Evidence supporting the use of: Goldenseal
For the health condition: Impetigo

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) has a long history of traditional use among Native American peoples and later Western herbalists as a topical and internal antimicrobial remedy. Its application to skin conditions such as wounds, ulcers, and superficial infections is well-documented in herbal literature from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Impetigo, being a superficial bacterial skin infection predominantly caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes, falls within the spectrum of conditions for which goldenseal was traditionally used. The main active constituent, berberine, has demonstrated antibacterial properties in vitro, including activity against some strains of staphylococci and streptococci. However, direct clinical evidence supporting the efficacy of goldenseal (or berberine) for treating impetigo in humans is lacking. No randomized controlled trials or robust clinical studies have been performed to validate its use specifically for impetigo. As such, while goldenseal's use for impetigo is justified by tradition and weak in vitro evidence, it cannot be considered scientifically validated. The overall quality of evidence is low (rated 1 out of 5), and its use should be approached cautiously, especially as impetigo can sometimes require systemic antibiotics for effective treatment and to prevent complications.

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