* Please Note: Traditional Use information is provided as a courtesy only. Although we have done our best to review the validity of these uses and we continue to revise this information as new data emerges, the traditional uses indicated on this page for this product may be wrong. This information is based on Traditional and Folklore Medicine which uses natural materials to support health. This information has not been evaluated or approved by the FDA and is not necessarily based on scientific evidence from any source. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor.
Other Names: Hydrastis (French); Kanadische Gelbwurzel (German); sigillo d'oro (Italian).
Description: Goldenseal is a perennial herb with a few stems bearing only one to three leaves that emerge every year from a creeping rhizome below the ground. The large, soft leaves are deeply divided into five segments and have toothed margins. Inconspicuous, solitary green and white flowers are produced above the leaves. They soon develop into a small, red, inedible, raspberry-like fruit.
Origin: North America (southern Canada and the USA). The plants are mainly wild-harvested in nature and there is some concern about the conservation status of the plant.
Parts Used: Dried rhizome and root (Hydrastis rhizoma).
Uses and Properties: Goldenseal is mainly used as a haemostatic to stop bleeding (e.g. after birth) and is employed as a substitute for ergot alkaloids. It is also taken as an antibacterial remedy to stop diarrhoea, and as a bitter tonic, digestive stimulant, mild laxative, antihaemorrhagic and general medicine for numerous other complaints. It is externally used to treat stomatitis.
Active Ingredients: The main active ingredients are isoquinoline alkaloids: hydrastine (1.5-4% of dry weight of the root) and berberine (up to 6%), canadine (1%) and some other minor compounds.
Pharmacological Effects: Most of the activity of the drug is ascribed to the alkaloids - hydrastine and berberine. They possess a large number of pharmacological activities, including the inhibition of several receptors arid enzymes. The antimicrobial effects of berberine and hydrastine (which are mainly caused by DNA intercalation) explain the main use of goldenseal as antidiarrrhoeal medicine and its use in eye drops.
Notes: It has been suggested that, in the interest of conservation, barberry (Berberis vulgaris) and Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium) should be investigated as sustainable natural sources of berberine rather than Hydrastis. Since the alkaloids modulate receptors in the uterus, this drug should not be taken during pregnancy.
Status: Traditional medicine.
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Directions
Take 2-3 capsules, 3 times daily.
Ingredients
Goldenseal Root (Hydrastis canadensis) - 450 mg
Cautions
Avoid use during pregnancy. Those with ragweed allergies should use sparingly.
Additional Information
Herb-Xtra is committed to the manufacture of high quality, standardized and guaranteed natural health products and supplements.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor. The essence of the current American rule on Traditional Uses is, as stated by FTC, "Claims based on historical or traditional use should be substantiated by confirming scientific evidence, or should be presented in such a way that consumers understand that the sole basis for the claim is a history of use of the product for a particular purpose."
