Benefits of echinacea and goldenseal. Goldenseal and Echinacea: Powerful Herbal Remedies for Natural Health Support

01.10.202307.07.2023 by alexxlab

What are the main benefits of goldenseal and echinacea. How do these herbs work together to boost immunity. What is the recommended dosage for goldenseal and echinacea. Are there any potential side effects to be aware of when using these herbal remedies.

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The Origins and Traditional Uses of Goldenseal

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) is a perennial plant native to eastern North America with a rich history in traditional medicine. For centuries, indigenous peoples and early settlers have utilized the roots and leaves of this herb to address a wide range of health concerns, particularly those involving infections and inflammation.

In modern times, goldenseal has maintained its popularity, ranking among the most sought-after herbal remedies worldwide. It is commonly found in various forms, including:

Teas
Herbal extracts
Capsules
Over-the-counter remedies (e.g., ear drops, feminine hygiene products, eyewash formulations)
Cold and flu remedies
Allergy relief products
Laxatives
Digestive aids

The Active Compounds in Goldenseal

The therapeutic properties of goldenseal are largely attributed to its rich alkaloid content. The three primary alkaloids found in high concentrations are:

Berberine
Hydrastine
Canadine

These alkaloids are believed to be responsible for goldenseal’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, which form the basis of its purported health benefits.

Goldenseal’s Potential Health Benefits

While goldenseal has been praised for its various health-promoting properties, it’s important to note that scientific research supporting these benefits is limited and often inconclusive. However, some areas show promise and warrant further investigation:

Upper Respiratory Tract Infections and the Common Cold

Can goldenseal effectively combat upper respiratory tract infections? Cell and animal studies suggest that berberine, one of goldenseal’s main active compounds, may possess antiviral and antibacterial properties. These studies have shown potential in fighting the virus responsible for the common cold. However, it’s crucial to understand that these findings may not directly translate to human use, as the dosages used in animal studies often exceed those found in typical goldenseal supplements.

Synergistic Effects with Echinacea

Goldenseal is frequently combined with echinacea in over-the-counter herbal cold and flu remedies. Echinacea, another North American native plant, has its own history of traditional use in treating infections. While some studies suggest that echinacea may reduce the risk of respiratory infections, the evidence is mixed. Currently, there is no concrete evidence to support the idea that combining goldenseal with echinacea offers benefits beyond those associated with taking each herb individually.

Debunking Myths: Goldenseal and Detoxification

Is goldenseal an effective detoxifying agent? Despite popular belief, there is little scientific evidence to support claims that goldenseal aids in detoxification. In fact, research suggests that goldenseal may actually slow down certain detoxification processes in the liver by reducing the activity of specific enzymes responsible for breaking down drugs.

Interestingly, some evidence indicates that goldenseal might help the body eliminate certain drugs more quickly through urine. This has led to the misconception that goldenseal could be used to mask drug use in drug tests. However, modern testing methods can now detect the presence of goldenseal in urine samples, making this an ineffective and potentially risky strategy.

Goldenseal’s Potential in Fighting Infections

While more research is needed, goldenseal shows promise in combating certain types of infections:

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

How might goldenseal help with UTIs? Cell studies suggest that berberine, a key compound in goldenseal, may prevent bacteria from adhering to the bladder walls. This could potentially help prevent or treat urinary tract infections. However, more human studies are needed to confirm these effects.

Yeast Infections

Berberine has also shown potential in regulating the growth of Candida albicans, a fungus naturally present in the human body. When Candida overgrows, it can lead to various issues, including vaginal yeast infections. Goldenseal’s ability to potentially keep Candida growth in check makes it an interesting subject for further research in this area.

The Echinacea Connection: A Powerful Herbal Duo

Echinacea, often paired with goldenseal in herbal remedies, has its own set of potential benefits. Native to North America, echinacea has been traditionally used to boost the immune system and fight infections.

Echinacea’s Potential Benefits

What makes echinacea a popular herbal remedy? Some studies suggest that echinacea may:

Reduce the risk of catching a cold
Shorten the duration of cold symptoms
Alleviate upper respiratory tract infection symptoms
Possess anti-inflammatory properties

However, like goldenseal, the scientific evidence supporting these benefits is mixed, and more research is needed to draw definitive conclusions.

Dosage and Administration of Goldenseal and Echinacea

When considering the use of goldenseal and echinacea, it’s crucial to understand proper dosage and administration. As with any herbal supplement, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional before beginning use, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are taking other medications.

