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Goldenseal

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) is a herb valued for its content of therapeutic alkaloids such as berberine and hydrastine. The part used is its root and rhizome.

Goldenseal is used in these conditions:

Bronchitis:

Goldenseal contains two alkaloids (berberine and hydrastine) that exert antibiotic effects against one of the common bacterial causes of acute bronchitis – Chlamydia pneumoniae.

Goldenseal also relieves the irritation and inflammation of the mucous membranes that line the throat and respiratory tract and this helps to alleviate the symptoms of bronchitis.

Candida (thrush):

Goldenseal contains an alkaloid named berberine that helps to kill Candida albicans. Berberine’s activity against Candida albicans is stronger than that of most pharmaceutical agents.

Common Cold:

Alkaloids named berberine and canadine in goldenseal stimulate the immune system in a way that may help to prevent the common cold. In addition, the use of goldenseal for the duration of the common cold may alleviate the sore throat that occurs in most cases of the common cold.

Diarrhea:

Goldenseal contains an alkaloid named berberine that is very effective for treating diarrhea cases caused by infection by toxic bacteria. Berberine kills most types of toxic bacteria that cause diarrhea.

Eczema:

There are some anecdotal reports that goldenseal alleviates eczema. This claim has not yet been tested in scientific studies.

Gingivitis:

Goldenseal contains an alkaloid named berberine that suppresses the toxic bacteria that cause gingivitis.

Hemorrhoids:

Goldenseal (applied topically or ingested orally) alleviates hemorrhoids by constricting the blood vessels that supply the anus.

Immunity:

Goldenseal’s alkaloids (such as berberine and hydrastine) stimulate various aspects of the immune system.

Specifically goldenseal has been found to directly inhibit or destroy a wide range of toxic bacteria, fungi and protozoa.

It also activates macrophages, improves the function of the spleen and stimulates the production of specific immunity-enhancing peptides produced by the spleen such as splenopentin and tuftsin.

The end result of this goldenseal-induced potentiation of the immune system is an increased resistance to bacterial, fungal and viral infections.

Influenza:

Goldenseal reputedly alleviates the symptoms of influenza, although this effect has not yet been tested using modern scientific methods.

Intestinal Parasites:

Goldenseal is claimed to reduce the proliferation of intestinal parasites and is prescribed by some naturopaths for this purpose. This aspect of goldenseal has not yet been tested in scientific studies.

Leukorrhea:

Goldenseal contains an alkaloid named berberine that has been found to inhibit or kill Trichomonas vaginalis, a toxic microorganism that commonly causes leukorrhea.

Lymphatic System:

The berberine content of goldenseal increases blood circulation to the spleen. This enhanced blood circulation may enhance the function of the spleen by facilitating the release of peptides such as splenopentin and tuftsin from the spleen.

Mouth Ulcers:

There are some anecdotal reports claiming that goldenseal (liquid used as a mouthwash) alleviates mouth ulcers. These claims have not yet been verified using modern scientific methods.

Psoriasis:

Goldenseal’s berberine content inhibits the excessive differentiation of skin cells (keratinocytes). This excessive proliferation of skin cells is one of the principal underlying mechanisms in psoriasis and inhibiting this excessive proliferation is useful for psoriasis patients.

Respiratory System:

Goldenseal improves the general health of the respiratory system. Alkaloids in goldenseal are known to alleviate sore throats and sinusitis.

Urinary Tract Infections:

Goldenseal contains an alkaloid named berberine that inhibits the ability of bacteria to adhere to the wall of the bladder. This activity of berberine helps to prevent and control urinary tract infections.

Dosage:

750 - 1,500 mg per day (using goldenseal tablets/capsules that have been standardized to contain 10% of the active constituent, berberine).

3,000 - 4,000 mg per day (using non standardized goldenseal capsules/tablets).

3 - 4 ml per day (using goldenseal 1:1 fluid extract).

When used for the treatment of gingivitis and mouth ulcers, goldenseal is used as a mouthwash - the liquid extract is diluted and swished around in the mouth for approximately one minute.

Goldenseal should not be used for long continuous periods. It should only be used for up to three weeks continuously.

References

Bronchitis

· Roberts, A. J., et al. Nutraceuticals: the Complete Encyclopedia of Supplements, Herbs, Vitamins and Healing Foods. Berkely Publishing Group. New York, USA. 2001:50.

Candida (thrush)

· Park, K. S., et al. Differential inhibitory effects of protoberberines on sterol and chitin biosyntheses in Candida albicans. J Antimicrob Chemother. 43(5):667-674, 1999.

Diarrhea

· Khin-Maung-U, M. K., et al. Clinical trial of berberine in acute watery diarrhoea. Br Med J. 291(6509):1601-605, 1985.

Gingivitis

· Su, R. Y. The effect of berberine in sterilizing infective root canal of deciduous teeth. Chung Hua Kou Chiang Hsueh Tsa Chih. 27(5):302-305, 1992.

Immunity

· Sabir, M., et al. Study of some of the pharmacologic actions of berberine. Indian J Physiol Pharm. 15(3):111-132, 1971.

Leukorrhea

· Kaneda, Y., et al. In vitro effects of berberine sulfate on the growth of Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia andn Trichomonas vaginalis. Ann Trop Med Parasitol. 85:417-425, 1991.

Lymphatic System

· Sabir, M., et al. Study of some of the pharmacologic actions of berberine. Indian J Physiol Pharm. 15(3):111-132, 1971.

Psoriasis

· Muller, K., et al. The antipsoriatic Mahonia aquifolium and its active constituents; II. Antiproliferative activity against cell growth of human keratinocytes. Planta Medica. 61(1):74-5, 1995.

Respiratory System

· Roberts, A. J., et al. Nutraceuticals: the Complete Encyclopedia of Supplements, Herbs, Vitamins and Healing Foods. Berkely Publishing Group. New York, USA. 2001:50.

Urinary Tract Infections

· Sun, D. X., et al. Influence of berberine sulfate on synthesis and expression of pap fimbrial adhesion in uropathogenic Escherichia coli. Antimicr Agents Chemother. 32(8):1274-1277, 1988.

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