Goldenseal Root 500 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions
by NOW
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking Goldenseal Root 500 mg against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.
Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy
Goldenseal Root 500 mg is a dietary supplement by NOW with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for digestive upset and diarrhea, colds and respiratory infections, sore throat and mouth sores.Based on those ingredients, 1,237 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Goldenseal. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.
Check Your Meds Against Goldenseal Root 500 mg by NOW
Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Goldenseal Root 500 mg by NOW — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.
AI summaries are generated from our interaction database for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Goldenseal Root 500 mg by NOW
Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.
What’s inside
Full disclosure
Goldenseal Root 500 mg contains one active ingredient: goldenseal, a plant root that's been used in herbal medicine. The rest is just inactive ingredients — cellulose and stearic acid — which are a capsule filler and lubricant.
Does it work?
Couldn't assess
The evidence for goldenseal is thin. For clearing false positives on urine drug tests, it's possibly ineffective — meaning it likely won't help you beat a test.
For acne, hay fever, anorexia nervosa, and chronic fatigue syndrome, there isn't enough reliable evidence to say whether it works or not. If you're considering this for any of those uses, you won't find solid support for it in the data we hold.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Goldenseal is generally well tolerated when you take it, though human safety data are limited. The supplement is best used short-term by healthy adults.
Side effects from its berberine content can include upset stomach — nausea, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain and bloating, flatulence, and a bitter taste — plus headache and vomiting. Most people tolerate it, but gastrointestinal side effects are the ones to watch for.
During pregnancy, goldenseal is likely unsafe; berberine may harm the developing fetus and could trigger contractions. Do not use it while breastfeeding either — berberine can pass to the infant and potentially cause harm.
If you're pregnant or nursing, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before considering any supplement.
Meds to double-check
Moderate interaction found
Before taking Goldenseal Root 500 mg, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take any drugs processed by CYP3A4 enzymes, CYP2D6 enzymes, or CYP2C9 enzymes (your pharmacist can tell you if yours are on those lists), as well as CNS depressants (sedatives, sleep aids), blood pressure medications, blood thinners, diabetes drugs, or P-glycoprotein substrates. No interactions are documented for inactive ingredients.
The bottom line
Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no assessable stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.
Goldenseal Root is a single-ingredient herbal supplement with limited evidence for most uses and documented interactions with over 1,200 medications through effects on how your liver processes drugs. If you take any prescription medications — especially for your heart, blood pressure, mood, blood clotting, or diabetes — check them against the interaction tool on this page before starting.
It's not safe in pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to see whether this supplement makes sense for you.
Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI
Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Aug 23, 2019.
This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed
General information
Key facts about Goldenseal Root 500 mg, straight from the product label.
| Brand | NOW |
|---|---|
| Barcode (UPC) | 733739046925 |
| Net contents | 100 Veg Capsule(s) |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | Aug 23, 2019 |
| DSLD ID | 206076 |
| Product type | Botanical |
| Supplement form | Capsule |
| Dietary claims / uses | All Other |
| Intended target group(s) | Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Women (not pregnant or lactating), Gluten Free, Dairy Free |
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.
Supplement Facts
The label details for Goldenseal Root 500 mg by NOW, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Total Carbohydrates | 1 Gram(s) | 1% |
| Goldenseal | 1 Gram(s) | -- |
Other ingredients: Cellulose, Stearic Acid
Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions
Suggested Usage: Take 2 capsules daily as needed.
Formula
NOW Goldenseal Root is derived from the root of the Hydrastis canadensis plant. It has been used traditionally by Native Americans for hundreds of years and is still used by modern herbalists today.
Precautions
Caution: For adults only.
Consult physician if taking medication or have a medical condition.
Continuous high level consumption of this product for more than 2 weeks of each month is not recommended.
Not recommended for use by pregnant or nursing women.
Keep out of reach of children.
Not manufactured with yeast, wheat, gluten, soy, corn, milk, egg, fish, shellfish or tree nut ingredients. Produced in a GMP facility that processes other ingredients containing these allergens.
