Sello de oro

Related Terms

Berberastine, berberine, berberine bisulfate, canadine, curcuma, eye balm, eye root, golden root, goldensiegel, goldsiegel, ground raspberry, guldsegl, hydrastine, Hydrastis rhizoma, hydrophyllum, Indian dye, Indian paint, Indian plant, Indian turmeric, isoquinoline alkaloids, jaundice root, Kanadische Gelbwurzel (German), kurkuma, Ohio curcuma, orange root, Ranunculaceae (family), sello de oro (Spanish), tumeric root, warnera, wild curcuma, wild turmeric, yellow eye, yellow Indian plant, yellow paint, yellow paint root, yellow puccoon, yellow root, yellow seal, yellow wort.
Note: Goldenseal is sometimes referred to as "Indian turmeric" or "curcuma," but it should not be confused with turmeric (Curcuma longa). Goldenseal contains berberine, an alkaloid constituent in goldenseal, so it is mentioned in this monograph, but a separate monograph is available on this topic.

Background

Goldenseal is one of the five top-selling herbal products in the United States. However, there is little scientific evidence about its safety or effectiveness. Goldenseal may be found in dietary supplements, eardrops, feminine cleansing products, cold/flu remedies, allergy remedies, laxatives, and digestive aids.
Goldenseal is often found in combination with echinacea in treatments for upper respiratory infections and is suggested to enhance the effects of echinacea. However, the effects when these agents are combined are not scientifically proven.
Goldenseal has been used by some people due to the popular notion that detection of illegal drugs in urine may be hidden by use of the herb; however, scientific information is limited in this area. The popularity of goldenseal has led to a higher demand for the herb than growers can supply.
Studies on the effectiveness of goldenseal are limited to one of its main chemical ingredients, berberine salts. A small amount of berberine is actually present in most goldenseal preparations. Therefore, it is difficult to extend the research of berberine salts to the use of goldenseal. There is not enough scientific evidence to support the use of goldenseal in humans for any medical condition.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


Limited research suggests that berberine, a chemical found in goldenseal, may be beneficial in the treatment of chloroquine-resistant malaria when used in combination with pyrimethamine. Due to the very small amount of berberine found in most goldenseal preparations, it is unclear whether goldenseal contains enough berberine to have these effects. More research is needed in this area.

 C


Limited research suggests that berberine, a chemical found in goldenseal, may be beneficial in the treatment of chloroquine-resistant malaria when used in combination with pyrimethamine. Due to the very small amount of berberine found in most goldenseal preparations, it is unclear whether goldenseal contains enough berberine to have these effects. More research is needed in this area.

 C


Goldenseal has become a popular treatment for the common cold and upper respiratory tract infections, and is often added to echinacea in commercial herbal cold remedies. Berberine may have effects against bacteria and inflammation. However, due to the very small amount of berberine in most goldenseal preparations, it is unclear whether goldenseal contains enough berberine to have the same effects.

C


Goldenseal has become a popular treatment for the common cold and upper respiratory tract infections, and is often added to echinacea in commercial herbal cold remedies. Berberine may have effects against bacteria and inflammation. However, due to the very small amount of berberine in most goldenseal preparations, it is unclear whether goldenseal contains enough berberine to have the same effects.

C


Early research suggests that berberine, in addition to a standard medication for chronic congestive heart failure (CHF), may improve quality of life, heart function, and mortality. Further research is needed to confirm these results.

 C


Early research suggests that berberine, in addition to a standard medication for chronic congestive heart failure (CHF), may improve quality of life, heart function, and mortality. Further research is needed to confirm these results.

 C


Limited research suggests that berberine may lower cholesterol and triglycerides. Additional research is needed in this area.

C


Limited research suggests that berberine may lower cholesterol and triglycerides. Additional research is needed in this area.

C


Goldenseal is sometimes suggested to be an immune system stimulant. Further research is needed in this area.

 C


Goldenseal is sometimes suggested to be an immune system stimulant. Further research is needed in this area.

 C


Berberine has been used as a treatment for diarrhea caused by bacterial infections (including diarrhea from cholera). Due to the very small amount of berberine in most goldenseal products, it is unclear if goldenseal contains enough berberine to have the same effects. Additional studies are needed in this area.

