hydrastine

PhytochemicalBest taken away from food

What is it

Hydrastine is an isoquinoline alkaloid from goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) used as a standardization marker for goldenseal extracts.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Goldenseal traditional uses

Limited Evidence

Combined with berberine in goldenseal extracts; isolated benefits not well-characterized.

How it works

Hydrastine has been studied for mild astringent and vascular effects. Goldenseal's reputation as an immune and mucous membrane herb is shared between hydrastine and berberine, with the latter often considered the more bioactive component. Clinical trials almost always use standardized goldenseal rather than isolated hydrastine.

Dosage

Goldenseal extracts commonly provide 2.5-5 mg hydrastine per serving, with berberine present in a similar or larger amount. Isolated hydrastine dosing has no clinical basis.

When and how to take it

Short-term use only (1-2 weeks). Between meals with water per label.

1 commercial form

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Goldenseal extract (standardized)

Standard supplement form.

Standardized to total alkaloid content.

Safety

Tolerated short-term in standardized goldenseal form. May raise blood pressure and cause GI upset at higher doses. Goldenseal carries conservation concerns from wild harvesting.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy, newborns, and people with hypertension. People on prescription medications should consult a clinician due to CYP enzyme inhibition.

Interactions

Goldenseal alkaloids inhibit CYP3A4 and CYP2D6, potentially raising blood levels of many medications. Significant interaction risk exists with statins, certain antidepressants, and immunosuppressants.

Frequently asked questions

Is hydrastine the active component?⌄

One of two principal alkaloids; berberine is generally considered more bioactive for antimicrobial effects.

References

hydrastine on Wikidata — Wikidata link

hydrastine (ChEBI:69919) — ChEBI link

hydrastine (PubChem CID 197835) — PubChem link

hydrastine on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on hydrastine (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.