amounts of canadine (tetrahydroberberine),
canadaline, 1-a-hydrastine, 5-hydroxytetrahy-
droberberine, and other related alkaloids.2–7
The roots also containC-methyl flavonoids
(methylluteolin methyl ethers) and feruloyl
quinic acid glucoside esters that were reported
forthefirsttimeinnatureandingoldenseal.2,8,9
Other constituents include meconin,
chlorogenic acid, lipids with 75% unsaturated
and 25% saturated fatty acids,b-sitosterol
glucoside,^2 resin, starch, sugar, and a small
amount of volatile oil (LIST AND HO€RHAMMER).
PHARMACOLOGY AND BIOLOGICAL
ACTIVITIES
The alkaloids present in goldenseal have ear-
lier been reported to have anticonvulsive ac-
tivity on mouse intestine and uterus.^10 The
extract also has a relaxant effect on guinea pig
isolated trachea, mainly due to canadine and
candaline.^11
In vitroantibacterial activity of the extract
and its major alkaloids has been demonstrated
against oral pathogens, for example,Strepto-
coccus mutans, peptic ulcer bacteriaHelico-
bacter pylori, other Gram-positive and Gram-
negative bacteria, as well asMycobacterium
tuberculosis.2,9,12,13Goldenseal extract pos-
sesses antioxidant activity,^14 and it has an
immunostimulant effect on antigen-induced
IgM productionin vivo.^15
Berberine is reported to have pharmacolog-
ical properties resembling those of hydras-
tine.^16 Its many activities include stimulating
secretion of the bile in humans, sedative
effect on cats and mice upon intraperitoneal
administration, lowering the blood pressure
of laboratory animals, antiarrhythmic effects
and strong antibacterial effects (as mentioned
above), among many others (see also
barberry).6,16,17
TOXICOLOGY
Numerous modern secondary reports of con-
tact ulceration and inflammation in topical use
can be traced to an ointment of goldenseal
containing zinc chloride andDatura stramo-
nium.^1 Skin inflammation may also result
from alkaloid-induced phototoxicity.^18USESMedicinal, Pharmaceutical, and Cosmetic.
Hydrastis extracts and hydrastine hydrochlo-
ride have been used for stopping uterine
hemorrhage and in relieving menstrual pain.
Current use is mainly as components in eye-
washes and in certain bitter tonic preparations.Dietary Supplements/Health Foods. One of
the most popular indigenous North American
botanicals in health and natural food markets
in the United States. Root in capsules, tablets,
tinctures, extracts, teas, and various other
product forms, single or in combination (often
with Echinacea). Presence of green mass in
powdered root may indicate presence of gold-
enseal leaf as filler (FOSTER).
Uses are numerous including, but not
limited to, that as antiseptic, hemostatic,
diuretic, laxative, and tonic; anti-inflammatory
for inflammations of the mucous membranes.^1
Goldenseal consumption has increased due
to word-of-mouth circulation of the belief that
root products may be used to mask urine tests
for illicit drugs. This grows out of the fictional
plot ofStringtown on the Pike(1900), a novel
by pharmacist John Uri Lloyd (1849–1936).
This use has persisted throughout the 20th
century; especially in attempts to mask mor-
phine detection in racehorses. There is no
scientific evidence to support this use. In fact,
it may instead promote false-positive readings
(TYLER2).^19
Despite goldenseal’s continued popularity,
it has been poorly researched.^1Traditional Medicine. Reportedly used as
antiperiodic, antiseptic, hemostatic, diuretic,
laxative, and tonic. Conditions for which
it is used include inflammation of mucous
membranes (vaginal and uteral), hemorrhoids,
nasal congestion, sore gums, sore eyes,Goldenseal 337