General Statements
Natural color variation may occur in this product.
Wildcrafted in the USA
Botanicals/Herbs Family owned since 1968.
FDA Statement of Identity
Herbal Supplement
A Dietary Supplement
Seals/Symbols
Non-GMO
GMP Quality Assured
Formulation
Non-GMO
Vegetarian/Vegan
Not manufactured with yeast, wheat, gluten, soy, corn, milk, egg, fish, shellfish or tree nut ingredients.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place after opening.
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Goldenseal Root 500 mg by NOW label
The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.
Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.
View the full label (PDF)The Ingredients in Goldenseal Root 500 mg by NOW
This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.
Serving size2 Veg Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container50 Amounts shown are per serving.
Goldenseal
Interacts with1,237 drugs
Goldenseal is a popular North American herb that contains berberine, a compound studied for antimicrobial effects. However, strong human evidence for...
Goldenseal monograph & interactionsOther (inactive) ingredients: Cellulose, Stearic Acid. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
Goldenseal Root 500 mg by NOW Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
Goldenseal Root 500 mg by NOW interacts with medications through its berberine content.
The most serious interactions are Moderate in severity and span multiple drug types. The biggest concern is with drugs processed by your liver's CYP3A4 enzyme (a common pathway for many medications) — goldenseal can slow how your body clears these drugs, raising their levels in your blood.
This includes sedatives, blood pressure medications, blood thinners, diabetes drugs, and others.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
Goldenseal may also increase the sedative effects of CNS depressants (drugs that calm your nervous system) and raise the risk of low blood pressure if you're on blood pressure medications. It can boost levels of drugs your liver breaks down via the CYP2D6 and CYP2C9 pathways as well.
There's conflicting evidence on how it affects P-glycoprotein substrates — a transport protein that moves drugs in and out of cells. Altogether, these interactions span 1,238 individual medications.
Because so many common medications are affected, you'll want to run your exact drugs through the checker on this page before you start goldenseal. If you take anything for your heart, blood pressure, mood, blood clotting, or blood sugar, that's your signal to check first.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
Want to check YOUR meds against Goldenseal Root 500 mg?
Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.
Go to the checkerIngredients driving the most interactions
Individual Drug Interactions
The ingredients in Goldenseal Root 500 mg interact with 1,237 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
1 of the 1 ingredient in Goldenseal Root 500 mg interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Goldenseal
Ado-trastuzumab EmtansineKadcyla
How Ado-trastuzumab Emtansine interacts with Goldenseal Root 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GoldensealCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Goldenseal might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Goldenseal + Ado-trastuzumab Emtansine interactionAbciximabReoPro
How Abciximab interacts with Goldenseal Root 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GoldensealAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, goldenseal might increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Goldenseal + Abciximab interactionAbemaciclibVerzenio
How Abemaciclib interacts with Goldenseal Root 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GoldensealCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Goldenseal might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Goldenseal + Abemaciclib interactionAbiraterone
How Abiraterone interacts with Goldenseal Root 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GoldensealCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Goldenseal might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Goldenseal + Abiraterone interactionAbiraterone AcetateYonsa, Zytiga
How Abiraterone Acetate interacts with Goldenseal Root 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GoldensealCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Goldenseal might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Goldenseal + Abiraterone Acetate interactionAbrocitinibCibinqo
How Abrocitinib interacts with Goldenseal Root 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GoldensealAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs, Cytochrome P450 2c9 (cyp2c9) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, goldenseal might increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Goldenseal + Abrocitinib interactionAcalabrutinibCalquence
How Acalabrutinib interacts with Goldenseal Root 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GoldensealCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, P-glycoprotein Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Goldenseal might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Goldenseal + Acalabrutinib interactionAcarboseGlucobay, Prandase, Precose
How Acarbose interacts with Goldenseal Root 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GoldensealAntidiabetes Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, goldenseal might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when used with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Goldenseal + Acarbose interactionAcebutololRhotral, Sectral
How Acebutolol interacts with Goldenseal Root 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GoldensealAntihypertensive Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, goldenseal might increase the risk of hypotension when taken with antihypertensive drugs.
