1 Examples are morphine and heroin. 2  Worldwide, an estimated 69 000 people die from opioid overdose each year.  There are an estimated 15 million people who suffer from opioid dependence (i.e. an addiction to opioids).
Berberine is a natural alkaloid found in a wide variety of traditional herbs including goldenseal, barberry and Oregon grape. Many herbalists credit this unique alkaloid for the benefits of ancient herbal tonics used by native populations throughout the world.
Effects of berberine in the gastrointestinal tract - a review of actions and therapeutic implications. Berberine is an isoquinoline alkaloid present in several plant species, including Coptis sp. and Berberis sp. In traditional medicine, extracts of berberine are used in the treatment of diarrhea of different origins.