Goldenseal is a North American herb that produces a knotted, yellow
rhizome that gives rise to several common names like yellow puccoon,
orangeroot and jaundice root. Several Native American tribes used the
root stock to make tonics and skin washes. They also used goldenseal
root to produce a natural dye.
The bitter alkaloids responsible for the antibacterial activity of
goldenseal include berberine, hydrastine and canadine. However, check
with your doctor before using this herb if you take pharmaceutical
medications or have a history of heart disease or high blood pressure
because of possible interactions. Canadine, for example, acts like a
calcium channel blocker and berberine may interfere with the metabolism
of certain drugs, including antidepressants.
