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(botanical name: Hydrasitis canadensis L.)

Availability

Liquids, tinctures, tablets, topicals. Also in combination with Echinacea.

Pharmacology

Goldenseal a medicinal plant, is a member of the buttercup family. The active ingrediants of goldenseal include the alkaloids hydrastine, canadine, and berberine. It is purported to contain a natural antibiotic.

Goldenseal aids to strengthen the immune system, fight against bacterial and viral infection (working well in conjunction with Echinacea in upper respiratory infections), and helps to reduce gastric inflammation and diarrhea. It also has a sedative like effect on the central nervous system. However goldenseal remains to be evaluated by the FDA for purity, safety, or effectiveness.

Goldenseal’s classification is defined by the U.S. Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act, Oct. 25, 1994, and states that to be a nutritional supplement it should contain one or more of the following dietary ingredients: a vitamin, mineral, amino acid, herb or other botanical; and that it be intended for ingestion in the form of a pill, capsule, tablet, gel-cap or liquid form. Also, that it not be represented as a conventional food or as a sole item of a meal or the diet, and that it is labeled as a dietary supplement.

Not recommended at this time for pregnant or lactating females.

Indications

Used to treat upper respiratory conditions (along with Echinacea). Also used as a remedy for stomach and intestinal disorders like colitis, ulcers, and internal parasites.

Drug Interactions or Contraindications

Goldenseal may interfere with antacids, sucralfate, H-2 antagonists, antihypertensives, and may act as an additive when combined in use with central nervous system depressants. Use with caution.

Adverse Reactions

In humans side effects are reportedly uncommon, however there has been report of allergic reactions.

Respiratory:  decreased breathing.

CNS:  restless, seizures, convulsions.

GU:  diarrhea, constipation.

Dosage Recommendations

For dosage, see in combination with Echinacea.

Considerations

• Goldenseal is considered a dietary supplement only, and complimentary to other forms of approved treatment. If your rat is currently on a medication, dietary or other prescribed treatment regimen, do not stop treatment. Consult with a veterinarian prior to using a herbal supplement with other medications.
• Prophylactic or prolonged use may result in the over stimulation or suppression of the immune system.
• May be taken with food or water. It is recommended to give goldenseal only in combination with echinacea when giving to your rat.
• Keep in tightly closed container.

Posted on July 13, 2003, 14:08, Last updated on December 15, 2008, 11:20 | Herbals & Health Supplements