What does echinacea and goldenseal do. Echinacea and Goldenseal: Powerful Herbal Duo for Natural Health Support

18.09.202215.07.2023 by alexxlab

What are the benefits of echinacea and goldenseal. How do these herbs work together to support immune health. What is the recommended dosage for echinacea and goldenseal. Are there any side effects to be aware of when taking these herbs.

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Understanding Echinacea and Goldenseal: Nature’s Dynamic Duo

Echinacea and goldenseal are two of the most popular herbal remedies, often combined for their potential synergistic effects on health. Both native to North America, these plants have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Today, they’re found in numerous over-the-counter products, from cold and flu remedies to immune support supplements.

Echinacea, derived from the coneflower plant, is primarily known for its immune-boosting properties. Goldenseal, on the other hand, is a perennial herb valued for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Together, they form a potent combination that many people turn to for natural health support.

The Healing Power of Goldenseal: A Closer Look

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) has earned its place among the world’s most sought-after herbal remedies. Its roots and leaves are rich in alkaloid compounds, particularly berberine, hydrastine, and canadine. These compounds are believed to be the source of goldenseal’s reputed health benefits.

How does goldenseal work in the body? The alkaloids in goldenseal, especially berberine, have demonstrated antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties in various studies. These effects may contribute to goldenseal’s potential in treating a range of conditions, from digestive issues to skin problems.

Common Uses of Goldenseal

Treating colds and upper respiratory tract infections
Alleviating hay fever symptoms
Supporting digestive health
Soothing sore gums
Addressing skin problems
Potentially helping with heavy or painful menstrual periods
Supporting sinus health

Can goldenseal really help with all these conditions? While anecdotal evidence and traditional use support many of these applications, it’s important to note that scientific research on goldenseal’s effects in humans is limited. More studies are needed to conclusively prove its efficacy for various health concerns.

Echinacea: The Immune-Boosting Powerhouse

Echinacea, often paired with goldenseal in herbal formulations, is renowned for its potential to support immune function. This flowering plant has been a staple in traditional medicine for centuries, particularly among Native American tribes.

How does echinacea support the immune system? Research suggests that echinacea may stimulate the production of white blood cells, which are crucial for fighting off infections. It may also increase the body’s production of interferons, proteins that help protect against viral infections.

Potential Benefits of Echinacea

Reducing the risk of catching a cold
Shortening the duration of cold symptoms
Supporting overall immune function
Potentially alleviating symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections

Is echinacea effective for everyone? While some studies have shown promising results, others have been inconclusive. Individual responses to echinacea can vary, and more research is needed to fully understand its effects on different populations.

The Synergistic Effect: Combining Echinacea and Goldenseal

Many herbal practitioners and supplement manufacturers combine echinacea and goldenseal, believing that their combined effects are greater than each herb used individually. This concept is known as synergy in herbal medicine.

Do echinacea and goldenseal really work better together? While the combination is popular, scientific evidence specifically supporting the synergistic effects of these two herbs is limited. However, the individual properties of each herb may complement each other in supporting overall health and immune function.

Potential Benefits of the Echinacea-Goldenseal Combination

Enhanced immune support
Increased resistance to infections
Potential reduction in severity and duration of cold symptoms
Combined antibacterial and antiviral effects

It’s important to note that while many people report positive experiences with this herbal duo, more research is needed to definitively prove the benefits of combining echinacea and goldenseal.

Dosage and Administration: Finding the Right Balance

When it comes to using echinacea and goldenseal, proper dosage is crucial for maximizing potential benefits while minimizing risks. However, standardized dosing guidelines can be challenging to establish due to variations in product formulations and individual needs.

