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Goldenseal Herb Extract

Also known as: Goldenseal, Yellow Root, Hydrastis canadensis L.

Overview

Goldenseal is a perennial herb native to eastern North America, traditionally used by Native Americans for treating inflammation of respiratory, digestive, and urinary tracts. The rhizome is the primary source of medicinal extracts. Its main bioactive components are alkaloids, especially berberine, which is responsible for many of its pharmacological effects. Goldenseal is marketed as a dietary supplement for antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, digestive, and immune-support purposes. Despite traditional use, high-quality clinical evidence on whole goldenseal extract is limited, with most clinical data focusing on its major alkaloid constituent, berberine. Safety and efficacy data are still emerging, with some concerns about toxicity and herb-drug interactions.

Benefits

Berberine-containing goldenseal extracts show antimicrobial activity against bacteria and fungi, and anti-inflammatory effects in preclinical studies. Berberine has demonstrated efficacy in reducing diarrhea symptoms, including cholera-induced diarrhea and diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome, in small randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Meta-analyses of berberine (not whole goldenseal) in 28 RCTs (n=2313) showed significant reductions in fasting glucose, postprandial glucose, and HbA1c in diabetic patients, with improved effects when combined with standard diabetes medications, though effects attenuated with treatment beyond 90 days and in older adults. A meta-analysis of 16 studies (n=2417) found berberine significantly lowered total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, and increased HDL cholesterol compared to placebo, though with high heterogeneity and risk of bias. Another meta-analysis of 12 studies (n=1040) reported modest reductions in body weight, BMI, waist circumference, and inflammatory marker C-reactive protein with berberine supplementation. While traditionally used for respiratory and immune support, often combined with Echinacea, no well-designed clinical trials support these uses for goldenseal alone.

How it works

The primary active compound in goldenseal, berberine, exerts its antimicrobial effects by disrupting bacterial cell membranes and inhibiting nucleic acid synthesis. It also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent by modulating inflammatory pathways, including NF-κB signaling. For metabolic regulation, berberine activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which helps improve insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolism. While berberine has low oral bioavailability, it undergoes enterohepatic recycling. Goldenseal alkaloids can also affect cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes, which are crucial for drug metabolism, leading to potential drug interactions.

Side effects

Goldenseal is possibly safe as a single dose, but long-term safety data are insufficient. Common side effects include gastrointestinal upset, though not well quantified. Uncommon or rare side effects such as potential neurotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and phototoxicity have been suggested in some studies, but evidence is limited. Goldenseal and its constituent berberine are known to inhibit CYP enzymes and P-glycoprotein, which can significantly affect the metabolism of many drugs, including dextromethorphan and losartan, potentially increasing their effects and side effects. Goldenseal is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to a lack of safety data. Metabolic benefits of berberine may be attenuated in older adults (over 60 years).

Dosage

There is no standardized dosing for whole goldenseal extract due to a lack of large clinical trials. For berberine, which is the primary active component and often studied independently, clinical studies typically use 500 mg three times daily, totaling 1.5 grams per day, for metabolic effects. It is usually administered with meals to improve tolerability. Extracts standardized to berberine content are preferred for consistency. Berberine has poor bioavailability, so formulations with absorption enhancers may improve efficacy. Specific upper limits and safety thresholds for goldenseal are not well-established.

FAQs

Does goldenseal cure colds?

No strong evidence supports goldenseal alone for the treatment of common colds or other respiratory infections.

Is goldenseal safe for long-term use?

The safety of goldenseal beyond single doses or short-term use is unclear, and caution is advised due to limited long-term safety data.

Can goldenseal mask drug tests?

There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that goldenseal can mask drug tests.

Are there significant drug interactions with goldenseal?

Yes, goldenseal can significantly interact with many medications by affecting drug-metabolizing enzymes. Always consult a healthcare provider before combining it with other drugs.

Research Sources

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32683037/ – This review summarizes the pharmacology and toxicology of goldenseal and its alkaloids, primarily berberine. It highlights antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, metabolic, and neuroprotective effects, noting the lack of large randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for whole goldenseal and potential toxicity concerns. The authors call for more well-designed clinical trials to confirm efficacy and safety.
https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/special-subjects/dietary-supplements/goldenseal – This source summarizes meta-analyses on berberine, a key constituent of goldenseal. It reports that berberine significantly lowers glucose and HbA1c in diabetes, improves lipid profiles, and leads to modest weight loss. It notes limitations such as high heterogeneity and risk of bias in studies, and emphasizes that these findings are for berberine, not necessarily whole goldenseal extract.
https://rex.libraries.wsu.edu/view/pdfCoverPage?instCode=01ALLIANCE_WSU&filePid=13413327070001842&download=true – This study characterized the pharmacokinetic profiles of berberine and hydrastine after goldenseal administration in healthy adults. It demonstrated goldenseal's inhibition of CYP enzymes, specifically affecting midazolam metabolism, indicating a significant potential for herb-drug interactions. This research provides crucial insights into how goldenseal affects drug processing in the body.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7119334/ – This article discusses the traditional uses and modern research on goldenseal, emphasizing its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, largely attributed to berberine. It highlights the historical use for respiratory and digestive issues but points out the limited high-quality clinical evidence for whole goldenseal extract, often relying on studies of its isolated compounds.
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-943/goldenseal – This source provides general information on goldenseal, including its common uses, potential side effects, and drug interactions. It reiterates that while goldenseal has traditional uses, scientific evidence for many of its purported benefits is limited, and it advises caution due to its potential to interact with medications.