European Goldenrod Aerial Parts Extract
Also known as: European Goldenrod, Woundwort, Solidago virgaurea
Overview
European Goldenrod aerial parts extract is derived from the above-ground parts of *Solidago virgaurea*, a plant traditionally used in European folk medicine. It is primarily recognized for its potential benefits in urinary tract health, as well as its anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and spasmolytic properties. The extract contains key chemical constituents such as flavonoids (including quercetin and kaempferol derivatives), terpenes, and saponins (virgaureasaponins and solidagosaponins), which are believed to contribute to its pharmacological effects. While extensive non-clinical studies (in vitro and animal) have explored its properties, clinical evidence specifically for the isolated extract is limited. Much of the human research involves multi-herb formulations, making it challenging to attribute effects solely to European Goldenrod. Despite this, it remains a popular herbal supplement, with ongoing research aiming to further elucidate its mechanisms and clinical efficacy.
Benefits
European Goldenrod aerial parts extract exhibits several potential benefits, primarily supported by preclinical research. Its most notable effect is its anti-inflammatory property, with animal studies showing significant reductions in inflammation and swelling, particularly when used in herbal blends. For instance, some studies have reported up to a 60% reduction in tissue swelling in rodents. It is also traditionally used for urinary tract support, acting as a diuretic and potentially inhibiting the growth of urinary calculi, as suggested by animal studies. Beyond these primary effects, *Solidago virgaurea* extract has demonstrated antimicrobial activity against pathogens like *Candida albicans* in in vitro settings, where it inhibits fungal adherence and hyphal formation. Furthermore, some research indicates potential antitumor and cytotoxic effects of its saponin components in animal tumor models. While these findings are promising, human evidence for goldenrod alone is limited. A review of 11 human studies on a multi-herb product containing goldenrod found effects comparable to aspirin for arthritis pain, but the specific contribution of goldenrod was unclear. Effect sizes are mainly quantified in animal models, and human effect sizes for goldenrod alone are not well established.
How it works
The anti-inflammatory effects of European Goldenrod are primarily attributed to its flavonoid content, such as quercetin and kaempferol, which possess antioxidant properties. These compounds are thought to modulate inflammatory pathways. The saponins present in the extract, including virgaureasaponins and solidagosaponins, may contribute to its immunomodulatory effects, potentially by influencing immune responses like TNF-alpha release, and have also shown cytotoxicity against tumor cells in preclinical models. Its antimicrobial action, particularly against *Candida albicans*, involves the inhibition of fungal adherence and hyphal formation, preventing the pathogen from establishing itself. While the exact bioavailability of all active compounds is not fully characterized, extracts are typically prepared using ethanol/water mixtures to concentrate these beneficial constituents, allowing for their absorption and interaction with various biological systems.
Side effects
European Goldenrod aerial parts extract is generally considered safe when used at traditional doses, with no significant drug-related side effects widely reported in the reviewed literature. However, due to the limited number of high-quality clinical trials focusing solely on *Solidago virgaurea* extract, common side effects are not well documented. There are no major drug interactions or contraindications that have been definitively identified in the available research. Despite its favorable safety profile in traditional use and animal studies, there is insufficient data regarding its safety for special populations, such as pregnant or lactating individuals, and children. Therefore, caution is advised for these groups, and consultation with a healthcare professional is recommended before use. While no severe adverse effects have been reported, as with any herbal supplement, individual sensitivities or allergic reactions are possible, though rare.
Dosage
There is currently no standardized dosing established for European Goldenrod aerial parts extract based on robust clinical trials. Most human studies have involved multi-herb products, making it difficult to define goldenrod-specific dosing guidelines. In animal studies, doses such as 25 mg/kg of leiocarposide (a component of goldenrod) administered orally for six weeks have been used to observe effects. For human consumption, extracts are often prepared as water/ethanol concentrates, with their strength sometimes titrated to specific active compounds like saponins and flavonol glycosides. Without clear clinical data, users typically rely on traditional usage patterns or manufacturer recommendations, which can vary widely. Due to the lack of established upper limits or safety thresholds from clinical research, it is advisable to start with lower doses and consult with a healthcare professional, especially when considering long-term use or higher concentrations.
FAQs
Is goldenrod effective alone for inflammation?
Current human evidence is insufficient to confirm the effectiveness of goldenrod alone for inflammation. While benefits have been observed in multi-herb blends, it's unclear if these effects translate to goldenrod by itself.
Is European Goldenrod extract safe to use?
European Goldenrod appears safe in traditional use and animal studies, with no major adverse effects reported. However, human safety data are limited, especially for specific populations like pregnant women or children.
How long does it take to see effects from European Goldenrod?
Animal studies suggest effects may be observed after weeks of administration. However, human data on the duration needed to see effects from European Goldenrod extract are currently lacking.
Does European Goldenrod help with urinary tract infections?
It is traditionally used for urinary conditions. Some in vitro and animal studies show antimicrobial and diuretic effects, suggesting potential benefits for urinary tract health, but clinical evidence for UTIs is limited.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7761148/ – This systematic review summarizes the pharmacological activities of Solidago virgaurea, including its anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and antimicrobial effects, primarily based on non-clinical studies. It highlights the need for more robust clinical trials to confirm these findings in humans, noting the current lack of extensive human RCTs.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7235725/ – This in vitro study demonstrated that *Solidago virgaurea* extract effectively inhibits the adherence and hyphal formation of *Candida albicans*. While providing high-quality evidence for its antimicrobial properties in a lab setting, the study acknowledges the need for further research to confirm these effects clinically.
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/goldenrod – This source references a systematic review of 11 human studies on Phytodolor, a multi-herb product containing goldenrod, aspen, and ash. It found the herbal blend to be as effective as aspirin for arthritis pain, but it emphasizes that the specific contribution of goldenrod alone to these effects remains unclear due to the multi-ingredient nature of the product.
- https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Goldenrod-%E2%80%93-a-classical-exponent-in-the-urological-Melzig/6d388e832c759a824000695ab8dcbed078b273b8 – This review and animal study compilation reports on the immunomodulatory and antitumoral effects of saponins found in goldenrod, observed in animal tumor models. It also discusses the antifungal activity of these saponins, providing mechanistic insights but noting the data is primarily from animal and in vitro studies, lacking human RCTs.