Goldenrod or Solidago Benefits

How Goldenrod or Solidago benefits were found?

The plants belong to the Solidago genus are commonly known as Goldenrod may due to the bearing of radiant golden-yellow flowers on it. [1]There are 130 species of Solidago genus plants are grown worldwide and all these plants belong to the Asteraceae family. The traditional medicine of different cultures includes specific species of Goldenrod, such as in Europe and Asian countries have used Solidago virgaurea L., North Americans mainly used S. canadensis L., S. gigantea Aiton, and S. odora Aiton, while South Americans incorporate S. chilensis Meyen species. [2] The Solidago term is derived from the Latin term “solidare”, which means “to make whole”.

Native Americans might first introduce Goldenrod in their traditional medicinal practice. They used this herb for both internal and external applications. The folk medicinal history Goldenrod is also known as “woundwort” due to its excellent wound healing property. An infusion prepared by some tribes including both leaves and flowers of Goldenrod to treat fevers and chest pains. The poultice made up of Goldenrod topically applied to treat rheumatic pain syndrome and neuralgia. Native American Indians also used this herb for medicinal purposes, such as herbal tea made up of Goldenrod is used to treat fever, snakebites. The root of this plant was applied on the burn, and the crushed flower was used for treating sore throat. In the folk medicinal system, Goldenrod can strengthen the urinary system by supporting its function and acts as an anti-inflammatory agent. [3] During the 12th century, “Great Saladin” had introduced Goldenrod in Egyptian culture for medicinal use. In the Middle Eastern region, this plant is still now considered as an important crop. This herb became expensive after introducing it as a medicinal herb in Elizabethan England. But later, the invention of this plant as a wild growth had reduced its cost dramatically.

This plant is native to Kentucky and Kentucky Women’s Clubs had been demanded to adopt Goldenrod in 1926, and since then this herb is considered as a State Flower of Kentucky. [3]

What are the phytochemicals present in Goldenrod or Solidago?

The primary phytochemicals of plants belong to Solidago genus are flavonoids and phenolic acids. However, the different species of plants with the same genera may not contain the same amount of these phytochemicals. Researchers reported S. virgaurea, S. canadensis, and S. gigantea contain the highest quantity of bioactive phytochemicals than other species of the Solidago genus. [2]

The different flavonoids group of phytochemicals are quercetin, kaempferol, astragalin, and rutoside present in Goldenrod. Other identified phytochemicals are anthocyanidins, glycosides, lactones, phenolic acids, saponins, triterpene, and a small amount of essential oil. [3]

What is the Mode of action of Goldenrod or Solidago health benefits?

Goldenrod herb primarily contains phenolic compounds and flavonoids. But different species of this also differ due to their specific phenolic compounds and flavonoids combinations. These phytochemicals are usually responsible for the medicinal effect.

Phenolic compounds have multiple biological properties, like anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-obesity, antihypertensive, antiapoptotic, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective.
Chlorogenic acid as a bioactive phytochemical also available as a nutraceutical agent to prevent and treat metabolic syndrome and associated diseases. Researchers reported Solidago genus plant containing this active phytochemical is newly discovered and has promising medicine and pharmaceutical application.
Quercetin 3-rhamnoside is a quercitrin precursor and one of the chief flavonoids present in the aerial part of the Solidago genus plant-like S. graminifolia. This compound acts as an anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, antioxidant, angioprotective, antiatherosclerotic, antihypercholesterolemic, vasodilator properties.
Total polyphenols contribute antioxidant property with free radical scavenging property by following multiple mechanisms. Like chlorogenic acid inhibits lipid oxidation, while the antioxidant effect of each phenolic compound reacts differently depending upon their structure. Quercetin has iron-chelating and iron-stabilizing effects.
Chlorogenic acid has antimicrobial activity against several bacterial strains. The essential oil obtains from S. canadensisroots has a significant antibacterial effect.
The phenolic compound has an antifungal effect against C. albicans, M. furfur, and T. beigeliiby disrupting the structure of the cell membrane.
Triterpenoid saponins isolated from S. virgaurea alpestrissignificantly inhibit fungal strains.

