American Pawpaw - Xeljanz (Tofacitinib) Interaction
Herbal: American Pawpaw
Also Known As: Asimina triloba, Asimina, Asiminier, Banango, Custard Apple, Dog-Banana, Hoosier Banana, Indiana Banana, Kentucky Banana, Ozark Banana, Papaye American, Pawpaw, Paw, Poor Man's Banana
Drug: Tofacitinib
Brand names:
Xeljanz, Xeljanz XR
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
Apr 13, 2024
Interaction Details
There were no interactions found between Tofacitinib and American Pawpaw. This does not mean the potential for an interaction does not exist, however. There is often a lack of studies and data surrounding traditional medicine, especially concerning drug interactions, so it is important to always consult your provider before making any changes to your medication regimen.
American Pawpaw Overview
Asimina triloba, also known as pawpaw, is a deciduous tree native to North America. It is recognized for its large, tropical-like leaves and distinctive oblong fruits resembling a mix of mangoes and bananas. Typically found in moist, fertile soils in forest understories or along riverbanks, the pawpaw tree is of medicinal interest due to its potential anticancer properties attributed to its acetogenin content, including annonacin. Annonacin has shown cytotoxic effects against cancer cells, particularly in laboratory studies, by disrupting mitochondrial function, leading to cell death. Other mechanisms are likely involved as well. While promising, more research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms and therapeutic potential. Other constituents of American pawpaw include epigallocatechin, epicatechin, and p-coumaric acid.
Tofacitinib Overview
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Tofacitinib is used alone or with other medications to treat rheumatoid arthritis (condition in which the body attacks its own joints causing pain, swelling, and loss of function) in adults who are unable to take or did not respond to one or more tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor medication(s). It is also used to treat psoriatic arthritis (a condition that causes joint pain and swelling and scales on the skin) in adults who are unable to take or did not respond to or tolerate one or more TNF inhibitor medication(s). Tofacitinib is used to treat ulcerative colitis (a condition which causes swelling and sores in the lining of the colon [large intestine] and rectum) in adults who are unable to take or who did not respond to one or more TNF inhibitor medication(s). It is also used to treat polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (PJIA; a type of childhood arthritis that affects five or more joints during the first six months of the condition, causing pain, swelling, and loss of function) in children 2 years and older who are unable to take or who did not respond to one or more TNF inhibitor medication(s). Tofacitinib is in a class of medications called Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors. It works by decreasing the activity of the immune system.
American Pawpaw - More Interactions
American Pawpaw interacts with 25 drugs
Interaction Rating Key
These severity listings are for informational use only. Never start, stop or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.
| Major | The combined use of these agents is strongly discouraged as serious side effects or other negative outcomes could occur. |
| Moderate | Use cautiously under the care of a healthcare professional or avoid this combination. A significant interaction or negative outcome could occur. |
| Minor | Be aware that there is a chance of an interaction. Watch for warning signs of a potential interaction. |
| Unknown | No interactions have been reported or no interaction data is currently available. |
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Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Drug descriptions are provided by MedlinePlus.
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Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
In addition to being a clinical pharmacist specializing in pharmacotherapy, Dr. Brian Staiger is a registered herbalist through the American Herbalist Guild. He has combined his passion for pharmacy practice with the study of medical ethnobotany to improve patient care. Feel free to reach out about any of your herbal or medication questions!
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