Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsUsesSide EffectsPrecautionsDosageToxicityInteractionsStorageSimilar SupplementsSources
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Uses
Side Effects
Precautions
Dosage
Toxicity
Interactions
Storage
Similar Supplements
Sources
Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) is a perennial herb that’s commonly used to treat conditions such as the common cold, canker sores, and even diabetes. However, there is little scientific evidence and more research is needed.
Goldenseal is native to eastern North Americaand contains a complex mixture of substances and chemicals, such asberberine.In particular, berberine might be effective for several uses, such as relieving canker sore symptoms.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. Whenchoosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak
Uses of Goldenseal
There is currently limited research to support goldenseal for any health benefits.But like many natural products, people may use goldenseal for various reasons.
Which Natural Antibiotics Are the Most Effective?
The Common Cold
A few studies have found that berberine may have activity against the viruses that cause the common cold, though more research is needed.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes upper respiratory infections and can also cause dangerous lower respiratory tract infections, especially in high-risk groups such as infants and immunocompromised people.
A 2015 study found that berberine had “significant antiviral activity” against RSV, though it is important to note that this was an in vitro study, meaning it was done in a laboratory setting and did not involve live subjects. It’s unknown whether berberine would have the same effect against RSV inside a human body.
Urinary Tract Infections
Some studies have found that goldenseal may be an effective way to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs). Berberine, along with alkaloids present in the rhizome and roots of the plant, may prevent bacteria from adhering to the walls of the bladder.
Canker Sores
Some people use goldenseal forcanker sores(ulcers in the mouth). According to the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the berberine in goldenseal might relieve canker sore symptoms.
A 2018 review of studies concluded that topical berberine could help relieve canker sore symptoms, though the authors noted that larger, well-designed studies are needed.
So, while there are studies on berberine, these results might not apply to goldenseal.Well-designed studies in humans are necessary to better evaluate goldenseal’s effects on canker sores.
Diabetes
Goldenseal is sometimes used fordiabetes. The berberine in goldenseal may slightly lower blood glucose (sugar) in people with this condition.
In fact, a review including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) suggested that berberine may reduce blood sugar levels in multiple ways—like blocking glucose absorption from your intestines. Berberine may encourage your pancreas to secrete more of a naturally-occurring hormone calledinsulin. And berberine may make your muscle and fat cells more sensitive to insulin’s effects, decreasing sugar levels.
For this reason, results from berberine studies may not apply to goldenseal.High-quality studies in humans are needed to better assess goldenseal’s effects on blood sugar.
Immune System Support
As a supplement, goldenseal is sometimes used to boost immunity. It is commonly combined with echinacea for the prevention of the common cold and other viral illnesses. However, there hasn’t been any good scientific evidence to support this use.
Hyperuricemia
A 2019 study looked at the use of goldenseal powder in women with elevated uric acid levels (hyperuricemia).Elevated uric acid levels are associated with a type of arthritis called gout, where uric acid crystals accumulate in the joints.
One study group took 5 mg of goldenseal powder per kg of body weight daily for eight weeks. A second ground took 10 mg of goldenseal powder per kg of body weight daily for eight weeks. A control group received no goldenseal powder.
At the end of the treatment period, both groups receiving the goldenseal had reduced serum uric acid levels, but the group taking 10 mg showed a greater reduction in uric acid levels. The control group had slightly increased uric acid levels.
Drug Testing
Despite its reputation as an agent that can mask illegal drugs in urine, goldenseal doesn’t seem to work with today’s lab methods.
Supplement FactsActive ingredients (s): BerberineAlternative name(s): Goldenseal,Hydrastis canadensis(H. canadensis), Goldenroot, Eye root, Tumeric root, Yellow paint rootLegal status: Legal in most states (United States)Suggested dose: Varies based on dosage form and medical conditionSafety considerations: May be unsafe during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and in children; interactions with some prescription medications, herbs, plant-based medicines,and supplements
Supplement Facts
Active ingredients (s): BerberineAlternative name(s): Goldenseal,Hydrastis canadensis(H. canadensis), Goldenroot, Eye root, Tumeric root, Yellow paint rootLegal status: Legal in most states (United States)Suggested dose: Varies based on dosage form and medical conditionSafety considerations: May be unsafe during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and in children; interactions with some prescription medications, herbs, plant-based medicines,and supplements
What Are the Side Effects of Goldenseal?
Like many medications and natural products, side effects are possible with goldenseal.
Common Side Effects
Severe Side Effects
Serious side effects may include:
If you’re having a severe allergic reaction or if any of your symptoms feel life-threatening, call 911 and get medical help right away.
Goldenseal may pose risks in the following situations:
Dosage: How Much Goldenseal Should I Take?
Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking a supplement to ensure that the supplement and dosage are appropriate for your needs.
There are very few studies on goldenseal.For this reason, there are no guidelines on the appropriate dosage to take goldenseal for any condition.
