Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3

Yellow root (Xanthorhiza simplicissima) has been traditionally used by Native American peoples and later herbalists as a remedy for various infections, particularly those involving the mucous membranes such as mouth ulcers, sore throats, and gastrointestinal infections. The primary active constituent in yellow root is berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid also found in other medicinal plants like goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) and barberry (Berberis vulgaris). Berberine has demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity in vitro against a variety of bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and others. However, while the presence of berberine provides a plausible scientific rationale, most of the evidence supporting yellow root’s use for bacterial infections is historical and anecdotal rather than based on rigorous clinical trials of the whole root itself. Most modern scientific research has focused on berberine as an isolated compound rather than yellow root as a whole herb. Thus, while the traditional use is well documented and there is moderate pharmacological evidence for the active constituent, there is a lack of direct clinical studies using yellow root for bacterial infections in humans. The evidence rating of 3 reflects this blend of strong traditional use and moderate scientific plausibility, but limited direct clinical validation.

More about yellow root
More about Infection (bacterial)

Other ingredients used for Infection (bacterial)

Other health conditions supported by yellow root

Products containing yellow root

Vitabase Life's Essentials Plus