Goldenseal
Goldenseal, Hydrastis canadensis, is a North American plant with a yellow underground stem. It contains the alkaloid berberine.
Also listed as Hydrastis canadensis, Chinese Goldenseal, Golden Seal, Goldenseal Extract
Do laboratory findings translate into benefits?
Goldenseal constituents have shown antimicrobial activity in laboratory studies, and extracts can relax smooth muscle in experimental models. These observations explain interest in infection and digestive uses, but human benefit for these conditions remains unestablished. 1
Laboratory activity is not evidence that goldenseal treats a digestive disorder in people. 1
A new glucose signal, with an interaction attached
A 2025 open-label crossover study in adults with type 2 diabetes examined goldenseal alongside metformin. The glucose-control marker HbA1c fell on average from 6.8% to 6.5% after 28 days. This exploratory finding warrants controlled testing; the study was designed around drug interactions, not to establish goldenseal as a diabetes treatment. 2
Effects by health goal
Open an effect to see the studies behind its rating. Bars show the size of the effect; the letter grades the evidence.
Gut Health3 effects
No study is linked to this rating.
No study is linked to this rating.
No study is linked to this rating.
Immune Support2 effects
No study is linked to this rating.
No study is linked to this rating.
Other effects1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Sources
- Goldenseal Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center