 C


Berberine has been used as a treatment for diarrhea caused by bacterial infections (including diarrhea from cholera). Due to the very small amount of berberine in most goldenseal products, it is unclear if goldenseal contains enough berberine to have the same effects. Additional studies are needed in this area.

 C


It has been suggested that taking goldenseal may hide the presence of illegal drugs from urine tests. However, there is limited research to support this use.

C


It has been suggested that taking goldenseal may hide the presence of illegal drugs from urine tests. However, there is limited research to support this use.

C


The goldenseal component berberine may have effects against bacteria and inflammation. Early research suggests berberine may help treat trachoma. Further research is needed in this area.

 C


The goldenseal component berberine may have effects against bacteria and inflammation. Early research suggests berberine may help treat trachoma. Further research is needed in this area.

 C


Berberine, a chemical found in goldenseal, has been used in a combination product to treat burn wounds. Further research in this area using berberine alone is needed.

C


Berberine, a chemical found in goldenseal, has been used in a combination product to treat burn wounds. Further research in this area using berberine alone is needed.

C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
Historically, goldenseal has been used in various formulations. The following doses have been used, each taken three times daily: 0.5-1 grams of goldenseal tablets or capsules; 0.3-1 milliliters of goldenseal liquid or fluid extract (1:1 in 60% ethanol); 2-4 milliliters of goldenseal alcoholic extract (1:10 in 60% ethanol); and 0.5-1 grams of dried goldenseal root as a tea.
To treat heart failure, 1.2-2 grams of berberine daily in divided doses has been taken by mouth for eight weeks. Additionally, 0.02 or 0.2 milligrams/kilogram/minute of berberine has been injected into the blood for 30 minutes.
To treat high cholesterol, 0.5 grams of berberine has been taken by mouth twice daily for three months.
To treat infectious diarrhea, 100-200 milligrams of berberine hydrochloride four times daily or a single dose of 400 milligrams has been taken by mouth. A dose of 50 milligrams of berberine hydrochloride has been taken every eight hours for two days, followed by 50 milligrams twice daily until the fifth day. Berberine sulfate is often used as well, and the hydrochloride and sulfate forms are generally considered interchangeable.
To treat narcotic concealment (urine analysis), four goldenseal capsules (535 milligrams each) (Nature's Herbs?, American Fork, UT) plus one gallon of water and one gallon of Naturally Klean Herbal Tea? (Klean Tea, AZ) have been taken by mouth.
To treat stimulation of the immune system in people with low white blood cell count, 50 milligrams of berberine has been taken by mouth three times daily for 1-4 weeks.
To treat trachoma (Chlamydia trachomatis eye infection), two drops of 0.2% berberine chloride solution have been used in each eye three times daily for three weeks.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Berberine may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may also lower blood sugar. People taking drugs for diabetes by mouth or insulin should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.
Goldenseal or its component berberine may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants ("blood thinners") such as warfarin (Coumadin?) or heparin, anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix?), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin?, Advil?) or naproxen (Naprosyn?, Aleve?).
Goldenseal may interfere with the way the body processes certain drugs using the liver's "cytochrome P450" enzyme system. As a result, the levels of these drugs may be decreased in the blood, and reduce the intended effects. People taking any medications should check the package insert and speak with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, about possible interactions.
Goldenseal may affect blood pressure. Caution is advised in people taking agents that lower blood pressure.
Goldenseal may increase the amount of drowsiness caused by some drugs. Examples include benzodiazepines such as lorazepam (Ativan?) or diazepam (Valium?), barbiturates such as phenobarbital, narcotics such as codeine, some antidepressants, and alcohol. Caution is advised while driving or operating machinery.
Goldenseal or its component berberine may also interact with agents against fungi, helminths, and parasites; agents for abnormal heart rhythm or agents that may alter heart rate; agents that may narrow blood vessels; agents for cancer, diarrhea, malaria; agents for the brain, heart, intestines and stomach; agents that may alter immune function including cyclosporine; agents that may increase sensitivity to the sun; agents toxic to the liver; alkaloids; antibiotics including tetracyclines; antihistamines; anti-inflammatory agents; beta-blockers; carmustine (chemotherapy agent); cholesterol lowering agents; cocaine; digoxin; laxatives; neostigmine (Prostigmin?); oseltamivir (flu agent); phenylephrine; warfarin; wound-healing agents.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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