Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensisL.)

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensisL.)
Natural Standard Bottom Line Monograph, Copyright © 2009 (www.naturalstandard.com). Commercial distribution prohibited. This monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. You should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

If you have a Natural Standard subscription, login to view the full monograph below:

Related Terms:

Berberine, berberine bisulfate, curcuma, eye balm, eye root, golden root, goldensiegel, goldsiegel, ground raspberry, guldsegl, hydrastis rhizoma, hydrophyllum, Indian dye, Indian paint, Indian plant, Indian turmeric, jaundice root, kanadische gelbwurzel, kurkuma, Ohio curcuma, orange root, Ranunculaceae (family), tumeric root, warnera, wild curcuma, wild turmeric, yellow eye, yellow Indian plant, yellow paint, yellow paint root, yellow puccoon, yellow root, yellow seal, yellow wort.

Note: Goldenseal is sometimes referred to as "Indian turmeric" or "curcuma," but should not be confused with turmeric (Curcuma longa Linn.).

	Goldenseal has been reported as one of the five top-selling herbal products in the United States. However, little scientific evidence regarding its efficacy or toxicity is currently available. It can be found in dietary supplements, eardrops, feminine cleansing products, cold/flu remedies, allergy remedies, laxatives, and digestive aids. Goldenseal is often found in combination with echinacea in treatments for upper respiratory infections, and is suggested to enhance the effects of echinacea; however, the effects when these agents are combined are scientifically unproven. Goldenseal preparations have also been used popularly due to the assertion that detection of illicit drugs in urine may be masked by use of the herb, although data are scant in this area.
	The popularity of goldenseal has led to a higher demand for the herb than cultivation can supply. This high demand has led to the substitution of other isoquinoline alkaloid-containing herbs, including Chinese goldthread (Coptis chinensis Fransch.) and Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium [Pursh] Nutt.), that do not contain exactly the same isoquinoline alkaloids, and consequently may not share the same activity as goldenseal (1).
	Efficacy studies regarding goldenseal are largely limited to one of its main constituents, berberine salts, and there are currently few published clinical studies evaluating the use of goldenseal itself in humans. Due to the small amount of berberine actually available from goldenseal preparations (0.5-6%), it is difficult to extrapolate the available evidence regarding berberine salts to the use of goldenseal. Thus, there is insufficient scientific evidence to support the use of goldenseal in humans for any indication. Recent promising evidence suggests possible benefits in patients with chronic heart failure; however, additional high-quality clinical study is needed in this area.
	Content available for subscribers only.

The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

Content available for subscribers only.

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

Content available for subscribers only.

The information in this monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and is meant to help users better understand health concerns. Information is based on review of scientific research data, historical practice patterns, and clinical experience. This information should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Users should consult with a qualified healthcare provider for specific questions regarding therapies, diagnosis and/or health conditions, prior to making therapeutic decisions.