The handsome goldenrod,Solidago as wound-healing herb,Virga aurea or the beautiful golden yellow flowers,Herba Solidaginis,solidare,vulnerary and Woundwort...

  seminal trace...Goldenrod Herb.Herba Solidaginis.10:1Extract.CAS.RN.NO:85117-06-2.Synonyms:Solidago Virgaurea Extract,Goldenrod Extract.Solidago virgaurea, Solidago canadensis, Solidago decurrens Lour.Herba Solidaginis....

 Basic Botanical Info of Goldenrod:
 General Info of Goldenrod:
 Medicinal Uses and Indications:
 Phytochemical and Constituents:
 Dosage and Administration:How much to take?
 Precautions:
 Research and Difference:


   Basic Botanical Info of Goldenrod:
 

 Herb Name: Herba Solidaginis

 Botanical Source:Solidago virgaurea, Solidago canadensis, Solidago decurrens Lour.[Fam. Asteraceae]
 Common Names:common goldenrod,nise-scented goldenrod,blue mountain tea,sweet goldenrod
 Synonyms:Verge d'Or. Solidago. Goldruthe. Woundwort. Aaron's Rod.
 Common Name:Common Goldenrod,Common goldenrod herb (Solidaginis herba),European goldenrod,Aaron's Rod,Goldrute,Verge d'Or,Woundwort,European goldenrod herb
 Medicinal Part Used: stems and Leaves,all Aerial parts.

 Goldenrod herb consists of the aboveground parts of S. virgaurea L. or Solidago canadensis [Fam. Asteraceae], gathered during the flowering season and dried carefully, as well as their preparations in effective dosage. Goldenrod herb consists of the aboveground parts of S. serotina Aiton (synonym S. gigantea Willdenow), S. canadensis L., and its hybrids, gathered during the flowering season and carefully dried, as well as their preparations in effective dosage. The herb contains flavonoids, saponins, and phenol glycosides.
 Origin: Britain, Europe, Central Asia, North Africa and North America
 Habitat:Native to Europe and Asia and naturalized in North America, goldenrod prefers open areas and hillsides. The plant is gathered in summer while in flower.
 Uses of this Herb:Asthma,Common Cold,Diabetes Mellitus,Eczema,Gout,Hemorrhoids,Hypertension,Influenza,Kidney Stones,Laryngitis,Pharyngitis,Rheumatoid Arthritis,Tuberculosis,Urinary Tract Infection in Women,Wounds
 GOLDEN ROD,SOLIDAGO VIRGAUREA,Long famous against inward hurts and bruises.A handsome perennial plant, Golden Rod is about two feet (60 cm) high with numerous small golden yellow flowers.


   General Info of Goldenrod:

 The generic name comes from solidare, for the plant is known as a vulnerary, or one that 'makes whole.' It grows from 2 to 3 feet in height, with alternate leaves, of a clear green, and terminal panicles of golden flowers, both ray and disk. It is the only one (of over eighty species) native to Great Britain.

 The goldenrod seems to give expression to its medicinal powers not only in its beautiful name but also in its handsome form. The name Solidago (Latin solido = to make whole) indicates its use as a wound-healing herb. Virga aurea is the Latin for goldenrod, named for the stem with its golden-yellow flowers. The cylindrical root finds the depth of soil it needs for a firm hold everywhere in the dry earth of woodlands, among bushes in waste places, on dunes and rocks, right up to the mountain regions. The round stem branches only at the top and grows 20 - 50 cm high, but may occasionally reach 1OO cm. The alternate leaves on the lower part of the stem are large, pointed, and elliptical with toothed margins. In the flowering region they are narrow and lance-shaped, with margins entire. Numerous stalked golden-yellow flower heads form branched spikes at the top of the stem, the lower ones opening first, so that the plant flowers continuously from July into autumn. Insects and butterflies of all kinds are frequent visitors. When the flowering is over, the calyx holds a crown of hairs (pappus), which later carry the small fruits on the wind. The flowering tips of the branches are used in teas and pharmaceutical preparations. The active principles - saponins, floral pigments, and tannins - are used in the treatment of kidney and intestinal inflammations. Another species, the Canadian goldenrod, is taller (60 - 200 cm), has 1 - sided spikes, in a branched cluster, of numerous yellow flower heads (3 - 5 mm) and spreads widely in Europe.

