Herbs and plantsCanadian Goldenseal — the Indians’ golden root that sold out of the forests?
Sources: 5 · Article: 14 375 characters
Goldenseal was described primarily as a remedy to stop bleeding, especially uterine bleeding and excessive menstrual bleeding.
- It was also described for infections of the mucous membranes and skin, herpes, psoriasis, and acne.
- In the past, it was also used for diarrhea and many other ailments, including cough, fever, and indigestion.
- Some women were reported to develop symptoms of poisoning after taking goldenseal preparations for a long time, so breaks were recommended.
What the authors write
Henryk Różański
Goldenseal preparations were described as stopping bleeding by constricting blood vessels.
„He classified hydrastine, hydrastinine, and cotarnine as agents that reduce blood loss—haemostatica. They work by constricting blood vessels. Interestingly, the mechanism by which hydrastine acts on blood vessels was already being debated at the time.”Hydrastynę, hydrastyninę i kotarninę uznał za środki zmniejszający upływ krwi – haemostatica. Ich działanie polega na zwężaniu naczyń krwionośnych. Co ciekawe, już w tym okresie dyskutowano nad mechanizmem działania hydrastyny na naczynia krwionośne.
Henryk Różański
Goldenseal preparations were described as helpful for uterine bleeding and excessive menstrual bleeding.
„Goldenseal preparations relieve uterine bleeding and stimulate the uterine muscle. They are a good agent for toning blood vessels (vasotonicum). The recommended dose of liquid goldenseal extract was 20–60 drops 3 times a day. Cotarnine (Cotarnin C12H15NO4), which acts on blood vessels and the uterus similarly to hydrastine but somewhat more weakly, is obtained by oxidizing narcotine (C22H23NO7).”Preparaty gorzknikowe łagodzą krwawienia maciczne i pobudzają mięśniówkę macicy. Są dobrym środkiem tonizującym naczynia (vasotonicum). Zalecane dawki ekstraktu gorzknikowego płynnego 20-60 kropel 3 razy dziennie. W wyniku utlenienia narkotyny (C22H23NO7) otrzymywana jest kotarnina (Cotarnin C12H15NO4), która działa podobnie na naczynia i macicę jak hydrastyna, lecz nieco słabiej.
Henryk Różański
In folk medicine, goldenseal was once used for ailments including malaria, bleeding, cough, and fever.
„In North America, goldenseal was used in folk medicine to treat malaria (Prof. G.C. Wittstein, 1883), as well as as a remedy for bleeding, a laxative, a bitter tonic, an antiseptic, a diuretic, a cough suppressant, and a fever reducer. It was used to treat dyspepsia (indigestion), whooping cough, febrile illnesses, inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth, vagina, and uterus, protozoal diarrhea, pneumonia, tumors, bloating, hemorrhoids, and unspecified heart conditions.”W Ameryce Północnej gorzknik był stosowany w medycynie ludowej w leczeniu zimnicy (prof. G.C. Wittstein 1883 r.), ponadto jako środek przeciwkrwotoczny, rozwalniający, gorzki-tonizujący, antyseptyczny, moczopędny, przeciwkaszlowy, przeciwgorączkowy. Leczono nim dyspepsję (niestrawność), koklusz, choroby gorączkowe, stany zapalne błon śluzowych jamy ustnej, pochwy i macicy, biegunki pierwotniakowe, zapalenie płuc, nowotwory, wzdęcia, hemoroidy i bliżej niesprecyzowane choroby serca.
Henryk Różański
Indigestion, whooping cough, inflammation of the mucous membranes, diarrhea, pneumonia, bloating, and hemorrhoids were also listed.
„It was used to treat dyspepsia (indigestion), whooping cough, febrile illnesses, inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth, vagina, and uterus, protozoal diarrhea, pneumonia, tumors, bloating, hemorrhoids, and unspecified heart conditions. Dr. Fr. Oesterlen (1861) lists Hydrastis canadensis among anti-hemorrhagic, antidysenteric, and astringent medicines, alongside, for example,”Leczono nim dyspepsję (niestrawność), koklusz, choroby gorączkowe, stany zapalne błon śluzowych jamy ustnej, pochwy i macicy, biegunki pierwotniakowe, zapalenie płuc, nowotwory, wzdęcia, hemoroidy i bliżej niesprecyzowane choroby serca. Dr Fr. Oesterlen (1861 r.) wymienia Hydrastis canadensis w grupie leków przeciwkrwotocznych, przeciwczerwonkowych i ściągających, obok, np.
