Guest guest Posted February 26, 2005 Report Share Posted February 26, 2005 A good article, complete with references, by By Kerry Pietlukiewicz Wilkes University, Wilkes-Barre, PA *Smile* Chris (list mom) http://www.alittleolfactory.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ http://wilkes1.wilkes.edu/~kklemow/Hydrastis.html Medical Attributes of Hydrastis canadensis - Goldenseal By Kerry Pietlukiewicz Wilkes University, Wilkes-Barre, PA July, 1999 Hydrastis canadensis L. (goldenseal) is a small perennial herb with a bright yellow rhizome, due to the colored alkaloid berberine (Hobbs,1998). The species is native to North America, mostly in the eastern and southern United States, and is found mainly in open wooded areas with good drainage and rich soil in wild forests (Hoffmann 1995). Mature individuals stand approximately 6-18 inches tall, have a single hairy stem with brownish hairy leaves at the base, and a single white or creamy yellow flower on top of the plant (Hobbs 1998; OnHealth Network Co. 1999). It emerges in early spring and clusters of red berries are present in the summer (Hobbs 1998). The name Hydrastis is derived from two Greek words meaning, water and to accomplish. The name apparently arises from a misconception that the plant grows in bog meadows (Hobbs 1998), though it might arise from the effect the plant has on mucous membranes (;Grieve 1995; Tyler 1997). Due to the medicinal value of this plant becoming increasingly popular and in high demand it is currently at risk of becoming endangered. As a result it is only abundant in Ohio, Indiana, West Virginia, Kentucky and ports of Illinois (Grieve, 1995; Hobbs, 1998). Organically grown golden seal is recommended in order to preserve the native plant. The main active constituents having medicinal value are hydrastine and berberine (Sturms, et. al. 1998, El-Masry, et. al. 1980). Originally this plant was used by native Indian tribes for purposes such as: preventing or reducing the itch from insect bites, diuretic, stimulant, jaundice, ulcerated stomachs, colds, sore throats, antiseptic, snakebites, and primarily a wash for sore and reddened eyes (Grieve 1995, Hobbs 1996; Hobbs 1998; McCaleb 1994). Currently golden seal is used for many other purposes including gallstones, irritable bowel syndrome, ear infections, postpartum uterine bleeding, vaginal yeast infections, astringent, laxative, urinary tract infections and damaged liver due to drugs and alcoholism (Foster 1995, RxList Herbal FAQ 1999). Recent studies have also shown that golden seal is also effective when used for antibiotic or immuno-stimulatory purposes which is thought to be associated with berberine. In addition to this, studies have indicated that the production of a synergistic effect,which enhances the immune system, is produced when golden seal is taken in conjunction with Echinacea and/or garlic (Hobbs 1996, Douglass, et. al. 1997). Berberine has also been shown to activate macrophages (Hoffmann 1995), as well as inhibit tumor formation in the laboratory possibly suggesting antineoplastic activity (Nishino, et. al. 1986, Hoffmann 1995, Gentry, et.al. 1998). In vitro antimicrobial effects have been demonstrated against nineteen species of bacteria, protozoa, and fungi (Hoffmann 1995, Gentry, et.al. 1998). While berberine is noted as a stronger and more effective agent against some pathogens, the antimicrobial activity of this alkaloid is not to be put in the same class of effectiveness as antibiotics. This is due to the point that we are dealing with whole plants and not extracted constituents (Hoffmann 1995). Studies have indicated that due to the ability of golden seal to flush toxins from the body when accompanied by excessive water intake, a false negative result on urine tests is not impossible. however, H. canadensis is reputed to produce false negative drug results with urine tests (Cone, et. al 1998; Mikkelsen 1998; P.G.O'C 1996). Individuals with certain preexisting conditions should avoid taking this herb including cardiovascular disease, epilepsy, a problem with blood coagulation, those currently on any blood-thinning agent, and high blood pressure (hydrastine causes a rise in pressure.) Those who are trying to get pregnant or are pregnant, breastfeeding (causes neonatal jaundice) should avoid goldenseal. Those planing to administer goldenseal to children should first consult with a physician (RxList Herbal FAQ 1999, Gormley 1996). Goldenseal is slowly released from the liver, and therefore can