 The leaves and flowers yield a yellow dye.When bruised, the herb smells like Wild Carrot.


   Medicinal Uses and Indications:
 

 The ability of goldenrod to flush water from the body, combined with its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial (ability to fight infection) properties, it is used by herbalists for a wide range of health problems including:

  Aromatic, stimulant, carminative. Golden Rod is an ingredient in the Swiss Vulnerary, faltrank. It is astringent and diuretic and efficacious for stone in the bladder. It is recorded that in 1788 a boy of ten, after taking the infusion for some months, passed quantities of gravel, fifteen large stones weighing up to 1 1/4 OZ., and fifty over the size of a pea. It allays sickness due to weak digestion.

  Anti-infection,Anti-inflammatory,an agent to ease inflammation:good and effective to prevent and treat Arthritis,Allergies,Colds and flu,Inflammation of the bladder or urinary tract,Kidney stones,Laryngitis,Sore throats,Used in urino-genital inflammations or to treat chronic skin problems.
 The Commission E approved goldenrod herb as irrigation therapy for inflammatory diseases of the lower urinary tract, urinary calculi and kidney gravel, and as prophylaxis for urinary calculi and kidney gravel.
 The German Standard License for goldenrod herb tea indicates its use to increase the amount of urine in inflammation of the kidneys and bladder (Braun et al., 1997; Wichtl and Bisset, 1994). ESCOP indicates its use for irrigation of the urinary tract, especially in cases of inflammation and renal gravel, and as an adjuvant in the treatment of bacterial infections of the urinary tract (ESCOP, 1997).

 Antiseptic,an agent for inhibiting the growth of microorganism on living tissue or destroying pathogenic or putrefactive bacteria;
  Aquaretic:Goldenrod is classed as an aquaretic, increasing renal blood flow and increasing the glomerular filtration rate without stimulating the loss of sodium and chloride. Aquaretics are considered safer than many synthetic diuretics that promote the loss of electrolytes.
  Aromatic,a substance having an agreeable odor and stimulating qualities;
  Astringent,an agent that contracts organic tissue, reducing secretions or discharges;
  Bacterial Conditions:diphtheria
  Blood Conditions:bleeding from the intestines,internal hemorrhage
  Carminative,an agent for easing griping pains, colic and expelling gas from the intestines;
  Detergent,an agent that cleanses wounds and sores of diseased or dead matter;
  Diuretic,an agent that increases the secretion and expulsion of urine:Goldenrod is a valuable remedy for urinary tract disorders. It is used both for serious ailments such as nephritis and for more common problems like cystitis. The herb also reputedly helps flush out kidney and bladder stones. Goldenrod's saponins act specifically against the Candida fungus, the cause of yeast infections and oral thrush. The herb can also be taken for sore throats, chronic nasal congestion, and diarrhea. Due to its mild action, goldenrod is appropriate for treating gastroenteritis in children. It may be used as a mouthwash or douche for yeast infections. In powder it is used for cicatrization of old ulcers. It has been recommended in many maladies, as it is a good diaphoretic in warm infusion, and is in this form also helpful in dysmenorrhoea and amenorrhoea. As a spray and given internally, it is of great value in diphtheria.
  Emotion calming and soothing function:Goldenrod taken as a tea has a very soothing and calming effect on the emotions and should be drunk in cases of: Disappointments,emotional stress,severe emotional shock,times of loss and grief
  Female Conditions:menorrhagea (excessive menstruation)
  Gastrointestinal Conditions:diarrhea ,disorders of the intestines
  Genitourinary Conditions:chronic nephritis,kidney and bladder stones,kidney problems, when indicated by dark, cloudy urine,urinary tract infections combined with Hawthorn, Agrimony and Thyme
  Inflammatory Conditions:arthritis,catarrhal problems
  Respiratory Tract Conditions:laryngitis and pharyngitis (as a gargle),long term, low-grade nasal catarrh where the infection is stubborn upper respiratory catarrh,whooping cough
  American Indians used it to treat upper respiratory tract problems
  Wound healing and skin conditions:Topical applications may aid in wound healing and skin conditions such as eczema.
  It is used externally for:bruises,chronic eczema,insect bites,ruptures,scar tissue,sores,ulcers,wounds

