Plant Comparison
Goldenseal vs Tormentil
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
Goldenseal and Tormentil: they share 6 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, diarrhoea, inflammation (general), …); 2 pharmacological actions in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Goldenseal | Tormentil | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arthritis / joint pain | 5/10 | 1/10 | Stronger for Goldenseal |
| Diarrhoea | 5/10 | 5/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Inflammation (general) | 5/10 | 3/10 | Stronger for Goldenseal |
| Skin irritation | 5/10 | 6/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Sore throat | 5/10 | 2/10 | Stronger for Goldenseal |
| Wounds | 5/10 | 5/10 | Comparable evidence |
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
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 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)
Anti-inflammatory gargle / mouthwash for sore throat and inflammation of the mouth and throat
Astringent for mild diarrhoea (ellagitannins tighten the gut lining) - in a paediatric RCT, tormentil root extract shortened rotavirus diarrhoea (3 vs 5 days) and reduced rehydration needs
Traditional & Indicated Uses
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
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
Astringent for mild diarrhoea (ellagitannins tighten the gut lining) - in a paediatric RCT, tormentil root extract shortened rotavirus diarrhoea (3 vs 5 days) and reduced rehydration needs
Supportive in inflammatory bowel disease / ulcerative colitis (limited trial evidence)
Anti-inflammatory gargle / mouthwash for sore throat and inflammation of the mouth and throat
inferred from astringent action
Anti-inflammatory gargle / mouthwash for sore throat and inflammation of the mouth and throat
Safety, Cautions & Contraindications
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.
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.
Diarrhoea persisting more than 3-4 days, or with fever or blood in the stool, needs medical care. Use in pregnancy and breastfeeding is not recommended in the absence of data.
External Ids
Botanical Description
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]
Low, sprawling to semi-erect perennial herb (Rosaceae) with wiry stems. Leaves are palmate, typically with 4-5 leaflets and large leaf-like stipules that give the impression of more leaflets. Flowers are small, yellow and four-petalled - unusual among Potentilla species, most of which have five petals. The thick, woody rhizome is reddish inside when cut, the origin of the old name 'bloodroot' for this European species.[14]
Habitat
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]
Native to Europe and western Asia, common in acidic grassland, heath, moorland, open woodland and pastures on poor, well-drained soils.[14]
Harvesting
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]
The rhizome is dug in autumn or early spring, when tannin content is highest, then cleaned and dried.[14]
Traditional Uses
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]
Tormentil rhizome has an official European herbal-monograph tradition for mild diarrhoea and inflammation of the mouth and throat, reflecting its long folk use as a powerful astringent for gut and mucous-membrane complaints. Modern trials confirm its ellagitannin-rich rhizome shortens the duration of infectious (rotavirus) diarrhoea.[8, 14, 15]
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.
Dosage
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.
