Goldenseal (berberine, eye balm, eye root, goldenroot, ground raspberry, Hydrastis canadensis, Indian plant, jaundice root, orange root, yellow root): Dosing and Uses

Suggested dosing of Berberine, eye balm (goldenseal)

Dried Root/Rhizome/Tea

0.5-1 g PO TId

Liquid Extract

0.3-1.0 ml PO TID; 1:1, 60% ethanoL

Tincture

2-4 ml PO TID; 1:10, 60% ethanoL

Mouthwash, Topical

Rinse TID-QID; with 6 g dried herb/150 ml water

Suggested uses of Berberine, eye balm (goldenseal)

Common cold, conjunctivitis, diarrhea, dysmenorrhea/menorrhagia, flatulence, gastritis/colitis, mouth/gum sores, respiratory infections, ringworm, urinary tract infections, urine drug tests

Berberine, eye balm (goldenseal) adverse (side) effects

Frequency not defined

Bradycardia (Overdose: OD)

Cardiac damage (OD)

Constipation

Death (OD)

Delirium

Depression (OD)

Digestive disorders

Dyspnea (OD)

Excitability

Hallucinations

Hypotension (OD)

Kernicterus (peds)

Mucosal irritation

Nausea/vomiting (OD)

Nervousness (OD)

Paralysis (OD)

Respiratory failure (OD)

Seizures (OD)

Spasms (OD)

Warnings

Contraindications

Breast-feeding, hyperbilirubinemia, infectious GI conditions, inflammatory GI conditions, newborn/infant, pregnancy

Cautions

Cardiovascular disorders, concurrent antihypertensives, concurrent CYP 3A4 substrates, concurrent sedative agents, hypertension

Pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy category: X

Lactation: unsafe

Pregnancy categories

A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.

B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.

C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.

D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.

X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.

NA: Information not available.

Pharmacology of Berberine, eye balm (goldenseal)

Metabolism: N/A

Excretion: N/A

Mechanism of action

Active constituent, berberine, has broad-spectrum antimicrobial & antiinfective activity