Read the full Goldenseal + Acebutolol interactionAcenocoumarolSintrom
How Acenocoumarol interacts with Goldenseal Root 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GoldensealAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, goldenseal might increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Goldenseal + Acenocoumarol interactionAcepromazineAtravet
How Acepromazine interacts with Goldenseal Root 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GoldensealCns Depressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, goldenseal might increase the sedative effects of CNS depressants.
Read the full Goldenseal + Acepromazine interactionAcetaminophenChildren's Tylenol, Children's Tylenol Meltaways, Tylenol, Tylenol Ex Strength
How Acetaminophen interacts with Goldenseal Root 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GoldensealCytochrome P450 2e1 (cyp2e1) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, goldenseal might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2E1.
Read the full Goldenseal + Acetaminophen interactionAcetaminophen, AspirinGemnisyn
How Acetaminophen, Aspirin interacts with Goldenseal Root 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GoldensealCytochrome P450 2e1 (cyp2e1) Substrates, Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, goldenseal might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2E1.
Read the full Goldenseal + Acetaminophen, Aspirin interactionAcetaminophen, Aspirin, CaffeineExcedrin, Excedrin Extra Strength, Excedrin Migraine
How Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Caffeine interacts with Goldenseal Root 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GoldensealAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, goldenseal might increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Goldenseal + Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Caffeine interactionAcetaminophen, Brompheniramine, PhenylpropanolamineDimetapp Cold and Flu
How Acetaminophen, Brompheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine interacts with Goldenseal Root 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GoldensealCytochrome P450 2e1 (cyp2e1) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, goldenseal might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2E1.
Read the full Goldenseal + Acetaminophen, Brompheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine interactionAcetaminophen, ButalbitalAxocet, Bancap, Bucet, Butex Forte, Esgic CF, Orbivan CF +5 more
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital interacts with Goldenseal Root 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GoldensealCytochrome P450 2e1 (cyp2e1) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, goldenseal might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2E1.
Read the full Goldenseal + Acetaminophen, Butalbital interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, CaffeineEsgic, Esgic Plus, Fiogesic, Fioricet, Repan, Tecnal +1 more
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine interacts with Goldenseal Root 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GoldensealCytochrome P450 2e1 (cyp2e1) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, goldenseal might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2E1.
Read the full Goldenseal + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, CodeineEsgic with Codeine, Fioricet w/ Codeine
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine interacts with Goldenseal Root 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GoldensealCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Cns Depressants +2 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Goldenseal might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Goldenseal + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, CodeineBancap w/ Codeine
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine interacts with Goldenseal Root 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GoldensealCytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 2e1 (cyp2e1) Substrates +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Goldenseal might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
Read the full Goldenseal + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine PhosphatePhrenilin #3
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine Phosphate interacts with Goldenseal Root 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GoldensealCns Depressants, Cytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, goldenseal might increase the sedative effects of CNS depressants.
Read the full Goldenseal + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine Phosphate interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, PhenylephrineHycomine Compound
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, Phenylephrine interacts with Goldenseal Root 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GoldensealCytochrome P450 2e1 (cyp2e1) Substrates, Cns Depressants +2 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, goldenseal might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2E1.
