Northern Prickly Ash Interactions Overview

Additional Details

Is Northern Prickly Ash Safe? Are There Any Warnings?

Northern prickly ash is a woody shrub native to eastern parts of North America, and its bark, berries, and roots have been used as medicine in traditional Native American healing practices. However, there is insufficient reliable information available to determine its safety when used orally. During pregnancy, it is considered possibly unsafe to use the bark, and the safety of the berry or root during pregnancy is also uncertain. Lactating women should avoid using it due to insufficient reliable information.

How Is Northern Prickly Ash Thought To Work? What is the Mechanism of Action?

Northern prickly ash contains alkaloids, coumarins, resin, volatile oil, and tannins, which may have pharmacologically active properties. In vitro research suggests that extracts from various parts of the plant, such as the bark, berry, husk, leaf, seed, and wood, exhibit antifungal effects against pathogens like Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida albicans, and Cryptococcus neoformans. The furanocoumarin constituents in northern prickly ash extract are believed to be responsible for its antifungal effects. Notably, extracts from plant parts with higher furanocoumarin content, like the berry and leaf, were more active against the studied pathogens.

Pharmacokinetics

Unfortunately, there is insufficient reliable information available about the pharmacokinetics of northern prickly ash, including how the body processes its active components.

Interaction Overview

Northern prickly ash may interact with certain drugs, such as antacids, H2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Theoretically, due to reports of increased stomach acid, northern prickly ash might decrease the effectiveness of these medications.

Common Side Effects To Watch For

There have been no specific side effects reported for northern prickly ash. However, it's important to note that there is limited reliable information available on its safety, and a thorough evaluation of safety outcomes has not been conducted.

Are Supplements Standardized?

There is insufficient reliable information available about the standardization and formulation of northern prickly ash supplements.

What Is Northern Prickly Ash Typically Used For?

Northern prickly ash has been traditionally used for various purposes, including treating infections, rheumatic conditions, sore throats, toothaches, and wounds. However, the effectiveness of these uses is not well-established due to a lack of reliable information. Further research is needed to better understand its medicinal properties and potential overdose effects.

As with any herbal remedy, it is essential to exercise caution and consult with a healthcare professional before using northern prickly ash to ensure safety and suitability for individual needs.

Drugs that interact with Northern Prickly Ash