Medicine
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is Hydrastis Canadensis?

Karyn Maier
Karyn Maier
Karyn Maier
Karyn Maier

Hydrastis canadensis is the botanical name for goldenseal, a perennial herb native to the woodlands of the northeastern U.S. and parts of southeastern Canada. As a member of the Ranunculaceae family of flowering plants, this herb is a cousin to the common buttercup. Since each plant bears a single fruit in summer that resembles a raspberry, goldenseal is also known as ground raspberry. Other common names, such as yellow puccoon, orange root, and jaundice root, refer to the bright yellow rhizome, which is highly valued for its medicinal properties. Unfortunately, Hydrastis canadensis has been so overharvested in the wild for use as an herb remedy that it was declared an endangered species in the U.S. in 1991 and added to the Appendix II list of the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species in 1997.

Goldenseal was an important medicinal herb to the Native American tribes of the northeastern U.S and Ohio Valley region. The Cherokee, for example, considered the plant an appetite stimulant, which may explain why it was used as a cancer remedy as well. The Iroquois made decoctions from the root to treat diarrhea and whooping cough and, when combined with other plant roots, to make an earache remedy and an eye wash. Many of these same herbal remedies were adopted into the practice of eclectic medicine in the late 20th century and earned a place in the American Materia Medica.

Hydrastis canadensis should not be used by people who suffer from hypertension.
Hydrastis canadensis should not be used by people who suffer from hypertension.

Modern herbalists classify Hydrastis canadensis as an anti-inflammatory, immunomodulator, and antibiotic. These medicinal benefits are due to the presence of certain isoquinoline alkaloids, namely hydrastine, berberine, and canadine. Other pharmacological actions attributed to the essential oil and plant extracts of Hydrastis canadensis include astringent, haemostatic (blood clotting), laxative, and muscle stimulant properties. It should be noted, however, that goldenseal preparations may increase blood pressure and may not be suitable for individuals with a history of hypertension or heart disease. In addition, since Hydrastis canadensis may induce uterine contractions, its use during pregnancy should be avoided.

The essential oil that is extracted from Hydrastis canadensis has anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties.
The essential oil that is extracted from Hydrastis canadensis has anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties.

There is a curious myth associated with goldenseal’s reputed ability to mask illegal drug use in urine tests originating from a work of fiction. In 1890, John U. Lloyd, an eclectic pharmacist turned author, penned the murder mystery, "Stringtown on the Pike," which featured a victim who was in the habit of enjoying a daily tonic of goldenseal. Unfortunately for the accused, the physician examining the body of the deceased mistakenly declared that the stomach contents contained strychnine, evidence that drew a conviction of murder by morphine poisoning. The dramatic conclusion — and saving grace for the suspect — came with the revelation of a young female chemistry student, who discovered that hydrastine and morphine combine to produce characteristics similar to strychnine. An interesting twist to this 19th century lesson in pharmacology is the fact that the presence of hydrastine alone in urine samples is often considered “evidence” of drug use today.

Karyn Maier
Karyn Maier

Contributing articles to WiseGEEK is just one of Karyn’s many professional endeavors. She is also a magazine writer and columnist, mainly for health-related publications, as well as the author of four books. Karyn lives in New York’s Catskill Mountain region and specializes in topics about green living and botanical medicine.

Learn more...
Karyn Maier
Karyn Maier

Contributing articles to WiseGEEK is just one of Karyn’s many professional endeavors. She is also a magazine writer and columnist, mainly for health-related publications, as well as the author of four books. Karyn lives in New York’s Catskill Mountain region and specializes in topics about green living and botanical medicine.

Learn more...

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Hydrastis canadensis should not be used by people who suffer from hypertension.
      By: dambuster
      Hydrastis canadensis should not be used by people who suffer from hypertension.
    • The essential oil that is extracted from Hydrastis canadensis has anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties.
      By: Lucie Říhová
      The essential oil that is extracted from Hydrastis canadensis has anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties.
    • Goldenseal oil can be added to bath oil and salves.
      By: Anna Omelchenko
      Goldenseal oil can be added to bath oil and salves.
    • Hydrastis canadensis has been used to treat whooping cough.
      By: Zsolt Biczó
      Hydrastis canadensis has been used to treat whooping cough.
    • Goldenseal may be able to help stop nosebleeds, thanks to its haemostatic properties.
      By: Monika Wisniewska
      Goldenseal may be able to help stop nosebleeds, thanks to its haemostatic properties.