Read the full Goldenseal + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, Phenylephrine interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, CodeineGesic C15, Gesic C30, Gesic C8, Lenoltec 1, Lenoltec 2, Lenoltec 3 +1 more
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine interacts with Goldenseal Root 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GoldensealCytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates, Cns Depressants +2 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Goldenseal might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
Read the full Goldenseal + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, SalicylamideCodalan No.1, Codalan No.2, Codalan No.3
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, Salicylamide interacts with Goldenseal Root 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GoldensealCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Cns Depressants +2 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Goldenseal might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Goldenseal + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, Salicylamide interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, DihydrocodeineDHC Plus, Panlor DC, Panlor SS
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Dihydrocodeine interacts with Goldenseal Root 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GoldensealCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates +2 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Goldenseal might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Goldenseal + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Dihydrocodeine interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, IsomethepteneMigralam
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Isometheptene interacts with Goldenseal Root 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GoldensealCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 2e1 (cyp2e1) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Goldenseal might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Goldenseal + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Isometheptene interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, PyrilamineMidol Max Strength Menstrual
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Pyrilamine interacts with Goldenseal Root 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GoldensealCytochrome P450 2e1 (cyp2e1) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, goldenseal might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2E1.
Read the full Goldenseal + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Pyrilamine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Dextromethorphan HbrVicks Formula 44M Cough, Cold & Flu Relief
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Dextromethorphan Hbr interacts with Goldenseal Root 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GoldensealCytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates, Dextromethorphan (robitussin Dm, Others) +2 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Goldenseal might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
Read the full Goldenseal + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Dextromethorphan Hbr interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, PhenylephrineColrex
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, Phenylephrine interacts with Goldenseal Root 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GoldensealCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Cns Depressants +2 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Goldenseal might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Goldenseal + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, Phenylephrine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, DextromethorphanCoricidin II Extra Strength Cold and Flu
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan interacts with Goldenseal Root 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GoldensealCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Dextromethorphan (robitussin Dm, Others) +2 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Goldenseal might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Goldenseal + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan HydrobromideCoricidin HBP Maximum Strength Flu
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide interacts with Goldenseal Root 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GoldensealCytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates, Dextromethorphan (robitussin Dm, Others) +2 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Goldenseal might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
Read the full Goldenseal + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide interactionEach ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects
For each ingredient in Goldenseal Root 500 mg with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.
Goldenseal
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs
Theoretically, goldenseal might increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Goldenseal contains berberine. In vitro and animal research shows that berberine can inhibit platelet aggregation. However, this effect has not been reported in humans.
Antidiabetes Drugs
Theoretically, goldenseal might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when used with antidiabetes drugs.
Goldenseal contains berberine. Clinical research shows that berberine can lower blood glucose levels. However, this effect has not been reported with goldenseal.
Antihypertensive Drugs
Theoretically, goldenseal might increase the risk of hypotension when taken with antihypertensive drugs.
Goldenseal contains berberine. Animal research shows that berberine can have hypotensive effects. Also, an analysis of clinical research shows that taking berberine in combination with amlodipine can lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure when compared with amlodipine alone. However, this effect has not been reported with goldenseal.
Cns Depressants
Theoretically, goldenseal might increase the sedative effects of CNS depressants.
Goldenseal contains berberine. Animal research shows that berberine can have sedative effects. However, this effect has not been reported in humans.
Cytochrome P450 2C9 (Cyp2C9) Substrates
Theoretically, goldenseal might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C9.
In vitro research shows that goldenseal root extract can modestly inhibit CYP2C9. This effect may be due to its alkaloid constituents, hydrastine and berberine. However, this effect has not been reported in humans.
Cytochrome P450 2D6 (Cyp2D6) Substrates
Goldenseal might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
Clinical and in vitro research shows that goldenseal can significantly inhibit CYP2D6 enzymes, potentially increasing levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
Cytochrome P450 2E1 (Cyp2E1) Substrates
Theoretically, goldenseal might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2E1.
In vitro research shows that goldenseal root extract can inhibit the activity of CYP2E1. However, this effect has not been reported in humans.