How much echinacea and goldenseal should you take? Dosage recommendations can vary depending on the form of the supplement (tea, tincture, capsule) and the specific health concern being addressed. It’s always best to follow the instructions on the product label or consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

General Dosage Guidelines

Echinacea: 300-500 mg of dried herb or 2.5 mL of liquid extract, three times daily
Goldenseal: 250-1000 mg of dried root or 0.5-1 mL of liquid extract, three times daily

Remember, these are general guidelines and may not be suitable for everyone. Always start with a lower dose and gradually increase as needed, under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

While echinacea and goldenseal are generally considered safe for most people when used as directed, they can cause side effects in some individuals. It’s important to be aware of potential risks and take necessary precautions.

What are the most common side effects of echinacea and goldenseal? For echinacea, some people may experience mild gastrointestinal upset, headaches, or allergic reactions, especially in those with sensitivities to plants in the daisy family. Goldenseal may cause irritation of the mouth and throat, digestive discomfort, or skin irritation in some users.

Who Should Avoid Echinacea and Goldenseal?

Pregnant or breastfeeding women
People with autoimmune disorders
Individuals taking certain medications, including blood thinners and immunosuppressants
Those with allergies to plants in the daisy family
People with liver disorders (particularly for goldenseal)

Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new herbal supplement regimen, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking medications.

Beyond Cold and Flu: Other Potential Applications

While echinacea and goldenseal are primarily known for their potential benefits in treating colds and flu, research suggests they may have broader applications in supporting overall health.

Can echinacea and goldenseal help with other health concerns? Some studies indicate that these herbs may have potential in addressing various conditions, though more research is needed to confirm these effects.

Exploring Additional Health Benefits

Urinary tract health: Goldenseal’s berberine content may help prevent bacteria from adhering to bladder walls, potentially aiding in the prevention or treatment of urinary tract infections.
Digestive support: Both herbs have been traditionally used to soothe digestive issues, with goldenseal particularly noted for its potential to address indigestion and stomach discomfort.
Skin health: The anti-inflammatory properties of both herbs may contribute to improved skin health when used topically or taken internally.
Oral health: Goldenseal has been used in mouthwashes and toothpastes for its potential to promote gum health and combat oral bacteria.
Wound healing: Some studies suggest that echinacea may support faster wound healing when applied topically.

While these potential benefits are intriguing, it’s important to approach them with a critical eye. More rigorous scientific studies are needed to fully understand and validate these applications.

The Controversy Surrounding Goldenseal and Detoxification

One of the more controversial uses of goldenseal is its reputation as a “detoxifying” herb. Some proponents claim that goldenseal can help the body eliminate toxins and even assist in passing drug tests. However, these claims are not supported by scientific evidence and can be misleading.

Does goldenseal really help with detoxification? The human body has its own highly efficient detoxification systems, primarily centered in the liver and kidneys. While certain compounds in goldenseal may interact with liver enzymes, this doesn’t necessarily translate to enhanced detoxification. In fact, some research suggests that goldenseal may actually slow down certain detoxification processes in the liver.

Debunking the Drug Test Myth

The idea that goldenseal can help mask drug use on urine tests is a persistent myth. Not only is there no scientific evidence to support this claim, but modern drug testing methods can now detect the presence of goldenseal in urine samples. Attempting to use goldenseal to cheat on a drug test is not only ineffective but could also lead to additional scrutiny.

It’s crucial to approach claims about “detoxification” and “cleansing” herbs with skepticism and to rely on scientifically validated methods for maintaining health and wellness.

Quality Matters: Choosing the Right Echinacea and Goldenseal Products

When it comes to herbal supplements like echinacea and goldenseal, the quality of the product can significantly impact its effectiveness and safety. With the wide variety of products available on the market, it’s important to know how to choose high-quality supplements.

How can you ensure you’re getting a good quality echinacea and goldenseal supplement? Here are some factors to consider:

Standardization: Look for products that are standardized to contain specific amounts of active compounds, such as echinacoside for echinacea or berberine for goldenseal.
Third-party testing: Choose supplements that have been tested by independent laboratories for purity and potency.
Reputable manufacturers: Opt for products from well-established companies with good track records for quality and safety.
Organic certification: When possible, choose organic products to minimize exposure to pesticides and other contaminants.
Form of supplement: Consider whether you prefer capsules, liquid extracts, or teas, as the form can affect absorption and ease of use.

