![How dangerous are interactions between herbal medicines and prescribed drugs?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_66c59a7ccc594.jpg)
![How dangerous are interactions between herbal medicines and prescribed drugs?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_649d43f7e1633.jpg)
![How dangerous are interactions between herbal medicines and prescribed drugs?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_649d44212491b.jpg)
![How dangerous are interactions between herbal medicines and prescribed drugs?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_649d441856048.jpg)
![How dangerous are interactions between herbal medicines and prescribed drugs?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_649d44176c424.jpg)
![How dangerous are interactions between herbal medicines and prescribed drugs?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_649d4416882df.jpg)
![How dangerous are interactions between herbal medicines and prescribed drugs?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_649d4414b860e.jpg)
![How dangerous are interactions between herbal medicines and prescribed drugs?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_649d4412ab248.jpg)
![How dangerous are interactions between herbal medicines and prescribed drugs?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_649d441141b3e.jpg)
![How dangerous are interactions between herbal medicines and prescribed drugs?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_649d441289ca9.jpg)
![How dangerous are interactions between herbal medicines and prescribed drugs?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_649d44117af50.jpg)
![How dangerous are interactions between herbal medicines and prescribed drugs?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_649d440fecb6c.jpg)
![How dangerous are interactions between herbal medicines and prescribed drugs?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_649d440ee64ab.jpg)
![How dangerous are interactions between herbal medicines and prescribed drugs?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_649d440e3084a.jpg)
![How dangerous are interactions between herbal medicines and prescribed drugs?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_649d440abe06d.jpg)
![How dangerous are interactions between herbal medicines and prescribed drugs?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_649d440a6a6ae.jpg)
![How dangerous are interactions between herbal medicines and prescribed drugs?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_649d440914e4c.jpg)
![How dangerous are interactions between herbal medicines and prescribed drugs?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_649d44062d8d0.jpg)
![How dangerous are interactions between herbal medicines and prescribed drugs?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_649d4406d32a6.jpg)
![How dangerous are interactions between herbal medicines and prescribed drugs?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_649d44093b2bf.jpg)
![How dangerous are interactions between herbal medicines and prescribed drugs?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_649d4407da77b.jpg)
![How dangerous are interactions between herbal medicines and prescribed drugs?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_649d4404190ed.jpg)
![How dangerous are interactions between herbal medicines and prescribed drugs?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_649d4401f184a.jpg)
![How dangerous are interactions between herbal medicines and prescribed drugs?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_649d43fed9c3c.jpg)
![How dangerous are interactions between herbal medicines and prescribed drugs?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_649d43ffd7d7f.jpg)
![How dangerous are interactions between herbal medicines and prescribed drugs?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_649d43fd80ecb.jpg)
![How dangerous are interactions between herbal medicines and prescribed drugs?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_649d43f9c1482.jpg)
![How dangerous are interactions between herbal medicines and prescribed drugs?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_649d43f723c71.jpg)
![How dangerous are interactions between herbal medicines and prescribed drugs?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_649d43f689544.jpg)
![How dangerous are interactions between herbal medicines and prescribed drugs?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_649d43f9a3f98.jpg)
See Also
See Again
© Shutterstock
0 / 30 Fotos
Disclaimer
- There is still a lack of solid research around interactions between herbal medicines and prescribed drugs. While a few clinical studies and trials have been conducted, it should be noted that some recommended actions are also based on case reports (concerning individual patients) and even theoretical concerns.
© Shutterstock
1 / 30 Fotos
Andrographis
- Andrographis (Andrographis paniculata) is contraindicated for patients taking immunosuppressant medication, as it may reduce their effectiveness. A clinical study has also found that it may potentiate the effects of midazolam.
© Shutterstock
2 / 30 Fotos
Ashwagandha
- There is a theoretical concern that taking this herbal medicine may potentiate the effects of thyroxine.
© Shutterstock
3 / 30 Fotos
Cayenne (chili pepper)
- A clinical study has found that cayenne (capsium spp) may increase absorption and levels of theophylline.