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates
Goldenseal might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Most clinical and in vitro research shows that goldenseal inhibits CYP3A4 enzyme activity and increases serum levels of CYP3A4 substrates, such as midazolam. However, in one small clinical study, goldenseal did not affect the levels of indinavir, a CYP3A4 substrate, in healthy volunteers. This is likely due to the fact that indinavir has a high oral bioavailability, making it an inadequate probe for CYP3A4 interactions and/or that it is primarily metabolized by hepatic CYP3A, while goldenseal has more potential to inhibit intestinal CYP3A enzyme activity. Both goldenseal extract and its isolated constituents berberine and hydrastine inhibit CYP3A, with hydrastine possibly having more inhibitory potential than berberine.
Dextromethorphan (Robitussin Dm, Others)
Theoretically, goldenseal might increase serum levels of dextromethorphan.
Goldenseal contains berberine. A small clinical study shows that berberine can inhibit cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) activity and reduce the metabolism of dextromethorphan.
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Goldenseal might increase serum levels of digoxin, although this effect is unlikely to be clinically significant.
Clinical research shows that goldenseal modestly increases digoxin peak levels by about 14% in healthy volunteers. However, goldenseal does not seem to affect other pharmacokinetic parameters such as area under the curve (AUC). This suggests that goldenseal does not cause a clinically significant interaction with digoxin. Digoxin is a P-glycoprotein substrate. Some evidence suggests that goldenseal constituents might affect P-glycoprotein; however, it is unclear whether these constituents inhibit or induce P-glycoprotein.
Losartan (Cozaar)
Theoretically, goldenseal might decrease the conversion of losartan to its active form.
Goldenseal contains berberine. A small clinical study shows that berberine inhibits cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) activity and reduces the metabolism of losartan. However, this effect has not been reported with goldenseal.
Metformin (Glucophage)
Theoretically, goldenseal might reduce blood levels of metformin.
In vitro research shows that goldenseal extract decreases the bioavailability of metformin, likely by interfering with transport, intestinal permeability, or other processes involved in metformin absorption. It is unclear which, if any, of metformin's transporters are inhibited by goldenseal. Goldenseal does not appear to alter the clearance or half-life of metformin.
P-Glycoprotein Substrates
Theoretically, goldenseal might increase or decrease serum levels of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) substrates.
There is conflicting evidence about the effect of goldenseal on P-gp. In vitro research suggests that berberine, a constituent of goldenseal, modestly inhibits P-gp efflux. Other evidence suggests that berberine induces P-gp. In healthy volunteers, goldenseal modestly increases peak levels of the P-gp substrate digoxin by about 14%. However, it does not seem to affect other pharmacokinetic parameters such as area under the curve (AUC). This suggests that goldenseal is not a potent inhibitor of P-gp-mediated drug efflux. Until more is known, goldenseal should be used cautiously with P-gp substrates.
Pentobarbital (Nembutal)
Theoretically, goldenseal might increase the sedative effects of pentobarbital.
Animal research shows that berberine, a constituent of goldenseal, can prolong pentobarbital-induced sleeping time. However, this effect has not been reported with goldenseal.
Tacrolimus (Prograf)
Theoretically, goldenseal might increase serum levels of tacrolimus.
Goldenseal contains berberine. In a 16-year-old patient with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome who was being treated with tacrolimus 6.5 mg twice daily, intake of berberine 200 mg three times daily increased the blood concentration of tacrolimus from 8 to 22 ng/mL. Following a reduction of tacrolimus dosing to 3 mg daily, blood levels of tacrolimus decreased to 12 ng/mL.
Oseltamivir (Tamiflu)
Theoretically, goldenseal might reduce the therapeutic effects of oseltamivir by decreasing its conversion to its active form.
In vitro evidence suggests that goldenseal reduces the formation of the active compound from the prodrug oseltamivir. The mechanism of action and clinical relevance is unclear.
Brand information
Manufacturer and brand details for Goldenseal Root 500 mg, from the product label.
NOW
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- NOW Foods
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- 395 S. Glen Ellyn Rd.
- City
- Bloomingdale
- State
- IL
- ZipCode
- 60108
- Web Address
- nowfoods.com
Goldenseal Root 500 mg by NOW: Common Questions
Does Goldenseal Root 500 mg by NOW interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
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Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.
The Full Monographs Behind Goldenseal Root 500 mg’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
Sources & How We Checked
Goldenseal Root 500 mg's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.
- NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD) — The official product label on file for this supplement.
- Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) — Evidence-graded clinical reference behind the ingredient interaction data.
Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.
The 34 references behind this product’s interaction data
Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.
Goldenseal 34 references
- Chan E. Displacement of bilirubin from albumin by berberine. Biol Neonate 1993;63:201-8. PubMed
- Budzinski JW, Foster BC, Vandenhoek S, Arnason JT. An in vitro evaluation of human cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibition by selected commercial herbal extracts and tinctures. Phytomedicine 2000;7:273-82. PubMed
- Sandhu RS, Prescilla RP, Simonelli TM, Edwards DJ. Influence of goldenseal root on the pharmacokinetics of indinavir. J Clin Pharmacol 2003;43:1283-8.. PubMed
- Janbaz KH, Gilani AH. Studies on preventive and curative effects of berberine on chemical-induced hepatotoxicity in rodents. Fitoterapia 2000;71:25-33.. PubMed
- Gurley BJ, Gardner SF, Hubbard MA, et al. In vivo effects of goldenseal, kava kava, black cohosh, and valerian on human cytochrome P450 1A2, 2D6, 2E1, and 3A4/5 phenotypes. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2005;77:415-26. PubMed
- Gurley BJ, Swain A, Barone GW, et al. Effect of goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) and kava kava (Piper methysticum) supplementation on digoxin pharmacokinetics in humans. Drug Metab Dispos 2007;35:240-5. PubMed
- Gurley BJ, Swain A, Hubbard MA, et al. Clinical assessement of CYP2D6-mediated herb-drug interactions in humans: Effects of milk-thistle, black cohosh, goldenseal, kava kava, St. John's wort, and Echinacea. Mol Nutr Food Res 2008;52:755-63.
- Zhang Y, Li X, Zou D, et al. Treatment of type 2 diabetes and dyslipidemia with the natural plant alkaloid berberine. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2008;93:2559-65. PubMed
- Chatterjee P, Franklin MR. Human cytochrome p450 inhibition and metabolic-intermediate complex formation by goldenseal extract and its methylenedioxyphenyl components. Drug Metab Dispos 2003;31:1391-7. PubMed
- Choudhry, V. P., Sabir, M., and Bhide, V. N. Berberine in giardiasis. Indian Pediatr. 1972;9(3):143-146.
- Shanbhag, S. M., Kulkarni, H. J., and Gaitonde, B. B. Pharmacological actions of berberine on the central nervous system. Jpn.J Pharmacol 1970;20(4):482-487. PubMed
- Wu, J. F. and Liu, T. P. [Effects of berberine on platelet aggregation and plasma levels of TXB2 and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha in rats with reversible middle cerebral artery occlusion]. Yao Xue.Xue.Bao. 1995;30(2):98-102.
- Peng, W. H., Hsieh, M. T., and Wu, C. R. Effect of long-term administration of berberine on scopolamine-induced amnesia in rats. Jpn J Pharmacol 1997;74(3):261-266. DOI
- Sharda DC. Berberine in the treatment of diarrhoea of infancy and childhood. J Indian M A 1970;54(1):22-24.
- Sabir M and Bhide NK. Study of some pharmacological actions of berberine. Ind J Physiol & Pharmac 1971;15(3):111-132.
- Tripathi YB and Shukla SD. Berberis artistata inhibits PAF induced aggregation of rabbit platelets. Phytotherapy Research 1996;10:628-630.
