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Goldenseal Root

Also known as: Hydrastis canadensis, yellow root, ground raspberry, eye balm, Indian turmeric

Evidence under review. — Not yet rated

Traditional herb with serious safety concerns; limited human evidence and animal cancer data.

  • What it does

    Goldenseal root is a North American herb historically used in folk medicine for digestive issues, infections, and inflammation. Its main alkaloids — berberine, hydrastine, and canadine — inhibit...

  • Evidence quality

    Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.

  • Clinical dose

    No established dose

See full breakdown ↓ Methodology →

What the Science Says

Goldenseal root is a North American herb historically used in folk medicine for digestive issues, infections, and inflammation. Its main alkaloids — berberine, hydrastine, and canadine — inhibit certain liver enzymes (CYP2D6 and CYP3A4) that break down drugs, meaning it can alter how medications work in the body. There are no clinical trials supporting its effectiveness for any health condition; the available human data comes only from case reports and a small pharmacokinetic study.

What It Doesn't Do

Won't treat infections — no clinical trial evidence supports this. Won't detox your body or cleanse your system. Won't boost immunity in any proven way. The popular belief it masks drug tests is not supported by evidence. Don't use it as an eye wash in sunlight — its alkaloids can damage eye cells when exposed to UV light.

Evidence-Based Benefits

Inhibits CYP2D6 liver enzymes, slowing the breakdown of certain drugs like dextromethorphan.

Weak Evidence

Effective at: 600–1140 mg/day

Does not meaningfully alter blood levels of the HIV drug indinavir despite inhibiting CYP3A4 in lab tests.

Weak Evidence

Effective at: 1140 mg twice daily

Absorption & Bioavailability

Unknown — no human absorption or bioavailability studies were provided. Its alkaloids (berberine, hydrastine) are metabolized by the liver, and it inhibits CYP enzymes, which affects drug metabolism.

Red Flags to Watch For

  • Animal studies show clear evidence of liver tumor formation (hepatocellular adenoma and carcinoma) at sustained doses — relevance to humans is unknown but concerning
  • Inhibits CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 liver enzymes, creating potentially dangerous interactions with prescription medications including HIV drugs, antidepressants, and many others
  • Berberine alkaloid is phototoxic to eye cells — goldenseal eye washes used in sunlight may cause serious eye damage
  • No clinical trials exist for any claimed health benefit — all human evidence comes from case reports only
  • Topoisomerase inhibition by berberine has been linked to secondary tumor formation in clinical drug contexts

Research Sources

  • PubMed
  • NIH DSLD

This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-05-25