References
Drug Class Interactions
Not documented
Lookalikes Review
Dangerous Lookalikes
Not documented
References & Sources
- 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/
- Bandick, R., Busmann, L.V., Mousavi, S., Shayya, N.W. and others (2023) 'Therapeutic Effects of Oral Application of Menthol and Extracts from Tormentil (Potentilla erecta), Raspberry Leaves and Loosestrife during Acute Murine Campylobacteriosis', Pharmaceutics, 15(10), pp. 2410. doi:10.3390/pharmaceutics15102410 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15102410 - Fecka, I., Kucharska, A.Z. and Kowalczyk, A (2015) 'Quantification of tannins and related polyphenols in commercial products of tormentil (Potentilla tormentilla)', Phytochemical Analysis, 26(5), pp. 353-366. doi:10.1002/pca.2570 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/pca.2570 - Marcinczyk, N., Jarmoc, D., Leszczynska, A., Zakrzeska, A. and others (2017) 'Antithrombotic Potential of Tormentil Extract in Animal Models', Frontiers in Pharmacology, 8, pp. 534. doi:10.3389/fphar.2017.00534 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2017.00534 - Melzig, M.F. and Bottger, S (2020) 'Tormentillae rhizoma - Review for an Underestimated European Herbal Drug', Planta Medica, 86(15), pp. 1050-1057. doi:10.1055/a-1129-7214 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1055/a-1129-7214 - Marcinczyk, N., Golaszewska, A., Gromotowicz-Poplawska, A., Misztal, T. and others (2021) 'Multidirectional Effects of Tormentil Extract on Hemostasis in Experimental Diabetes', Frontiers in Pharmacology, 12, pp. 682987. doi:10.3389/fphar.2021.682987 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2021.682987 - Hoffmann, J., Gendrisch, F., Schempp, C.M. and Wolfle, U (2020) 'New Herbal Biomedicines for the Topical Treatment of Dermatological Disorders', Biomedicines, 8(2), pp. 27. doi:10.3390/biomedicines8020027 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines8020027 - Tomczyk, M., Sosnowska, K., Pleszczynska, M., Strawa, J. and others (2017) 'Hydrogel Containing an Extract of Tormentillae rhizoma for the Treatment of Biofilm-Related Oral Diseases', Natural Product Communications, 12(3), pp. 417-421. doi:10.1177/1934578x1701200328 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1177/1934578x1701200328 - Subbotina, M.D., Timchenko, V.N., Vorobyov, M.M., Konunova, Y.S., Aleksandrovih, Y.S. and Shushunov, S (2003) 'Effect of oral administration of tormentil root extract (Potentilla tormentilla) on rotavirus diarrhea in children: a randomized, double blind, controlled trial', The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal, 22(8), pp. 706--711. doi:10.1097/01.inf.0000078355.29647.d0 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1097/01.inf.0000078355.29647.d0 - Wan, P., Chen, H., Guo, Y. and Bai, A.P (2014) 'Advances in treatment of ulcerative colitis with herbs: from bench to bedside', World Journal of Gastroenterology, 20(39), pp. 14099-14104. doi:10.3748/wjg.v20.i39.14099 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.3748/wjg.v20.i39.14099 - Wolfle, U., Hoffmann, J., Haarhaus, B., Rao Mittapalli, V. and Schempp, C.M (2017) 'Anti-inflammatory and vasoconstrictive properties of Potentilla erecta - A traditional medicinal plant from the northern hemisphere', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 204, pp. 86-94. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2017.03.058 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2017.03.058 - Moss, A.C. and Cheifetz, A.S (2007) 'Reducing the torment of diarrhea: tormentil for active ulcerative colitis', Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, 41(9), pp. 797-798. doi:10.1097/MCG.0b013e3180684255 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.1097/MCG.0b013e3180684255 - Shushunov, S., Balashov, L., Kravtsova, A., Krasnogorsky, I., Latte, K.P. and Vasiliev, A (2009) 'Determination of acute toxicity of the aqueous extract of Potentilla erecta (Tormentil) rhizomes in rats and mice', Journal of Medicinal Food, 12(5), pp. 1173-1176. doi:10.1089/jmf.2008.0281 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2008.0281 - Kirsch, J., Jung, A., Hille, K., Konig, B., Hannig, C., Kolling-Speer, I., Speer, K. and Hannig, M (2020) 'Effect of fragaria vesca, hamamelis and tormentil on the initial bacterial colonization in situ', Archives of Oral Biology, 118, pp. 104853. doi:10.1016/j.archoralbio.2020.104853 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.archoralbio.2020.104853 - European Medicines Agency (HMPC) (n.d.) 'European Union herbal monograph on Potentilla erecta (L.) Raeusch., rhizoma (Tormentillae rhizoma)'. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/herbal/tormentillae-rhizoma Traditional / reference
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/herbal/tormentillae-rhizoma - ESCOP (European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy) (n.d.) 'Tormentillae rhizoma (Tormentil) monograph', pp. com. Available at: https://www.escop.com/downloads/tormentil/ Traditional / reference
https://www.escop.com/downloads/tormentil/
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.