Goldenseal for Diabetes?

I have heard of people using goldenseal to treat diabetes under a doctors supervision. I know it should only be used for short periods of time. Is it effective?

I don't know the specific reason why doctors would recommend goldenseal in diabetes. People with diabetes are prone to infections like colds and 'flus, and goldenseal is mistakenly used for this purpose because of its antimicrobial properties. But its antimicrobial actions are effective only on the body tissues with which it comes in contact: the mouth, throat, stomach and intestines. It has no effect on systemic infections like the common cold.
I do not recommend taking goldenseal in diabetes. The side effects of goldenseal are listed on our website at www.richters.com. Choose "Q&A" from the main menu, then enter "side effects of goldenseal" for the search.