Historically, goldenrod has been used topically for wound healing (Kowalchik and Hylton 1997). In fact, the name, Solidago, the family name for all of the goldenrod species, is Latin for "to make whole" (Dean 2000; Kowalchik and Hylton 1997). Goldenrod is a common plant in many parts of the United States. It has an unusual ability to hybridize, which has created at least 130 recognizable species in the United States alone (Kowalchik and Hylton 1997; Robbers and Tyler 1999).

Goldenrod is primarily used as an aquaretic agent, meaning that it promotes the loss of water only (as compared to a diuretic, which promotes the loss of both water and electrolytes) (Blumenthal et al. 2000). Although goldenrod is a safe and effective aquaretic, it has not been used as frequently in the U.S. as in Europe, where it is commonly used to treat urinary tract inflammation, as well as to prevent or treat kidney stones (Kowalchik and Hylton 1997; Robbers and Tyler 1999). In fact, most scientific research has focused on European goldenrod. While the various species of goldenrod are similar in their aquaretic properties, they may vary in terms of anti-inflammatory and bacteriostatic properties (Robbers and Tyler 1999).

Goldenrod has also traditionally been used externally for inflammation of the mouth and pharyngeal cavity, and for the treatment of wounds (Bisset 1994). The antirheumatic properties associated with goldenrod may be due to anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects (Klein-Galczinsky 1999). The anti-inflammatory activity may be attributable to possible antioxidant properties of the herb (Meyer et al. 1995).

German clinical studies in 1999 compared the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of a fixed phytogenic combination of aspen (Populus tremula), goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), and ash (Fraxinus excelsior) with commonly used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis (Klein-Galczinsky 1999). Average doses of both the combination herbal compound and NSAIDs demonstrated similar effectiveness for the treatment of these conditions. However, the occurrence of side effects in patients using the herbal compound was half that experienced by patients taking NSAIDs. Other studies using the same phytomedicinal combination of herbal extracts (aspen, goldenrod, and ash) revealed that these herbs may possess antioxidative properties, which could inhibit free radicals from causing inflammation (Meyer et al. 1995). Because a combination herbal preparation was used in these studies, it is not clear whether goldenrod alone would exhibit the same level of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity or whether the results described are actually due to synergistic effects from all three herbs together.

Goldenrod is most often found along roadsides and in open fields (Kowalchik and Hylton 1997). European goldenrod, like the many other similar species of goldenrod, is a perennial with single woody stems that seldom branch and can grow to heights of three to seven feet. Its yellow flowers, which appear generally in August and September, are only about 1/4 inch wide, but come in profuse compound clusters. Leaves alternate between toothed or smooth edges. While the majority of goldenrod species are native to North America, several species are common in Europe, Asia, the Azores, and South America.

Dried aerial parts (Hoffman 2000)

Goldenrod contains several saponins principally based on polygalic acid (Bisset 1994; Hoffman 2000; Robbers and Tyler 1999). In addition, clerodane diterpenes (including solidago lactones I–VII and elongatolides C and E) have been identified as well as phenolic glycosides such as leiocarposide, flavonoids such as rutin and quercetin, and miscellaneous components including anthocyanidins, tannins, polysaccharides, acetylenes, cinnamates, and hydroxybenzoates.

Actions: aquaretic, anticatarrhal, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, astringent, diaphoretic, diuretic carminative, mildly antispasmodic (Blumenthal et al. 1998; Hoffman 2000; Kowalchik and Hylton 1997; Robbers and Tyler 1999)

Traditional Uses: cystitis, urethritis, kidney stones and gravel, arthritis, periodontal disease, menorrhagia, vomiting, upper respiratory congestion, influenza, flatulence, dyspepsia, laryngitis, pharyngitis, wound healing, eczema and other skin conditions (Blumenthal et al. 1998; Hoffman 2000; Kowalchik and Hylton 1997; Robbers and Tyler 1999)

Solidago virgaurea is used infrequently in Chinese medicine for dyspepsia, fevers, headaches, measles, and nausea (Duke et al. 1985).

Several animal studies have been performed to isolate the constituents in goldenrod that are primarily responsible for the aquaretic effect (Robbers and Tyler 1999). However, because of conflicting data, the results of these studies are inconclusive. It is possible that the combination of flavonoids and saponins in goldenrod may contribute to the aquaretic effect. The glycoside leiocarposide may also play a role. This component has demonstrated significant diuretic activity in rats, but the diuretic effect was actually reduced in the presence of flavonoids and/or saponins. In other animal studies, leiocarposide exhibited anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects (Bisset 1994; Robbers and Tyler 1999). These effects are thought to be due to the hydrolysis of leiocarposide to salicylic acid in the intestinal tract.

