FolkKB

Goldenseal

Hydrastis canadensis

Hydrastis canadensis, commonly known as goldenseal, is a perennial herb native to North America used extensively in various traditional medicine systems. It has been historically applied to address issues such as bleeding, infections, liver complaints, malaria, and digestive or eye concerns. Preliminary scientific observations suggest potential efficacy as an enzyme inhibitor in Vibrio cholerae and show varying antimicrobial activity against certain bacteria and fungi, though more robust evidence is needed. Regarding safety, no major issues have been recorded, and there are currently no documented drug interactions. This information is for educational purposes only.

At a glance
Traditionally for
bleeding · eye complaints
Traditions
traditional
Best evidence
D
Cautions
—

Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.

Traditional use

  • bleeding traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • eye complaints traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • alterative traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • antiperiodic traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • aperient traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • aperitif traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • astringent traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • catarrh traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • diuretic traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • enterorrhagia traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • hemorrhoids traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • infections traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • liver complaints traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • malaria traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • mucous membrane traditional T3 DRDUKE

What the science says

  • Within four weeks of adding goldenseal root extract, symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder markedly improved in a treatment-intolerant adolescent. D PMID
  • The study identified compounds from Hydrastis canadensis that showed potential as inhibitors of the Na⁺-NQR enzyme in Vibrio cholerae. D PMID
  • Hydrastis canadensis showed varying sensitivity to Gram-positive bacteria, with enhanced activity against Gram-negative bacteria when used with certain permeabilizers. D PMID
  • Hydrastis canadensis showed synergistic antifungal activity, particularly with punicalagin from Punica granatum, against Candida albicans. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Goldenseal?

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.

What is Goldenseal traditionally used for?

Traditional sources record Goldenseal for: bleeding, eye complaints, alterative, antiperiodic, aperient, aperitif. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.

Which traditions use Goldenseal?

Goldenseal appears in these traditions in our sources: traditional.

What does the scientific evidence say about Goldenseal?

4 sourced findings are recorded for Goldenseal; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Within four weeks of adding goldenseal root extract, symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder markedly improved in a treatment-intolerant adolescent.

How strong is the evidence for Goldenseal?

The strongest finding for Goldenseal carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is Goldenseal safe? What are the side effects?

No major safety issues are recorded for Goldenseal in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.

Does Goldenseal interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for Goldenseal in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

What are the common names of Goldenseal?

Goldenseal is also known as: Желтокорень, fard inolien.

Is Goldenseal a proven treatment?

No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.

Sources

  1. T3 Dr. Duke's Ethnobotanical Database public domain (USDA ARS — attribute Dr. Duke's)
  2. T2 In vitro evaluation the spectrum of antibacterial activity of botanical extracts and activity enhancement with outer membrane permeabilizers. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Machine learning-guided in Silico identification of Na⁺-NQR inhibitors from Berberis vulgaris and Hydrastis Canadensis phytochemicals against Vibrio cholerae. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Synergistic antifungal effects of botanical extracts against Candida albicans. literature abstract metadata
  5. T2 Marked Improvement in Treatment-Intolerant Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in an Adolescent Using a Glutamatergic Regimen With Dextromethorphan, Piracetam, and Goldenseal Root. literature abstract metadata