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Goldenseal
Toxicity
Toxicity
Symptoms
Symptoms
Symptoms: Bradycardia, cardiac damage, constipation, convulsions, delusions, depression, digestive disorders, dyspnea, excitability, hallucinations, hepatotoxicity, hypertension, hypotension, inflammation, irritation of mouth, irritation of mucous membranes, irritation of skin, irritation of stomach, irritation of throat, jaundice, nausea, nervousness, overstimulation of the nervous system, paralysis, paresthesia, respiratory failure, seizures, spasms, tachycardia, ulcers, uterine contractions, vaginal irritation, vomiting.
Duration of Symptoms: Hours - Weeks
Rate of Poison: Hours - Days
Causes Death: Yes, in high doses.
Treatment: Activated charcoal, varies based on symptoms.
Goldenseal was once used abundantly due to its medicinal uses. However, because of the extensive use of the plant, goldenseal is now rare in North America. Native Americans used the yellow from the roots and the juices to create a dye. Its popularity grew in the 19th century, with all of the medicinal properties it contains within the plant. Its contribution to medicine was crucial for about a century before more modern medication was developed.
Photo: USGS Bee Inventory and Monitoring Lab - Wikimedia Commons
License: Public Domain
While these berries do look ripe and delicious, the fruit of the goldenseal are considered inedible to humans. Each fruit carries approximately thirty seeds, which may take around three years to germanate. This is why there is not much goldenseal left in North America, as it takes years for plants to re-grow.
Photo: National Agroforestry Center - Wikimedia Commons
License: Creative Commons 2.0
Main Toxin
Main Toxin
Molecular structure of berberine (ChemDraw)
Berberine
Berberine
Berberine, a quaternary ammonium salt, causes DNA damage in liver cells by suppressing the activities of topoisomerase I and topoisomerase II. DNA damage was directly associated with the inhibition of topoisomerase II. Topoisomerases alter the topological state of DNA. Topoisomerase I cleaves a single strand of DNA while topoisomerase II cleaves both strands of DNA. The inhibition of this process will result in genotoxicity and tumorigencity, which will cause problems with cellular functioning. If the DNA is not repaired, carcinogenicity will result.
Berberine modulates the G1 and G2/M checkpoint responses, causing an arrest in the cell cycle. Increase in berberine concentrations cause a decrease in cell production in the S-phase of the cell cycle while increasing cells in the G1 phase and the G2/M phase indicating the blockage of the cell cycle production and causing cells to cease at the G1 and G2/M checkpoints.
On the other hand, berberine can kill bacteria that causes diarrhea and protozoans that may result in cholera, dysentery, or giardiasis. Berberine interacts with the mucous membranes, especially ones that align the gastrointestinal tract.
In other words: Berberine harms liver cells by blocking activities of certain enzymes called topoisomerases. These enzymes help maintain the shape of DNA by altering the twists and turns of DNA. When berberine decreases the enzyme activity, the DNA structure is disrupted, resulting damage to genetic material and possibly causing tumors to form. It also alters the cell cycle, which is responsible for natural cell growth and division. However, berberine disrupts the cell cycle by stopping cells at crucial checkpoints, resulting in a halt in cell progression.
One benefit to berberine is that it is known to kill harmful bacteria that causes stomach issues by interacting with the mucous membranes in the gastrointestinal tract.
Level of Toxin: 3.45% - 3.89% in plant
Impacting Dosage: 500 µM (0.68% bioavailability)
Other Toxins
Other Toxins
Palmatine
Palmatine
Palmatine, an isoquinoline alkaloid, is known to have various pharmacological properties, including antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, like berberine, palmatine is known to cause DNA damage in liver cells by suppressing the activities of topoisomerase I and topoisomerase II. DNA damage was directly associated with the inhibition of topoisomerase II. The inhibition of this process will result in genotoxicity and tumorigencity, which will cause problems with cellular functioning. If the DNA is not repaired, carcinogenicity will result.
In other words: Palmatine has many medicinal properties that can improve health, such as aid with inflammation, increase antioxidants, and battle harmful bacteria. However, like berberine, palmatine harms liver cells by blocking topoisomerases. This causes a disruption to the DNA structure, which can result in damage to genetic material and development of tumors. If not treated, this could lead to the development of cancer.
Level of Toxin: Less than 1% in plant
Impacting Dosage: 500 µM
Hydrastine
Hydrastine
Hydrastine is an isoquinoline alkaloid that can be produced from berberine. It is claimed to have numerous medicinal properties, such as an antibiotic, convulsant, sedative, etc. However, those are merely just claims and not reported in clinical trials. Not much is known on hydrastine, but it may induce labour to pregnant women.