Henryk Różański
Goldenseal extract was described as being used for endometritis and fibroids.
„Prof. C. Bachem (1928) also classified Extractum Hydrastis fluidum in the Uterina group. For endometritis and myomas (fibroids), he recommended a dose of 30 drops in water 3 times a day for 8 days. He noted that the medicine was helpful in obstetrics, but not for stopping nose, stomach, or lung hemorrhages.”Również prof. C. Bachem (1928 r.) zaliczył Extractum Hydrastis fluidum do grupy Uterina. Przy endometritis, Myome (mięśniaki) zalecał dawkę 30 kropli 3 razy dziennie na wodzie, przez 8 dni. Zaznaczył, że lek pomocny w położnictwie,a nie do hamowania krwotoków z nosa, żołądka, czy płuc.
Henryk Różański
A preparation containing hydrastinine and papaverine was also described as being used for excessive, painful menstrual bleeding.
„Hydrastopon is another example of a modern preparation from the early 20th century. It was a combination of 0.08% hydrastinine and 0.2% papaverine, taken 3 times a day as a solution or as tablets, for excessive menstrual bleeding accompanied by pain.”Hydrastopon to kolejny przykład nowoczesnego preparatu z początku XX wieku, który był kombinacją 0,08% hydrastyniny i 0,2% papaweryny, używany 3 razy dziennie w formie roztworu lub tabletek 3 razy dziennie przy nadmiernych krwawieniach miesiączkowych połączonych z bólami.
Henryk Różański
Goldenseal preparations were described as helpful for painful diarrhea because they reduce intestinal movement.
„Goldenseal preparations reduce intestinal peristalsis, providing relief from painful diarrhea. Hydrastinine, given as eye drops, dilates the pupil and weakens accommodation. In people with tuberculosis, it reduces sweating. According to Dr. Leszczyński, the oral dose of Extractum Hydrastis fluidum was 20–60 drops (single doses).”Preparaty gorzknikowe zmniejszają perystaltykę jelit, przez co dają ulgę przy bolesnych biegunkach. Hydrastynina podana w postaci kropli do oka – rozszerza źrenicę i osłabia akomodację. U chorych na gruźlicę zmniejsza pocenie. Wg dra Leszczyńskiego Extractum Hydrastis fluidum doustnie 20-60 kropel (dawki jednorazowe).
Henryk Różański
Goldenseal rhizome extract was described as being used to regulate uterine bleeding and relieve painful menstrual cramps.
„Goldenseal rhizome extract, Extractum Hydrastis fluidum, is recommended orally at single doses of 1.5 g and daily doses of 5 g, as a medicine to regulate uterine bleeding and to stop painful menstrual cramps. Hydrastinine acts more strongly than hydrastine.”Wyciąg z kłączy gorzknika Extractum Hydrastis fluidum zaleca podawać doustnie w dawkach jednorazowych 1,5, dziennych 5 g jako lek regulujący krwawienia maciczne i jako środek hamujący bolesne skurcze miesiączkowe. Hydrastynina działa silniej niż hydrastyna.
Henryk Różański
Goldenseal was described as being used for herpes and infections of the mucous membranes and skin.
„Goldenseal is used to treat herpes and infections of the mucous membranes and skin. It sometimes gives good results in treating psoriasis and resistant acne (applied topically, and for psoriasis also taken orally).
The alkaloids and lactones present in goldenseal rhizome have antitumor properties (cytotoxic, cancer-growth-inhibiting).”Gorzknik jest stosowany w leczeniu opryszczki, zakażeń błon śluzowych i skóry. Niekiedy daje dobre rezultaty w leczeniu łuszczycy i opornych trądzików (miejscowo, a przy łuszczycy dodatkowo doustnie).
Alkaloidy i laktony obecne w kłączu gorzknika mają właściwości przeciwnowotworowe (cytotoksyczne, onkostatyczne).
Henryk Różański
Topical use of goldenseal for psoriasis and resistant acne was also mentioned.
„It sometimes gives good results in treating psoriasis and resistant acne (applied topically, and for psoriasis also taken orally).
