Goldenseal

Hydrastis canadensis

Madeline Russow - Student Pharmacist - Spring 2023

Goldenseal is a plant native to North America. It is historically significant among Native Americans, who used it for purposes such as skin disorders, fevers, and other conditions. It is now a dietary supplement used to treat colds and upper respiratory infections, along with digestive upset.

Also Known As...

Goldenseal is an herb with many other names Including eye balm, goldenroot, ground raspberry, orange root, wild curcuma, yellow Indian paint, and yellow puccoon among others.

Uses

Goldenseal is currently used as a dietary supplement to treat colds, upper respiratory Infections, UTI's, colitis, ulcers, digestive upset, and allergic rhinitis.

Pharmacology

Goldenseal has been found to have therapeutic qualities through interactions of the active constituents with various Cytochrome p450 enzymes. Goldenseal shows inhibitory effects on p450 enzymes, though the complete mechanism of action Is not yet known.

Dosage Forms

Goldenseal is available in a variety of dosage forms including dried root in a capsule or tablet, tea, liquid extract, tincture, mouthwash, and topical ointments.

Dosing

-Dried Root Capsule/Tablet: 0.5-1 g orally three times daily

-Liquid: 0.3-1 mL orally three times daily

-Tincture: 2-4 mL orally 3 times daily (60% ethanol)

-Mouthwash/Topical: Rinse 3-4 times daily

Berberine is the most active component of goldenseal Berberine has shown anti-microbial, antipruritic, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, cardiovascular protective, lipidlowering, and insulin resistance improving actions However, there Is not yet enough clinical data to prove the efficacy of goldenseal in any form of drug