Level of Toxin: 2.80 % - 3.02% in plant
Impacting Dosage: Not known
6-desmethyl-sideroxylin
Hydrastinine
8-desmethyl-sideroxylin
Sideroxylin
Berberastine
Canadine
General Information
General Information
Parts of Plant: Roots
Contact Hazard:
Animals Affected:
Medicinal Value
Medicinal Value
General Information
General Information
Parts of Plant: Leaves, rhizomes, roots.
Properties: Alternative, antibiotic, anticatarrhal, antidiabetes, antidiarrheal, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiparasitic, antiperiodic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, cardioprotective, diuretic, gastrointestinal protective, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, laxative, neuroprotective, stimulant, tonic.
Components: Berberine, hydrastine.
Antidote: None known.
Preparation: Capsule, eyewash, infusion, mouthwash, powder, tablet, tea. tincture, tonic.
Historical Uses
Historical Uses
Current Uses
Current Uses
Treatments
Treatments
Boils: External use
Cancer
Colds
Colitis
Diarrhea
Digestion Problems
Eczema: External use
Erysipelas
Eye Infections
Gastrointestinal Tract Disorder: Orally
Hay Fever
Hemorrhage: External use
Immune System Boost
Indigestion
Inflammation
Infections
Mouth Infections
Pinkeye: External use
Rectal Fissures
Respiratory Tract Infection: Orally
Skin Eruptions
Sore Throat
Stuffy Nose
Tonsillitis
Torpor of Liver
Ulcers
Uterine Issues
Location
Location
North America: Native Americans used the roots for medicinal treatments. It was also used as an eyewash and to treat digestion problems, skin wounds, sore throat. It was also used to aid in recovering after child birth. In the 19th century, it was used for many other treatments listed above.
Claimed Treatments
Claimed Treatments
Anorexia
Athlete's Foot
Bacterial Infections
Cancer
Canker Sores
Catarrh: Snuff powder.
Chapped Lips
Cholera
Clean Wounds
Colitis
Congestion
Conjunctivitis
Constipation
Ear Drainage
Eczema
Erysipelas: External wash.
Eyewash: Mixture of rootstock and boric acid to boiling water.
Fungal Infections
Hemorrhage
Infections
Inflammation
Itching
Liver Conditions
Muscular Debility
Nasal Congestion: Snuff powder.
Nausea: Small doses.
Nervous Prostration
Peptic Ulcers
Protozoan Infections
Pyorrhea: Apply goldenseal tea to a toothbrush.
Ringworm: External wash, sprinkle the powdered root after wash.
Respiratory Tract Infection
Sciatica
Skin Diseases: External wash.
Sore Gums: Apply goldenseal tea to a toothbrush or used as a mouthwash.
Sore Mouth: Mouthwash
Sore Throat: Mouthwash
Sores: External wash.
Tinnitus
Ulcers
Location
Location
North America: Goldenseal can be used externally for treatment of some issues including various skin conditions and conjunctivitis (pinkeye).
Edibility
Edibility
General Information
General Information
Parts of Plant: Leaves, rhizomes, roots.
Nutrients:
Minerals: Calcium, iron, manganese.
Vitamins: Vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin E.
Taste: Bitter
WARNING: Do not take in high doses. !DO NOT CONSUME FRESH PLANT!
Historical Uses
Historical Uses
Current Uses
Current Uses
Preparation Methods
Preparation Methods
Tea: Steeped in hot water.
Preparation Methods
Preparation Methods
Tea: Steeped in hot water.
