Goldenrod: use, properties, and tradition

Published on March 4, 2022 - Medicinal Plants

La Verga D'oro viene consigliata per la terapia diluente nel trattamento delle infezioni del tratto urinario, nella ritenzione di liquidi, cistiti e nel trattamento dei calcoli renali o della renella.

Solidago virgaurea L. belongs to the Asteraceae family (formerly Compositae).

Its name comes from Solidago, from the Latin solidare, meaning to make healthy or strengthen, while virga indicates a twig or rod, and aureus refers to the golden yellow color of its flowers.

Its upright and robust posture, coupled with its golden-yellow inflorescence, traditionally suggested its use for bone consolidation and kidney toning.

Goldenrod has been known for over 700 years for its urological and anti-inflammatory properties.

This perennial herb, native to Europe, grows spontaneously in uncultivated land, especially in mountainous areas and forest margins. The stem is erect, reaching up to a meter in height, glabrous or sparsely pubescent. The leaves are elongated, following the plant’s vertical growth. The flowers are golden yellow, grouped in panicle-shaped inflorescences. The fruit is an achene.

The flowering tops or the whole plant are used.

Active ingredients include flavonoids: quercetin, quercitrin, rutin, isoquercitrin, astragalin, hyperoside; triterpene saponins: virgaureagenin A-H with oleanolic, polygalacic, and bayogeninic aglycone; clerodane terpene lactones: solidagolactone; anthocyanins: cyanidin-3-diglucoside; phenolic acids and their glycosides: leicarposide, virgaureoside, caffeic acid, and chlorogenic acid; catechinic tannins; essential oil.

Flavonoids and triterpene saponins have a diuretic effect, promoting the elimination of urea and uric acid. Flavonoids, especially rutin, increase the resistance of the vascular endothelium. Saponins are active against Candida and, together with phenolic acids, have a litholytic activity on kidney stones. The phenolic glycoside leiarposide has analgesic and anti-inflammatory actions. Tannins have an astringent effect, reducing intestinal peristalsis.

Recommended for dilution therapy in the treatment of urinary tract infections, fluid retention, cystitis, and the treatment of kidney stones or gravel. It can clarify urine laden with sediments, disinfect and alleviate prostatic hypertrophy, dissolve stones, facilitate urination, correct excess albumin, and aid in eliminating uric acid in gout sufferers.

It also exhibits antifungal activity against Candida albicans.

Useful in edematous rheumatic conditions.

Historically, Leclerc used it against mucous membrane and tubercular enteritis and for infantile enteritis during teething. Avicenna (11th century) recommended its decoction for treating mouth ulcers.

In Italy, the use of this herb is not widespread, while in Germany, the German Commission E recognizes the species S. virgaurea, S. canadensis, and S. gigantea for their anti-inflammatory effect beneficial in urinary tract treatment. It foresees the use of their respective herbs in kidney stones and gravel.

Contraindications: should not be used in patients with cardiac or renal edema.