   Medicinal virtues:

 A balsarnic, vulnerary herb, most effectively used as a distilled water. In this form it is also an excellent diuretic and few remedies exceed it where there is gravel, stone in the reins and kidneys, or strangury. When small stones cause bloody or purulent urine, its balsamic healing virtues co-operate with its diuretic quality so that the parts are cleansed and healed at the same time.
 It is a sovereign wound-herb, inferior to none, both for inward and outward use. It is good to stay the immoderate flux of women's courses, the bloody flux, ruptures and mouth and throat ulcers. As a lotion it is used to wash the privy parts in venereal cases. No preparation is better than a tea of the herb made from the young leaves, fresh or dried.


   Phytochemical and Constituents:

 Constituents:The plant contains rutin, kaemferol-3-3rutinoside, leiocarposide, benzyl-2,6-dimethoxybenzoate; 3£¬5-dimethoxy-4-acetoxycinnamyl angelate; matricaria ester, tannin, with some bitter and astringent principles,saponins,essential oil,bitter principle,tannins,flavonoids.etc.

 Goldenrod herb contains approximately 1.5% flavonoids, mainly rutin, plus quercitrin, isoquercitrin, astragalin, hyperoside, and nicotiflorin; approximately 10% catechin tannins; 2% triterpene saponins, of which more than 30% are bisdesmosidic polygala acid derivatives; 0.20% phenol glycosides, including leiocarposide and virgaureoside A; phenolic acids, including caffeic and chlorogenic acids; 0.45% essential oil; diterpenoid lactones of cis-clerodane type; and polysaccharides.

 Early goldenrod herb contains minimum 2.4% flavonoids, including quercitrin and rutin; 9.2% triterpene saponins, mainly bayogenin glycosides; phenolic acids, including chlorogenic, hydroxycinnamic, and caffeic acids and their glucose esters; tannins; polysaccharides; diterpenes; and a small amount of essential oil.

 The Commission E reported diuretic, mildly antispasmodic, and antiphlogistic activity.

 The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia reported diuretic, anticatarrhal, and diaphoretic actions (BHP, 1996). In vitro studies have shown a spermicidal effect on human sperm, possibly a result of the saponins of the b-amyrin type having a particular sequence of sugars at the 28-carboxyl function. Fungicidic activity on Candida albicans has been shown using the triterpenoid glycosides.
 


   Dosage and Administration:How much to take?

  Pediatric: The appropriate dose of goldenrod for a child should be determined by adjusting the recommended adult dose to account for the child's weight. Most herbal dosages for adults are calculated on the basis of a 150 lb (70 kg) adult. Therefore, if the child weighs 50 lb (20-25 kg), the appropriate dose of goldenrod for this child would be 1/3 of the adult dosage.

  Recommended adult doses are as follows:

 Tea: Place 2 to 3 tsp of dried herb in one cup of water, bring to a boil, and let stand for 10 to 15 minutes; strain and drink. Take 3 times per day.
 Gargle: Make the tea described above, and gargle with it 3 times per day.
 Fluid extract (1:1) in 25% ethanol: Take 0.5 to 2 mL 2 to 3 times per day.
 Tincture (1:5) in 45% ethanol: Take 2 to 4 mL 2 to 3 times per day.
 Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto 2 - 3 teaspoonfuls of the dried herb and leave to infuse for 10 - 15 minutes. This should be drunk two to four times daily between meals a day.(Braun et al., 1997; ESCOP, 1997; Meyer-Buchtela, 1999; Weiss, 1991; Wichtl and Bisset, 1994)
 [Note: 21% of the potentially available O-glycoside bound flavonoids are yielded into the tea infusion after 5 minutes of steeping and 28% are released after a 10 minute steep. 22% of the potentially available tannins are yielded after 5 minutes of steeping and 28% after a 10 minute steep (Meyer-Buchtela, 1999).]
 In an herbal tea, or a decoction, the flowery top of the goldenrod is recommended for treating seasonal allergies of the pulmonary mucous membranes, and for treating chronic intestinal problems: 1 t (3 g) in 1 cup (250 ml). In the case of ulcerous colitis: 1 average plant (exposed parts) to 2 cups (500 ml) boiled water. This is also an effective parasiticide against pathogenic yeasts.
 In a decoction: 4 t (12 g) in 4 cups (1 liter) water. Drink 4 cups (1 liter) daily. This is also an excellent diuretic treatment for water retention and uremia.
 Unless otherwise prescribed: 6.2 g of cut herb for teas and other galenical preparations for internal use.
 Note: Observe copious intake of fluids.
 Cold macerate: Soak 1.2?.4 g in 150 ml cold water for 10 to15 minutes then bring to a boil briefly before drinking, three to five times daily between meals (Wichtl and Bisset, 1994).
 Fluidextract 1:1 (g/ml): 3 ml, two to four times daily between meals.
 Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day when taking this herb.

