Goldenseal

Historically important but often overused; much of the modern rationale comes from berberine rather than the whole herb, and sustainability is a real concern.

A rough internal score reflecting quantity, quality, and consistency of human evidence. Not a clinical recommendation.

Goldenseal's activity is driven largely by alkaloids such as berberine and hydrastine. Direct modern clinical data on whole-herb goldenseal is limited.

• Provides antimicrobial alkaloids
• Traditionally used for mucosal support
• Has some GI-focused herbal utility

Usually used short term as tincture or extract rather than chronic daily use.

• Nausea
• Drug interactions
• Bitter GI irritation

Can interact with many drugs through CYP and P-gp effects, and it should be avoided in pregnancy. Overharvesting has also made sustainability an issue.

Better-studied berberine supplements are often a clearer choice than goldenseal itself for metabolic use.

• Immunity20
• Recovery10