© Shutterstock
4 / 30 Fotos
Celery seed
- Two case reports have shown that celery seeds may reduce serum levels of thyroxine.
© Shutterstock
5 / 30 Fotos
Chamomile
- Chamomile (matricaria recutit) may potentiate the effects of warfarin and cause bleeding.
© Shutterstock
6 / 30 Fotos
Cranberry
- Cranberry (vaccinium macrocarpon) may decrease levels of immunosuppressants in the blood.
© Shutterstock
7 / 30 Fotos
Echinacea
- Echinacea may decrease the effectiveness of immunosuppressive medication. The herb may also interact with antiretroviral drugs.
© Shutterstock
8 / 30 Fotos
Evening primrose oil
- Evening primrose oil (oenothera biennis) may potentiate the effects of antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs. But according to clinical evidence, there is a low level of risk. In addition, a case report has shown a reduction in serum levels of lithium.
© Shutterstock
9 / 30 Fotos
Garlic
- Garlic (allium sativum) can interact with paracetamol and decrease blood concentrations of warfarin. It can also cause hypoglycemia when taken with chlorpropamide. Garlic may also decrease the blood levels of HIV protease inhibitors.
© Shutterstock
10 / 30 Fotos
Ginger
- Ginger (zingiber officinale) may increase the effectiveness of phenprocoumon and therefore increase the risk of bleeding when taken with warfarin. It may also interact with nifedipine, producing a synergistic antiplatelet effect.
© Shutterstock
11 / 30 Fotos
Ginkgo
- Ginkgo (ginkgo biloba) interactions include antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs such as warfarin (it can cause bleeding). It can raise blood pressure when combined with thiazide diuretic, and can lead to coma when taken with trazodone.
© Shutterstock
12 / 30 Fotos
Ginkgo
- Other interactions include antipsychotic medication, antiretroviral drugs, benzodiazepines, hypoglycemic drugs, nifedipine, tadalafil, and talinolol. Many of these, however, have a low level of risk.
© Shutterstock
13 / 30 Fotos
Green tea
- The use of green tea (camellia sinensis) is contraindicated for patients taking isoniazid, as it may affect the liver. It may also reduce the bioavailability of sunitinib, and decrease the effectiveness of ziprasidone.
© Shutterstock
14 / 30 Fotos
Hawthorn
- Clinical studies have found that hawthorn may increase the effectiveness of digoxin.
© Shutterstock
15 / 30 Fotos
Horsetail
- Two case reports have shown that horsetail (equisetum arvense) may cause a virological breakthrough when taken with antiretroviral drugs.
© Shutterstock
16 / 30 Fotos
Kava
- Kava (piper methysticum) can interact with Parkinson medications, particularly levodopa (or L-Dopa). It can also interact with alprazolam and lead to a semicomatose state.
© Shutterstock
17 / 30 Fotos
Korean ginseng
- Ginseng (panax ginseng) can lower blood concentrations of warfarin, and induce mania if used with phenelzine. It may decrease the effectiveness of antihypertensive medications, including nifedipine.
© Shutterstock
18 / 30 Fotos
Korean ginseng
- Ginseng may also cause side effects such as headaches, sleeplessness, and tremors when taken with MAO inhibitors. Ginseng may also interact with hypoglycemic drugs, including insulin, and potentiate hypoglycemic activity of these drugs.
© Shutterstock
19 / 30 Fotos
Licorice
- Licorice (glycyrrhiza glabra) may decrease the effectiveness of antihypertensive medications (excluding diuretics).
© Shutterstock
20 / 30 Fotos
Licorice
- Licorice may also cause hypokalemia when taken with cilostazol, according to a case report. In high doses, licorice can actually cause pseudoaldosteronism and high blood pressure.
