Promotes renal excretion of fluid where micturation is scanty. For upper respiratory catarrh it may be used with Eyebright, Elder, Echinacea and Wild Indigo. One of our most useful remedies owing much of its value to the tonic effects it has on the mucous membranes of the body. This is why it is of such help in all digestive problems, from peptic ulcers to colitis. Its bitter stimulation helps in loss of appetite, and the alkaloids it contains stimulate bile production and secretion.
All catarrhal conditions improve with Golden Seal, especially sinus ones.
The anti-microbial properties appear to be due to alkaloids present. As an example of research that has been done on plant constituents we shall consider berberine. Its demonstrable pharmacological activities strongly contribute to the therapeutic use of Hydrastis. Berberine has marked antimicrobial activity, and whilst not in the same league as antibiotics, it has a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity. In vitro antimicrobial effects have been demonstrated against bacteria, protozoa, and fungi.