What Is Goldenseal?

A Traditional Herbal Remedy for Colds, UTIs, and More

Goldenseal dried herb, extract, capsules, and powder

 Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) is a perennial herb native to eastern North America. As a supplement, it's commonly used to treat conditions such as the common cold, seasonal allergies, canker sores, and even diabetes. There is little scientific evidence that it helps these conditions, however. 

Goldenseal contains a complex mixture of substances and chemicals, such as berberine. In particular, berberine might be effective for several uses, such as relieving canker sore symptoms.

This article will cover what you should know about goldenseal—its potential uses, side effects, and interactions.

Dietary supplements are not regulated like drugs in the United States, meaning the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve them for safety and effectiveness before products are marketed. Choose a supplement tested by a trusted third party, such as USP, ConsumerLabs, or NSF, when possible. However, even if supplements are third-party tested, that doesn't mean they are necessarily safe for all or effective in general. Therefore, it's important to talk to your healthcare provider about any supplements you plan to take and check on potential interactions with other supplements or medications.

Supplement Facts

  • Active ingredients (s): Berberine
  • Alternative name(s): Goldenseal, Hydrastis canadensis (H. canadensis), Goldenroot, Eye root, Tumeric root, Yellow paint root
  • Legal status: Legal in most states (United States)
  • Suggested dose: Varies based on dosage form and medical condition
  • Safety considerations: May be unsafe during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and in children; interactions with some prescription medications, herbs, plant-based medicines, and supplements

Uses of Goldenseal

Supplement use should be individualized and vetted by a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian, pharmacist, or healthcare provider. No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.

There is currently limited research to support goldenseal for any health benefits. But like many natural products, people may use goldenseal for various reasons.

The Common Cold

A few studies have found that berberine may have activity against the viruses that cause the common cold, though more research is needed. 

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes upper respiratory infections and can also cause dangerous lower respiratory tract infections, especially in high-risk groups such as infants and immunocompromised people.

A 2015 study found that berberine had "significant antiviral activity" against RSV, though it is important to note that this was an in vitro study, meaning it was done in a laboratory setting and did not involve live subjects. It's unknown whether berberine would have the same effect against RSV inside a human body.

Urinary Tract Infections

Some studies have found that goldenseal may be an effective way to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs). Berberine, along with alkaloids present in the rhizome and roots of the plant, may prevent bacteria from adhering to the walls of the bladder.

Canker Sores

Some people use goldenseal for canker sores (ulcers in the mouth). According to the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the berberine in goldenseal might relieve canker sore symptoms.

A 2018 review of studies concluded that topical berberine could help relieve canker sore symptoms, though the authors noted that larger, well-designed studies are needed.

Only a small amount of berberine is absorbed into the bloodstream when you take goldenseal by mouth. This means you may not get enough berberine from goldenseal for the plant to be effective.

So, while there are studies on berberine, these results might not apply to goldenseal. Well-designed studies in humans are necessary to better evaluate goldenseal's effects on canker sores.

Diabetes

Goldenseal is sometimes used for diabetes. The berberine in goldenseal may slightly lower blood glucose (sugar) in people with this condition.

In fact, a review including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) suggested that berberine may reduce blood sugar levels in multiple ways—like blocking glucose absorption from your intestines. Berberine may encourage your pancreas to secrete more of a naturally-occurring hormone called insulin. And berberine may make your muscle and fat cells more sensitive to insulin's effects, decreasing sugar levels.

When you take goldenseal by mouth, however, only a small amount is absorbed into the bloodstream.

For this reason, results from berberine studies may not apply to goldenseal. High-quality studies in humans are needed to better assess goldenseal's effects on blood sugar.

Immune System Support

As a supplement, goldenseal is sometimes used to boost immunity. It is commonly combined with echinacea for the prevention of the common cold and other viral illnesses. However, there hasn't been any good scientific evidence to support this use.

Hyperuricemia

A 2019 study looked at the use of goldenseal powder in women with elevated uric acid levels (hyperuricemia). Elevated uric acid levels are associated with a type of arthritis called gout, where uric acid crystals accumulate in the joints.