© Shutterstock
21 / 30 Fotos
Milk thistle
- A clinical study has found that milk thistle increases the levels of domperidone and its potential toxic side effects. Hepatically-impaired patients may want to avoid taking it with immunosuppressives such as sirolimus, as it may reduce drug clearance. Milk thistle may also increase blood levels of ornidazole and talinolol.
© Shutterstock
22 / 30 Fotos
Rhodiola
- Rhodiola (rhodiola rosea) may interact with SSRIs, affecting serotonin levels.
© Shutterstock
23 / 30 Fotos
Sage
- A case report showed that sage may potentiate the adverse effects of methadone.
© Shutterstock
24 / 30 Fotos
Schisandra
- Schisandra (schisandra chinensis) may increase drug concentrations of immunosuppressives.
© Shutterstock
25 / 30 Fotos
St. John's wort
- Research has shown that St. John’s wort can reduce blood levels of benzodiazepines, calcium channel antagonists, cancer chemotherapeutic drugs, clozapine, immunosuppressives, cyclosporin, amitriptyline, digoxin, indinavir, warfarin, phenprocoumon, and theophylline. This flowering plant also interacts with oral contraceptives.
© Shutterstock
26 / 30 Fotos
Turmeric
- Turmeric (curcuma longa) may potentiate the effects of antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs. Turmeric may also increase drug levels of tacrolimus and talinolol. There is a case report of acute liver injury related to long-term use of the herb in combination with etoricoxib.
© Shutterstock
27 / 30 Fotos
Valerian
- There is theoretical concern, but not much clinical evidence to support it, that valerian (valeriana officinalis) potentiates the effects of CNS depressants or alcohol.
© Shutterstock
28 / 30 Fotos
Willow bark
- A clinical study has found that willow bark may potentiate the effects of warfarin. Sources: (Standard Process) (PubMed) (International Society of Pharmacovigilance)
© Shutterstock
29 / 30 Fotos
© Shutterstock
0 / 30 Fotos
Disclaimer
- There is still a lack of solid research around interactions between herbal medicines and prescribed drugs. While a few clinical studies and trials have been conducted, it should be noted that some recommended actions are also based on case reports (concerning individual patients) and even theoretical concerns.
© Shutterstock
1 / 30 Fotos
Andrographis
- Andrographis (Andrographis paniculata) is contraindicated for patients taking immunosuppressant medication, as it may reduce their effectiveness. A clinical study has also found that it may potentiate the effects of midazolam.
© Shutterstock
2 / 30 Fotos
Ashwagandha
- There is a theoretical concern that taking this herbal medicine may potentiate the effects of thyroxine.
© Shutterstock
3 / 30 Fotos
Cayenne (chili pepper)
- A clinical study has found that cayenne (capsium spp) may increase absorption and levels of theophylline.
© Shutterstock
4 / 30 Fotos
Celery seed
- Two case reports have shown that celery seeds may reduce serum levels of thyroxine.
© Shutterstock
5 / 30 Fotos
Chamomile
- Chamomile (matricaria recutit) may potentiate the effects of warfarin and cause bleeding.
© Shutterstock
6 / 30 Fotos
Cranberry
- Cranberry (vaccinium macrocarpon) may decrease levels of immunosuppressants in the blood.
© Shutterstock
7 / 30 Fotos
Echinacea
- Echinacea may decrease the effectiveness of immunosuppressive medication. The herb may also interact with antiretroviral drugs.
© Shutterstock
8 / 30 Fotos
Evening primrose oil
- Evening primrose oil (oenothera biennis) may potentiate the effects of antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs. But according to clinical evidence, there is a low level of risk. In addition, a case report has shown a reduction in serum levels of lithium.
© Shutterstock
9 / 30 Fotos
Garlic
- Garlic (allium sativum) can interact with paracetamol and decrease blood concentrations of warfarin. It can also cause hypoglycemia when taken with chlorpropamide. Garlic may also decrease the blood levels of HIV protease inhibitors.
© Shutterstock
10 / 30 Fotos
Ginger
- Ginger (zingiber officinale) may increase the effectiveness of phenprocoumon and therefore increase the risk of bleeding when taken with warfarin. It may also interact with nifedipine, producing a synergistic antiplatelet effect.
