The Art of NATURE, The Art of SCIENCE
Common names | Goldenseal
Scientific name | Hydrastis canadensis
Used part | Leaf
Known active compounds | berberine, hydrastine, canadine
Potential benefits in cosmetics | anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial
Product name | Goldenseal Leaf-ANB
Plant Story
Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) is a woodland herb with a yellow perennial rhizome, native to southeastern Canada and eastern United States. It has traditionally been used by Native Americans as a medicinal herb. Goldenseal was used as a tonic and wash for inflammation. Goldenseal was once among the top 20 best-selling botanical dietary supplements in the USA. Infusions or decoctions of root were taken to treat fevers, heart trouble, liver trouble, pneumonia, and sour stomach.
Goldenseal contains various alkaloids such as berberine, hydrastine, and canadine, and has been studied for its anti-bacterial effects. Although the rhizome of goldenseal has been a primary interest for medicinal purposes, due to its high alkaloid content, the aerial part also contains those alkaloids. Clinical trials and in vitro studies have demonstrated anti-bacterial activity of goldenseal. The anti-bacterial activity of goldenseal is primarily attributed to alkaloids, such as berberine, which has shown activity against various Gram positive bacteria. Berberine has also been reported to possess anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities in several studies.