One study group took 5 mg of goldenseal powder per kg of body weight daily for eight weeks. A second ground took 10 mg of goldenseal powder per kg of body weight daily for eight weeks. A control group received no goldenseal powder. 

At the end of the treatment period, both groups receiving the goldenseal had reduced serum uric acid levels, but the group taking 10 mg showed a greater reduction in uric acid levels. The control group had slightly increased uric acid levels. 

Drug Testing

Despite its reputation as an agent that can mask illegal drugs in urine, goldenseal doesn't seem to work with today's lab methods.

What Are the Side Effects of Goldenseal?

Like many medications and natural products, side effects are possible with goldenseal.

Common Side Effects

Little information is known about goldenseal's safety. Short-term oral (by mouth) goldenseal use is likely safe for many adults. But since goldenseal contains berberine, common side effects might be similar to this chemical, typically related to the digestive system. For example, you may experience:

Severe Side Effects

Serious side effects may include:

  • Severe allergic reaction: A severe allergic reaction is a possible serious side effect of any medication or supplement. Symptoms may include breathing difficulties, itchiness, and rash.
  • Blood sugar effects: Berberine in goldenseal may slightly lower your blood sugar. If you have excessively low blood sugar, symptoms may include tremors, sweating, and a rapid heartbeat.
  • High bilirubin in babies: When old red blood cells (RBCs) in your blood break down, they also make a substance called bilirubin, usually cleared from the body by the liver. But goldenseal might block the liver and prevent the removal of bilirubin. And high bilirubin levels may result in severe jaundice (yellowing of eyes or skin), leading to a life-threatening condition called kernicterus (brain damage from elevated bilirubin).

If you're having a severe allergic reaction or if any of your symptoms feel life-threatening, call 911 and get medical help right away.

Precautions

Goldenseal may pose risks in the following situations:

  • Severe allergic reaction: Avoid goldenseal if you have a severe allergic reaction to it or its components (parts or ingredients).
  • Pregnancy: According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), pregnant people shouldn't use goldenseal. Berberine in goldenseal may reach the unborn fetus and have adverse effects. There are reports of newborns having kernicterus due to berberine exposure. Discuss the benefits and risks of goldenseal during pregnancy with your healthcare provider.
  • Breastfeeding: The NCCIH recommends against goldenseal while breastfeeding. While breastfeeding parents have used goldenseal for sore nipples, the National Library of Medicine (NLM) states that berberine in goldenseal might be present in breastmilk and harm the nursing infant. Reach out to your healthcare provider to discuss the benefits and harms of goldenseal while breastfeeding.
  • Children: The NCCIH recommends avoiding goldenseal in infants. Infants—particularly newborns—might get kernicterus from goldenseal. As for older children, safety and effectiveness data is limited.
  • Older adults over 65: Some older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of medications if they are using multiple medications. For this reason, use caution with goldenseal.
  • Diabetes: Berberine in goldenseal may affect your blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, you may need to monitor your blood sugar frequently. And based on your blood sugar levels and symptoms, your healthcare provider may need to adjust your medications.

Dosage: How Much Goldenseal Should I Take?

Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking a supplement to ensure that the supplement and dosage are appropriate for your needs.

There are very few studies on goldenseal. For this reason, there are no guidelines on the appropriate dosage to take goldenseal for any condition.

What Happens if I Take Too Much Goldenseal?

With very few available studies, there is little information about goldenseal toxicity and overdoses in humans. You should not take goldenseal every day for extended periods of time. Instead, you should take it for short periods of time and only at the recommended dose.

Overdoses of goldenseal might produce similar symptoms as its common or severe side effects, but at an exaggerated level. If you suspect you're experiencing life-threatening side effects, seek immediate medical attention.

Interactions

Before taking any supplement, tell your healthcare provider and pharmacist about any medication changes. This includes over-the-counter (OTC), herbal, natural medications, and supplements.