Goldenseal Dosage

How much goldenseal should one take? The appropriate dosage can vary depending on the form of goldenseal and the specific health concern being addressed. Generally, the following guidelines are suggested:

Dried root: 0.5-1 gram, three times daily
Liquid extract (1:1): 2-4 mL, three times daily
Tincture (1:5): 6-12 mL, three times daily

It’s important to note that goldenseal should not be used for extended periods. Many herbalists recommend using it for no more than three weeks at a time, followed by a break of at least two weeks.

Echinacea Dosage

What is the recommended dosage for echinacea? As with goldenseal, echinacea dosages can vary based on the form and intended use. Common recommendations include:

Dried root: 0.5-1 gram, three times daily
Liquid extract: 2-3 mL, three times daily
Tincture: 1-2 mL, three times daily

For prevention of colds and flu, echinacea is often taken for 6-8 weeks during cold and flu season. For treatment of acute infections, it may be taken for 10-14 days.

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

While goldenseal and echinacea are generally considered safe for most people when used appropriately, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects and contraindications.

Goldenseal Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of goldenseal? Some individuals may experience:

Nausea
Vomiting
Reduced appetite
Nervous system disturbances
Heightened sensitivity to light

Goldenseal is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, as it may stimulate uterine contractions and could potentially harm the developing fetus or infant.

Echinacea Side Effects

What side effects might occur with echinacea use? Possible side effects include:

Headache
Dizziness
Nausea
Mild gastrointestinal symptoms

Individuals with autoimmune disorders or allergies to plants in the daisy family should consult a healthcare provider before using echinacea.

Drug Interactions

Both goldenseal and echinacea can interact with certain medications. Goldenseal may affect the way the liver processes various drugs, potentially altering their effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects. Echinacea may interact with medications that suppress the immune system.

It’s crucial to inform your healthcare provider about all supplements and medications you’re taking to avoid potential interactions.

Choosing Quality Goldenseal and Echinacea Products

When selecting goldenseal and echinacea supplements, it’s important to choose high-quality products from reputable sources. Here are some tips to help ensure you’re getting a good product:

Look for products that have been third-party tested for purity and potency
Choose supplements that clearly list the species of plant used (e.g., Hydrastis canadensis for goldenseal, Echinacea purpurea or Echinacea angustifolia for echinacea)
Check for standardized extracts, which ensure a consistent level of active compounds
Be wary of products that make exaggerated health claims
Consider the reputation of the manufacturer and look for good manufacturing practice (GMP) certifications

Remember that dietary supplements are not regulated as strictly as pharmaceuticals, so it’s important to do your research and choose wisely.

Integrating Goldenseal and Echinacea into a Holistic Health Approach

While goldenseal and echinacea may offer potential health benefits, it’s important to view them as part of a broader approach to health and wellness. These herbs should not be relied upon as a sole treatment for any condition, especially serious or chronic health issues.

To maximize the potential benefits of goldenseal and echinacea while maintaining overall health, consider the following strategies:

Maintain a balanced, nutrient-rich diet
Engage in regular physical activity
Prioritize adequate sleep and stress management
Practice good hygiene habits, especially hand washing
Stay up-to-date with recommended vaccinations
Consult with healthcare professionals for regular check-ups and when health concerns arise

By incorporating these herbs into a comprehensive health regimen, you may be able to support your body’s natural defenses and promote overall wellbeing. However, always remember to consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are taking medications.

The Future of Goldenseal and Echinacea Research

As interest in natural remedies continues to grow, so does the need for robust scientific research on herbs like goldenseal and echinacea. While current evidence is promising in some areas, many questions remain unanswered.

Future research directions may include:

Large-scale, well-designed clinical trials to assess efficacy in humans
Studies on optimal dosing and duration of use
Investigation of potential synergistic effects when combining goldenseal and echinacea
Research on long-term safety and potential interactions with medications
Exploration of other potential health benefits suggested by traditional use

As our understanding of these herbs grows, we may discover new ways to harness their potential health benefits while minimizing risks. Until then, it’s important to approach their use with caution and under the guidance of knowledgeable healthcare professionals.

In conclusion, while goldenseal and echinacea have a long history of traditional use and show promise in certain areas of health, more research is needed to fully understand their benefits and limitations. As with any herbal remedy, it’s crucial to approach their use thoughtfully, considering both potential benefits and risks, and to integrate them into a comprehensive approach to health and wellness.

