Evidence supporting the use of: Goldenseal
For the body system: Large Intestines (Colon)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in North America. Indigenous peoples and later herbalists employed goldenseal primarily for its purported antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, often using it to address digestive complaints, including those related to the large intestines such as diarrhea, dysentery, and general gastrointestinal disturbances. The root contains alkaloids like berberine, hydrastine, and canadine, which are thought to contribute to its effects. Traditional herbal literature describes goldenseal as a "bitter tonic" that can stimulate digestion and help maintain the mucous membranes of the gut. However, modern scientific evidence supporting goldenseal's effectiveness for large intestine (colon) health is limited. While berberine (one of its key components) has demonstrated antimicrobial and antidiarrheal activity in laboratory and some clinical studies, most research has not specifically focused on goldenseal root or colon health outcomes. The traditional use is the primary justification for its inclusion in supplements aimed at colon support, but evidence from rigorous clinical trials is lacking. As such, the rating reflects a reliance on traditional and anecdotal use rather than strong scientific validation.
Other ingredients that support Large Intestines (Colon)
2'-Fucosyllactoseakkermansia muciniphila
allspice
aloe vera
alpha-galactosidase
anthocyanins
apple
arabinogalactan
bacillus clausii
bacillus coagulans
bacillus subtilis
barley
berberine
bifidobacterium bifidum
bifidobacterium breve
bifidobacterium infantis
bifidobacterium lactis
bifidobacterium longum
bio ecolian (proprietary)
black garlic
radish
black walnut
blackberry
broccoli
rice
brussel sprouts
butyrate triglyceride
carrot
catjang cowpea
cauliflower
celery
chamomile
chen pi
chia seed
chicory
chloride
chlorophyll
cinnamon
citrus pectin
coating
collard
colostrum
Coptis chinensis
turmeric
curcumin
d-glucarate
d-sorbitol
dandelion
diallyl trisulfide (DATS)
fennel
fiber blend (proprietary)
flavonols
flaxseed
fructooligosaccharides (FOS)
fruit and vegetable blend (proprietary)
fu ling
garlic bulb
ginger
glucomannan
goldenseal
gooseberry
green banana
green tea
guar gum
cellulose
Indian gum arabic tree
inulin
isomalto-oligosaccharide
kale
lactobacillus acidophilus
lactobacillus brevis
lactobacillus bulgaricus
lactobacillus casei
lactobacillus crispatus
lactobacillus fermentum
lactobacillus gasseri
lactobacillus helveticus
lactobacillus jensenii
lactobacillus paracasei
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
lactobacillus reuteri
lactobacillus rhamnosus
lactobacillus salivarius
lactococcus lactis
lemon
licorice root
lignans
magnesium
mangosteen
mannitol
marshmallow
microbial enzymes (proprietary)
okra
parsley
pear
pectin
peppermint oil
perilla
phellodendron amurense
phenolic acids
plantain
plum fruit
pomegranate
potato starch
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
butyric acid
prune
psyllium
pumpkin
rhubarb root
rye
saccharomyces boulardii
slippery elm bark
sorbitol
spinach
streptococcus thermophilus
sulforaphane glucosinolate
tributyrin
triphala
almond fruit
vegetable blend (proprietary)
seaweed
water
watermelon
xanthan gum
xylooligosaccharides
bentonite
cascara sagrada
tangerine
papaya
mugwort
Indian bael
ferula assafoetida
punarnava
holarrhena antidysenterica
lingzhi
yarrow
buckthorn
pau d'arco
morus
lemongrass
sodium salt
ganoderma
electrolytes blend (proprietary)
buchu
couch grass
sodium alginate
dulse leaf
sheep's sorrel
polyphenols
coix
senna
noni
nopal
paw paw
millet seed
herbal blend (proprietary)
algae
ashitaba
sea salt
Apple Cider Vinegar
Anthraquinone
acacia
Agave
Allicin
Achyranthes
Alchornea
Alchemilla
Asafoetida
Anserina
Alexandrian senna
Aloin
Arrowroot
Adzuki bean
Agrimonia pilosa
Allyl Sulfide
Algin
Arabinoxylan
Allium tuberosum
Black Seed
Bifidobacterium
Bacillus indicus
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
Baliospermum
Brassica
Bistort
Bran
Baicalein
Bael
Butternut
boldo
Bacillus licheniformis
Bifidobacterium animalis
Brevibacillus laterosporus
Bee products
Bitter principals
Bacteria
Black root
banana
Bifidobacteria
Bacillus
Buckwheat
Bassia scoparia
Bacillus pumilus
Boerhavia diffusa
Bottle gourd
Chia seed
Cowpea
Cinnamomum
Cascaroside
Cucurbita
Chlorophyllin
Cape Aloe
Curcuminoid
Cruciferous
Chitin-Glucan Complex
Chenopodium
Corktree
Carob
Cabbage
Cranesbill
Clostridium butyricum
Collinsonia
Castor Oil
Colocynth
Culvers Root
Chrysophanics
Dextrin
Dianthrone
Date
Dulse
Ellagic Acid
Ellagitannin
Emodin
Fig
Garlic
Mallow
Rhubarb
salt
Squash
Wormseed
Zucchini
Other body systems supported by goldenseal
BladderDigestive System
Eustachian Tubes
Female Reproductive System
Gall Bladder
Gastrointestinal Tract
Gums
Gums
Immune System
Intestinal System
Large Intestines (Colon)
Liver
Lymphatics
Mucus Membranes
Respiratory System
Respiratory System
Sinuses
Skin
Spleen
Stomach
Tonsils
Urinary System
Vocal Cords
Products containing goldenseal
Nature's Sunshine Cellular Detox (Formerly All Cell Detox)
Nature's Sunshine Combination CBG Extract
Nature's Sunshine CC-A
Nature's Sunshine CC-A With Yerba Santa Combination Extract
Nature's Sunshine Echinacea / Golden Seal
Nature's Sunshine Echinacea / Golden Seal
Nature's Sunshine FCS II (With Lobelia)
Nature's Sunshine GC-X
Nature's Sunshine Golden Seal/Parthenium Extract
Nature's Sunshine Golden Seal
Nature's Sunshine IN-X
Nature's Sunshine JP-X
Nature's Sunshine MultiVitamin & Mineral (Time Release)
Nature's Sunshine P-X
Nature's Sunshine PLS II
Nature's Sunshine Pro-Pancreas Formula
Nature's Sunshine PS II
Nature's Sunshine Sinus Support EF
Nature's Sunshine Tiao He Cleanse