What Happens if I Take Too Much Goldenseal?
With very few available studies, there is little information about goldenseal toxicity and overdoses in humans.You should not take goldenseal every day for extended periods of time. Instead, you should take it for short periods of time and only at the recommended dose.
Overdoses of goldenseal might produce similar symptoms as its common or severe side effects, but at an exaggerated level. If you suspect you’re experiencing life-threatening side effects, seek immediate medical attention.
Before taking any supplement, tell your healthcare provider and pharmacist about any medication changes.This includes over-the-counter (OTC), herbal, natural medications, and supplements.
Use caution when taking goldenseal with the following:
If you take any of these medicines, talk to your healthcare provider. They’ll monitor you for side effects and effectiveness issues and might adjust your medications.
It is essential to carefully read a supplement’s ingredient list and nutrition facts panel to know which ingredients and how much of each ingredient is included. Please review this supplement label with your healthcare provider to discuss potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications.
How to Store Goldenseal
Since storage instructions may vary for different natural products, carefully read the directions and packaging label on the container. But in general, keep your medications tightly closed and out of the reach of children and pets, ideally locked and in a cool, dry place such as a cabinet or closet.
Discard after one year or as indicated on the packaging. Avoid putting unused and expired medicines down the drain or in the toilet. Visit theFDA’s websiteto determine how to discard all unused and expired medicines. You can also finddisposal boxesin your area.Ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider if you have any questions about how to dispose of your medications or supplements.
Potential uses of goldenseal may include treating canker sores (ulcers in the mouth) and diabetes. Potentially similar supplements may include the following:
Don’t combine multiple natural products until you first talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist. They can help prevent possible interactions and side effects. They can also ensure you’re giving these supplements a fair trial at appropriate doses.
Sources of Goldenseal and What to Look For
There are several different sources of goldenseal.
Food Sources of Goldenseal
Goldenseal leaf is preferred for tea since it’s less bitter than the root. However, the leaf contains lower levels of active components, so goldenseal tea may not be as effective as a supplement made from root powder.
Goldenseal Supplements
Goldenseal supplements are available in various forms, including capsules and tablets. If you have difficulties swallowing pills, goldenseal might also be available in other dosage forms, which may include:
There may also be vegan and vegetarian options.Your specific product will depend on your preference and what you hope to achieve in terms of effects. Each product may work a bit differently, depending on the form. Thus, following your healthcare provider’s recommendations or label directions is essential.
A National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) study found that goldenseal supplement products contain very little goldenseal. Instead, these products contain other ingredients not listed on the label.
Summary
Goldenseal is an herb native to the United States. Similar to many natural products, people may use goldenseal for various reasons. But with very few studies on goldenseal, there isn’t enough data to currently support goldenseal for any use.
Goldenseal contains a complex mix of substances and chemicals, such as berberine. And while there are more studies on berberine, they may not always apply to goldenseal. Like many medications and natural products, it’s possible to have side effects and medication interactions with goldenseal.
Well-designed and long-term clinical trials are necessary to better assess goldenseal’s effectiveness and safety. Before taking goldenseal, contact your pharmacist or healthcare provider to help you safely achieve your health goals.
15 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Burkhart EP, Zuiderveen GH.Wild goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) rhizome/root alkaloid content in relation to colony and harvest stage.J Herbs Spices Med Plants. 2019;25(2):128-40. doi:10.1080/10496475.2019.1577322
Mandal SK, Maji AK, Mishra SK, et al.Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis L.) and its active constituents: a critical review of their efficacy and toxicological issues.Pharmacol Res. 2020;160:105085. doi:10.1016/j.phrs.2020.105085
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Fazly Bazzaz BS, Darvishi Fork S, Ahmadi R, Khameneh B.Deep insights into urinary tract infections and effective natural remedies.Afr J Urol. 2021;27(1):1-3. doi:10.1186/s12301-020-00111-z
Heydarpour F, Abasabadi M, Shahpiri Z, Vaziri S, Nazari HA, Najafi F, Mirzaei M, Farzaei MH.Medicinal plant and their bioactive phytochemicals in the treatment of recurrent aphthous ulcers: A review of clinical trials.Pharmacogn Rev. 2018;12(23). doi:10.4103/phrev.phrev_37_17
Pang B, Zhao LH, Zhao Q, et al.Application of berberine on treating type 2 diabetes mellitus.Int J Endocrinol. 2015;2015:905749. doi:10.1155%2F2015%2F905749
Mustafai MM, Saeed A, Kanwal F, et al.Therapeutic potential and biological investigation of golden seal root (Hydrastis canadensis L.) powder for the management of hyperuricemia.Pak J Pharm Sci. 2023;36. doi:10.36721/PJPS.2023.36.1.SP.307-310.1
Mount Sinai.Goldenseal.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.What are jaundice and kernicterus?
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