4 Botanicals That Support Healthy GLP-1 Function

Obesity and metabolic disorders are on the rise globally. In the U.S., about 75% of adults are overweight or obese. 

Children aren’t spared; over 55% of those aged 2–19 fall into the overweight or obese categories. These trends drive increases in type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, fatty liver, kidney disease, and other serious conditions.

GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, have shown substantial benefits in weight loss and glucose control. 

In this article, we explore four natural herbs that may help support GLP-1 activity and overall metabolic health.

What is GLP-1 and Why Is It Important? 

GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is a hormone secreted by intestinal L-cells after eating. It helps the pancreas release insulin (only when glucose is present), suppresses glucagon, slows gastric emptying, and signals satiety to the brain. 

Because GLP-1 is quickly broken down by enzymes like DPP-4, only a small fraction remains active.

GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs mimic the hormone’s effects but resist degradation. They enhance insulin sensitivity and improve glucose control while helping people feel full, which aids weight loss. 

However, because these drugs carry costs, side effects, and access issues, botanicals that can support endogenous GLP-1 activity are attractive as adjunctive options.

Berberine

Best for: Someone with mild insulin resistance or prediabetes, or someone who struggles to tolerate high-dose pharmaceuticals. Berberine is often used in conjunction with lifestyle measures.

Berberine is a natural alkaloid found in plants like Berberis species. In cell and animal studies, it and its metabolites (e.g., berberrubine, palmatine) boost secretion of GLP-1, increase GLP-1 receptor expression, and limit GLP-1 breakdown. It also supports insulin signaling, liver metabolism, and lipid profiles.

Strengths

• Acts via multiple pathways (GLP-1, AMPK, microbiome)

• Has existing human data showing reductions in fasting glucose, HbA1c, lipids

• Support receptor expression and islet health

Limitations

• Low absorption and bioavailability

• Gastrointestinal discomfort is common (diarrhea, cramping).

• May interact with glucose-lowering drugs, raising hypoglycemia risk

Fenugreek

Best for: Someone who wants a gentle dietary supplement or a fiber-rich botanical to help with post-meal glucose spikes; useful in earlier stages of glucose intolerance.

Fenugreek seeds contain multiple bioactives: N55 (linked to post-meal GLP-1 response), diosgenin, 4-hydroxyisoleucine, and galactomannan (a viscous fiber). These compounds together slow carbohydrate absorption, support insulin release, and may modulate incretin signaling.

Human data (from a meta-analysis of 894 participants) show fenugreek supplementation (0.5 g to 10 g daily over 4 weeks to 6 months) reduces fasting glucose, post-meal glucose, and HbA1c. Though GLP-1 was not always measured, the effects align with incretin-like action.

Strengths

• Multiple active compounds with complementary effects

• Good human evidence for glycemic benefit

• Relatively well tolerated

Limitations

• Some GI discomfort or bloating

• Varying potency in commercial preparations

American Ginseng

Best for: Someone already using glucose-lowering therapy who wants a botanical adjunct, or someone wanting broader metabolic support (insulin, lipid, and inflammation modulation).

American ginseng (Panax quinquefolium) provides ginsenosides and saponins known for systemic metabolic benefits. 

In animals, diabetic rodents given ginseng had lower blood sugar and fat, with higher GLP-1 levels. In human trials (2.7–5 g/day for 4–12 weeks), ginseng improved glucose and insulin metrics, including in combination with standard therapies.

Strengths

• Broad metabolic effects (insulin, lipid, inflammation)

• Some supportive human clinical data

• Potential synergy with conventional treatments

Limitations

• Effects on GLP-1 are indirect or inferred

• May cause insomnia, nervousness, or interact with other medications

• Response variability among individuals

Gymnema

Best for: Someone with mild to moderate type 2 diabetes seeking adjunct botanical support, particularly when wanting support of pancreatic and gut hormone health.

Gymnema (Gymnema sylvestre) has a long history in Ayurvedic medicine. Clinical trials (ten studies, 419 participants) using doses from 400 mg to 10 g over 21 days to 20 months show consistent reductions in fasting glucose, post-meal glucose, and HbA1c. 

In diabetic animal studies, gymnema increased proglucagon gene expression (a precursor for GLP-1) and insulin gene activity, suggesting it may help amplify endogenous GLP-1 production.

Strengths

• Strong traditional use and modern clinical support

• Potential to support both gut hormone and pancreatic gene activity

• Generally safe in moderate doses

Limitations

• Wide dose range in studies, optimal dosing unclear

• Potentiate the effects of other glucose-lowering agents

Safety Precautions and Limitations of GLP-1 Supporting Botanicals

Even though these botanicals may gently support the body’s GLP-1 pathways, they are not stand-alone therapies and should be used thoughtfully. 

Because many of these compounds affect insulin secretion or glucose uptake, combining them with pharmaceuticals can raise the risk of hypoglycemia. Monitoring blood glucose is essential.

Many of these botanicals have absorption and metabolic variability; for example, berberine has notoriously low oral bioavailability, meaning much may never reach the bloodstream. 

Additionally, individual sensitivities can cause mild side effects such as gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, bloating, or interactions with other medications (e.g., blood pressure, anticoagulants).

Always consult a qualified health professional before beginning supplementation, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or managing a chronic disease.

Best Natural Support for Healthy GLP-1 Function

These four botanicals, berberine, fenugreek, American ginseng, and gymnema, offer intriguing, science-backed paths to support the body’s natural GLP-1 system. 

They act via complementary mechanisms: stimulating hormone secretion, preserving cell health, enhancing receptor signaling, and supporting metabolic balance. 

For those wanting help integrating them into a holistic plan, Curated Wellness is a resource that sources high-quality, practitioner-vetted supplements and provides virtual nutrition coaching. 

Top Recommended Botanical Supplements for GLP-1 Support:

GLP-1RAG - Vita Aid Professional Therapeutics

GLP-1RAG is a synergistic combination of herbs known to promote Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor activity. GLP-1 is an incretin that decreases post-prandial blood glucose levels by enhancing the secretion of insulin. GLP-1 is also known to promote satiety and inhibit gastric emptying, acid secretion, and motility in the stomach.

Berberine - Thorne

Berberine is a well-researched botanical that has been tested in numerous clinical studies. It has a long history of use in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese herbal practices, where it is used for a broad number of applications. Thorne’s high-quality berberine products, Berbercap® and Berberine - 1000 mg, have a wide range of health and wellness benefits.

American Ginseng Extract 250mg - Vital Nutrients

American Ginseng can be used to support adrenal gland function and relieve mild stress and frustration.* As an adaptogen, American Ginseng helps the body adapt to stress and supports a healthy immune system during seasonal challenges.* It also encourages mental and physical performance, stamina, and energy production.