The useful constituents of goldenrod consist of the above-ground parts of Solidago virgaurea, gathered during the flowering season. The active medicinal Ingredients identified include flavonoids, sap on ins, tannins, diterpenes, and carotenoids. The herb also contains phenol glycosides and caffeic acid derivatives.

Flavonoids and saponins exert a diuretic action on the kidneys. Astringent properties are derived from tannins. The herb also has anti-inflammatory activity. Available as ethanolic and aqueous extracts, dried herbs, and various topical forms.

Reported uses

Goldenrod is used to treat and prevent the formation of kidney stones and to treat inflammatory diseases of the urinary tract. It’s also used topically to treat wound infection or eczema.

German Commission E has approved goldenrod for use as a diuretic, an anti-inflammatory, and a mild antispasmodic.

Administration

Daily dose: The German Commission E recommends a daily dose of 6 to 12 g

Infusion: Dosage is two to four times a day, between meals. The infusion is prepared by steeping 1 to 2 tablespoon (3 to 5 g) of dried herb in 5 to 9 oz (150 to 270 ml) of boiling water, and then straining after 15 minutes

Liquid extract (1:1 in 25% ethanol): Dosage is 0.5 to 2 ml by mouth, two to three times a day

Tincture (1:5 in 45% ethanol): Dosage is 0.5 to 1 ml by mouth two to three times a day

Topical formulations: Apply topical formulations to affected area as needed.

Hazards

Adverse reactions associated with goldenrod include vomiting after ingestion of the dried plant, asthma, hay fever, tachypnea, and contact dermatitis. There is a risk of disulfiram-like reaction caused by large amounts of alcohol in liquid preparations when given with disulfiram, metronidazole, or cephalosporins. Other central nervous system (CNS) depressants, including barbiturates and benzodiazepines, could lead to increased CNS depression when given concomitantly.

Pregnant women should avoid use because of risk of miscarriage. Patients with severe coronary heart disease or with severely impaired renal function should avoid using this herb.

Safety Risk Poisoning resulting from parasites, fungus, and rust in the dried plant may lead to weight loss, leg and abdominal edema, enlarged spleen, and GI hemorrhage.

Clinical considerations

• Advise patient with hypertension or kidney stones not to use goldenrod to treat these conditions.
• Liquid extracts and tinctures may contain up to 45% alcohol and may be unsuitable for children, alcoholics, and patients with liver disease.
• If patient is taking other drugs that interact with alcohol, tell him to avoid use of the extract and tincture.
• If patient is pregnant or is planning pregnancy, advise her not to use goldenrod.
• Caution patient with allergy to any herb in the daisy family not to use this herb.
• Encourage patient to take in at least 2 qt (2 L) of fluids per day.
• Tell patient to store the herb away from light and moisture.
• Tell patient to notify pharmacist of any herbal or dietary supplement that he’s taking when obtaining a new prescription.
• Advise patient to consult his health care provider before using an herbal preparation because a conventional treatment with proven efficacy may be available.

Research summary

Preliminary findings indicate goldenrod may have antifungal and antisperm activities. German health authorities adopted its use as a diuretic agent based on the observations reported by European physicians. However, there are no clinical trials to date confirming its diuretic efficacy. Goldenrod’s anti-inflammatory activity has been reported.