Benefits, Dosage, Side Effects, and More

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) is a perennial plant native to eastern North America (1).

Its roots and leaves have been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, especially those involving infections or inflammation (1).

Today goldenseal ranks amongst the most popular herbal remedies worldwide. Teas, herbal extracts, or capsules sourced from this plant are used to treat colds, hay fever, digestive problems, sore gums, and skin problems (2, 3, 4).

Goldenseal is also added to various over-the-counter remedies, such as ear drops, feminine hygiene products, eyewash formulations, cold and flu remedies, allergy relief products, laxatives, and digestive aids (1, 4).

The herb is naturally rich in a class of alkaloid compounds, with berberine, hydrastine, and canadine being found in the highest concentrations.

These alkaloids are linked to antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and believed to be the main reason behind goldenseal’s purported health benefits (1).

Goldenseal is praised for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s often taken to prevent or treat upper respiratory tract infections and the common cold (3, 5).

It’s also used to treat skin disorders, lack of appetite, heavy or painful periods, sinus infections, indigestion, and other inflammatory or digestive disorders (1).

However, research supporting its benefits is limited and generally weak. The benefits with the most scientific backing are outlined below.

Colds and other upper respiratory tract infections

Goldenseal is a popular natural treatment for upper respiratory tract infections, including the common cold (6).

Cell and animal studies suggest that berberine, one of the main active compounds in goldenseal, may help fight infections caused by bacteria and viruses. This includes the virus responsible for the common cold (7, 8, 9, 10, 11).

However, despite goldenseal’s inclusion in many cold remedies, it’s unclear whether the effects observed in animals apply to humans.

The amount of berberine used in these animal studies is generally larger than the amount found in goldenseal supplements. In addition, the absorption of berberine from goldenseal may be lower than that of concentrated berberine supplements (4, 6).

Therefore, more research is needed to determine which effect, if any, goldenseal has against upper respiratory tract infections in humans.

Combined with echinacea

Goldenseal is often combined with echinacea in over-the-counter herbal cold and flu remedies (4, 12).

Echinacea is a plant that’s also native to North America and traditionally used to treat infections, including the common cold (12).

Although some studies suggest that echinacea may lower the risk of respiratory infections, not all agree (13, 14).

Currently, there’s no evidence to suggest that combining goldenseal with echinacea offers any benefits beyond those associated with taking each on their own.

Detoxing or passing a drug test

Some believe that goldenseal can help your body detox from toxins and harmful substances. Yet, very little evidence exists to support this claim.

Your body is naturally designed to detoxify itself. It does so by converting toxic compounds into harmless substances in your liver or making sure they’re eliminated from your body through urine and sweat (15, 16).

Research suggests that goldenseal may reduce the activity of certain liver enzymes responsible for breaking down drugs. As such, this herbal supplement may slow the detox process rather than promote it (1, 17).

However, there’s also evidence that goldenseal may help your body get rid of certain drugs more quickly through the urine. Because of this, some believe goldenseal may help hide the use of illegal drugs to pass a drug test (1).

Keep in mind that newer drug testing methods are now able to detect the use of goldenseal in urine samples, reducing the likelihood of a false negative result on a drug test (17).

While goldenseal’s detoxifying potential may depend on the type of toxin or harmful substance at hand, more studies are needed to confirm this.

Urinary tract and yeast infections

Goldenseal is a common herbal remedy for urinary tract infections (UTIs) and yeast infections.

Cell studies suggest that berberine, one of the main active compounds in goldenseal, may protect your body against various bacteria and fungi (18, 19, 20, 21).

For instance, berberine may stop bacteria from sticking to the walls of your bladder, potentially preventing or helping treat a UTI (22).

Berberine is also believed to keep Candida albicans, a fungus that’s naturally present in the human body, from multiplying in excess (23).

When present in normal numbers, Candida poses no health issues. However, when present in excessive amounts, this fungus can cause vaginal yeast infections, oral thrush, skin rashes, and UTIs (24, 25).

In one study, people with recurrent UTIs given a mix of herbal extracts containing berberine were less likely to experience another UTI than those given no berberine (26).

Although the results from this study seem promising, no human studies have directly examined the effect of goldenseal on UTIs or yeast infections to date. Therefore, more studies are needed before strong conclusions can be made.

Chlamydia or herpes

Chlamydia and herpes are some of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the world (27, 28).