The alkaloids and lactones present in goldenseal rhizome have antitumor properties (cytotoxic, cancer-growth-inhibiting).
Goldenseal Root = Goldenseal Rhizome is listed in the 2009 British Pharmacopoeia.”Niekiedy daje dobre rezultaty w leczeniu łuszczycy i opornych trądzików (miejscowo, a przy łuszczycy dodatkowo doustnie).
Alkaloidy i laktony obecne w kłączu gorzknika mają właściwości przeciwnowotworowe (cytotoksyczne, onkostatyczne).
Goldenseal Root = Goldenseal Rhizome jest w British Pharmacopoeia z 2009 r.
Henryk Różański
Alkaloids and lactones with antitumor properties were described in goldenseal rhizome.
„The alkaloids and lactones present in goldenseal rhizome have antitumor properties (cytotoxic, cancer-growth-inhibiting).
Goldenseal Root = Goldenseal Rhizome is listed in the 2009 British Pharmacopoeia. It requires dried goldenseal rhizome to contain at least 2.5% hydrastine C21H21NO6 by molecular weight.”Alkaloidy i laktony obecne w kłączu gorzknika mają właściwości przeciwnowotworowe (cytotoksyczne, onkostatyczne).
Goldenseal Root = Goldenseal Rhizome jest w British Pharmacopoeia z 2009 r. Wymaga, aby suche kłącze gorzknika zawierało minimum 2,5% hydrastyny C21H21NO6 o m.cz.
Henryk Różański
Chronic poisoning symptoms were reported in some women after prolonged use of hydrastine and goldenseal preparations.
„Prolonged use of hydrastine and goldenseal preparations was found to cause chronic poisoning in some women, with symptoms including agitation, loss of consciousness, hallucinations, and heart-function disorders. Goldenseal should therefore be taken with breaks to allow the body enough time to eliminate the medicine.”Otóż przy dłuższym stosowaniu hydrastyny i preparatów gorzknikowych zauważono u niektórych kobiet przewlekłe zatrucie, objawiające się stanami podniecenia, utratami przytomności, halucynacjami i zaburzeniami czynności serca. Dlatego gorzknik trzeba zażywać z przerwami, aby organizm nadążył z wydaleniem leku.
Henryk Różański
Breaks in goldenseal use were recommended so the body could eliminate the medicine.
„Goldenseal should therefore be taken with breaks to allow the body enough time to eliminate the medicine.
Tinctura Hydrastis 1:5, in 70% alcohol: 5–10 ml 3 times a day.
Powdered goldenseal rhizome—Pulvis Rhiz. Hydrastidis: single doses of 1 g, daily doses of 3 g.
Goldenseal preparations have a clear protozoacidal effect.”Dlatego gorzknik trzeba zażywać z przerwami, aby organizm nadążył z wydaleniem leku.
Tinctura Hydrastis 1:5, na alkoholu 70% 3 razy dziennie 5-10 ml.
Sproszkowane kłącze gorzknika – Pulvis Rhiz. Hydrastidis: dawki jednorazowe 1 g, dawki dzienne 3 g.
Preparaty gorzknikowe wywierają wyraźne działanie pierwotniakobójcze.
Henryk Różański
It was reported that regular doses of hydrastine preparations may strengthen uterine contractions and stop uterine bleeding.
„After regular doses have been taken for 12–14 days, tonic uterine contractions may result (a cumulative effect), but without causing labor pains. The contractions become stronger and uterine bleeding is stopped. This confirms the information previously cited from Dr. Penzoldt.”Po zastosowaniu regularnych dawek przez 12-14 dni uzyskać można efekt tonicznych skurczów macicy (zsumowanie efektu), ale bez wywołania bólów porodowych. Zwiększeniu ulega natężenie skurczów i dochodzi do zahamowania krwawień macicznych. Potwierdza to informacje podane przez dra Penzoldt’a wcześniej przytoczone.
Henryk Różański
A hydrastinine preparation was described as being used in gynecology for hemorrhages, excessive menstrual bleeding, and bleeding during menopause; it was noted that it should not be used during pregnancy.
