Goldenseal

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canaensis) is a perennial herb, native to North America and cultivated in Oregon and Washington. It belongs to buttercup family Ranunculaceae. ^{[1, 2, 3]} The plant of Goldenseal is small having thick, yellow knotted root with a purplish, hairy stem. ^{[1, 2]} Goldenseal has hairy jagged leaves and single, small, inconspicuous flowers. ^{[1, 2]} The plant of Goldenseal bears a single berry similar to raspberry with 10-30 seeds. ^{[1, 2]} Goldenseal can be found in northern United States and grow in rich, shady soil. ^[2]

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Historical Use

Primarily Goldenseal was used for skin problems and wash for sore eyes. It was also used to produce a golden-yellow dye. ^[2] In the early 1900, goldenseal became famous for upset stomach and menstrual problems. ^[2] Goldenseal is native to North America and was used extensively by the Americans Indians as an herbal medication and clothing dye. It was also used to soothe the mucous membrane of respiratory, digestive and genitourinary tract in inflammatory conditions induced by allergy or infection. Some Indian tribes also used Goldenseal in eye and skin related problems. ^[3]

Chemical Composition

Goldenseal contains some alkaloids that are extracted from the plant include hydrastine, berberine, berberastine, canadine, canadilne, hydrastinine and other related alkaloids. ^[3] Goldenseal contains a compound berberine that has ability to kill many types of bacteria and wide range of germs. Barberine also has ability to activate white blood cells, making them more effective to fight against infection and strengthen the immune system. Berebrine is used as an antibiotic and disinfectant and may also be useful in heart failure and malaria. ^{[2, 3]}

Possible Health Benefits of Goldenseal

Effects on Liver Health

Goldenseal contains berberine which has ability to stimulate the secretion and production of bile, improves gall bladder health and various problems associated with liver. ^{[3, 5]}

Favorable Effects on Long Standing Problems

Berberine compounds have ability to produce white blood cells and exhibits beneficial effects on long standing problems. ^[3]

Beneficial Effects on Immune System

Goldenseal contains berberine which exhibits broad spectrum antibiotic activity. It has positive effects on killing of harmful microorganisms and has also disinfectant effect. ^{[2, 3, 4]} Goldenseal has capability to potentiate the immune function. ^{[2, 3, 4, 7]}

Effective for Digestive Problems

Goldenseal is effective against various digestive problems like indigestion, nausea, ulcers, heartburn, gas and diarrhea. ^{[3, 4, 5]}

Effects on Fungal Problems

Goldenseal gives its wholesome effects on fungal problems. ^{[5, 6]}

Positive Effects on the conditions of Cold & Flu

Goldenseal has ability to may stop cold, flu and sore throat from developing and also alleviates fever. ^{[2, 4, 5, 6]}

Vaginal & Uterine Problems

Goldenseal’s major constituent is hydrastine which has ability to reduce the inflammation of vagina and uterus. It decreases the uterine bleeding, menstrual bleeding, and other female problems including cervical infection and urinary tract problem. ^{[4, 5, 6]} Goldenseal has beneficial effects on vaginal yeast infection. ^{[4, 5, 6]}

Other Health Advantageous of Goldenseal

Goldenseal may help improve and strengthen colon, liver, pancreas, spleen, respiratory and lymphatic system health. It is good for allergies, ulcers, problems associated with bladder, vagina, prostate and stomach. Goldenseal is helpful in increasing the effectiveness of insulin, strengthens immune system, combats against inflammation and cleanses the body. ^[4]

References:

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goldenseal
2. http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/goldenseal-000252.htm
3. Michael T. Murray, N.D. (1995) The Healing Power Of Herbs. (Revised and Expanded 2nd Edition) Page No. 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168, 169, 170, 171. New York: Gramercy Books.
4. Phyllis A. Balch, CNC & James F. Balch, M.D. (2000). Prescription for Nutritional Healing. (3rd edition) Page No. 98. Penguin Putnam INC. New York: Avery.
5. Daniel B.Mowrey, Ph.D. The Scientific Validation of Herbal Medicine. Page No. 117, 257. New Canaan, Connecticut: Keats Publishing, Inc.
6. James A. Duke (1997). The Green Pharmacy. Page No. 138, 203, 204, 443. Pennsylvania: Rodale Press Emmaus.
7. Marcia Zimmerman, CN & Jayson Kroner, CSN. (2006). 7-Syndrome Healing. Page No. 165. Chico, California: Nutrition Solution Publications.

Disclaimer

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent any disease.