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Goldenseal is one of the most popular herbal remedies on the market. Once used by the Native Americans to treat digestive problems, skin disorders, and diarrhea, this herb may also be useful in treating prostatitis because it has anti-inflammatory properties, which have proven helpful in relieving symptoms of colds and other upper respiratory tract infections. A University of Texas-Houston Medical School study published in 2008 reported that goldenseal has the ability to reduce pro-inflammatory responses in the body. (Clement-Kruzel 2008) This ability may be credited to one of goldenseal’s key components, berberine, which has antibacterial, antiprotozoal, and antifungal properties that may help fight urinary tract infections. So far, most of the research on berberine has been conducted on herbs other than goldenseal, so for the moment it’s uncertain whether enough berberine is absorbed from goldenseal to make it effective. Goldenseal is available as liquid extract, tea, capsule, and caplet and should be taken according to package directions.
Side effects are not common, but can include throat and mouth irritation, nervousness, nausea, and digestive problems. You may know goldenseal by another name, including eye root, jaundice root, orange root, yellow paint, and ground raspberry.
Reference
Clement-Kruzel S, Hwang SA, Kruzel MC, Dasgupta A, Actor JK. Immune modulation of macrophage pro-inflammatory response by goldenseal and Astragalus extracts. Journal of Medicinal Food 2008 Sep; 11(3): 493-98.
