Omnia SanaPlant Comparison
Bistort vs Goldenseal
A side-by-side comparison of two medicinal plants — every documented constituent, action, use, safety note and cited source, assembled automatically from the Omnia Sana database.
At a glance
Bistort and Goldenseal: they share 7 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, diarrhoea, infection (general), …); 3 pharmacological actions in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Bistort | Goldenseal | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arthritis / joint pain | 1/10 | 5/10 | Stronger for Goldenseal |
| Diarrhoea | 1/10 | 5/10 | Stronger for Goldenseal |
| Infection (general) | 1/10 | 5/10 | Stronger for Goldenseal |
| Inflammation (general) | 1/10 | 5/10 | Stronger for Goldenseal |
| Skin irritation | 1/10 | 5/10 | Stronger for Goldenseal |
| Sore throat | 1/10 | 5/10 | Stronger for Goldenseal |
| Wounds | 1/10 | 5/10 | Stronger for Goldenseal |
Evidence scores (1–10) are computed from the tier of each cited source. “Comparable” means the two scores are within one point. Follow a score to its detailed sources.
Key Constituents
Very high tannin content is the basis of the strong astringency.
Contribute to antioxidant and antibacterial activity.
Berberine is the main antimicrobial, hypoglycaemic and hypolipidaemic constituent. Notably, whole-leaf extracts are more potent against MRSA than isolated berberine (owing to efflux-pump-inhibitory flavonoids) and show quorum-quenching, anti-virulence activity.
Pharmacological Actions
Anti-inflammatory gargle / mouthwash for inflammation of the mouth and throat (sore throat)
Bistorta officinalis (Polygonum bistorta) rhizome extract, rich in gallotannins and phenolic acids, shows cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic activity against hepatocellular and other cancer cells (preclinical).
Astringent for mild diarrhoea (tannins tighten the gut lining and reduce excess secretion)
Antibacterial (topical) - GC-MS-characterised extracts showed antibacterial activity
Astringent for mild diarrhoea (tannins tighten the gut lining and reduce excess secretion)
Anti-inflammatory and astringent for inflamed mucous membranes (sore-throat gargle, mouth)
Antimicrobial (berberine) - supports skin, mucosal and gastrointestinal infections and sore throat
Anti-inflammatory and astringent for inflamed mucous membranes (sore-throat gargle, mouth)
Traditional & Indicated Uses
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
Polygonum bistorta (Bistorta officinalis) methanol-water and aqueous extracts inhibit hepatocellular carcinoma cells via ROS-induced ER stress and apoptosis (delaying xenograft tumour growth), with phenolic constituents driving the cytotoxicity (preclinical).
Astringent for mild diarrhoea (tannins tighten the gut lining and reduce excess secretion)
inferred from styptic action
inferred from antimicrobial action
Anti-inflammatory gargle / mouthwash for inflammation of the mouth and throat (sore throat)
inferred from astringent action
Anti-inflammatory gargle / mouthwash for inflammation of the mouth and throat (sore throat)
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
Digestive / gastrointestinal support (traditional for dyspepsia and ulcers)
Antimicrobial (berberine) - supports skin, mucosal and gastrointestinal infections and sore throat; Topical for skin infections and irritation - whole-leaf extract is active in vitro against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
Anti-inflammatory and astringent for inflamed mucous membranes (sore-throat gargle, mouth); Antimicrobial (berberine) - supports skin, mucosal and gastrointestinal infections and sore throat
Safety, Cautions & Contraindications
Very tannin-rich: high or prolonged intake may cause stomach upset or constipation and can reduce the absorption of iron and some medicines taken at the same time.
Traditional use only; diarrhoea persisting beyond a few days, or mouth/throat inflammation that does not settle, needs medical assessment.
Safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding is not established; avoid medicinal doses.
Contraindicated in pregnancy and breastfeeding: berberine crosses the placenta and into milk and can cause or worsen newborn jaundice (risk of kernicterus); do not give to infants.
Berberine strongly inhibits drug-metabolising enzymes (especially CYP3A4 and CYP2D6), so it can raise the blood levels of many medicines - a significant herb-drug-interaction risk. In a screen of commercial herbal products, goldenseal was among the most potent CYP2D6 inhibitors and also inhibited CYP3A4. High doses have shown possible liver, nerve and photo-toxicity.