„A yellowish, crystalline powder with a bitter taste, soluble in water and alcohol. In gynecology, it was used for hemorrhages, excessive menstrual bleeding, uterine atony, bleeding during menopause, nocturnal emissions, blood in the urine, and night sweats. Do not use during pregnancy.”Żółtawy, krystaliczny proszek, gorzkiego smaku, rozpuszczalny w wodzie i alkoholu. W ginekologii przy krwotokach, nadmiernych krwawieniach miesiączkowych, atonii macicy, krwawieniach w klimakterium, polucjach, krwiomoczu, nocnych potach. Nie stosować podczas ciąży.
Research from PubMed · Europe PMC
We selected 4 studies with the best, positive results. This is a selection, not a full review of all research.
Total number of studies on this topic in PubMed: 91.
Goldenseal has traditionally been used for ailments including digestive problems, ulcers, and skin and eye infections, but its effectiveness needs further study.
Aim of the study: Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis L.) is a medicinal plant widely used in various traditional systems of medicine and as a food supplement. It has been traditionally used by Native Americans as a coloring agent and as medicinal remedy for common diseases and conditions like wounds, digestive disorders, ulcers, skin and eye ailments, and cancer.
Results: Various research finding suggest the health promoting effects of goldenseal components and their extracts. However, few studies have also suggested the possible neurotoxic, hepatotoxic and phototoxic activities of goldenseal extract and its alkaloids. Thus, large randomized, double-blind clinical studies need to be conducted on goldenseal supplements and their main alkaloids to provide more evidence on the mechanisms responsible for the pharmaceutical activity, clinical efficacy and safety of these products. Thus, it is very important to review the scientific information about goldenseal to understand about the current scenario.
Money for the studynot stated
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studydiscussion of other studies
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
Goldenseal extract inhibited MRSA growth and reduced its toxin production in laboratory studies.
Aim of the study: The popular herbal remedy goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis L.) is traditionally used to treat skin infections. With this study, we show activity of H.
Results: Collectively, our results show that H. canadensis leaf extracts possess a mixture of constituents that act against MRSA via several different mechanisms. These findings lend support for the traditional application of crude H. canadensis extracts in the prevention of infection.
Money for the studygovernment, public institutions · NCCIH NIH HHS, NIAID NIH HHS
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studylaboratory study (on cells)
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
Goldenseal extract and alkaloids relaxed guinea pig tracheal contractions in a laboratory study.
Aim of the study: Hydrastis or goldenseal, one of the most popular medicinal herbs in the U.S.A., is used in mild pathological conditions like cold and flu, based on the pharmacological properties of its active components, berberine (anticholinergic, antisecretory, and antimicrobial) and beta-hydrastine (astringent).
Results: The EC50 of berberine, beta-hydrastine, canadine and canadaline, were 34.2+/-0.6, 72.8+/-0.6, 11.9+/-1.2 and 2.4+/-0.8 microg/ml, respectively. Timolol effectively antagonized the effect of canadine (EC50 = 19.7+/-3.0 microg/ml) and canadaline (EC50 = 17.1+/-1.2 microg/ml) but not that of berberine and beta-hydrastine, while xanthine amine congener antagonized the effect of beta-hydrastine (EC50 = 149.9+/-35.3 microg/ml) and canadaline (EC50 = 26.1+/-3.0 microg/ml) but not that of berberine and canadine. Besides, the hydrastis extract, at concentrations between 0.01 and 0.1 microg/ml, potentiated the relaxant effect of isoprenaline on carbachol-precontracted isolated guinea pig trachea. These data, which are insufficient to draw definite mechanistic conclusions, indicate that the aforementioned alkaloids may act by interacting with adrenergic and adenosinic receptors.
Money for the studynot stated
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studyanimal study
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
One of the constituents of goldenseal leaves inhibited, in laboratory tests, a drug-efflux pump in Staphylococcus aureus bacteria.
Aim of the study: The study presented herein constitutes an extensive investigation of constituents in Hydrastis canadensis L. (Ranunculaceae) leaves.
Results: This activity in addition to that of other bioactive compounds such as flavonoids and alkaloids, may explain the purported efficacy of H. canadensis for treatment of bacterial infections. Finally, this report includes high mass accuracy fragmentation spectra for all compounds investigated herein which were uploaded into the Global Natural Products Social molecular networking library and can be used to facilitate their future identification in H. canadensis or other botanicals.
Money for the studygovernment, public institutions · National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, NCCIH NIH HHS
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studylaboratory study (on cells)
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
Pisaczek does not judge who is right. It shows what was written and where to read it. Every sentence above has its source.