Goldenseal

Goldenseal is a perennial herb Hydrastis canadensis native to North America. The dried rhizomes/roots of goldenseal have been used as traditional medicine by indigenous Americans for conditions including fevers, ulcers, and skin disorders.

Goldenseal is now a popular herbal supplement in the U.S., used to treat the common cold, respiratory infections, and other conditions. It is often used in combination with echinacea.

Goldenseal is available in various forms such as liquid extracts, tablets, capsules, and dried, powdered, or whole root for brewing tea. It contains berberine, a compound with potential antimicrobial properties. However, no human clinical trials have confirmed its effects.

A rumor claims that goldenseal can help block positive drug tests, but several studies have shown that it does not alter test results. There is no scientific evidence supporting its claimed benefits and uses. Wild goldenseal is now endangered, and commercial cultivation is practiced in the U.S. Some suggested uses of goldenseal include treatment for the following conditions:

• Common cold
• Respiratory infections
• Hay fever (allergic rhinitis)
• Eye inflammation (conjunctivitis)
• Gas (flatulence)
• Diarrhea
• Ulcers
• Gastrointestinal inflammation (gastritis/colitis)
• Sore mouth and gums
• Painful menstruation (dysmenorrhea)
• Excessive menstruation (menorrhagia)
• Skin disorders such as rashes, eczema, and acne
• Ringworm infections
• Urinary tract infection
• Urine drug tests

Warnings

• Avoid goldenseal if hypersensitive to any of its components.
• Avoid goldenseal if you have any of the following conditions: high bilirubin levels (hyperbilirubinemia), infectious gastrointestinal (GI) conditions, inflammatory GI conditions, antihypertensive drugs, antidiabetic drugs (metformin), drugs metabolized by the liver enzyme CYP3A4, and sedative agents.

Side Effects

Common side effects of goldenseal include constipation, digestive disorders, mucous membrane irritation, excitability, hallucinations, delirium, and brain damage from high bilirubin levels in infants (kernicterus).

Overdose of goldenseal may lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, nervousness, depression, low blood pressure, slow heart rate, cardiac damage, shortness of breath, respiratory failure, spasms, seizures, paralysis, and death.

Seek immediate medical help if you experience serious side effects or symptoms such as fast or pounding heartbeats, confusion, slurred speech, severe weakness, vomiting, loss of coordination, blurred vision, or tunnel vision.

This is not a complete list of all side effects or adverse reactions. Contact your doctor or report to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 for medical advice or to report side effects.

QUESTION

Goldenseal Dosages

There is insufficient reliable information on appropriate goldenseal doses.

Dried Root/Rhizome/Tea

• 0.5-1 g orally three times daily

Liquid Extract

• 0.3-1.0 ml orally three times daily; 1:1, 60% ethanol

Tincture

• 2-4 ml orally three times daily; 1:10, 60% ethanol

Mouthwash, Topical

• Rinse three to four times daily; with 6 g dried herb/150 ml water

Overdose

• Goldenseal overdose can cause nausea, vomiting, nervousness, depression, low blood pressure, cardiac damage, shortness of breath, respiratory failure, spasms, seizures, paralysis, and death.
• Treatment for overdose may involve symptomatic and supportive care.

Drug Interactions

Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking to check for possible interactions. Do not start, stop, or change dosage without your doctor’s recommendation.

• Goldenseal has no known severe or serious interactions with other drugs.
• Moderate interactions of goldenseal include digoxin, cyclosporine, tetracycline, losartan, tacrolimus, anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs, medications metabolized by the liver, antidiabetic drugs, antihypertensive drugs, CNS suppressants, and oseltamivir.

The above drug interactions are not exhaustive. Visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker for more information.

Always inform your doctor or healthcare provider about all medications you use, including dosage, and keep a list. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or healthcare provider.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

• Avoid goldenseal if pregnant or breastfeeding, as it can harm the fetus and the breastfed baby.
• Consult your healthcare provider before taking any herbal supplement, including goldenseal, if pregnant or breastfeeding.

Additional Information

• Goldenseal is generally safe for most adults when taken orally or used topically.
• Check with your healthcare provider before using any supplement, including goldenseal.
• Follow label instructions for goldenseal use.
• Check the components of the goldenseal product you choose, as herbal products often contain multiple ingredients.
• Exercise caution when selecting a goldenseal product, as they may differ in formulations and strengths, and labels may not always match contents.
• Keep goldenseal out of reach of children.
• In case of overdose, seek immediate medical help or contact Poison Control.

Summary

Goldenseal is an herbal supplement used for the common cold, respiratory infections, and other conditions. Common side effects include constipation, digestive disorders, mucous membrane irritation, excitability, hallucinations, delirium, and brain damage in infants. Do not use goldenseal if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.