Goldenseal is an herb that has been primarily cultivated for its substance called berberine, which is effective in inhibiting or killing many microorganisms. Goldenseal is popularly used as topical antibiotic for skin wounds, athlete’s foot and mouth sores. Aside from the antimicrobial property, it has many other medicinal benefits such as an antineoplastic, astringent, digestive aid, and immune enhancement. The digestive aid properties make it advisable to use goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) to treat anal fissure.
What is anal fissure?
Anal fissure is a painful condition where tears develop in the soft layer of the anus. This causes excruciating pain during and after defecation (bowel movement) and minimal bleeding. This condition is more commonly seen in women because pregnancy and childbirth cause pressure in the pelvic area, thus tears are more likely to develop. Other risk factors of fissure include frequent passing of hard stools (constipation), diarrhea, excessive wiping and other activities that might cause cuts in the anus.
The main goal in the treatment of anal fissures is the prevention of constipation/diarrhea and the promotion of wound healing. Goldenseal promotes the production of digestive enzyme thus it works like a laxative which prevent constipation. Combined with increased water and fiber intake, effective non-painful bowel movement will be established. Diarrhea associated with bacterial infections can be also be addressed by using this herb.
Dosage
Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) to treat anal fissure is taken orally through the following preparations:
Tea – add ½ – 1 gram of dried root to boiling water (150 ml). Simmer for 5 – 10 minutes. Strain and drink 3 times a day.
Liquid extract – 0.3 – 1ml 3 times a day
For diarrhea, concentrated berberine hydrochloride (400mg) should be taken once a day for two days. Then, 50mg twice daily for 5 days.
For constipation, the tea and liquid extract preparation should only be used for up to 4 weeks maximum to prevent untoward reactions. If the condition persists after treatment, follow-up consultation with the health care provider is needed to rule out underlying conditions that may be causing the fissures.
Common side effects and other safety issues
Goldenseal when taken in high dosages can cause significant toxicity – bradycardia, cardiac damage, convulsions, paralysis, seizures, spasm and death from respiratory failure. High dosages may also irritate the skin and mucous membranes of mouth, throat and vagina.
Prolonged use has been associated with rebound constipation and other digestive conditions such as nausea and vomiting, central nervous system (CNS) effects such as hallucinations and delirium. Also, due to its antimicrobial property, it may destroy the body’s normal flora (good bacteria) making the body susceptible to infection.
A component of goldenseal, berberine, produces oxygen-radical if exposed to UVA light. Thus, patients taking the herb should avoid long exposures to sunlight and any source of UVA light.
Contraindications
It should not be taken by patients with inflammatory or infectious gastrointestinal conditions. Hypertensive patients should also avoid taking this herb for it causes increased cardiac output and blood pressure.
Goldenseal should not be taken by children under 2 years old, pregnant and breastfeeding women because it may cause jaundice and kernicterus (buildup of bile in the brain) to the newborn/child. Kernicterus is fatal without immediate medical treatment. It may also cause uterine contractions which might stimulate preterm labor on pregnant women.
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