© Shutterstock
11 / 30 Fotos
Ginkgo
- Ginkgo (ginkgo biloba) interactions include antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs such as warfarin (it can cause bleeding). It can raise blood pressure when combined with thiazide diuretic, and can lead to coma when taken with trazodone.
© Shutterstock
12 / 30 Fotos
Ginkgo
- Other interactions include antipsychotic medication, antiretroviral drugs, benzodiazepines, hypoglycemic drugs, nifedipine, tadalafil, and talinolol. Many of these, however, have a low level of risk.
© Shutterstock
13 / 30 Fotos
Green tea
- The use of green tea (camellia sinensis) is contraindicated for patients taking isoniazid, as it may affect the liver. It may also reduce the bioavailability of sunitinib, and decrease the effectiveness of ziprasidone.
© Shutterstock
14 / 30 Fotos
Hawthorn
- Clinical studies have found that hawthorn may increase the effectiveness of digoxin.
© Shutterstock
15 / 30 Fotos
Horsetail
- Two case reports have shown that horsetail (equisetum arvense) may cause a virological breakthrough when taken with antiretroviral drugs.
© Shutterstock
16 / 30 Fotos
Kava
- Kava (piper methysticum) can interact with Parkinson medications, particularly levodopa (or L-Dopa). It can also interact with alprazolam and lead to a semicomatose state.
© Shutterstock
17 / 30 Fotos
Korean ginseng
- Ginseng (panax ginseng) can lower blood concentrations of warfarin, and induce mania if used with phenelzine. It may decrease the effectiveness of antihypertensive medications, including nifedipine.
© Shutterstock
18 / 30 Fotos
Korean ginseng
- Ginseng may also cause side effects such as headaches, sleeplessness, and tremors when taken with MAO inhibitors. Ginseng may also interact with hypoglycemic drugs, including insulin, and potentiate hypoglycemic activity of these drugs.
© Shutterstock
19 / 30 Fotos
Licorice
- Licorice (glycyrrhiza glabra) may decrease the effectiveness of antihypertensive medications (excluding diuretics).
© Shutterstock
20 / 30 Fotos
Licorice
- Licorice may also cause hypokalemia when taken with cilostazol, according to a case report. In high doses, licorice can actually cause pseudoaldosteronism and high blood pressure.
© Shutterstock
21 / 30 Fotos
Milk thistle
- A clinical study has found that milk thistle increases the levels of domperidone and its potential toxic side effects. Hepatically-impaired patients may want to avoid taking it with immunosuppressives such as sirolimus, as it may reduce drug clearance. Milk thistle may also increase blood levels of ornidazole and talinolol.
© Shutterstock
22 / 30 Fotos
Rhodiola
- Rhodiola (rhodiola rosea) may interact with SSRIs, affecting serotonin levels.
© Shutterstock
23 / 30 Fotos
Sage
- A case report showed that sage may potentiate the adverse effects of methadone.
© Shutterstock
24 / 30 Fotos
Schisandra
- Schisandra (schisandra chinensis) may increase drug concentrations of immunosuppressives.
© Shutterstock
25 / 30 Fotos
St. John's wort
- Research has shown that St. John’s wort can reduce blood levels of benzodiazepines, calcium channel antagonists, cancer chemotherapeutic drugs, clozapine, immunosuppressives, cyclosporin, amitriptyline, digoxin, indinavir, warfarin, phenprocoumon, and theophylline. This flowering plant also interacts with oral contraceptives.
© Shutterstock
26 / 30 Fotos
Turmeric
- Turmeric (curcuma longa) may potentiate the effects of antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs. Turmeric may also increase drug levels of tacrolimus and talinolol. There is a case report of acute liver injury related to long-term use of the herb in combination with etoricoxib.
