Evidence supporting the use of: Goldenseal
For the health condition: Strep Throat

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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 tribes and early European settlers in North America for a variety of ailments, including sore throats and respiratory infections. Its use for strep throat is primarily based on its general reputation as an "herbal antibiotic" and its traditional application for infections and inflammation of the mucous membranes. The main active compounds in goldenseal, including berberine, have demonstrated antimicrobial properties in laboratory studies, but there is a lack of high-quality clinical evidence specifically supporting its effectiveness against Streptococcus pyogenes, the main bacterium responsible for strep throat. Most of the support for using goldenseal for strep throat comes from historical herbal texts and anecdotal reports, rather than rigorous scientific trials. While berberine shows broad-spectrum antibacterial activity in vitro, these findings have not been directly translated into proven clinical efficacy for strep throat in humans. Therefore, the use of goldenseal for this specific condition is best categorized as traditional, with minimal scientific validation and limited to no evidence from controlled human studies. Additionally, overuse of goldenseal can pose safety risks and contribute to the plant’s endangered status due to overharvesting.

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