Goldenseal
Goldenseal received worldwide recognition after several studies reported enough scientific evidence to support its use.
Usage
Goldenseal is often combined with echinacea in over-the-counter herbal cold and flu remedies.
Antibacterial and Cold
Some studies shows that can help with upper respiratory tract infections and common cold.
Urinary tract
It’s helpful for urinary tract infections (UTIs) and yeast infections.
Detoxing
It may help eliminating toxins from body through urine and sweat.
Acne and psoriasis
One of the main active compounds in goldenseal, may help with acne and psoriasis.
Ancient Herbal Therapy
The golden seal, also known as Canadian barberry, is one of the highly ranked medicinal plants that has been used since ancient times before medicine proved its health benefits.
This plant has been used for years by the Native Americans, who acknowledged its anti-viral properties.
They used it for topical application: as a treatment for skin and mucous membrane infections, inflammations, and irritations, as well as other respiratory, digestive, and urinary tract diseases.
In more recent years, it is speculated that goldenseal makes the perfect ally in fighting insomnia, anxiety, and mild nervousness.
How to add goldenseal tea to your diet?
Clinicians strongly advise against the use of goldenseal in combination with most over-the-counter and prescription medications.
Make a Tea
Tea has a distinct aroma and a slightly bitter taste.
Supplement
The extract comes in the form of a liquid extract, capsule, and powder.
The most interesting part of the plant is its raspberry-like fruit and golden-yellowish roots, which are used for obtaining the extract.
Goldenseal has been attributed to many health benefits, primarily by Native Americans.
Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) is a herbaceous plant belonging to the buttercup family.
Goldenseal is a plant native to North America.
About
Goldenseal is a slow-growing plant and roots are harvested several years after the development phase. The extract is used today for relieving symptoms of cold, sore throat as well as treating a variety of other illnesses such as ulcer, various eye irritation, and indigestion issues. It can be found in the wild on rich, shady soil in the northern United States, but is now mostly grown on farms.
Composition
The bioactivity of goldenseal is mainly due to berberine: a phytogenous alkaloid that has been reported for a wide range of biological activity profiles including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, neuroprotective (Huntington's disease and Alzheimer's disease), antidiarrheal, antidiabetic, and protective against diabetic complications. Goldenseal is a very popular dietary supplement in the US, especially when combined with echinacea for preventing colds.
The bioactivity of goldenseal is a result of phytochemical constituents, primarily berberine, hydrastine, and canadine. In a mouse model, berberine was capable of inducing a desirable reaction in the allergic response mechanism.
Science
Studies have confirmed the antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties of goldenseal. The mechanism of such activities is complex, involving multiple enzymes and signaling pathways. Therefore, each of the conclusions should be considered preliminary... Berberine has proven activity against various endoparasites, such as tapeworm, viruses, and candida infection. Berberine is also convenient for stimulating the immune system. It has also been confirmed that in terms of mode of action, there are similarities between goldenseal and echinacea. However, in order to confirm the clinical efficiency of goldenseal extract, more extensive studies, and human trials are necessary for the future.
Safety
Unfortunately, the goldenseal can have numerous side effects, including nausea, anxiety, dyspepsia, uterine contractions, jaundice in the newborn, and worsening hypertension. In large quantities, it can cause convulsions and respiratory failure and affect heart contractility. Pregnant women, nursing mothers, newborns and children, and people with convulsions or blood clotting problems should avoid it completely. Berberine may weaken the anticoagulant effect of heparin.
It has been shown to inhibit certain enzymes, which are responsible for the metabolism of more than one-half of currently used pharmaceutical agents. Clinicians strongly advise against the use of goldenseal in combination with most over-the-counter and prescription medications.
Clinicians strongly advise against the use of goldenseal in combination with most over-the-counter and prescription medications.
Fun Facts
There is an urban myth that goldenseal will mask illegal substances in the urine.
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Young, L. S., Bye, R., Scheltinga, M., Ziegler, T. R., Jacobs, D. O., & Wilmore, D. W. (2007). GOLDENSEAL (HYDRASTIS CANADENSIS). The Health Professional's Guide to Dietary Supplements, 256.
Weber, H. A., Zart, M. K., Hodges, A. E., Molloy, H. M., O'Brien, B. M., Moody, L. A., ... & Smith, C. S. (2003). Chemical comparison of goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis L.) root powder from three commercial suppliers. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 51(25), 7352-7358.
Recipes
