Introduction

This fact sheet provides basic information about the herb goldenseal--common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. Goldenseal is a plant that grows wild in parts of the United States but has become endangered by overharvesting. With natural supplies dwindling, goldenseal is now grown commercially across the United States, especially in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Common Names--goldenseal, yellow root

Latin Name--Hydrastis canadensis

What It Is Used For

• Historically, Native Americans have used goldenseal for various health conditions such as skin diseases, ulcers, and gonorrhea.
• Now, goldenseal is used for colds and other respiratory tract infections, infectious diarrhea, eye infections, and vaginitis (inflammation or infection of the vagina). It is occasionally used to treat cancer.
• It is also applied to wounds and canker sores, and is used as a mouthwash for sore gums, mouth, and throat.

How It Is Used

• The underground stems or roots of goldenseal are dried and used to make teas, liquid extracts, and solid extracts that may be made into tablets and capsules.
• Goldenseal is often combined with echinacea in preparations that are intended to be used for colds.

What the Science Says

• Few studies have been published on goldenseal's safety and effectiveness, and there is little scientific evidence to support using it for any health problem.
• Clinical studies on a compound found in goldenseal, berberine, suggest that the compound may be beneficial for certain infections--such as those that cause some types of diarrhea, as well as some eye infections. However, goldenseal preparations contain only a small amount of berberine, so it is difficult to extend the evidence about the effectiveness of berberine to goldenseal.
• NCCAM is funding a study to understand the mechanism by which berberine may act against tumors.