Overview

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) is an herb in the buttercup family. The dried root is very commonly used in supplements in the US.

Goldenseal contains berberine, which might have effects against bacteria and fungi. Berberine also has properties that can lower blood pressure and help irregular heartbeat. But many of the important chemicals in goldenseal aren't absorbed well when taken by mouth. So, it's not clear if goldenseal has the same effects as berberine.

People use goldenseal for the common cold and other upper respiratory tract infections, hay fever, diarrhea, constipation, and many other conditions. But there is no good scientific evidence to support any of these uses.

Uses & Effectiveness

Possibly Ineffective for

  • Masking illegal drugs in urine tests. Goldenseal is often advertised for masking illegal drugs in urine tests. But drinking one gallon of water with goldenseal or adding goldenseal tea to a urine sample doesn't seem to cause a false-negative result on drug tests for amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cocaine, opiates, phencyclidine, or tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

There is interest in using goldenseal for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Goldenseal is possibly safe for most adults when taken as a single dose. There isn't enough reliable information to know if goldenseal is safe to use as more than a single dose.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Goldenseal is possibly safe for most adults when taken as a single dose. There isn't enough reliable information to know if goldenseal is safe to use as more than a single dose.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Using goldenseal during pregnancy or breast-feeding is likely unsafe for the infant. A hazardous chemical in goldenseal can cross the placenta and can also find its way into breast milk. Brain damage has developed in newborn infants exposed to goldenseal. Do not use goldenseal during pregnancy or breast-feeding.

Children: Don't use goldenseal in newborn babies. It is likely unsafe for them. It might cause brain damage.

Bleeding conditions: Use goldenseal with caution. Taking goldenseal might increase the risk of bleeding in individuals with bleeding disorders.

High bilirubin levels in the blood in infants: Bilirubin is a chemical that is produced when the old red blood cells break down. Berberine, a chemical in goldenseal, may keep the liver from removing bilirubin fast enough. This can cause brain problems, especially in infants with high levels of bilirubin in the blood. Avoid using.

Surgery: Goldenseal might increase the risk for bleeding. People who take goldenseal should stop at least 2 weeks before surgery.

Interactions

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates) interacts with Goldenseal

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Goldenseal might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

  • Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with Goldenseal

    Goldenseal might slow blood clotting. Taking goldenseal along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) substrates) interacts with Goldenseal

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Goldenseal might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

  • Dextromethorphan (Robitussin DM, and others) interacts with Goldenseal

    Goldenseal contains berberine, which might decrease how quickly the body breaks down dextromethorphan. Taking goldenseal while taking dextromethorphan might increase the effects and side effects of dextromethorphan.

  • Losartan (Cozaar) interacts with Goldenseal

    Goldenseal contains berberine, which might change how quickly the body breaks down losartan. Taking goldenseal while taking losartan might change the effects of losartan.

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) substrates) interacts with Goldenseal

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Goldenseal might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) substrates) interacts with Goldenseal

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Goldenseal might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

  • Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with Goldenseal

    Goldenseal might lower blood sugar levels. Taking goldeneal along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.

  • Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs) interacts with Goldenseal

    Goldenseal might lower blood pressure. Taking goldenseal along with medications that lower blood pressure might cause blood pressure to go too low. Monitor your blood pressure closely.

  • Pentobarbital interacts with Goldenseal

    Pentobarbital is a medication that can cause sleepiness. Goldenseal contains berberine, which might also cause sleepiness and drowsiness. Taking goldenseal with pentobarbital might cause too much sleepiness.

  • Sedative medications (CNS depressants) interacts with Goldenseal

    Goldenseal might cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Some medications, called sedatives, can also cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Taking goldenseal with sedative medications might cause breathing problems and/or too much sleepiness.

  • Tacrolimus (Prograf) interacts with Goldenseal

    Goldenseal contains berberine, which might decrease how quickly the body breaks down tacrolimus. Taking goldenseal with tacrolimus might increase the effects and side effects of tacrolimus.

  • Metformin (Glucophage) interacts with Goldenseal

    Goldenseal might decrease the amount of metformin in the body. Taking goldenseal with metformin might decrease the effects of metformin.

    Minor Interaction

    Be watchful with this combination

  • Medications moved by pumps in cells (P-Glycoprotein Substrates) interacts with Goldenseal

    Some medications are moved in and out of cells by pumps. Goldenseal might change how these pumps work and change how much medication stays in the body. In some cases, this might change the effects and side effects of a medication.

  • Digoxin (Lanoxin) interacts with Goldenseal

    Taking goldenseal with digoxin might cause slight increases in digoxin levels in the body. If you take digoxin, talk to your healthcare provider before taking goldenseal.

  • Oseltamivir interacts with Goldenseal

    Taking goldenseal with oseltamivir might prevent oseltamivir from being converted to its active form. However, it is not clear if this interaction is serious enough to reduce the effects of oseltamivir.

Dosing

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of goldenseal might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
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