Use caution when taking goldenseal with the following:

  • Blood sugar medications: Berberine in goldenseal might lower your blood sugar. Thus, taking it with blood sugar medications—like insulin—may further lower your blood sugar. Excessively low blood sugar symptoms may include tremors, sweating, and rapid heartbeat.
  • Cozaar (losartan) and Bystolic (nebivolol), medications that treat high blood pressure
  • Coumadin (warfarin), a blood thinner
  • Dilantin (phenytoin), an anti-seizure medication
  • Delsym (dextromethorphan), a cough medication
  • Zocor (simvastatin), a drug used to treat high cholesterol
  • Cyclosporine or Prograf (tacrolimus), drugs that prevent organ transplant rejection

If you take any of these medicines, talk to your healthcare provider. They'll monitor you for side effects and effectiveness issues and might adjust your medications.

It is essential to carefully read a supplement's ingredient list and nutrition facts panel to know which ingredients and how much of each ingredient is included. Please review this supplement label with your healthcare provider to discuss potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications. 

Goldenseal dried herb
 Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak

How to Store Goldenseal

Since storage instructions may vary for different natural products, carefully read the directions and packaging label on the container. But in general, keep your medications tightly closed and out of the reach of children and pets, ideally locked and in a cool, dry place such as a cabinet or closet.

Discard after one year or as indicated on the packaging. Avoid putting unused and expired medicines down the drain or in the toilet. Visit the FDA's website to determine how to discard all unused and expired medicines. You can also find disposal boxes in your area.

Ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider if you have any questions about how to dispose of your medications or supplements.

Similar Supplements

Potential uses of goldenseal may include treating canker sores (ulcers in the mouth) and diabetes. Potentially similar supplements may include the following:

  • Berberine is the primary active component of goldenseal. Berberine supplements may be more effective than supplements containing the whole herb.
  • Calendula: Calendula contains plant chemicals that may relieve swelling in the mouth and throat. These chemicals might also help with wound healing. However, the scientific data doesn't support calendula for any use.
  • Roman chamomile: Roman chamomile has plant chemicals that may affect blood sugar. But presently, there isn't enough data to support Roman chamomile.

Don't combine multiple natural products until you first talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist. They can help prevent possible interactions and side effects. They can also ensure you’re giving these supplements a fair trial at appropriate doses.

Sources of Goldenseal and What to Look For

There are several different sources of goldenseal.

Food Sources of Goldenseal

Goldenseal leaf is preferred for tea since it's less bitter than the root. However, the leaf contains lower levels of active components, so goldenseal tea may not be as effective as a supplement made from root powder.

Goldenseal Supplements

Goldenseal supplements are available in various forms, including capsules and tablets. If you have difficulties swallowing pills, goldenseal might also be available in other dosage forms, which may include:

  • Liquid
  • Lozenge
  • Powder

There may also be vegan and vegetarian options. Your specific product will depend on your preference and what you hope to achieve in terms of effects. Each product may work a bit differently, depending on the form. Thus, following your healthcare provider's recommendations or label directions is essential.

A National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) study found that goldenseal supplement products contain very little goldenseal. Instead, these products contain other ingredients not listed on the label.

Look for products tested by a trusted third party, such as USP, ConsumerLab, or NSF. This information should appear on the label. Third-party testing will confirm whether or not a product contains the ingredients listed on the label.

Summary

Goldenseal is an herb native to the United States. Similar to many natural products, people may use goldenseal for various reasons. But with very few studies on goldenseal, there isn't enough data to currently support goldenseal for any use.

Goldenseal contains a complex mix of substances and chemicals, such as berberine. And while there are more studies on berberine, they may not always apply to goldenseal. Like many medications and natural products, it's possible to have side effects and medication interactions with goldenseal.

Well-designed and long-term clinical trials are necessary to better assess goldenseal's effectiveness and safety. Before taking goldenseal, contact your pharmacist or healthcare provider to help you safely achieve your health goals.

15 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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Additional Reading

By Ross Phan, PharmD, BCACP, BCGP, BCPS
Ross is a writer for Verywell with years of experience practicing pharmacy in various settings. She is also a board-certified clinical pharmacist and the founder of Off Script Consults.

Originally written by Cathy Wong