© Shutterstock
27 / 30 Fotos
Valerian
- There is theoretical concern, but not much clinical evidence to support it, that valerian (valeriana officinalis) potentiates the effects of CNS depressants or alcohol.
© Shutterstock
28 / 30 Fotos
Willow bark
- A clinical study has found that willow bark may potentiate the effects of warfarin. Sources: (Standard Process) (PubMed) (International Society of Pharmacovigilance)
© Shutterstock
29 / 30 Fotos
How dangerous are interactions between herbal medicines and prescribed drugs?
Click on for a real lesson!
© Shutterstock
While many herbal medicines have been subject to research to ascertain their benefits, dangers, and medicinal effects (or lack thereof), the way these interact with prescription drugs is not as well researched. There is, however, some clinical evidence (some stronger than others) that allows us to get a glimpse into how some herbal medicines may interact with prescribed drugs.
In this gallery, you'll find a list of popular herbal medicines and their potential interactions with prescribed drugs. Click on for a real lesson!
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
![Can red meat cause type 2 diabetes?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d9c1da976cb.jpg)
![The true dangers of West Nile virus](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d99bcbae9d8.jpg)
![Does sleeping in during the weekend lower your health risks?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d5876a2092a.jpg)
![Ozempic diet? What you should (and shouldn't) eat on GLP-1 medication](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d85a717d263.jpg)
![Everything you need to know about multiple sclerosis](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d84c35eca80.jpg)
![Easy daily habits for a faster metabolism](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d8470494ed7.jpg)
![Can you reverse type 2 diabetes?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d8460d476cc.jpg)
![Eat these foods if you want to lower your blood pressure](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d83f5b288d9.jpg)
![These are the worst things you could do for your eyes](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d83dab62128.jpg)
![The warning signs of young onset dementia](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d82ede64f52.jpg)
![The ways holding in a sneeze can damage your body](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d8284b04272.jpg)
![Do women go through midlife crises?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d1bfab43d6b.jpg)
![Common overlooked signs of depression](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_668fd41f59792.jpg)
![Scary secrets your surgeon definitely won’t tell you](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_6683dd12553bf.jpg)
![These cancers are on the rise in younger generations](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d048e3bf50d.jpg)
![Could eating meat give you a UTI?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d09b6cbecf0.jpg)
![Hypochlorhydria: when your stomach can’t break down food](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d041bcb43a2.jpg)
![The history of the World Health Organization](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_5e6b374cf2e67.jpg)
![Triple E: Why is eastern equine encephalitis potentially so deadly?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66cf3d75c3f5a.jpg)
!["Sloth fever": How dangerous is the Oropouche virus?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_6669b3cdd53ba.jpg)
![What happens to your body if you only eat fruit?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66c857f4693d3.jpg)
![The risks of developing metabolic syndrome](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66c852c290ac6.jpg)
![Sensitive skin: causes, care, and when to seek help](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66c376117d4a4.jpg)
![Times the WHO declared a public health emergency](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66c32810ceeb6.jpg)
![The six types of depression, according to science](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66ba2976bc8df.jpg)
![Makhana: The superfood taking over fields in northern India](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66bf7c5f37817.jpg)
![The aggressive brain cancer that kills in record time](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66ab8e429e16a.jpg)
![The oldest known diseases in the world](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66bb8ad5ca1dc.jpg)
![If you have these symptoms, you could be allergic to the sun](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66bf256eefff6.jpg)
![Nighttime fitness: is working out in the evening a good idea?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66b6468038992.jpg)
![The incredible benefits of exercising with friends](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66b630c4decc6.jpg)
![Everything you need to know about melasma](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66b1ed1dd50b1.jpg)
![Step into slim: your guide to walking for weight loss](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66b0c4e0e4927.jpg)
![What is an existential crisis, and how can you overcome it?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66b3714413ee9.jpg)
![Should your kids be more active? Follow these tips](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66b3a1725423b.jpg)
![Everything you need to know about Graves' disease](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66b63a8f2659a.jpg)
MOST READ
- Last Hour
- Last Day
- Last Week