Medicinal uses Uses supported by clinical data None. Uses described in pharmacopoeias and well established documents Treatment of digestive complaints, such as dyspepsia, gastritis, feeling of distension and fl atulence (1). Uses described in traditional medicine Treatment of cystitis, dysmenorrhoea, eczema, haemorrhoids, uterine haemorrhage, infl ammation, kidney diseases, menorrhagia, nasal congestion, tinnitus and vaginitis. As a cholagogue, diuretic, emmenagogue, haemostat, laxative and tonic (5). Contraindications Radix Hydrastis is contraindicated in cases of known allergy to the plant material.

Goldenseal is a traditional medicine of the North American Indians and is still widely used in Western herbal medicine. In the 19th century it acquired a reputation as a heal-all and was grossly over-collected from the wild and has become rare in the east of its range. It is especially valued in treating disorders of the digestive system and mucous membranes and is also extremely useful in the treatment of habitual constipation. The root is the active part of the plant. It is said to be antiperiodic, antiseptic, astringent, cholagogue, diuretic, laxative, stomachic, tonic. It is used mainly in the treatment of disorders affecting the ears, eyes, throat, nose, stomach, intestines and vagina.

A yellow dye is obtained from the root. The pounded root is smeared on the body to act as an insect repellent.

The root contains the alkaloids hydrastine, berberine and canadine. Berberine is antibacterial (effective against broad-spectrum bacteria and protozoa), it increases bile secretions, acts as an anticonvulsant, a mild sedative and lowers blood pressure. Use of this plant destroys beneficial intestinal organisms as well as pathogens, so it should only be prescribed for limited periods. The plant should be used with caution, and not at all during pregnancy or by people with high blood pressure. An infusion of the root is used externally as a wash for skin diseases, vaginal infections, gum diseases, etc.