Solidago virgaurea                     

Common name:  European Golden Rod

Family: Asteraceae

Part used: Aerial (flowers)

Constituents:

• Triterpenoid Saponins
• Flavonoids (rutin & quercitin)
• Phenolic glycosides (leiocarposide & virgaureoside)
• Phenolic acids (caffeic & chlorogenic acids)
• Tannins
• Volatile oil
• Polysaccharides
• Salicylates

Medicinal actions:

• Analgesic
• Anti-microbial
• Anti-inflammatory
• Anti-lithic
• Astringent
• Anti-catarrhal
• Diuretic
• Hepatic
• Immunomodulator

 

 

 

 

 

 

Medicinal uses:

• Has traditional use in Western Herbal Medicine for chronic nasopharyngeal catarrh or inflammation and influenza. Would be specifically indicated for use in low grade and persistent inflammation & catarrh of the upper respiratory tract (e.g. sinus congestion, allergic rhinitis and sinusitis), and to promote diuresis in urinary infections, inflammations, and in nephrolithiasis prevention.

Pharmacology:

• Saponins are antimicrobial, immuno-modulating and have anti-tumor effects.
• Flavonoids are anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and diuretic.
• Volatile oils are antimicrobial & anti-fungal.
• Cytotoxic effects seem to be related to the presence of triterpenoids, which inhibit the lyase activity of DNA polymerase.

Pharmacy:

• Infusion: 1 tsp/cup, infuse 15 min, TID.
• Tincture: (1:2, 45%), 3-6 ml QD. 40 ml weekly max.
• Capsules: 1-3 g, QD.
• Topical as poultice or compress.

Toxicity:

• Avoid in known salicylate or Asteraceae allergy, renal and cardiac insufficiency (especially with edema), and in children due to theoretical potential for Reyes Syndrome.

Contraindications: 

• Avoid in known salicylate or Asteraceae allergy, renal and cardiac insufficiency (especially with edema), and in children due to theoretical potential for Reyes Syndrome.

Interactions: None reported.

References:

• Find a complete list of references for this monograph as well as images and a review of its evidence based applications in Dr. Marciano’s Herbal Textbook.