When left untreated, chlamydia can cause various complications, including infertility. Moreover, babies born vaginally to mothers with chlamydia have a higher risk of pneumonia and vision problems (28).

Herpes is a viral infection that causes watery blisters on the skin or mucous membranes of the lips, mouth, or genitalia. It can be transmitted through oral or sexual contact (28).

A handful of older studies suggest that berberine, one of the main active compounds in goldenseal, may help treat herpes and chlamydia infections.

For instance, some of these studies suggest that vaginal chlamydia infections may be treated with berberine-containing douches, vaginal suppositories, or various types of oral goldenseal supplements (29).

They also propose that berberine-containing plants may help prevent the herpes virus from replicating. One particular study observed that goldenseal mixed with myrrh and thyme helped treat oral herpes (30, 31).

That said, few of these studies looked at the direct effects of goldenseal in humans, and no recent research can be found to support these older findings. Therefore, more research is needed.

Acne and psoriasis

Berberine-containing plants like goldenseal may benefit your skin.

Older test-tube studies suggest that berberine, one of the main active compounds in goldenseal, may help fight P. acnes, the bacterium responsible for acne (32).

In addition, animal research suggests that berberine’s anti-inflammatory effects may help treat inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis (33).

However, research on this topic is limited and not specific to goldenseal. Therefore, more research is needed.

Oral health

Goldenseal may help protect against tooth infections.

One study suggests that an herbal mouth rinse containing various herbs and goldenseal reduced the growth of bacteria responsible for dental plaque and gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease (31).

Another study suggests that using goldenseal as a toothpaste or mouthwash may help soothe inflamed gums (34).

Still, research is limited, and more studies are needed to confirm these proposed oral health benefits of goldenseal.

Digestion

A few test-tube studies suggest that goldenseal extracts may fight H. pylori, a bacterium that can infect the lining of your stomach and has been linked to the appearance of stomach ulcers (35, 36).

Goldenseal extracts also appear effective against the C. jejuni bacterium, which is a main cause of gastroenteritis (37).

Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines that causes diarrhea and vomiting. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), infections with C. jejuni are the most common cause of gastroenteritis (38).

Berberine, one of the main active compounds in goldenseal, is thought to be largely responsible for this plant’s potential ability to protect against H. pylori and C. jejuni (39, 40).

Yet, no studies have observed these effects directly in humans. Therefore, more research is needed before strong conclusions can be made.

Labor

Animal studies suggest that the berberine in goldenseal may induce labor by stimulating the uterus to contract (41).

However, goldenseal and other berberine-containing plants may not be safe to use during pregnancy for several reasons.

First, berberine administration in rats caused lower weight in both mothers and babies. In addition, berberine is believed to cause or worsen jaundice in newborns, which — in a low number of cases — may cause brain damage (4, 41, 42).

As such, women are advised to avoid goldenseal during pregnancy.

Cholesterol and triglyceride levels

Studies in mice and hamsters suggest that the berberine in goldenseal may help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglyceride levels (43, 44).

A recent review of 12 studies found similar results in humans. The authors concluded that berberine may help reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglyceride levels by 20–55 mg/dL (45).

Although these results seem promising, there’s currently no scientific proof that goldenseal produces the same effects.

Therefore, more research is needed to determine whether goldenseal has any cholesterol- and triglyceride-lowering effects in humans.

Diabetes

Goldenseal may be beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes.

Studies suggest that berberine, one of the main compounds in goldenseal, may reduce sugar absorption from the gut, lower insulin resistance, and promote insulin secretion — all of which are factors that may help lower blood sugar levels (46).

Research further suggests that the blood-sugar-lowering effects of berberine may be as effective as those of metformin, a common antidiabetic medication (46).

Moreover, the combination of berberine with blood-sugar-lowering medication appears to be more effective than taking blood-sugar-lowering medications on their own (47).

However, although the benefits of berberine appear promising, it’s unclear whether the amount of berberine in goldenseal is sufficient to produce the same effects. Therefore, more goldenseal-specific studies are needed.

Goldenseal is considered safe when consumed for short periods at the typically recommended dosages.

Side effects are rare but may include nausea, vomiting, and reduced liver function (42, 48, 49).

That said, research on this herbal supplement’s safety is very limited. In addition, short-term use is poorly defined, and little is known about the safety of long-term use or high dosages (1, 42).

Moreover, due to its high cost, some products claiming to contain goldenseal may not contain any amount of this plant or very little of it.

