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Goldenseal (Berberine) Combination

Description

Berberine, found in such herbs as goldenseal and coptis chinensis, is nutritionally helpful against fungal infections, candida, yeast, parasites and bacterial/viral infections.

Signs and Symptoms for Nutrient Applications

- Immune deficiency - Candidiasis and related symptoms, including food allergies, PMS, lowered immune reactions, lethargy, headaches, and overall sick feeling. Candidiasis causes a toxin overload that can be manifested in a lot of different health concerns.

Clinical Applications/Research

Goldenseal Root Extract (Hydrastis canadensis)

Goldenseal is a powerful herb, acting as an immune enhancer, detoxifier, anti-fungal and natural antibiotic. One of the most popular herbs, goldenseal is known in traditional Chinese medicine as a balancer and stimulator of internal organs. Goldenseal possesses a unique ability to enhance the actions of many other herbs (Dobelis IN ed. Magic and Medicine of Plants. Reader’s Digest. Pleasantville, NY. 1986). The berberine in goldenseal, which is antibacterial, antipyretic, and antimalarial, is used as bitters for the stomach (Merck Index, 11th ed. Merck & Co. Inc., Rahway, N.J. 1989). Berberine destroys microorganisms, and has been "shown to be effective in the treatment of E. Coli, Shigella dysenteriae, Salmonella paratyphi B, Klebsiella, Giardia lamblia and Vibrio Cholerae" (Murray M, Pizzorno J. Enc Nat Med. Prima Publ, Rocklin, Ca. 1991, p. 289). These organisms are responsible for causing many forms of gastrointestinal distress, including diarrhea. Berberine inhibits both infectious organisms and toxic formation by the organisms. One of the most interesting characteristics of berberine is the mechanism by which it impedes microorganisms: it not only has antibiotic activity, but it can block the adhesion of the microorganisms, which thwarts their colonization without having to use high doses to kill the organisms. Goldenseal has been tested in clinical trials against standard antimicrobial therapy, for instance, against metronidazole (Flagyl) for diarrhea. Although the metronidazole had a higher percentage of Giardia eradicated (goldenseal eradicated 68%), an interesting observation was that the goldenseal-treated group had a higher percentage of SYMPTOM-FREE patients (the goldenseal was only given in half the dose of the drug) (Ann Trop Med Parasitol 1991;85:417-425).

Coptis Chinensis (Goldthread Extract)

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Coptis has been used to treat many infectious diseases. Coptis is high in berberine content. Berberine has been shown to be helpful in bacterial, fungal and viral infections. Berberine sulfate and Coptis rhizome have demonstrated significant in vitro antimicrobial activity against a wide range of bacterial, fungal, and protozoal micro-organisms, including Klebsiella, Clostridium, Pseudomonas, Proteus, Salmonella, Shigella, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Vibrio, Candida, Cryptococcus, and Entamoeba species (Amin AH, et al, Berberine sulfate: antimicrobial activity, bioassay, and mode of action. Can J Microbiol 1969 Sep;15(9):1067-76., Bensky D, Gamble A, Kapchuk T. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, Revised Edition. Seattle: Easrland Press, Inc., 1993, p78). Berberine and Coptis inhibit the invitro growth of a number of Candida species (Nakamoto K, et al, Effects of crude drugs and berberine hydrochloride on the activities of fungi. J Prosthet Dent 1990 Dec;64(6):691-4).

Contraindications/Toxicology

Do not use during pregnancy. Berberine should not be consumed in large doses for more than 4-6 weeks due to liver overload.

Disclaimer: The statements above have not been evaluated by the FDA. The nutritional suggestions and research provided are for informational purposes only and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease and should not be used as a substitute for sound medical advice. Please see your health care professional in all matters pertaining to your physical health.

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