G
Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Goldenseal) — Class 2b. Fresh plant may
irritate the mucosa (AHP). Not approved (KOM; PH2). “Goldenseal should not be taken for long
periods of time” (Barney, 1996). The LRNP (June 1987) is a bit stronger, saying large doses of the
plant may irritate the mouth and throat, and cause diarrhea, nausea, parasthesia, and vomiting.
“CNS stimulation and respiratory failure induced by the plant can be fatal.” In higher doses
hydrastine can cause convulsions, exaggerated reflexes, high blood pressure, and death from res-
piratory failure (LRNP, but quoting an old, old book). No recent reports of toxicity in the literature
(SF). May alter intestinal flora. Canadian regulations do not allow it as an ingredient in oral products
(Michols, 1995). Contraindicated in glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase deficiency. Berberine may
antagonize heparin’s anticoagulant activity (PH2). The PDR last couplet in the PDR general warning
may stimulate more sales, “If taken over an extended period, the drug can bring about digestive
disorders, mucous membrane irritation, constipation, excitatory states, hallucinations, and occa-
sional deliria” (PH2). The potentially poisonous berberine may cause gastric upset (CAN). Because
of alkaloids with uterine stimulant activity, in vitro, its use in pregnancy and lactation is to be
avoided (CAN). Berberine is reportedly mutagenic in yeast cells and Ames test (intercalation into
the DNA). PH2 assigns the toxicity more to hydrastine than to berberine, perhaps making barberry
and oregon grape look like safer alternatives, with the benefit of the MDR-inhibitor methoxyhyd-
nocarpine. “The hydrastine component appears to be the toxic component in goldenseal” (PH2).
Overdoses may induce bradycardia, central paralysis, and dyspnea (PH2). Death from berberine
has been reported (MAB).
Extracts (Goldenseal) — LD50 goldenseal extract 1620 mg/kg orl mouse (MAB). A good source
of the COX-2 inhibitor, berberine (COX; FNF). See FNF for individual alkaloids activities, ber-
berine alone having close to fifty. Berberine from Hydrastis active against MDR strains of tuber-
culosis; also inhibits Helicobacter (PH2). Berberine more effective than sulfacetamide with Chlamy-
dia trachomatis from the eye (PH2). Berberine has platelet alpha-2-adrenoreceptor agonist activity
comparable to clonidine, perhaps rationalizing its antisecretory, hypotensive, and sedative effects
(PH2).GOLDEN SHOWER, PURGING CASSIA (Cassia fistula L.) +Activities (Golden Shower) — Abortifacient (f; JFM); Alexeteric (f; WO2); Antipyretic (f; WO2);
Antiseptic (1; PH2); Antiviral (1; PH2; WO2); Astringent (f; WO2); Dentifrice (f; WO2); Emetic
(f; WO2); Fungicide (1; WO2); Hypoglycemic (1; WO2); Laxative (1; HHB; PH2); Tonic (f; WO2);
Vermifuge (f; WO2).
Indications (Golden Shower) — Adenopathy (f; JLH); Anorexia (f; PH2); Asthma (f; WO2);
Cancer (f; JLH); Cancer, abdomen (f; JLH); Cancer, colon (f; JLH); Cancer, gland (f; JLH); Cancer,
liver (f; JLH); Cancer, throat (f; JLH); Cancer, uterus (f; JLH); Cholecystosis (f; JFM); Conjunc-
tivosis (f; WO2); Constipation (1; HHB; PH2); Cough (f; WO2); Dermatosis (f; PH2; WO2);
Diabetes (1; WO2); Dysentery (f; WO2); Dysuria (f; WO2); Fever (f; PH2; WO2); Fungus (1;
WO2); Gas (f; PH2); Gastrosis (f; WO2); Gonorrhea (f; WO2); Gout (f; WO2); Hepatosis (f; JLH);
Herpes (f; WO2); Impostume (f; JLH); Induration (f; JLH); Infection (1; PH2; WO2); Inflammation
(f; JLH); Itch (f; PH2); Jaundice (f; PH2); Leprosy (f; WO2); Mycosis (1; WO2); Ophthalmia (f;
WO2); Pharyngosis (f; WO2); Prickly Heat (f; JFM); Pulmonosis (f; IED); Respirosis (f; IED);
Rheumatism (f; WO2); Sore Throat (f; WO2); Sore (f; WO2); Sting (f; JFM); Stomachache (f;
WO2); Swelling (f; JLH); VD (f; WO2); Virus (1; PH2; WO2); Wet Dream (spermatorrhea,
nocturnal emissions) (f; WO2); Worm (f; WO2).
Dosages (Golden Shower) — 4–8 g fruit pulp (HHB; PH2).
Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Golden Shower) — Not covered (AHP).
Interaction of anthranoid laxatives reported (AEH). Usual template caveats with anthranoids.