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

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Synopsis

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

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, especially among Native American groups and 19th-century herbalists, for a variety of infections, including those of the urinary tract. The root contains compounds such as berberine, hydrastine, and canadine, which have demonstrated antimicrobial properties in vitro. Berberine, in particular, has shown the ability to inhibit the growth of certain bacteria that are commonly responsible for urinary tract infections (UTIs), including E. coli. However, high-quality clinical trials in humans supporting the use of goldenseal specifically for bladder infections are lacking.

Most of the evidence supporting goldenseal’s use for bladder infection is anecdotal or based on historical use rather than robust scientific validation. Early herbal texts and ethnobotanical records describe its application for urinary issues, but modern research has yet to confirm its efficacy and safety for this indication. Additionally, due to potential toxicity and interactions (notably with medications metabolized by the liver enzyme CYP3A4), goldenseal should be used with caution. In summary, while goldenseal’s use for bladder infections is primarily justified by tradition and supported by some laboratory findings, there is insufficient clinical evidence to strongly recommend it for this purpose.

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