation of a Novel Bioavailable Berberine Formulation (ToBeRock®) in Subjects with Impaired Fasting Glucose Through Pharmacy-Based Retrospective Study
Berberine, a natural isoquinoline alkaloid, has been shown to improve glycemic control, lipid metabolism, and blood pressure regulation. However, its poor bioavailability has limited widespread clinical use. ToBeRock® is a self-emulsifying formulation designed to enhance the bioaccessibility of berberine. This retrospective, real-world pilot study conducted through community pharmacies with pharmaceutical care services aimed to evaluate the metabolic and hemodynamic effects of ToBeRock® in adults with impaired fasting glucose (IFG). Sixty adults with IFG (FPG 100–125 mg/dL) were enrolled through territorial pharmacies offering pharmaceutical services. Patients were retrospectively grouped into two cohorts: a Low-Dose Group (ToBeRock® 1 capsule/day) and a High-Dose Group (ToBeRock® 2 capsules/day). Capillary blood sampling and in-pharmacy blood pressure measurements were recorded at baseline (T0), 4 weeks (T1), and 8 weeks (T2). Evaluated parameters included fasting glucose, HbA1c, lipid profile (total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP/DBP), and oxidative stress markers (FORT, FORD). Both cohorts showed statistically significant reductions in fasting glucose (p < 0.001), LDL (p = 0.036 Low-Dose/p = 0.039 High-Dose), and triglycerides (p = 0.012/0.009) after 8 weeks of treatment. The High-Dose Group experienced a greater improvement in HbA1c (−0.26%, p = 0.041) and a mild but statistically significant increase in HDL (p = 0.049). Improvements in oxidative balance were observed with significant reductions in FORT (p = 0.019/0.011), increases in FORD (p = 0.033/0.008), and a favorable shift in the REDOX index (p = 0.012/0.006). Systolic blood pressure decreased by −6.3 mmHg in the Low-Dose Group (p = 0.031) and −7.6 mmHg in the High-Dose Group (p = 0.048), while diastolic pressure dropped by −3.9 mmHg (p = 0.044) and −4.2 mmHg (p = 0.051), respectively. This real-world, retrospective analysis highlights the potential clinical benefit of ToBeRock® in improving glycemic, lipid, oxidative, and hemodynamic profiles. The High-Dose Group demonstrated more consistent and significant results, supporting the dose-responsive efficacy of the bioavailable formulation and the value of pharmacy-based monitoring of nutraceutical interventions.
Authors
- Giancarlo Cravotto (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7574-7350)
- Valentina Citi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9261-8497)
- Alessandro Colletti (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6085-2788)
- Marzia Pellizzato (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8086-4885)
- Alma Martelli (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2090-7107)
- Enzo Luigi Riccardi
Institutions
- University of Pisa (IT)
- Eni (Italy) (IT)
- Italian Society of Physiotherapy (IT)
- University of Turin (IT)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Scientia Pharmaceutica
- Published
- 2025-08-29
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3390/scipharm93030042
- Primary Topic
- Berberine and alkaloids research
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00