For instance, some products replace goldenseal with Chinese goldthread, Oregon grape root, barberry, yellow root, or Chinese goldenseal — all of which contain berberine but no hydrastine or canadine (50).

Therefore, these herbs may have different side effects and drug interactions than those associated with goldenseal (42).

People wishing to try goldenseal should carefully read a supplement’s ingredient label to ensure that it truly contains goldenseal before purchasing the product.

Goldenseal supplements are available in a wide range of forms, including capsules, lotions, drops, sprays, eyewashes, and feminine hygiene products. They’re currently consumed in various dosages, and little research exists on which dosage is best (1).

Dried root supplements tend to be taken in a dosage ranging from 0.5–10 grams three times a day, whereas alcoholic tinctures and liquid extracts are typically taken in dosages of 0.3–10-mL dosages three times a day (1).

Goldenseal can also be consumed as a tea by steeping 2 teaspoons of the dried herb in 1 cup (240 mL) of hot water for about 15 minutes.

That said, no studies can currently confirm whether these dosages are the most beneficial ones.

At this time, it’s unclear what dosage of goldenseal would cause an overdose — and what the effects of this overdose may be.

Over-the-counter goldenseal preparations tend to be available in doses ranging from 100–470 mg, and most people seem to take goldenseal in doses of 0.5–10 grams or 0.3–10 mL three times a day (1).

These dosages appear to be generally safe, but little is known about the potential effects of larger doses (1).

When in doubt, contact your healthcare provider or local poison control helpline.

Studies suggest that goldenseal may slow the activity of liver enzymes that are responsible for eliminating certain medications, including antidepressants.

This may cause these medications to remain in your body for longer than expected, possibly allowing them to reach toxic levels (41, 42, 49, 51).

People currently taking medications should consult their healthcare provider before starting to take goldenseal.

Little scientific guidance can be found regarding the optimal handling and storage of goldenseal supplements.

Goldenseal supplements are available in a wide range of forms, including dried herbs, lotions, and liquid extracts, among others.

As such, storage, handling, and expiration dates are likely to vary.

For best results, follow the storage and handling recommendations outlined on your product’s packaging and make sure to discard products that have passed their expiration date.

There’s currently little to no research regarding the safety of goldenseal use in pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Animal studies suggest that berberine, one of the main active compounds in goldenseal, is linked to lower weight in both mothers and babies. Berberine may also cause the uterus to contract, possibly increasing the risk of preterm birth (41).

According to animal research, berberine may also cause or worsen jaundice in newborns, possibly causing brain damage (4, 41, 42).

It’s currently unknown whether berberine can pass from mother to baby through breastmilk (52).

Based on this limited evidence, women are discouraged from consuming goldenseal while pregnant or breastfeeding.

At one point, goldenseal ranked amongst the top 20 most popular herbal remedies worldwide and the 6th most commonly used herbal preparation by children under 18 years of age (2).

However, little is known about its effects in children, other than that it may cause or worsen jaundice in newborns. Therefore, experts generally do not advise giving goldenseal to infants and young children (42).

Animal studies suggest that berberine-containing supplements like goldenseal may result in lower birth weight and cause the uterus to contract, potentially increasing the risk of preterm birth (41).

Moreover, little is known about the safety of goldenseal while breastfeeding. As such, it’s recommended that women avoid taking this herbal supplement during pregnancy or while nursing (52).

Finally, goldenseal may interact with certain medications, including antidepressants. Therefore, people currently taking any type of medication should consult their healthcare provider before taking goldenseal (42, 49, 51).

Most of goldenseal’s purported health effects are attributed to its active compounds berberine, hydrastine, and canadine.

Therefore, other berberine-, hydrastine-, or canadine-containing herbs or purified supplements may exert effects similar to those of goldenseal.

Research on the health benefits of purified berberine supplements is generally stronger than research regarding the benefits of goldenseal (53).

Berberine may be more easily absorbed into the body when taken alone compared with when ingested along with other compounds, as would be the case when taking goldenseal (4).

However, berberine supplements contain little to no hydrastine and canadine. Therefore, they may be expected to have effects and side effects that are different than those of goldenseal.

Berberine-containing herbs, such as Chinese goldthread, barberry, yellow root, and Oregon grape, are sometimes used as an alternative to goldenseal. However, these herbs typically contain little to no hydrastine or canadine (50).

Therefore, they may have different effects when compared with goldenseal, as well as side effects and herb-drug interactions of their own (42).