All the phytochemicals present in Solidago genus plants act synergically or provides additive effects. For example, bioactive compounds derived from S. virgaurea extracts have synergic action: flavonoids, caffeic acid derivatives, saponins, and leiocarposide showed anti-inflammatory activity, polyphenolic compounds exert antioxidant effects, while flavonoids displayed spasmolytic effects. [2]

What are the different forms of Goldenrod or Solidago?

Following are two common folk medicinal dosage forms of Goldenrod:

Goldenrod herbal Tea: Mix two to three teaspoons of dried herb in one cup of boiling water and cover the vessel. Wait for 10 -15 minutes and then strain the tea to drink the prepared herbal remedy.
Goldenrod Tincture is one of the common herbal dosage forms and the practitioner usually recommended 2 to 3ml twice or thrice daily to obtain the benefits of this herb. [3]

Goldenrod or Solidago Uses

There are certain in-vitro and in-vivo studies have reported that plants belong to Solidago genus have multiple medicinal properties, which are as follows:

antibacterial
antifungal
antidiabetic
anti-obesity
antihypertensive
antiapoptotic
anticancer
cardioprotective (angioprotective, antiatherosclerotic, antihypercholesterolemic, vasodilator, etc.)
diuretic
hepatoprotective
immunomodulator
neuroprotective. [2]

Bacterial infection prevention

The broad-spectrum antibacterial property of Goldenrod is effective against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Goldenrod suppresses the infection-causing bacterial strains including Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, H. pylori Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli. This benefit of this herb can be used as pharmaceutical or cosmetic products preservative, and as a food additive to prevent infections. [2]

Fungal infection prevention

Dermatophytes like Microsporum canis, Microsporum gypseum, and Trichophyton mentagrophytes often cause skin infections. Goldenrod has the efficacy to fight against these fungal infections. The aerial part of Goldenrod is also effective to suppress the growth of other fungal strains like Candida pseudotropicalis, C. albicans and some resistant fungal strains like Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, and Penicillium fumiculosum. [2]

Keep Kidney & Bladder healthy

Goldenrod has a potent diuretic property, which helps to flush out all the toxic substances from the body through increasing urine flow. This helps to prevent the deposition of impurities in the kidney and prevent kidney stone formation. The increase in urine outflow also excretes out harmful microorganism which can cause urinary tract infection. An extensive research result also reported that Goldenrod is an effective herbal remedy that provides symptomatic relief from urinary tract infection syndrome by soothing and toning the urinary tract, reducing the discomfort that occurs during micturition, and also decreasing swelling associated with infection. It is an effective treatment of recurring UTIs. Experts recommended Goldenrod with increasing water intake to treat lower urinary tract inflammatory disease conditions and also kidney stones. [3]

Colds/Flu/Allergies

Goldenrod has an astringent property and also acts as a strong decongestant. This herbal remedy is effective to reduce chest congestion due to excessive cough and cold attack. Goldenrod is also recommended for flu, allergies, and sinus problems. Quercetin, a flavonoid present in Goldenrod has antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties which effective to prevent and cure allergies. This herb also acts as mild diaphoretic and helps to relax the body pores during fever and releases excessive heat through skin pores and helps to reduce fever. Both antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties able to provide a soothing effect to treat sore throat and laryngitis. [3]

Blood circulation and cardiac health

Goldenrod has potent antioxidant properties due to its rutin composition. Some experts claimed that the antioxidant property of this herb is seven times more potent than green tea. The strong antioxidant property due to the rich source of rutin causes the strengthening of blood vessels, promotes blood circulation, and prevents blood clotting. These mechanisms are beneficial for cardiac health. [3]

Goldenrod or Solidago Side effects

There is mild side effect history yet now reported with Goldenrod intake. Some individuals complaint it can cause heartburn. Some patients may allergic to Goldenrod. [4]

When should I avoid Goldenrod or Solidago?

Pregnant and lactating mothers should avoid the intake of this herb due to a lack of safety data. Individuals have allergy with herbs like ragweed, marigolds, chrysanthemums, and daisies should also avoid Goldenrod, as they all are belonging to the Asteraceae/Compositae family.[3]