CATEGORIES
- BIOPHARMACEUTIC
- THERAPEUTIC
- ANECDOTAL
BIOPHARMACEUTIC
- Tannin containing herbs may cut down on iron absorption due to poorly absorbed iron
tannate complexes.
Dister, et. al. Gut 16:193-200, 1975.
- Tannin containing beverages may reduce B12 absorption due to formation of
glycoprotein-B12-tannic acid complexes.
Carrera, et. al. CR Acad Sci 2 (6):239-242, 1973.
- Ca, Mg, Fe containing herbs may bind or inactivate tetracycline analogues.
Food Drug Interactions 2:1-18 ER Squibb, 1978.
- Vitamin C may affect the excretion of weakly basic herbs that undergo tubular
reabsorption in alkaline urine.
Food Drug Interactions 2:1-18 ER Squibb, 1978.
- Herbs that exhibit hepatotoxicity may inhibit certain liver microsomal hydroxylating
systems.
Morbidity Mortality Week Report 27:248-249, 1978. Segeiman, et. al. JAMA 236:477,
1976.
- Herbs that exhibit renal toxicity may alter the excretory mechanism of concurrently
administered drugs.
Segelman, et. al. JAMA 238:47, 1976.
- Bearberry [Uva-Ursi] is inactivated by urinary acidifiers (i..e. cranberry juice)
Review of Natural Products 1996, Facts and Comparisons
- Sarsaparilla may interfere with absorption of simultaneously administered drugs.
Increases absorption of digitalis and bismuth, and elimination of hypnotics.
Osborne F, Chandler F 1996; Canadian Pharmaceutical Journal
THERAPEUTIC
- Potassium chloride sold in health food stores may cause toxicities due to alteration of
electrolyte balance.
Stephenson Consumer p. 19-21, Sept 1978.
- Herbs with hypoglycemic action may affect the amount of antidiabetic drug required.
Farnsworth Title and Till 57:52-56, 1971.
- L-Tryptophan and magnesium salts may interfere with antidepressant or anxiolytic
therapy.
- Aloe may potentiate toxicity of cardiac glycosides and thiazide diuretics.
Remington Apr 1997; Calif Pharm (suppl):1-10
- St. John’s Wort has three-fold antidepressant mechanisms (reuptake inhibitor, MAOI,
COMT inhibitor). Should avoid tyramine- containing foods and serotonergic agents. Avoid
combinations with photosensitivity producing agents.
InPharma 1996; No. 1058:3-4, Oct 12
- Licorice root (glycerhizza) may interfere with antihypertensive [thiazide diuretics]
therapy.
Koster, et.al. Medical Intelligence 278:1381, 1968 Chamberlain, et.al. JAMA 213:1343,
1970
- Bran products, wheat germ, yeast prepartions may interfere with levodopa therapy.
Food and Drug Interactions 2:1-18 E.R. Squibb, 1978.
- Yeast preparations can interfere with antihypertensive therapy.
Food and Drug Interactions 2:1-18 E.R. Squibb, 1978.
- Ginkgo biloba extracts in combination with aspirin and other anticoagulants may cause
subdural hematomas
One case of retinal hemorrhage associated with Ginkgo biloba and aspirin.
Neurology 1996; 46: 1775-1776
- Valerian not synergistic with alcohol, but has not been studied with opiates or other
CNS depressants.
Tyler 1996; JAPhA NS3(1):29-37
- Ginkgo or feverfew may cause platelet aggregation in combination with coumadin.
Tyler 1994; Herbs of Choice, Haworth Press
- Feverfew should not be used concomitantly with estrogens & progestagens
[progesterone].
Herbal Prescriptions for Better Health, 1996, p 15.
- • Ginseng may cause a hypoglycemic effect in diabetics.
• Case report of ginseng and furosemide [decreased diuretic effect] resulted in
hospitalization Probably germanium contamination.
Becker et al. 1996; JAMA 276:606-607
- • Saw palmetto should not be used in combination with agents for benign prostatic
hypertrophy.
• Effect on other hormone therapy unknown.
Herbal Prescriptions for Better Health, 1996, p 15.
- Statins inhibit HMG-CoA reductase
(req for chol & CoQ10 synthesis)
Beta blockers [propranolol & metaprolol], phenothiazines & TCAs inhibit CoQ10
dependent enzymes.
Alernative Medicine Review 1998; 3(1): 58-59
- Feverfew should not be used concomitantly with estrogens & progestagens
[progesterone].
Herbal Prescriptions for Better Health, 1996, p 15.
ANECDOTAL INTERACTIONS
- Juniper can increase lithium levels.
