Golden seal (Hydrastis canadensis):

Therapeutic actions:

Anticatarrhal, antihaemorrhagic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, bitter, choleretic, depurative, mucous membrane trophorestorative, reputed oxytocic, stomachic, vulnerary. (Mills & Bone, 2000. p.286)

Phytochemical constituents that enhance these:

Alkaloids including:

• Hydrastine - choleretic, antibacterial, sedative. (Mills & Bone, 2000. p. 288)
• Berberine - cholagogue, choleretic, increases bilirubin excretion. (Mills & Bone, 2000. p. 288)
• Canadine.

Supporting evidence:

Berberine has been shown to improve bile and bilirubin secretion in clinical studies. It has also been shown to have antimicrobial activity against a broad spectrum of bacteria, fungi and protozoa. (Newall, et al., 1996. p. 151)