Hydrastis canadensis (Goldenseal)

What is goldenseal? Hydrastis canadensis, also known as goldenseal, is a perennial herb. The goldenseal plant is native to the eastern parts of Canada and the United States. Native Americans used the plant’s yellow roots as a dye but also for many health issues.

Goldenseal has a long history as a medicinal herb. Traditional use included skin, eye and digestive issues as well as wound and cancer treatments. The plant was later introduced to European settlers.

Nowadays, goldenseal is often combined with echinacea for immune support and upper respiratory tract infections such as the common cold. In herbal medicine, the root extracts are used as a bitter to aid digestion and as a mild laxative.

Because of the many potential health benefits, goldenseal roots have become more and more popular. Today, wild plants are rare to find, and the herb is often cultivated. As an endangered species, goldenseal can only be exported with a special permit.  

Origin and types

Hydrastis canadensis or goldenseal is the only known species in the genus Hydrastis. The perennial herb belongs to the buttercup family and can grow up to 50 cm tall. In the wild, it can be found under broadleaf trees in the woodlands.

What does the plant look like?

For its yellow underground stems, the plant is also known as Yellow root, Yellow-puccoon, or Orangeroot. It spreads via these root-like, knotted underground stems. In spring, goldenseal produces a hairy stem with a pair of large, lobed leaves.

In early summer, a single white-green flower appears atop the uppermost leaf. It has showy white stamens but no petals. The flower grows into a small berry that resembles a dark red raspberry. The inedible fruit contains up to 30 shiny black seeds.

Goldenseal is listed as an endangered species because of overharvesting and habitat loss. For this reason, only farm-grown Goldenseal should be used in goldenseal supplements. 

Where does the name come from?

Most sources believe that the genus name Hydrastis comes from the Greek word hydor, meaning water. Whether this refers to the plant’s diuretic properties or to its habitat is unclear. Canadensis is a Latin term and means of or from Canada.

The common name goldenseal refers to the yellow rhizome that bears annual scars of previous stems. These scars resemble the wax once used to seal letters.

Other common names include eye-balm or eye-root. These were given to the plant because of its use as an eyewash. Yellow-puccoon, Indian turmeric or Indian dye refer to its former use as a yellow dye. The name ground raspberry describes the similarity of the herb’s fruit.

There are not many studies on Hydrastis canadensis that have been conducted in humans. Most research has focused on berberine, one of the plant’s active compounds. Berberine is a bitter-tasting alkaloid that is mainly found in the roots of the herb.

Along with hydrastine and canadine, it is one of the herb’s three major alkaloids. Berberine can also be found in a number of other plants, including barberry and Chinese goldthread. It is a popular ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Ayurveda, and other herbal medicines.   

Berberine has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activity, as well as antidiarrheal and antiulcer properties. Studies have suggested that berberine also may slightly reduce blood glucose and cholesterol levels in some patients.

However, it is not known to what extent the research results on berberine can be transferred to the plant extracts of goldenseal. While the traditional use of Hydrastis is well documented, more research on the herb is needed.

Medicinal Properties of Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)

Berberine in goldenseal has shown many activities. These include:

• anti-inflammatory (helps with inflammation)
• antimicrobial (inhibits or kills microbes)
• antioxidant (reduces oxidative stress) effects. 

How or what is it used for?

The traditional use of goldenseal included a wide range of ailments. Native Americans used the roots to treat mouth sores and wounds, as an eye wash, and for digestive or skin issues.

Today, the yellow roots are mostly prepared as capsules or herbal tinctures. Common uses include immune support, digestive issues, and hay fever or eye infections. Some people also use it for urinary tract or vaginal infections, cancer, and diabetes. In cold and flu remedies, goldenseal is often combined with echinacea.

In homoeopathy, Hydrastis canadensis is a remedy for inflammation with mucus build-up in ENT. It is used to help with sinusitis, post-nasal drip, and Eustachian tube catarrh. It is also employed for sore throat, gastric issues and eye infections.            

The herb also gained popularity after a rumor spread about other goldenseal benefits. It was claimed that taking the herb could help mask a positive test for illegal drugs. However, this claim is not backed up by scientific evidence.

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), more research is needed to evaluate any health effects of goldenseal.

Health Canada approves the use of dried goldenseal roots and rhizomes in herbal medicine

• to help relieve infectious and inflammatory conditions of the digestive tract such as gastritis
• as a bitter (and stomachic) to aid digestion and to increase appetite
• to help treat/relieve digestive troubles such as upset stomach/ indigestion/ dyspepsia
• as a mild laxative

AMP-activated protein kinase or AMPK is an enzyme in our body. It regulates how energy is produced and used in the body. Berberine is one of the few chemicals that can activate AMPK. Its ability to activate AMPK is thought to be a key mechanism for its health effects.

Studies have shown that berberine can also regulate the gut flora and affects the bile acid metabolism.

However, berberine is poorly absorbed when taken by mouth. This means that the study results on berberine may not exactly apply to goldenseal.

What makes Hydrastis canadensis different?

Goldenseal has a long-standing history as an herbal medicine with a wide range of uses. Today it is particularly valued for infections, inflammations, catarrh and stomach issues.

Cautions and drug interactions

Small studies showed that goldenseal is likely safe when taken for short periods of time. However, there is not enough information available on possible side effects from long term use.

It is recommended that the herb should not be used in pregnant and breastfeeding women or given to newborns.

Goldenseal may change the way the body processes many drugs. If you take any type of medicine, talk with your healthcare provider before using goldenseal or any other herbal products.

Also, people with high blood pressure, liver disease, or heart disease should ask their doctor before starting to use the herb.

Some goldenseal supplements have been found to contain other herbs instead of goldenseal. Always choose high quality products from a trusted brand.  

Pascoe products that contain Goldenseal: