Goldenseal, Latin name Hydrastis canadensis, is an herb that gets its name from the golden-yellow scars seen when the root breaks off, which resemble a wax letter-seal. The roots and rhizomes of the plant were traditionally used by Native American medical practitioners to treat a variety of medical conditions, including gastrointestinal problems and respiratory, urinary and eye infections. Like many herbs, goldenseal use in pregnancy may cause pregnancy loss due to its uterine stimulation effects. Do not take goldenseal during pregnancy without your physician's approval.
Active Components
The active ingredients in goldenseal include berberine, canadine and hydrastine. Berberine is known to cross the placenta and reach the fetus. Canadine and berberine can both have uterine stimulatory effects.
Uterine Stimulation Risks
Uterine stimulation can cause contractions. Regular contractions early in labor could lead to miscarriage. Taking goldenseal before 37 weeks of pregnancy could increase your risk of miscarriage or pre-term delivery. If you develop cramping, spotting or active bleeding in early pregnancy after taking goldenseal, notify your physician immediately.
Other Potential Pregnancy Effects
Goldenseal can also have effects on the fetus when taken in late pregnancy. Berberine in the herb may displace bilirubin, which can lead to high bilirubin levels in the newborn, known as neonatal jaundice. Kernicterus, a severe type of neonatal jaundice that can cause permanent brain damage or neonatal death, can develop as a result of jaundice. Hydrastine, a component of goldenseal, can also cause a rise in blood pressure in some cases, which could lead to decreased blood flow through the placenta to the fetus. High blood pressure in pregnancy increases the risk of pre-term delivery. Goldenseal can also decrease vitamin B absorption. Folic acid, one of the B-complex vitamins, is essential for preventing neural-tube defects such as spina bifida in pregnancy.
Caveats
Just because herbs are sold over the counter doesn't mean that they can't have serious side effects. Manufacturers of goldenseal, like other herbs, do not have to prove their safety to go on the market in the United States. Ask your physician before taking any herbs during pregnancy. Supplement ingredients can vary considerably. Hydrastine content ranged from none to 3 percent, and berberine ranged from less than 1 percent to almost 6 percent in 2003 in 20 products from different manufacturers. Some also contained compounds not normally found in goldenseal, according to the American Cancer Society.
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