German studies conducted in 1997 revealed that the triterpenoid saponin fraction in goldenrod has immunomodulating and antitumor effects (Plohmann et al. 1997). This component exhibited mitogenic effects in experiments with both human mononuclear cells and mouse spleen and thymus cells. The clinical relevance of this finding remains unclear.

Infusion or decoction for use as an aquaretic: 2 to 3 tsp of dried herb in 1 cup of water; bring to a boil and let stand for 10 to 15 minutes before straining and drinking. This preparation should be taken 3 times per day (Hoffman 2000).

For upper respiratory inflammation: The same infusion described above should be taken 3 times per day. This infusion can also be used as a gargle for laryngitis and pharyngitis.

Fluidextract (1:1 in 25% ethanol): 0.5 to 2 ml two to three times per day (Gruenwald et al. 1998)

Tincture (1:5 in 45% ethanol): 2 to 4 ml two to three times daily (Hoffman 2000)

Copious amounts of water should be taken daily while using goldenrod (Blumenthal et al. 1998).

The German Commission E reports no known toxicity (Blumenthal et al. 1998).

Contrary to popular belief, goldenrod does not cause hay fever (Dean 2000). Its pollen grains, which are meant to be carried by insects, are much heavier than those of ragweed and other plants with airborne pollens that may be associated with allergies or hay fever.

Goldenrod should not be used as an aquaretic in cases of edema due to impaired heart or kidney function (Blumenthal et al. 1998).

In vitro studies indicate that the saponin in goldenrod may have spermicidal effects (Bisset 1994).

While there are no specific restrictions against usage during pregnancy or breast-feeding, in general it is better to refrain from using any medications during this time unless absolutely necessary.

No clinically significant interactions between goldenrod and conventional medications are known to have been reported in the literature to date, including the German Commission E monograph for this herb (Blumenthal et al. 1998).

Goldenrod has been approved by the German Commission E for use as irrigation therapy in cases of lower urinary tract inflammation (Blumenthal et al. 1998). In addition, it is approved to prevent and treat urinary calculi or kidney gravel.

Bisset NG, ed. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals: A handbook for practice on a scientific basis. Boca Raton, Fla: CRC Press; 1994:530-533.

Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Boston, Mass: Integrative Medicine Communications; 1998:139-140.

Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckmann J, eds. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Newton, Mass: Integrative Medicine Communications; 2000:178-181.

Dean C. Goldenrod (Solidago). Wildflowers of Alabama. Accessed at www.auburn.edu/~deancar/wfnotes/gldrd.htm on November 13, 2000.

Duke J, Ayensu, E. Medicinal Plants of China. Algonac, Mich: Reference Publications; 1985.

el-Ghazaly M, Khayyal MT, Okpanyi SN, Arens-Corell M. Study of the anti-inflammatory activity of Populus tremula, Solidago virgaurea and Fraxinus excelsior. Arzneimittelforschung. 1992;42(3):333-336.

Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C, et al., eds. PDR for Herbal Medicine. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company; 1998.

Hoffman DL. Golden Rod. Herbal Materia Medica. Accessed at www.healthy.net/library/books/hoffman/materiamedica/goldenrod.htm on November 13, 2000.

Klein-Galczinsky C. Pharmacological and clinical effectiveness of a fixed phytogenic combination of trembling poplar (Populus tremula), true goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea) and ash (Fraxinus excelsior) in mild to moderate rheumatic complaints [in German]. Wien Med Wochenschr. 1999;149(8-10):248-253.

Kowalchik C, Hylton WH, eds. Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs. Emmaus, Pa: Rodale Press; 1997:230-231.

Meyer B, Schneider W, Elstner EF. Antioxidative properties of alcoholic extracts from Fraxinus excelsior, Populus tremula and Solidago virgaurea. Arzneimittelforschung. 1995;45(2):174-176.

Miller LG, Murray WJ, eds. Herbal Medicinals: A Clinician's Guide. New York, NY: Pharmaceutical Products Press; 1998.

Plohmann B, Bader G, Hiller K, Franz G. Immunomodulatory and antitumoral effects of triterpenoid saponins. Pharmazie. 1997;52(12):953-957.

Robbers JE, Tyler VE. Tyler's Herbs of Choice: The Therapeutic Use of Phytomedicinals. New York, NY: The Haworth Herbal Press; 1999:90-92.

von Kruedener S, Schneider W, Elstner EF. A combination of Populus tremula, Solidago virgaurea and Fraxinus excelsior as an anti-inflammatory and antirheumatic drug. A short review. Arzneimittelforschung. 1995;45(2):169-171.