Atractylodes - Femara (Letrozole) Interaction
Herbal: Atractylodes
Also Known As: Atractylodes lancea, AMK, ATR, Atractylenolide, Bai Zhu, Byaki-Jutsu, Cang Zhu, Chang Zhe, Jutsu, Khod Kha Mao, Paekch'ul, So-Jutsu
Drug: Letrozole
Brand names:
Femara
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
Jul 22, 2023
Interaction Details
Letrozole is classified as belonging to the following category: Aromatase Inhibitors
Theoretically, atractylodes may have an additive effect when used with other aromatase inhibitors.
Laboratory research suggests that atractylodes and its constituents exhibit aromatase inhibitor effects.
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
References
- Jiang H, Shi J, Li Y. Screening for compounds with aromatase inhibiting activities from Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz. Molecules. 2011 Apr 14;16(4):3146-51.
Atractylodes Overview
Atractylodes is a genus of flowering plants native to eastern Asia, with its roots being used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), traditional Japanese medicine (Kampo), and traditional Thai medicine. It is found in formulations like ninjin-yoei-to and shenling baizhu san. Pharmacokinetic studies show that atractylodin, a major bioactive compound, is absorbed rapidly after oral administration, with peak plasma concentrations reached within 0.5-2 hours. The root contains sesquiterpenoids, sterols, and essential oils, with constituents like atractylenolides and atractylon. These compounds contribute to various purported pharmacological effects, including anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and gastrointestinal effects, but more research is needed for a better understanding of its overall effectiveness in these areas.
Letrozole Overview
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Letrozole is used treat early breast cancer in women who have experienced menopause (change of life; end of monthly menstrual periods) and who have had other treatments, such as radiation or surgery to remove the tumor. It is also used to treat early breast cancer in women who have experienced menopause and who have already been treated with a medication called tamoxifen (Nolvadex) for 5 years. Letrozole is also used in women who have experienced menopause as a first treatment of breast cancer that has spread within the breast or to other areas of the body or in women whose breast cancer has worsened while they were taking tamoxifen. Letrozole is in a class of medications called nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitors. It works by decreasing the amount of estrogen produced by the body. This can slow or stop the growth of some types of breast cancer cells that need estrogen to grow.
Atractylodes - More Interactions
Atractylodes interacts with 123 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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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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