General Facts
General Facts
Plant Facts
Plant Facts
Illustration of Goldenseal by Charles F. Millspaugh - Wikimedia Commons
License: Public Domain
Family: Ranunculaceae (Buttercup Family)
Genus: Hydrastis
Other Names: Curcuma, Eye Balm, Eye Root, Golden Root, Goldensiegel, Gold-Siegel, Ground Raspberry, Guldsegl, Hydrastidis Rhizoma, Hydrophyllum, Indian Dye, Indian Paint, Indian Plant, Indian Turmeric, Jaundice Root, Kanadische Gelbwurzel, Kurkuma, Ohio Curcuma, Orangeroot, Tumeric Root, Warnera, Wild Curcuma, Wild Tumeric, Yellow Eye, Yellow Indian Plant, Yellow Paint, Yellow Paint Root, Yellow Puccoon, Yellow Root, Yellow Seal, Yellow Wort
Synonyms: H. trifolia
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Bloom Colours: Yellow
Bloom Time: April - May
Type: Perennial
Height: 6 - 18 in. (0.15 - 0.46 meters)
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Habitat: Damp meadows, rich shady woods
Origin: North America
States: AL, AR, CT, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA. MD, MI, MN, MS, MO, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VT, VA, WV, WI
Provinces: ON
Family Connection
Family Connection
Sources
Sources
Toxicity Section
Toxicity Section
ABC Clinical Guide. (2003) Goldenseal. From http://cms.herbalgram.org/ABCGuide/GuidePDFs/Goldenseal.pdf
Castleman, M. (1995). The Healing Herbs: The Ultimate Guide to the Curative Power of Nature's Medicines. Bantam Books. (pp. 293-299)
Chen, S., Wan, L., Couch, L., Lin, H., Li, Y., Dobrovolsky, V. N., ... & Guo, L. (2013). Mechanism study of goldenseal-associated DNA damage. Toxicology letters, 221(1), 64-72. From https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8686119/
Dunnick, J. K., Singh, B., Nyska, A., Peckham, J., Kissling, G. E., & Sanders, J. M. (2011). Investigating the potential for toxicity from long-term use of the herbal products, goldenseal and milk thistle. Toxicologic pathology, 39(2), 398-409. From https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0192623310394211
Forest Farming. (2019). Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis L.) From https://forest-farming.extension.org/goldenseal-hydrastis-canadensis-l/
Gupta, P. K., Barone, G., Gurley, B. J., Fifer, E. K., & Hendrickson, H. P. (2015). Hydrastine pharmacokinetics and metabolism after a single oral dose of goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) to humans. Drug Metabolism and Disposition, 43(4), 534-552. From https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25609220/
Khan, S. (2022). goldenseal. MedicineNet. From https://www.medicinenet.com/goldenseal/article.htm
Long, J., Song, J., Zhong, L., Liao, Y., Liu, L., & Li, X. (2019). Palmatine: a review of its pharmacology, toxicity and pharmacokinetics. Biochimie, 162, 176-184. From https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31051209/
Lust, J. (1974). The Herb Book. Bantam Books. (pp. 210-211)
Mandal, S. K., Maji, A. K., Mishra, S. K., Ishfaq, P. M., Devkota, H. P., Silva, A. S., & Das, N. (2020). Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis L.) and its active constituents: a critical review of their efficacy and toxicological issues. Pharmacological research, 160, 105085. From https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1043661820313931?via%3Dihub
Muenscher, W. C. (1975). Poisonous Plants of the United States. Macmillian Publishing Co., Inc. (pp. 92)
National Toxicology Program. (2010). Toxicology and carcinogenesis studies of goldenseal root powder (Hydrastis Canadensis) in F344/N rats and B6C3F1 mice (feed studies). National Toxicology Program technical report series, (562), 1-188. From https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/publications/reports/tr/500s/tr562
Patel, D., Mohammed, A., Basu, A., Asija, A., Jain, S., Pawar, A. S., & Danilewitz, M. (2015). Goldenseal Root Powder (Hydrastis Canadensis) Associated Hepatotoxicity: 852. Official journal of the American College of Gastroenterology| ACG, 110, S368-S369. From https://journals.lww.com/ajg/Fulltext/2015/10001/Goldenseal_Root_Powder__Hydrastis_Canadensis_.852.aspx
Tice, R. (1997). Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis L.) and Two of Its Constituent Alkaloids Berberien [2086-83-1] and Hydrastine [118-08-1] Review of Toxicological Literature. From https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/sites/default/files/ntp/htdocs/chem_background/exsumpdf/goldenseal_508.pdf
Medicinal Value Section
Medicinal Value Section
ABC Clinical Guide. (2003) Goldenseal. From http://cms.herbalgram.org/ABCGuide/GuidePDFs/Goldenseal.pdf
Brown, P. N., Roman, M. C., & Collaborators: Chang C Jin C Kuriyedath R Lidstone S Ly L Ma YC Sigmund P Smith R Wijewickreme N. (2008). Determination of hydrastine and berberine in goldenseal raw materials, extracts, and dietary supplements by high-performance liquid chromatography with UV: collaborative study. Journal of AOAC International, 91(4), 694-701. From https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2586114/
Castleman, M. (1995). The Healing Herbs: The Ultimate Guide to the Curative Power of Nature's Medicines. Bantam Books. (pp. 293-299)
Chen, S., Wan, L., Couch, L., Lin, H., Li, Y., Dobrovolsky, V. N., ... & Guo, L. (2013). Mechanism study of goldenseal-associated DNA damage. Toxicology letters, 221(1), 64-72. From https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8686119/
Coon, N. (1979). Using Plants for Healing. Rodale Press. (pp. 123).