Remember, the FDA does not strictly regulate herbal supplements in the same way as pharmaceutical drugs. This makes it even more important for consumers to do their research and choose products carefully.

Reading Labels and Understanding Claims

When evaluating echinacea and goldenseal products, pay close attention to the product labels and be wary of exaggerated claims. Look for clear information about the species of plants used, the part of the plant (root, leaf, etc.), and the amount of active compounds per serving.

Be cautious of products that make bold claims about curing diseases or providing miraculous health benefits. Reputable manufacturers will typically use more measured language about supporting health or wellbeing.

Integrating Echinacea and Goldenseal into a Holistic Health Approach

While echinacea and goldenseal can be valuable tools in supporting health, it’s important to view them as part of a broader, holistic approach to wellness. These herbs should complement, not replace, fundamental health practices.

How can you incorporate echinacea and goldenseal into a comprehensive health strategy? Consider the following tips:

Use as part of preventive care: Consider taking echinacea and goldenseal at the first sign of a cold or during times of increased stress on the immune system.
Combine with lifestyle factors: Support the potential benefits of these herbs with a balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management techniques.
Practice moderation: Avoid long-term, continuous use of these herbs. Many herbalists recommend taking breaks between periods of use to prevent tolerance and maintain effectiveness.
Consider seasonal use: Some people find it helpful to use these herbs more frequently during cold and flu season.
Explore complementary practices: Consider combining herbal supplementation with other natural health practices like aromatherapy or acupuncture for a more comprehensive approach.

Remember, while echinacea and goldenseal may offer potential health benefits, they are not magic bullets. A holistic approach to health that addresses multiple aspects of lifestyle and wellbeing is likely to be most effective in the long run.

Consulting with Healthcare Professionals

Before incorporating echinacea and goldenseal or any new supplements into your health regimen, it’s wise to consult with a healthcare professional. This is particularly important if you have existing health conditions, are taking medications, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.

A healthcare provider can help you determine whether these herbs are appropriate for your individual needs and can advise on potential interactions with other medications or supplements you may be taking.

The Future of Echinacea and Goldenseal Research

As interest in natural and herbal remedies continues to grow, so does the body of research surrounding echinacea and goldenseal. While current evidence is promising in many areas, there is still much to learn about these herbs and their potential applications in health and medicine.

What areas of research are scientists focusing on for echinacea and goldenseal? Some key areas of ongoing and future research include:

Mechanism of action: Further studies to understand exactly how these herbs interact with the human body at a cellular and molecular level.
Synergistic effects: More research into how echinacea and goldenseal work together and with other herbs or conventional medicines.
Long-term effects: Studies on the safety and efficacy of long-term use of these herbs.
Standardization: Efforts to establish more consistent standards for herbal preparations to ensure reliable dosing and effects.
Specific health applications: Targeted research on the potential of these herbs for specific health conditions beyond colds and flu.

As research progresses, we may gain new insights into how to best use echinacea and goldenseal for optimal health benefits. This ongoing scientific inquiry may also lead to the development of new, more effective herbal formulations or even inspire new pharmaceutical treatments based on the active compounds found in these plants.

The Role of Traditional Knowledge

While modern scientific research is crucial, it’s also important to acknowledge and study the traditional uses of echinacea and goldenseal. Many current applications of these herbs are based on centuries of use by indigenous peoples and early herbalists.

Ethnobotanical research, which studies the relationship between plants and human cultures, continues to provide valuable insights into potential uses and preparations of medicinal plants like echinacea and goldenseal. This blend of traditional knowledge and modern scientific inquiry may lead to more comprehensive understanding and application of these powerful herbs.

As we look to the future, the story of echinacea and goldenseal serves as a reminder of the ongoing dialogue between traditional wisdom and modern science in our quest for better health and wellbeing. While these herbs have a long history of use, their full potential may yet to be discovered, making them an exciting area of ongoing research and exploration in the field of natural medicine.

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).