Goldenseal
OTHER NAME(S): goldenroot, goldenseal, Hydrastis canadensis, yellow pucoon, yellow root
Overview
Goldenseal is a plant called Hydrastis canadensis. Goldenseal products are made from the root of the plant. They come in many forms and are used for many different reasons. However, their benefits are not well defined. Common side effects include nausea, upset stomach, constipation, diarrhea, or rash. Before using goldenseal, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.
Uses
What is goldenseal used for?
Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) is used for many different reasons, but its benefits are not well defined. Some common reasons that people use goldenseal include the following.
- Infections in the eyes, nose, or throat
- Skin infections
- To improve digestive health
Note: The FDA has not reviewed goldenseal for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.
How does goldenseal work (mechanism of action)?
Goldenseal is a plant called Hydrastis canadensis. Since dietary supplements that contain goldenseal are made from the root of the plant, it is also known as goldenroot.
Goldenseal root contains a chemical called berberine found in many other plants in the Berberis genus, including barberry and Oregon grape. Berberine is thought to act as an antioxidant and has been used for many different reasons. However, it is not clear if or how it might work for any purpose.
There are many other chemicals in goldenseal root that may have effects in the body. Some of these chemicals are able to reduce swelling (inflammation) and kill bacteria in lab experiments. This has led to interest in using many different forms of goldenseal for redness, swelling, or infections. But there is no research to show that goldenseal can help for any of these uses. You should not rely on goldenseal to treat an infection.
Herbal products like goldenseal naturally contain many different chemicals. The amounts of each chemical in a specific goldenseal product may vary. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may change depending on how much of each chemical is found in the product you are using.
How should I store goldenseal?
You should store goldenseal according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of goldenseal?
The most common side effects of goldenseal are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the dose or the specific product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Nausea
- Upset stomach
There may be other side effects of goldenseal that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of goldenseal?
While less common, the most serious side effects of goldenseal are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Goldenseal may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using goldenseal and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching or skin rash
- Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Precautions
Who should not use goldenseal?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use goldenseal.
- Berberine
- Goldenroot
- Goldenseal
- Hydrastis canadensis
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific goldenseal products they stock.
Infants.Infants can be at risk of serious side effects from goldenseal, including a serious brain condition called kernicterus.
What should I know about goldenseal before using it?
Goldenseal is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.
Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are using, or use it as recommended by your health care provider.
Keep goldenseal out of the reach of children.
Herbal products, such as goldenseal, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific goldenseal product can change for many reasons, including the area where the plant was grown, the weather during growth, the time of year when it was harvested, and the way the plant was processed after being harvested. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.
Goldenseal is available in many different forms, including as a liquid extract, dried ground powder, tea, or capsule. It is also available in eye drops and some products that are applied to the skin, such as lotions and creams. Each of these forms may contain different amounts of the chemicals naturally found in the plant.
Some goldenseal drops are meant to be placed in the eye or the nasal passages. These products have not been tested by the FDA to confirm that they are sterile. Nonsterile drops may contain microbes that can cause infections. It may be best to avoid these products.
The FDA has not tested goldenseal products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.
What should I tell my health care provider before using goldenseal?
Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if goldenseal is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions.Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.
- Kidney problems
- Liver problems
- An infection
Other Medicines and Supplements.Goldenseal may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using goldenseal, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how goldenseal could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. However, there are concerns about its use in pregnancy. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It may be best to avoid the use of goldenseal while you are pregnant, until more data are available.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if goldenseal passes into breast milk. But goldenseal may be harmful to infants. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Interactions
Does goldenseal interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between goldenseal and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect goldenseal.
Does goldenseal interact with medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
Goldenseal may alter the blood levels of many medicines. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken. Also tell your health care provider about any supplements you take, including berberine.
The interactions between goldenseal and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with goldenseal is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before using goldenseal with any medicines.
Dosing
What should I do if I accidentally use too much goldenseal?
If you or someone else has used too much goldenseal, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
Goldenseal root is available in a wide range of doses and forms. Read the product label closely and speak to a health care provider about how to use goldenseal safely. Do not use double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.
References
- Blumenthal, M. The ABC Clinical Guide to Herbs, American Botanical Council, 2003.
- National Library of Medicine: “Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]: Goldenseal.”
- European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology: “Repeated administration of berberine inhibits cytochromes P450 in humans.”
- Gardner, Z; McGuffin, M. Botanical Safety Handbook (Second Edition), American Herbal Products Association, 2013.
- Khan, I; Abourashed, E. Leung’s Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients (Third Edition), Wiley, 2010.
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: “Goldenseal.”
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: “Goldenseal.”