Khan, S. (2022). goldenseal. MedicineNet. From https://www.medicinenet.com/goldenseal/article.htm
Lust, J. (1974). The Herb Book. Bantam Books. (pp. 210-211)
Mandal, S. K., Maji, A. K., Mishra, S. K., Ishfaq, P. M., Devkota, H. P., Silva, A. S., & Das, N. (2020). Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis L.) and its active constituents: a critical review of their efficacy and toxicological issues. Pharmacological research, 160, 105085. From https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1043661820313931?via%3Dihub
Muenscher, W. C. (1975). Poisonous Plants of the United States. Macmillian Publishing Co., Inc. (pp. 92)
National Toxicology Program. (2010). Toxicology and carcinogenesis studies of goldenseal root powder (Hydrastis Canadensis) in F344/N rats and B6C3F1 mice (feed studies). National Toxicology Program technical report series, (562), 1-188. From https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/publications/reports/tr/500s/tr562
Reader’s Digest North American Wildlife. (1998). Wildflowers: Guides to Recognizing Just About Everything in Nature. Reader’s Digest Association. (pp. 26)
Tice, R. (1997). Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis L.) and Two of Its Constituent Alkaloids Berberien [2086-83-1] and Hydrastine [118-08-1] Review of Toxicological Literature. From https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/sites/default/files/ntp/htdocs/chem_background/exsumpdf/goldenseal_508.pdf
Edibility Section
Edibility Section
Ancient Herbs Wisdom. (2023) Goldenseal Inquiries: 50 Essential Q&A. From https://www.ancientherbswisdom.com/goldenseal-50-questions-and-answers/
Castleman, M. (1995). The Healing Herbs: The Ultimate Guide to the Curative Power of Nature's Medicines. Bantam Books. (pp.293-299)
Lust, J. (1974). The Herb Book. Bantam Books. (pp. 210-211)
Seward. M. (2018). The Top 12 Benefits of Goldenseal. Healthy Focus. From https://healthyfocus.org/the-top-10-benefits-of-goldenseal/
General Facts Section
General Facts Section
Brown, P. N., Roman, M. C., & Collaborators: Chang C Jin C Kuriyedath R Lidstone S Ly L Ma YC Sigmund P Smith R Wijewickreme N. (2008). Determination of hydrastine and berberine in goldenseal raw materials, extracts, and dietary supplements by high-performance liquid chromatography with UV: collaborative study. Journal of AOAC International, 91(4), 694-701. From https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2586114/
Castleman, M. (1995). The Healing Herbs: The Ultimate Guide to the Curative Power of Nature's Medicines. Bantam Books. (pp.293-299)
Coon, N. (1979). Using Plants for Healing. Rodale Press. (pp. 123).
Kauffman, G. (n.d.) Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis L.). U.S. Forest Service, United States Department of Agriculture. From https://www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/hydrastis_canadensis.shtml#:~:text=Goldenseal is widespread through eastern,has reduced many native populations.
Lust, J. (1974). The Herb Book. Bantam Books. (pp. 210-211)
Mandal, S. K., Maji, A. K., Mishra, S. K., Ishfaq, P. M., Devkota, H. P., Silva, A. S., & Das, N. (2020). Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis L.) and its active constituents: a critical review of their efficacy and toxicological issues. Pharmacological research, 160, 105085. From https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1043661820313931?via%3Dihub
Muenscher, W. C. (1975). Poisonous Plants of the United States. Macmillian Publishing Co., Inc. (pp. 92)
National Toxicology Program. (2010). Toxicology and carcinogenesis studies of goldenseal root powder (Hydrastis Canadensis) in F344/N rats and B6C3F1 mice (feed studies). National Toxicology Program technical report series, (562), 1-188. From https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/publications/reports/tr/500s/tr562
Reader’s Digest North American Wildlife. (1998). Wildflowers: Guides to Recognizing Just About Everything in Nature. Reader’s Digest Association. (pp. 26)
Tice, R. (1997). Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis L.) and Two of Its Constituent Alkaloids Berberien [2086-83-1] and Hydrastine [118-08-1] Review of Toxicological Literature. From https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/sites/default/files/ntp/htdocs/chem_background/exsumpdf/goldenseal_508.pdf
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