Evidence supporting the use of: Goldenrod
For the health condition: Bladder Infection

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Goldenrod (Solidago spp.) has a long history of traditional use in supporting urinary tract health, including for bladder infections (cystitis). Traditional herbal medicine systems in Europe, particularly German and Austrian phytotherapy, have used goldenrod as a diuretic ("water pill") and anti-inflammatory agent to help flush the urinary tract and ease irritation. The German Commission E, which evaluates herbal medicines for efficacy and safety, has approved goldenrod for use in supportive treatment of urinary tract infections and for prevention of kidney stones, based on its traditional use and some pharmacological studies.

Mechanistically, goldenrod contains saponins, flavonoids, and phenolic glycosides, which are believed to have mild anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and diuretic properties. However, high-quality clinical trials demonstrating its efficacy specifically for bladder infection are lacking. Most evidence comes from in vitro studies or small clinical reports, and goldenrod is typically recommended as an adjunct to other treatments, not as a sole therapy. Modern guidelines do not recognize goldenrod as a replacement for antibiotic therapy in acute bladder infection, but it may be used to help relieve mild symptoms or as part of preventive strategies for recurrent infections.

In summary, the use of goldenrod for bladder infection is primarily justified by traditional practice and limited pharmacological data, rather than robust clinical evidence.

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