External Ids
Botanical Description
Perennial herb rising from a thick, twisted, S- or snake-shaped rhizome (giving the names 'bistort' and 'snakeroot'), blackish outside and pink inside. The basal leaves are broadly oval to lance-shaped on long stalks; stem leaves are smaller and stalkless. A single dense, cylindrical spike of small, pale pink flowers is borne atop each unbranched flowering stem.[14]
Low, woodland perennial herb rising from a knotted, bright yellow rhizome with wiry yellow roots. Each stem bears two ragged, palmately lobed, maple-like leaves and a single small, inconspicuous greenish-white flower, followed by a raspberry-like cluster of red berries.[1]
Habitat
Grows in damp meadows, pastures, streamsides and mountain grassland on moist, often calcareous soils; native to Europe and temperate Asia, favouring cooler upland regions.[14]
Grows in rich, shaded deciduous woodland with humus-rich soil; native to eastern North America, now scarce in the wild due to overharvesting and largely supplied by cultivation.[1]
Harvesting
The rhizome is dug in autumn or early spring, when tannin content is highest, cleaned and dried; aerial parts are gathered in summer while flowering.[14]
The rhizome and root are dug in autumn from plants at least three to four years old, when berberine content is highest, then cleaned and dried; because wild populations are depleted, cultivated or sustainably sourced material is strongly preferred, and careful identification against the toxic mayapple and bloodroot, which share its woodland habitat, is essential before any wild-harvesting.[1]
Traditional Uses
Bistort rhizome, one of the most tannin-rich temperate herbs, has a long European folk history as a powerful astringent for mild diarrhoea, as a gargle for sore throat and mouth inflammation, and topically as a vulnerary and styptic for minor wounds and bleeding; young leaves have also traditionally been eaten as a spring pot-herb ('Easter-ledge pudding').[13, 14]
Goldenseal root has a Native American and, after adoption by Eclectic physicians, wider North American tradition as a bitter tonic and antimicrobial remedy for mucous-membrane infections, sore throat, digestive upset and topical skin infections, directly reflecting its high berberine content.[1]
Preparations
Dried rhizome and root simmered in water as a traditional bitter antimicrobial tea, or used as a gargle for sore throat.
Tincture 1:10 in 60% ethanol of the dried rhizome and root, 2-4 ml three times daily per the WHO monograph Rhizoma Hydrastis. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
Extract standardised to berberine/hydrastine content, taken as capsules; whole-leaf extracts have shown stronger antimicrobial activity than isolated berberine in some studies.
References
Lookalikes Review
Dosage
Not documented
The WHO monograph on Rhizoma Hydrastis gives a daily dose of 0.5-1.0 g of the dried rhizome and root three times, or taken as a decoction; a 1:1 liquid extract in 60% ethanol at 0.3-1.0 mL three times; or a 1:10 tincture in 60% ethanol at 2-4 mL three times. For short-term use only, given goldenseal's potent CYP-enzyme inhibition and its contraindication in pregnancy. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
Drug Class Interactions
Not documented
Dangerous Lookalikes
Not documented
References & Sources
- Pawłowska, K.A., Hałasa, R., Dudek, M.K., Majdan, M. et al (2020) 'Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity of bistort (Bistorta officinalis) aqueous extract and its major components: justification of the usage of the medicinal plant material as a traditional topical agent', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 260, pp. 113077. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2020.113077 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2020.113077 - Jovanović, M., Morić, I., Nikolić, B., Pavić, A. et al (2020) 'Anti-Virulence Potential and In Vivo Toxicity of Persicaria maculosa and Bistorta officinalis Extracts', Molecules, 25(8), pp. 1811. doi:10.3390/molecules25081811 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25081811 - Duwiejua, M., Zeitlin, I.J., Waterman, P.G. and Gray, A.I (1994) 'Anti-inflammatory activity of Polygonum bistorta, Guaiacum officinale and Hamamelis virginiana in rats', Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 46(4), pp. 286-290. doi:10.1111/j.2042-7158.1994.tb03795.x Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-7158.1994.tb03795.x - Esmaealzadeh, N., Abdolghaffari, A., Baeeri, M., Hasanpour, M., Iranshahi, M., Santarcangelo, C., Gholami, M. and Bahramsoltani, R (2024) 'Protective effect of freeze-dried extract of Persicaria bistorta Samp. on acetic acid-induced colitis model in rats: involvement of nitric oxide and opioid system', Inflammopharmacology, 32(6), pp. 3845-3861. doi:10.1007/s10787-024-01518-8 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10787-024-01518-8 - Klimczak, U., Wozniak, M., Tomczyk, M. and Granica, S (2017) 'Chemical composition of edible aerial parts of meadow bistort (Persicaria bistorta (L.) Samp.)', Food Chemistry, 230, pp. 281-290. doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2017.02.128 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2017.02.128 - Manoharan, K.P., Benny, T.K.H. and Yang, D (2005) 'Cycloartane type triterpenoids from the rhizomes of Polygonum bistorta', Phytochemistry, 66(19), pp. 2304-2308. doi:10.1016/j.phytochem.2005.07.008 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phytochem.2005.07.008 - Liu, X., Hua, H., Liu, J., Chen, F. and Wu, L (2006) 'A new tannin-related compound from the rhizome of Polygonum bistorta L', Journal of Asian Natural Products Research, 8(4), pp. 299-302. doi:10.1080/10286020500034956 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1080/10286020500034956 - Yang, W., Qian, Z., Wu, M., Gao, J., Huang, Q., Zou, Y. and Tang, D (2023) 'Online microextraction coupled with HPLC-ABTS for rapid analysis of antioxidants from the root of Polygonum bistorta', Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2023, pp. 7496848. doi:10.1155/2023/7496848 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1155/2023/7496848 - Bauer, I., Rimbach, G., Nevermann, S., Neuhauser, C., Schwarzinger, B., Schwarzinger, C., Weghuber, J. and Luersen, K (2023) 'In-vitro antidiabetic activity of a Bistorta officinalis Delarbre root extract can not be confirmed in the in-vivo models hen's egg test and Drosophila melanogaster', Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, 74(1). doi:10.26402/jpp.2023.1.04 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.26402/jpp.2023.1.04 - Intisar, A., Zhang, L., Luo, H., Kiazolu, J.B., Zhang, R. and Zhang, W (2012) 'Anticancer constituents and cytotoxic activity of methanol-water extract of Polygonum bistorta L', African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines, 10(1), pp. 53-59. doi:10.4314/ajtcam.v10i1.9 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.4314/ajtcam.v10i1.9 - Liu, Y., Weng, Y., Lin, H., Tang, S., Chen, C., Liang, C., Ku, C. and Lin, J (2017) 'Aqueous extract of Polygonum bistorta modulates proteostasis by ROS-induced ER stress in human hepatoma cells', Scientific Reports, 7, pp. 41437. doi:10.1038/srep41437 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1038/srep41437 - Khan, S., Arshad, S., Masood, I., Arif, A., Abbas, S., Qureshi, A.W., Parveen, A. and Seemab Ameen, Z (2023) 'GC-MS Analysis of Persicaria bistorta: Uncovering the Molecular Basis of Its Traditional Medicinal Use', Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology, 196(4), pp. 2270--2288. doi:10.1007/s12010-023-04580-0 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12010-023-04580-0 - WebMD (n.d.) 'Bistort: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews'. Available at: https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-75/bistort Traditional / reference
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-75/bistort - (2020) 'Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity of bistort (Bistorta officinalis) aqueous extract and its major components - justification of the usage of the medicinal plant material as a traditional topical agent', Journal of Ethnopharmacology. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2020.113077 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2020.113077
- Mandal, S.K., Maji, A.K., Mishra, S.K., Ishfaq, P.M., Devkota, H.P., Silva, A.S. and Das, N (2020) 'Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis L.) and its active constituents: A critical review of their efficacy and toxicological issues', Pharmacological Research. doi:10.1016/j.phrs.2020.105085 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phrs.2020.105085 - Corn, J., Tibbitts, D., Ito, H., Schafer, M. and Vasilevsky, N (2021) 'Effects of Hydrastis Canadensis, Commiphora Habessinica, Phytolacca Americana, and Echinacea Purpurea on Bacterial Growth', Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, 27(4), pp. 24-27. Preclinical
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Effects%20of%20Hydrastis%20Canadensis%2C%20Commiphora%20Habessinica%2C%20Phytolacca%20Americana%2C%20and%20Echinacea%20Purpurea%20on%20Bacterial%20Growth - Ettefagh, K.A., Burns, J.T., Junio, H.A., Kaatz, G.W. and Cech, N.B (2010) 'Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis L.) extracts synergistically enhance the antibacterial activity of berberine via efflux pump inhibition', Planta Medica, 77(8), pp. 835-840. doi:10.1055/s-0030-1250606 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0030-1250606 - Cech, N.B., Junio, H.A., Ackermann, L.W., Kavanaugh, J.S. and Horswill, A.R (2012) 'Quorum quenching and antimicrobial activity of goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)', Planta Medica, 78(14), pp. 1556--1561. doi:10.1055/s-0032-1315042 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0032-1315042 - Mahady, G.B., Pendland, S.L., Stoia, A. and Chadwick, L.R (2003) 'In vitro susceptibility of Helicobacter pylori to isoquinoline alkaloids from Sanguinaria canadensis and Hydrastis canadensis', Phytotherapy Research, 17(3), pp. 217-221. doi:10.1002/ptr.1108 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.1108 - Junio, H.A., Sy-Cordero, A.A., Ettefagh, K.A., Burns, J.T., Micko, K.T., Graf, T.N., Richter, S.J., Cannon, R.E., Oberlies, N.H. and Cech, N.B (2011) 'Synergy-directed fractionation of botanical medicines: a case study with goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)', Journal of Natural Products, 74(7), pp. 1621-1629. doi:10.1021/np200336g Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1021/np200336g - Britton, E.R., Kellogg, J.J., Kvalheim, O.M. and Cech, N.B (2017) 'Biochemometrics to Identify Synergists and Additives from Botanical Medicines: A Case Study with Hydrastis canadensis (Goldenseal)', Journal of Natural Products, 81(3), pp. 484-493. doi:10.1021/acs.jnatprod.7b00654 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jnatprod.7b00654 - Leyte-Lugo, M., Britton, E.R., Foil, D.H., Brown, A.R., Todd, D.A., Rivera-Chavez, J., Oberlies, N.H. and Cech, N.B (2017) 'Secondary Metabolites from the Leaves of the Medicinal Plant Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)', Phytochemistry Letters, 20, pp. 54-60. doi:10.1016/j.phytol.2017.03.012 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phytol.2017.03.012 - Gurley, B.J., Swain, A., Hubbard, M.A., Hartsfield, F., Thaden, J., Williams, D.K., Gentry, W.B. and Tong, Y (2007) 'Supplementation with goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis), but not kava kava (Piper methysticum), inhibits human CYP3A activity in vivo', Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 83(1), pp. 61-69. doi:10.1038/sj.clpt.6100222 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.clpt.6100222 - Wallace, E.D., Oberlies, N.H., Cech, N.B. and Kellogg, J.J (2018) 'Detection of adulteration in Hydrastis canadensis (goldenseal) dietary supplements via untargeted mass spectrometry-based metabolomics', Food and Chemical Toxicology, 120, pp. 439-447. doi:10.1016/j.fct.2018.07.033 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2018.07.033 - Douglas, J.A., Follett, J.M., Parmenter, G.A., Sansom, C.E., Perry, N.B. and Littler, R.A (2010) 'Seasonal variation of biomass and bioactive alkaloid content of goldenseal, Hydrastis canadensis', Fitoterapia, 81(7), pp. 925-928. doi:10.1016/j.fitote.2010.06.006 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fitote.2010.06.006 - Singh, S., Pathak, N., Fatima, E. and Negi, A.S (2021) 'Plant isoquinoline alkaloids: Advances in the chemistry and biology of berberine', European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry. doi:10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113839 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113839 - World Health Organization (2007) 'Rhizoma Hydrastis'. Available at: https://iris.who.int/items/6418d8af-5200-4e6b-9bf5-004f3aa62a37 Traditional / reference
https://iris.who.int/items/6418d8af-5200-4e6b-9bf5-004f3aa62a37 - Sevior, D.K., Hokkanen, J., Tolonen, A., Abass, K., Tursas, L., Pelkonen, O. and Ahokas, J.T (2010) 'Rapid screening of commercially available herbal products for the inhibition of major human hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes using the N-in-one cocktail', Xenobiotica, 40(4), pp. 245--254. doi:10.3109/00498251003592683 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3109/00498251003592683 - Gurley, B.J., Gardner, S.F., Hubbard, M.A., Williams, D.K., Gentry, W.B., Khan, I.A. and Shah, A (2005) 'In vivo effects of goldenseal, kava kava, black cohosh, and valerian on human cytochrome P450 1A2, 2D6, 2E1, and 3A4/5 phenotypes', Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 77(5), pp. 415-426. doi:10.1016/j.clpt.2005.01.009 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clpt.2005.01.009 - McDonald, M.G., Tian, D.D., Thummel, K.E., Paine, M.F. and Rettie, A.E (2020) 'Modulation of major human liver microsomal cytochromes P450 by component alkaloids of goldenseal: time-dependent inhibition and allosteric effects', Drug Metabolism and Disposition, 48(10), pp. 1018-1027. doi:10.1124/dmd.120.091041 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1124/dmd.120.091041 - Guo, J., Chen, H., Zhang, X., Lou, W., Zhang, P., Qiu, Y., Zhang, C., Wang, Y. and Liu, W.J (2021) 'The effect of berberine on metabolic profiles in type 2 diabetic patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials', Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2021, pp. 2074610. doi:10.1155/2021/2074610 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/2074610 - Forest Farming (Cooperative Extension) 'Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis L.)'. Available at: https://forest-farming.extension.org/goldenseal-hydrastis-canadensis-l/ Traditional / reference
https://forest-farming.extension.org/goldenseal-hydrastis-canadensis-l/ - Frasca, T. and Brett, A.S. and Yoo, S.D (1997) 'Mandrake toxicity. A case of mistaken identity', Archives of Internal Medicine, 157(17), pp. 2007-9. doi:10.1001/archinte.157.17.2007 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.1001/archinte.157.17.2007 - North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox 'Sanguinaria canadensis (Bloodroot)'. Available at: https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/sanguinaria-canadensis/ Traditional / reference
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/sanguinaria-canadensis/
Generated automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database and its cited sources. For educational purposes only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using medicinal plants.