Asarabacca - Aleve Cold and Sinus (Naproxen, Pseudoephedrine) Interaction
Herbal: Asarabacca
Also Known As: Asarum europaeum, Asara, Asari Herba, Asaroun, Asarum, Azarum, European Wild Ginger, False Coltsfoot, Hazelwort, Nard Sauvage, Rondelle, Snakeroot, Wild Ginger, Wild Nard, Wild Spikenard
Drug: Naproxen, Pseudoephedrine
Brand names:
Aleve Cold and Sinus
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
Feb 21, 2024
Interaction Details
Naproxen, Pseudoephedrine is classified as belonging to the following category: Nephrotoxic Drugs
Asarabacca, a herbaceous plant, is often contaminated with aristolochic acid, a compound known for its nephrotoxic effects. Aristolochic acid can damage the kidneys and is deemed unsafe by the FDA, leading to the classification of products containing it as adulterated. When considering medications that may also pose a risk of kidney damage, caution is advised when combining them with asarabacca due to potential additive nephrotoxicity. It is advisable to consult healthcare professionals before using asarabacca alongside nephrotoxic drugs to minimize the risk of adverse effects on kidney function.
Interaction Rating
Likelihood of Occurrence
PossibleInteraction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
Asarabacca Overview
Asarum europaeum, known as European wild ginger, is a perennial herb found in European shady woodlands. It features heart-shaped, glossy leaves and bell-shaped, brownish-purple flowers hidden beneath the foliage. Traditionally, its rhizomes are used in medicine for their aroma and sweat-inducing properties, but modern use is limited due to the presence of toxic aristolochic acid. Asarabacca is often tainted with this toxin, which is harmful to the kidneys and carcinogenic. The FDA deems all aristolochic acid-containing products unsafe and adulterated, emphasizing the need for verified aristolochic acid-free products. Asarabacca's rhizome contains phenylpropanol, trans-isoasarone, and trans-isomethyleugenol. It exhibits local anesthetic effects, potentially due to trans-isoasarone and trans-isomethyleugenol, bronchial effects possibly attributed to phenylpropanol, emetic effects likely linked to trans-isoasarone, and spasmolytic effects possibly due to trans-isoasarone.
Asarabacca - More Interactions
Asarabacca interacts with 350 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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