- Zhang, Y., Li, X., Zou, D., Liu, W., Yang, J., Zhu, N., Huo, L., Wang, M., Hong, J., Wu, P., Ren, G., and Ning, G. Treatment of type 2 diabetes and dyslipidemia with the natural plant alkaloid berberine. J Clin Endocrinol.Metab 2008;93(7):2559-2565. PubMed
- Yin, J., Xing, H., and Ye, J. Efficacy of berberine in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Metabolism 2008;57(5):712-717. PubMed
- Zhang, H., Wei, J., Xue, R., Wu, J. D., Zhao, W., Wang, Z. Z., Wang, S. K., Zhou, Z. X., Song, D. Q., Wang, Y. M., Pan, H. N., Kong, W. J., and Jiang, J. D. Berberine lowers blood glucose in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients through increasing insulin re
- Guo, Y., Chen, Y., Tan, Z. R., Klaassen, C. D., and Zhou, H. H. Repeated administration of berberine inhibits cytochromes P450 in humans. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2012;68(2):213-217. PubMed
- Wei, W., Zhao, H., Wang, A., Sui, M., Liang, K., Deng, H., Ma, Y., Zhang, Y., Zhang, H., and Guan, Y. A clinical study on the short-term effect of berberine in comparison to metformin on the metabolic characteristics of women with polycystic ovary syndro
- Meng, S., Wang, L. S., Huang, Z. Q., Zhou, Q., Sun, Y. G., Cao, J. T., Li, Y. G., and Wang, C. Q. Berberine ameliorates inflammation in patients with acute coronary syndrome following percutaneous coronary intervention. Clin Exp.Pharmacol Physiol 2012;39 PubMed
- Chun YT, Yip TT, Lau KL, and et al. A biochemical study on the hypotensive effect of berberine in rats. Gen Pharmac 1979;10:177-182. PubMed
- Sevior, D. K., Hokkanen, J., Tolonen, A., Abass, K., Tursas, L., Pelkonen, O., and Ahokas, J. T. Rapid screening of commercially available herbal products for the inhibition of major human hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes using the N-in-one cocktail. Xeno PubMed
- Bhowmick, S. K., Hundley, O. T., and Rettig, K. R. Severe hypernatremia and hyperosmolality exacerbated by an herbal preparation in a patient with diabetic ketoacidosis. Clin Pediatr (Phila) 2007;46(9):831-834. PubMed
- Gurley BJ, et al. Supplementation with goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis), but not kava kava (Piper methysticum), inhibits human CYP3A activitiy In Vivo. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2008;83(1):61-69.
- Dong H, Zhao Y, Zhao L, Lu F. The effects of berberine on blood lipids: a systemic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Planta Med 2013;79(6):437-46. PubMed
- Hou Q, Han W, Fu X. Pharmacokinetic interaction between tacrolimus and berberine in a child with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2013;69(10):1861-2. PubMed
- Lan J, Zhao Y, Dong F, et al. Meta-analysis of the effect and safety of berberine in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, hyperlipemia and hypertension. J Ethnopharmacol. 2015;161:69-81. PubMed
- Jalloh MA, Gregory PJ, Hein D, et al. Dietary supplement interactions with antiretrovirals: a systematic review. Int J STD AIDS. 2017 Jan;28(1):4-15. PubMed
- Yamaura K, Shimada M, Nakayama N, Ueno K. Protective effects of goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis L.) on acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity through inhibition of CYP2E1 in rats. Pharmacognosy Res. 2011;3(4):250-5. PubMed
- Nguyen JT, Tian DD, Tanna RS, et al. Assessing transporter-mediated natural product-drug interactions via in vitro-in vivo extrapolation: clinical evaluation with a probe cocktail. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2021;109(5):1342-52.
- Liu R, Tam TW, Mao J, et al. The effect of natural health products and traditional medicines on the activity of human hepatic microsomal-mediated metabolism of oseltamivir. J Pharm Pharm Sci 2010;13(1):43-55. PubMed
- Nguyen JT, Tian DD, Tanna RS, et al. An Integrative Approach to Elucidate Mechanisms Underlying the Pharmacokinetic Goldenseal-Midazolam Interaction: Application of In Vitro Assays and Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Models to Understand Clinical Ob
Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC