Is Goldenseal safe?
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Safety of Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis): A Comprehensive Review
Introduction to Goldenseal and Its Uses
Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis L.) is a medicinal plant traditionally used by Native Americans for various ailments, including digestive disorders, skin infections, and cancer. It has gained popularity as a dietary supplement in the USA and other regions due to its purported health benefits. The primary bioactive component in goldenseal is berberine, which has demonstrated antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties.
Potential Therapeutic Benefits
Goldenseal contains several alkaloids, including berberine, hydrastine, and canadine, which contribute to its therapeutic effects. Berberine, in particular, has shown promise in treating bacterial infections, reducing inflammation, and protecting against neurodegenerative diseases. Despite these potential benefits, the concentration of berberine in goldenseal supplements is often too low to be therapeutically effective.
Toxicological Concerns
Neurotoxicity, Hepatotoxicity, and Phototoxicity
While goldenseal has various health-promoting effects, some studies have raised concerns about its safety. There is evidence suggesting that goldenseal and its alkaloids may have neurotoxic, hepatotoxic, and phototoxic activities. These findings highlight the need for more extensive clinical studies to confirm the safety of goldenseal supplements.
DNA Damage and Carcinogenicity
Research has shown that goldenseal can induce DNA damage, particularly through the action of berberine and palmatine, which inhibit topoisomerase II activity. This DNA damage has been linked to an increased risk of liver tumors in animal studies, suggesting a potential carcinogenic risk associated with goldenseal use.
Reproductive Toxicity
Goldenseal has traditionally been contraindicated during pregnancy due to concerns about its safety. However, studies on rats have shown that goldenseal does not significantly increase the risk of fetal malformations or growth retardation when administered at doses much higher than those typically consumed by humans. These findings suggest that goldenseal may not be as harmful during pregnancy as previously thought, although further pharmacokinetic studies are needed to confirm this.
Herb-Drug Interactions
Goldenseal has been shown to inhibit the activity of cytochrome P450 (CYP3A4), an enzyme involved in the metabolism of many prescription drugs. This inhibition can lead to increased toxicity of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4, posing a significant risk for herb-drug interactions . Additionally, goldenseal interacts with ABCB1 transporters, which can affect the bioavailability of certain medications.
Conclusion
While goldenseal has demonstrated various therapeutic benefits, its safety profile is concerning due to potential neurotoxic, hepatotoxic, and carcinogenic effects. The risk of herb-drug interactions further complicates its use, particularly for individuals taking prescription medications. More extensive clinical studies are needed to fully understand the safety and efficacy of goldenseal supplements. Until then, caution is advised when considering goldenseal for therapeutic use.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis L.) and its active constituents: a critical review of their efficacy and toxicological issues.
Unlocking the Goldenseal Reveals the Complexities of Natural Product–Drug Interactions
A reproductive screening test of goldenseal.
Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis): Is There Enough Scientific Evidence to Support Safety and Efficacy?
Chemical comparison of goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis L.) root powder from three commercial suppliers.
Supplementation With Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis), but not Kava Kava (Piper methysticum), Inhibits Human CYP3A Activity In Vivo
Mechanism study of goldenseal-associated DNA damage
Goldenseal-Mediated Inhibition of Intestinal Uptake Transporters Decreases Metformin Systemic Exposure in Mice
THERAPEUTIC ASPECTS OF GOLDENSEAL
Photochemistry and photocytotoxicity of alkaloids from Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis L.). 2. Palmatine, hydrastine, canadine, and hydrastinine.
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