accumulate, leading to blood toxicity. High doses can interfere with vitamin B metabolism. Goldenseal comes in the form of capsules, tinctures, extract, dried root or a tea (RxList Herbal FAQ 1999). This herb should not be used any longer than 1-2 weeks and the recommended dosage should be followed exactly in order to avoid toxicity (RxList Herbal FAQ 1999). Side Effects that can occur from goldenseal, especially from longterm use, include: weakened flora in the colon mucosa, gastrointestinal tract irritation, uterine contractions, neonatal jaundice, vomiting, bradycardia (low heart rate), hypertension (high blood pressure), seizures, cardiac problems, respiratory failure, exaggerated reflex spasms, convulsions, shock, paralysis, and even death (RxList Herbal FAQ,1999). LITERATURE CITED Cone E.J., R. Lange, & W.D. Darwin. 1998. In vivo adulteration: excess fluid ingestion causes false negative marijuana and cocaine urine test results. The Journal of Analytical Toxicology 22(6):460-73 Davis, J.M. 1996. Advances in Goldenseal Cultivation. Proceedings of the International Herb Growers and Marketers Association Conference. http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/hil/hil-131.html <http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/hil/hil-131.html%20> Douglass, W.C., 1997. Herbal protection for colds and flu. Second Opinion 7 (10): 4. El-Masry S., M.A. Korany, & A.H. Abou-Donia, 1980. Colorimetric and Spectrophotometric Determinations of Hydrastis Alkaloids in Pharmaceutical Preparations. Journal of Pharmaceutical Science 69(5): 597-8. Foster, S. 1995. Goldenseal. Better Nutrition for Today's Living 57 (10): 60. Gentry EJ, HB Jampani, A Keshavarz-Shokri, MD Morton, DV Velde, H Telikepalli, LA Mitscher, R Shawar, D Humble, & W. Baker. 1998. Antitubercular natural products: berberine from the roots of commercial Hydrastis canadensis powder. Isolation of inactive 8-oxotetrahdrothalidendine, canadine, beta-hydrastine, and two new quinic acid esters, hyccandinic acid esters-1 and & endash;2. Journal of Natural Products 61(10): 1187-93. Gormley, J.J.,1996. My little buttercup? Goldenseal delivers relief for a... Better Nutrition 58 (4): 38. Grieve, M. 1995 Golden Seal. Botanical.com. http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/g/golsea27.html. Hobbs, C. 1996 The Dynamic Duo: Echinacea and Golden Seal. Herbal Medicine. http://www.healthy.net/hwlibraryarticles/hobbs.echydra.htm. Hoffmann, D.L 1995 Golden Seal. Health World Online http://www.healthy.net/hwlibrarybooks.hoffman/materiamedica/goldenseal.h tm. Jamison, S.J. 1999. Attacking Herbs That Naturally Tame the Fierce Cold Season. Better Nutrition 61: 50. McCaleb, R.1994. Unearthing the health care of goldenseal. Better Nutrition for Today's Living, 56 (9): 58. Mikkelsen S.L. & A. Ko. 1998. Adulterants causing false negatives in illicit drug testing. Clinical Chemistry 34 (11); 2333-6. Nishino H., K. Kitagawa, H.Fujiki, A.Iwashima. 1986. Berberine sulfate inhibits tumor-promoting activity of telocidin in two-stage carcinogenesis on mouse skin. Oncology 43(2): 131-4. OnHealth Network Co. 1999. Goldenseal. Herbal Index http://onhealth.com/ch1/resource/herbs/items,16007.asp P.G.O'C, 1996. Marijuana masker. Cortland Forum 9 (9): 99. RxList Herbal FAQ. 1999. Goldenseal & endash; Frequently Asked Questions. http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/alt/goldenseal_faq.htm. Sturms S. & H. Stuppner 1998. Analysis of ioquinoline alkaloids in medicinal plants by capillary electrophoresis - mass spectrometry. Electrophoresis 19 (16-17): 3026-32. Tyler, V.E., 1997. Goldenseal. Prevention 49 (7): 68. _____ This paper was developed as part of the BIO 368 - Medical Botany course offered at Wilkes University during the summer of 1999. Course instructor was Kenneth M. Klemow, Ph.D. (kklemow). The information contained herein is based on published sources, and is made available for academic purposes only. No warrantees, expressed or implied, are made about the medical usefulness or dangers associated with the plant species in question. Return to Plant <http://wilkes1.wilkes.edu/~kklemow/summaries.html> Summaries page _____ This page posted and maintained by Kenneth M. Klemow, <http://wilkes1.wilkes.edu/~kklemow/index.html> Ph.D., Biology Department, Wilkes <http://www.wilkes.edu/> University, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766. (570) 408-4758, kklemow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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