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Golden Seal

Also known as: Goldenseal, Yellowroot, Orange Root, Hydrastis canadensis

Overview

Goldenseal (*Hydrastis canadensis*) is a perennial herb native to North America, historically valued for its medicinal properties. The rhizome of the plant contains bioactive alkaloids, primarily berberine, hydrastine, and canadine, which are believed to contribute to its therapeutic effects. Traditionally, goldenseal has been used to treat infections, digestive issues, and as a natural dye. Modern applications include dietary supplements marketed for colds, respiratory infections, and ulcers. However, it's important to note that the available evidence supporting these uses is limited, with most research based on traditional applications and in vitro studies. The quality of evidence is generally low due to the lack of rigorous clinical trials. Goldenseal is available in various forms, including capsules, teas, and extracts.

Benefits

The primary purported benefits of goldenseal are its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, largely attributed to the berberine content. While berberine has shown potential cardiovascular benefits in some studies, direct evidence for goldenseal itself is limited. Some research suggests potential benefits for gastrointestinal health and infections, but this evidence is largely anecdotal. Berberine has demonstrated hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic, and antioxidant effects in some studies, but these findings require further clinical validation specifically for goldenseal. Due to the limited number of robust clinical trials, the effect sizes and clinical significance of goldenseal's benefits are not well quantified. More research is needed to confirm these benefits and determine the specific conditions and populations that may benefit most.

How it works

Goldenseal's mechanism of action is primarily attributed to its bioactive alkaloids, particularly berberine. Berberine is known to modulate the immune response and may interact with cytochrome P450 enzymes, potentially affecting drug metabolism. It interacts with various molecular targets, including AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Goldenseal may influence the gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and immune systems. However, berberine from goldenseal has poor bioavailability when taken orally, which may limit its systemic effects. Further research is needed to fully elucidate the specific mechanisms of action of goldenseal and its individual components.

Side effects

Goldenseal is generally considered safe for short-term use in healthy adults, but long-term safety is not well-established. Common side effects include gastrointestinal upset. Uncommon side effects may include phototoxicity and neurotoxicity. Rare side effects, such as hepatotoxicity, have been suggested in animal studies. Goldenseal may interact with medications like metformin and cyclosporine by affecting their metabolism. It is contraindicated in pregnancy, breastfeeding, and infants due to potential risks associated with berberine. Caution is advised for individuals with diabetes or those taking medications metabolized by CYP enzymes. Due to potential drug interactions and contraindications, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before using goldenseal, especially if taking other medications or having pre-existing health conditions.

Dosage

Due to limited research, the minimum effective dose of goldenseal is not well established. Typical dosage recommendations range from 500-1000 mg per day, although the efficacy and safety of these doses have not been thoroughly studied. The maximum safe dose is not clearly defined. There are no specific timing recommendations for goldenseal administration. It is commonly available in capsules or teas. The bioavailability of berberine from goldenseal may be enhanced with certain formulations or co-administration with other substances. There are no established required cofactors for goldenseal supplementation. Given the potential for side effects and drug interactions, it is important to adhere to recommended dosages and consult with a healthcare provider before use.

FAQs

Is goldenseal safe to take with other medications?

Goldenseal may interact with several medications, including metformin and cyclosporine, by affecting their metabolism. Consult with a healthcare provider before using goldenseal if you are taking any other medications.

Can I use goldenseal during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

No, goldenseal is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to potential risks associated with berberine, which can be harmful to the developing fetus or infant.

What are the expected results from taking goldenseal?

Due to limited clinical evidence, the expected results from taking goldenseal are unclear. While it is traditionally used for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, more research is needed to confirm its efficacy.

Does goldenseal help with colds?

Goldenseal is sometimes used for colds due to its purported antimicrobial properties. However, there is limited high-quality evidence to support this use, and its effectiveness remains uncertain.

Research Sources

https://publications.iarc.fr/_publications/media/download/6703/f6ab6f33c673f0c0c896c684b06189b1c9b0ac57.pdf – This report from the National Toxicology Program (NTP) details an animal carcinogenicity study on goldenseal root powder. The study found that goldenseal increased the incidence of liver tumors in male mice and rats, suggesting potential hepatotoxic effects, which raises concerns about its long-term safety.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32683037/ – This meta-analysis evaluates the effects of berberine on lipid profiles in patients with hyperlipidemia. The findings indicate that berberine significantly lowered total and LDL cholesterol levels, suggesting a potential benefit for cardiovascular health, although this does not directly translate to goldenseal due to berberine's poor bioavailability.
https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/goldenseal – This resource from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) provides a general overview of goldenseal. It discusses its uses, potential side effects, and the need for more research to confirm its efficacy and safety, highlighting the limited scientific evidence supporting many of its traditional uses.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30000926/ – This study investigates the interaction between goldenseal and metformin, a common diabetes medication. The results indicate that goldenseal can decrease metformin levels by approximately 25%, which could potentially affect glucose control in patients with diabetes, emphasizing the importance of considering drug interactions.
https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/special-subjects/dietary-supplements/goldenseal – This entry from the Merck Manuals provides a professional overview of goldenseal as a dietary supplement. It outlines its traditional uses, potential benefits, and known side effects, while also cautioning about the limited scientific evidence and the need for further research to validate its efficacy.