Summary

Goldenseal grows in eastern North America. The First Nations people taught the European settlers the medicinal benefits of goldenseal. The rhizome is rich in isoquinoline alkaloids (hydrastine, berberine) that function as broad-acting antimicrobials and other phytochemicals that work synergistically to decrease drug resistance. Research supports it possess antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and antiparasitic activity.

The tannin content of the root imparts a mild astringency. Early herbalists call it the “King of the Mucous Membranes” because it benefits inflammation and infections of the gastrointestinal, urinary and respiratory. The bitter alkaloids increase the secretions of the digestive tract and bile flow to improve appetite, relieve indigestion and promote bowel movements. At higher doses, it exerts antimotility effects making it a useful remedy for diarrhea and colitis. Also, goldenseal treats sinusitis, tonsillitis and other respiratory infections. Before the advent of antibiotics, it was an essential treatment for sexually transmitted infections, like gonorrhea and chlamydia, and other afflictions of the genital-urinal system.

No clinical trials have been published using goldenseal.

Indications

One of the most useful antimicrobials and mucous membrane tonics.

Infection
• general infection (bacterial, parasitic, fungal)
• infections of the alimentary tract
• gastric ulcer (H. Pylori)†
• thrush
• infectious diarrhea (dysentery, cholera)
• irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• diverticulitis
• infections of the respiratory system
• sinusitis
• tonsillitis
• colds
• Strep throat
• influensa
• bronchitis
• pneumonia
• infections of the reproductive system
• bacterial vaginosis (Gardnerella, Trichomoniasis)
• candidiasis
• skin infections (topical application)
- dermatophytes (tinea)
- Leishmaniasis
• infections of the eye
- conjunctivitis
- trachoma

Gastrointestinal
• atonic digestive complaints
• dyspepsia
• hypochlorhydria
• pancreatic insufficiency
• colic
• gastric esophageal reflux disease (GERD)†
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Hepatobiliary
• biliary insufficiency
• cholestasis
• cholelithiasis (gallstones)
• jaundice
• biliary dyskinesia

Dermatologic
• chronic skin conditions
• hives
• eczema
• acne

Cancer
• various cancers (adjunctive therapy )

Actions

• Antimicrobial
• Antibacterial
• Antifungal
• Antiparasitic
• Antileishmanial
• MDR Pump Inhibitor
• Bitter
• Stomachic
• Hepatic
• Cholagogue
• Choleretic
• Alterative
• Antispasmodic
• Antiinflammatory
• Laxative (Mild)
• Emmenagogue
• Oxytocic

Constituents

• Isoquinoline Alkaloids (E.g. Hydrastine, Berberine )

Posology

• Tincture (1:5 in 60% EtOH): 1-4 ml tid
• Liquid extract (1:1 in 60% EtOH): 0.3-1 ml tid
• Infusion (dried root): 1/2-1 tsp tid

Safety

Contraindications: Pregnancy and lactation (uterine stimulant). Berberine is considered teratogenic.

Caution: Hypertension, gastritis, peptic ulcers.

Hypertension: Caution use due to hypertensive and hypotensive effects; monitor BP regularly.

†Gastritis, peptic ulcers: Stimulation of gastric secretions can irritate inflamed mucous membranes; concomitant ingestion of demulcent herbs can help prevent aggravation.

Interactions

• MDR pump inhibitors • contains a flavolignin that inhibits multi-drug resistance pumps, which are responsible for making bacteria resistant to certain antibiotics and cancer resistant to specific chemotherapeutic agents. Therefore it may be a good adjunctive herb to prevent and/or overcome drug resistance.

• Barbiturate • may potentiate their effects.

References

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Barnes J, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines, 3rd ed. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 2007.

Bone K. Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 2000.

Bone K. A Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs: Herbal Formulations for the Individual Patient. St Louis, MO: Churchill Livingstone, 2003.

Brinker F. The Toxicology of Botanical Medicines, 3rd ed. Sandy, Oregon: Eclectic Medical Publications, 2000.

Felter HW, Lloyd JU. King's American Dispensatory. 1898. http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/eclectic/kings/main.html. Accessed: August 19, 2006.

Hoffman D. Medical Herbalism. Rochester, Vermont: Healing Arts Press, 2003.

Weiss RF. Herbal Medicine. Beaconsfield, England: Beaconsfield Publishers Ltd, 1988.

Williamson EM, ed. Major Herbs of Ayurveda. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 2002