Black Horehound Interactions Overview

Additional Details

Is Black Horehound Safe? Any Warnings?

Black horehound is generally considered safe when taken orally in appropriate medicinal amounts. However, there's limited information about its safety when used topically or rectally. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, it's advisable to avoid using black horehound due to potential risks. While no significant adverse effects have been reported, a comprehensive safety evaluation hasn't been conducted.

How Does Black Horehound Work? What's the Mechanism of Action?

The active parts of black horehound are its above ground portions. Chemical compounds found in black horehound, such as flavonoids, diterpenoids, and phenylpropanoids, contribute to its effects.

It exhibits antibacterial effects through constituents like verbascoside, forsythoside B, and arenarioside. These compounds have demonstrated the ability to combat bacteria like Proteus mirabilis and Staphylococcus aureus in laboratory settings.

Black horehound also possesses antioxidant properties. Some of its constituents can scavenge reactive oxygen species and reduce the release of certain inflammatory cells.

In terms of neurological effects, animal studies indicate that various compounds within black horehound, including verbascoside, forsythoside B, arenarioside, ballotetroside, and caffeoyl malic acid, can interact with receptors associated with benzodiazepine, dopamine, and morphine signaling.

Pharmacokinetics

There isn't enough reliable information available about the way black horehound is processed in the body (pharmacokinetics).

Interaction Overview

Black horehound may interact with dopamine agonists, potentially leading to additive effects. It's advisable to exercise caution when using black horehound alongside medications like bromocriptine, levodopa, pramipexole, and ropinirole, which are used to treat conditions like Parkinson's disease.

Common Side Effects To Watch For

No significant adverse effects have been reported, but a comprehensive assessment of potential side effects has not been carried out.

Are Supplements Standardized?

There isn't enough reliable information available regarding the standardization of black horehound supplements.

What Is Black Horehound Typically Used For?

Black horehound is used orally to address various issues, including nausea, vomiting, sedation, indigestion, cough, and as an antispasmodic. It's also employed for relieving symptoms of nervous disorders, particularly mild sleep disorders, in both adults and children.

Topically, black horehound is used as a mild astringent and in cases of gout. Additionally, it's used as an enema for intestinal worm infestations.

However, it's important to note that while black horehound has historical uses and potential benefits, more research is needed to determine its overall effectiveness and safety.

Drugs that interact with Black Horehound