What Is Goldenseal? Other Names: Eye Balm, Fard Inolien, Hydrastis canadensis

What is Goldenseal?

This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) is a perennial herb native to North America, particularly valued for its medicinal properties. It has been traditionally used by Native Americans for various health issues and has gained popularity in modern herbal medicine. This article explores the pharmacological effects, ecological restoration, and agricultural applications of goldenseal. Other names include: Chinese Goldenseal, Eye Balm, Eye Root, Fard Inolien, Framboise de Terre, Goldenroot, Goldsiegel, Ground Raspberry, Hydraste, Hydraste du Canada, Hydrastis canadensis, Indian Dye, Indian Plant, Indian Turmeric, Jaundice Root, Orange Root, Racine à la Jaunisse, Racine Orange, Sceau D’Or, Sello de Oro, Turmeric Root, Warnera, Wild Curcuma, Yellow Indian Paint, Yellow Paint, Yellow Puccoon, Yellow Root.

Pharmacological Effects of Goldenseal

Inhibition of CYP3A and CYP2D6 Enzymes

Goldenseal has been shown to significantly inhibit the activity of certain cytochrome P450 enzymes, particularly CYP3A and CYP2D6. In a study involving healthy volunteers, goldenseal supplementation led to a notable inhibition of CYP3A activity, as evidenced by changes in the pharmacokinetic parameters of midazolam, a CYP3A substrate1. Similarly, another study found that goldenseal significantly inhibited CYP2D6 activity, which is responsible for the metabolism of approximately 30% of all medications2. These findings suggest that goldenseal can cause significant herb-drug interactions when taken with medications metabolized by these enzymes.

Effects on P-glycoprotein Activity

Goldenseal’s impact on P-glycoprotein (P-gp) activity, a drug transporter, was also investigated. While rifampin and clarithromycin significantly altered the pharmacokinetics of digoxin, a P-gp substrate, goldenseal did not produce statistically significant effects, except for a minor increase in Cmax3. This indicates that goldenseal may not be a potent modulator of P-gp in vivo.

Ecological Restoration

Disturbance Simulation

Goldenseal’s rarity in the wild has been attributed to the lack of natural disturbances such as floods and fires, which were more common in its historical habitat. Studies have tested the hypothesis that disturbance simulation can aid in the restoration of goldenseal populations. Transplanting goldenseal rhizomes into disturbed soil significantly increased plant size, flower, and fruit production, suggesting that such disturbances are beneficial for its growth4 6. These findings highlight the importance of considering soil disturbance in the management and restoration of rare woodland herbs.

Agricultural Applications

Optimal Shading Conditions

Goldenseal is also cultivated for its medicinal rhizomes, which contain the alkaloids hydrastine and berberine. A greenhouse study investigated the effects of different shading levels on goldenseal growth. Plants grown under moderate shade (60-70%) produced longer rootlets, more buds, and greater rhizome mass compared to those grown in full sun or extreme shade5. This suggests that moderate shading is optimal for maximizing rhizome yield and plant health.

Use in Poultry Feed

Goldenseal has potential applications in the livestock industry as an alternative to antibiotics. A study on laying hens found that dietary inclusion of goldenseal improved egg quality and modulated the cecal microbiota composition. Specifically, hens fed with goldenseal had higher albumen height and lower serum cholesterol levels7. These results indicate that goldenseal can provide health benefits to poultry, potentially reducing the need for traditional antibiotics.

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Adverse Effects of Goldenseal

Inhibition of CYP2D6 Activity

Goldenseal significantly inhibits the activity of the enzyme CYP2D6, which is responsible for the metabolism of approximately 30% of all medications. This inhibition can lead to adverse herb-drug interactions when goldenseal is taken with drugs that are CYP2D6 substrates, potentially increasing the risk of side effects from these medications1.

Inhibition of CYP3A Activity

Goldenseal also inhibits CYP3A activity, another crucial enzyme involved in drug metabolism. This inhibition can alter the pharmacokinetics of drugs metabolized by CYP3A, leading to increased drug levels and potential toxicity. For example, goldenseal significantly increased the area under the curve (AUC) and maximum concentration (Cmax) of midazolam, a CYP3A substrate, indicating a substantial interaction3.

Modulation of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) Activity

Although goldenseal was found to increase the maximum concentration (Cmax) of digoxin, a P-gp substrate, by 14%, it did not significantly affect other pharmacokinetic parameters of digoxin. This suggests that goldenseal may not be a potent modulator of P-gp in vivo, but the slight increase in Cmax indicates a potential for interaction that could be clinically relevant in some cases2.

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How has Goldenseal Improved Patient Outcomes?

Inhibition of CYP3A Activity: Goldenseal supplementation significantly inhibits CYP3A activity in humans. This was demonstrated in a study where healthy volunteers showed altered pharmacokinetic parameters of midazolam, a CYP3A substrate, after goldenseal supplementation. Specifically, there was an increase in the area under the curve (AUC), a decrease in clearance (Cl/F/kg), an increase in half-life (T1/2), and an increase in maximum concentration (Cmax) of midazolam2. This suggests that goldenseal can affect the metabolism of drugs that are CYP3A substrates, potentially enhancing their efficacy or increasing the risk of side effects.

Implications for Patient Outcomes

Potential for Herb-Drug Interactions: The inhibition of CYP3A by goldenseal indicates that it can interact with various medications metabolized by this enzyme. This could lead to increased drug levels in the body, potentially improving therapeutic outcomes for drugs that benefit from higher concentrations. However, it also raises the risk of adverse effects due to higher drug exposure2.

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Goldenseal Mechanisms of Action

Inhibition of CYP3A Enzyme

Goldenseal significantly inhibits the activity of the CYP3A enzyme, which is responsible for the metabolism of many drugs. This was demonstrated in a study where goldenseal supplementation led to a notable increase in the area under the curve (AUC) and half-life (T1/2) of midazolam, a CYP3A substrate, indicating reduced enzyme activity and slower drug clearance1.

Modulation of P-glycoprotein (P-gp)

Goldenseal also appears to interact with P-glycoprotein (P-gp), a drug transporter that affects the absorption and distribution of various drugs. However, its effect on P-gp is less pronounced compared to its impact on CYP3A. In a study assessing the pharmacokinetics of digoxin, a P-gp substrate, goldenseal supplementation resulted in a minor increase in the maximum concentration (Cmax) of digoxin but did not significantly alter other pharmacokinetic parameters, suggesting a limited effect on P-gp activity2.

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Common Complaints Associated with Goldenseal Use

Inhibition of CYP3A Activity: Goldenseal significantly inhibits CYP3A enzyme activity, which can affect the metabolism of various drugs. This inhibition can lead to increased blood levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A, potentially causing adverse effects or toxicity1.

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Disclaimer

The content presented in this blog is generated by Consensus, an AI-powered academic search engine, and is based on publicly available scientific literature. While every effort is made to provide accurate, up-to-date, and well-researched information, the content is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding medical conditions, treatments, or medications. The AI system’s analysis may not cover all perspectives, emerging research, or individual cases, and it is not a substitute for professional expertise. Neither the blog publisher nor the developers of the AI-powered search engine are responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this content. Use of this information is at your own risk. Citations to the original scientific studies are included for reference, but these studies should be reviewed in full and interpreted with the guidance of a healthcare or research professional.

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