Basil - Methotrexate Interaction
Herbal: Basil
Also Known As: Ocimum basilicum, Albahaca, Basilic, Basilic Commun, Basilic Grand, Basilic Grand Vert, Basilic Romain, Basilic aux Sauces, Basilici Herba, Common Basil, Garden Basil, Munjariki, St. Josephwort, St. Joseph's Wort, Surasa, Sweet Basil, Vanatulasi, Varvara
Drug: Methotrexate
Brand names:
Rheumatrex, Otrexup, Rasuvo, Reditrex
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
Apr 13, 2024
Interaction Details
There were no interactions found between Methotrexate and Basil. 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.
Basil Overview
Basil is an herb that is native to tropical regions of Asia and Africa and is commonly used in cooking to add flavor to a variety of dishes. It is a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae) and is known for its fragrant, sweet, and slightly spicy aroma. Basil also has a history of medicinal use and has been used for headache, stomach spasms, flatulence, diarrhea, constipation, peptic ulcers, kidney conditions, the common cold, warts, and parasite infections. Studies of basil show it is a rich source of vitamin C, carotenoids, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron. It is also used as an essential oil, which contains linalool, estragole (methyl chavicol), eugenol, methyl cinnamate, o-cymene, citral, alpha-pinene, camphene, beta-pinene, gamma-terpinene, cineole, menthol, rosmarinic acid, geraniol, and geranial.
Methotrexate Overview
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Methotrexate is used to treat severe psoriasis (a skin disease in which red, scaly patches form on some areas of the body) that cannot be controlled by other treatments. Methotrexate is also used along with rest, physical therapy, and sometimes other medications to treat severe active rheumatoid arthritis (RA; a condition in which the body attacks its own joints, causing pain, swelling, and loss of function) that cannot be controlled by certain other medications. Methotrexate is also used to treat certain types of cancer including cancers that begin in the tissues that form around a fertilized egg in the uterus, breast cancer, lung cancer, certain cancers of the head and neck, certain types of lymphoma, and leukemia (cancer that begins in the white blood cells). Methotrexate is in a class of medications called antimetabolites. Methotrexate treats cancer by slowing the growth of cancer cells. Methotrexate treats psoriasis by slowing the growth of skin cells to stop scales from forming. Methotrexate may treat rheumatoid arthritis by decreasing the activity of the immune system.
Basil - More Interactions
Basil interacts with 283 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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