  Modern uses: An infusion of the leaves is taken as a treatment for excessive menstruation, arthritis and eczema. An aromatic herb, the warm infusion is also carminative and will remove feelings of nausea due to stomach disorder. The powder of the dried leaves can be applied to ulcers externally to stimulate healing. The tincture is available from medical herbalists. Smallish doses are taken.


   Precautions:

 The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. Herbs, however, contain active substances that can trigger side effects and interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, herbs should be taken with care, under the supervision of a practitioner knowledgeable in the field of botanical medicine.
 Goldenrod is generally considered safe. Some individuals may develop a mild allergic reaction to the herb.
 Pregnant and breastfeeding women as well as people with impaired heart or kidney function should not take goldenrod.


   Research and Difference:

 European goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea L.) is a perennial plant native to Europe that has spread throughout Europe, northern Africa, North America and parts of Asia. Early goldenrod (S. gigantea Aiton) and Canadian goldenrod (S. canadensis L.) are native in North America. Early goldenrod is now naturalized in Europe, where it was introduced as an ornamental plant that later escaped cultivation (Wichtl, 1996; Wichtl and Bisset, 1994). The material of commerce is collected mainly from the wild in southeast and eastern European countries, including Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, and the former Yugoslavia (BHP, 1996; Wichtl, 1996; Wichtl and Bisset, 1994). In commerce, early goldenrod is often substituted for European goldenrod though they can be differentiated anatomically, chemically, and morphologically (Wichtl, 1996). The genus name Solidago is derived from soldare, meaning "to make whole," because it was used as a vulnerary drug (Grieve, 1979).

 Pharmacopeial grade European goldenrod herb consists of the dried flowering tops of S. virgaurea L., collected during the flowering period, in whole or cut dried forms. It may contain no more than 5% brownish discolored fragments and maximum 2% other foreign matter. Botanical identity must be confirmed by thin-layer chromatography (TLC), macroscopic and microscopic examinations, and organoleptic evaluations (DAB, 1997). The German Standard License monograph requires not less than 1.5% flavonoids, calculated as rutoside with reference to the dried drug (Braun et al., 1997). The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia requires that it contain not less than 11% water-soluble extractive (BHP, 1996).

 Pharmacopeial grade early goldenrod herb and/or Canadian goldenrod herb consists of the dried flowering tops of S. gigantea Ait. (early), S. canadensis L. (Canadian), and its hybrids or mixtures of these species, collected during the flowering period, in whole or cut dried forms. It must contain not less than 2.5% flavonoids calculated as hyperoside, with reference to the dried drug. It may contain no more than 5% discolored fragments and maximum 2% other foreign matter. Botanical identity must be confirmed by thin-layer chromatography (TLC), macroscopic and microscopic examinations, and organoleptic evaluations (DAB, 1997). For early goldenrod herb, the German Standard License monograph requires not less than 6.0% flavonoids calculated as rutin with reference to the dried drug (Braun et al., 1997; Wichtl and Bisset, 1994).

 Pharmacopeial grade goldenrod herb of China consists of the dried Aerial parts of Solidago decurrens Lour,15¡«70cm high, grow at grassland,road side, spread at east, middle south and south west part of china,dried at autumn, mainly contain rutin;kaemferol-3-3rutinoside;leiocarposide;benzyl-2,6-dimethoxybenzoate;3£¬5-dimethoxy-4-acetoxycinnamyl angelate; matricaria ester,etc.


  Scientific References:

  1.The handsome goldenrod,Solidago as wound-healing herb,Virga aurea or the beautiful golden yellow flowers,Herba Solidaginis,solidare,vulnerary and Woundwort...