Natural Herb Library

Goldenseal

Latin
Hydrastis canadensis

Goldenseal is a North American woodland herb promoted for colds and digestive complaints despite a lack of rigorous evidence for any health condition. Its real distinction is interaction risk because it can alter major drug-metabolism enzymes and reduce metformin exposure.

Also Known As

Yellow Root Goldenroot Yellow Pucoon

Latin: Hydrastis canadensis

Traditional Context

Goldenseal is not a classical Traditional Chinese Medicine material. It has a distinct Indigenous North American history and should not be treated as interchangeable with isolated berberine or Chinese berberine-containing herbs.

Primary Actions

  • Traditionally used for digestive, skin, eye, and wound complaints

Secondary Actions

  • Later promoted for respiratory complaints without supporting clinical evidence

Classical References

  • Indigenous North American herbal traditions

Modern Research

Active Compounds

  • Berberine
  • Hydrastine
  • Canadine
  • Hydrastinine

Studied Effects

  • CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 inhibition and broad drug-interaction potential
  • Reduced metformin exposure in human pharmacokinetic studies
  • Product adulteration and authentication

PubMed References

Safety & Interactions

Contraindications

  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • Use in infants or newborns
  • Use with prescription medicine without interaction review

Cautions

  • Goldenseal has an overall high interaction risk because it inhibits CYP2D6 and CYP3A4.
  • Its berberine constituent can harm newborns and may worsen jaundice.
  • Commercial products may be adulterated or contain little goldenseal.

Drug Interactions

Goldenseal can inhibit CYP2D6 and CYP3A4, enzymes involved in the metabolism of many medicines. Human studies also found a clinically meaningful reduction in metformin exposure, making medication review essential before use.

  • Metformin … Goldenseal reduced metformin exposure by about 25 percent in healthy adults and showed a dose-dependent interaction in adults with type 2 diabetes. (Major) Source: NCCIH Goldenseal
  • CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 substrate medicines … Goldenseal inhibits both major metabolic enzymes and can increase toxicity or alter drug effects across many classes. (Major) Source: NCCIH Herb-Drug Interactions
  • Midazolam and other sensitive CYP3A4 substrates … Human pharmacokinetic research confirms an interaction consistent with intestinal CYP3A4 inhibition. (Major) Source: NCCIH Goldenseal

Conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Goldenseal used for?

Goldenseal is traditionally used to Traditionally used for digestive, skin, eye, and wound complaints. Research has investigated its effects on: CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 inhibition and broad drug-interaction potential; Reduced metformin exposure in human pharmacokinetic studies.

What are other names for Goldenseal?

Goldenseal is also known as Yellow Root, Goldenroot, Yellow Pucoon. In TCM: Hydrastis canadensis.

Is Goldenseal safe during pregnancy?

Goldenseal is not recommended during pregnancy.

What are the contraindications for Goldenseal?

Goldenseal should not be used in: Pregnancy or breastfeeding; Use in infants or newborns; Use with prescription medicine without interaction review. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before use.

Does Goldenseal interact with any medications?

Goldenseal may interact with: Metformin - Goldenseal reduced metformin exposure by about 25 percent in healthy adults and showed a dose-dependent interaction in adults with type 2 diabetes. - (Major severity); CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 substrate medicines - Goldenseal inhibits both major metabolic enzymes and can increase toxicity or alter drug effects across many classes. - (Major severity); Midazolam and other sensitive CYP3A4 substrates - Human pharmacokinetic research confirms an interaction consistent with intestinal CYP3A4 inhibition. - (Major severity). Always inform your healthcare provider of any herbal supplements you are taking.