Shepherd's Purse Interactions Overview

Check For Interactions With Shepherd's Purse

Shepherd's Purse

Also known as
  • Capsella bursa-pastoris
  • Blind Weed
  • Bolsa del Pastor
  • Bolsa-de-Pastor
  • Bourse à Berger
  • Bourse-à-Pasteur
  • Bourse de Capucin
  • Boursette
  • Bursae Pastoris Herba
  • Capsella
  • Capselle
  • Capselle a Pasteur
  • Capselle Bourse-à-Pasteur
  • Caseweed
  • Cocowort
  • Corne de Lion
  • Erva-Do-B
Shepherd's Purse Shepherd's purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris) is a flowering plant belonging to the mustard family. It is native to Europe and Asia, but has become invasive in many other parts of the world. The leaves are oblong in shape and the seeds are contained in a small, triangular-shaped capsule that resembles a purse, thus the name "shepherd's purse." Shepherd's purse has been used in traditional medicine for its astringent, diuretic, and tonic properties. It has to been used to treat a number of conditions, including bleeding disorders, digestive problems, and kidney problems. It is also sometimes used as a natural remedy for heavy menstrual periods.
There are 263 drugs known to interact with Shepherd's Purse

Additional Details

Is Shepherd's Purse Safe? Are There Any Warnings?

Shepherd's Purse is considered POSSIBLY SAFE when used orally and appropriately, as well as when used topically. However, large amounts of Shepherd's Purse can potentially cause heart palpitations.

It is considered LIKELY UNSAFE during pregnancy due to the possible stimulation of the uterus, menstrual flow stimulation, and risk of miscarriage. Insufficient reliable information is available about its safety during lactation, so excessive use should be avoided.

How is Shepherd's Purse Thought to Work? What is the Mechanism of Action?

Shepherd's Purse contains various constituents such as tannins, flavonoids, choline, and beta-carotene. It also contains sinigrin, which can be broken down to allyl isothiocyanate. Shepherd's Purse has shown potential anticancer effects by inhibiting cellular processes involving the Sp1 protein. It also has antimicrobial activity against bacteria and yeasts. Shepherd's Purse has cardiovascular effects, both positive and negative inotropic and chronotropic effects. Additionally, it has smooth muscle effects, stimulating uterine contraction and potentially useful for premenstrual and menstrual disorders.

Pharmacokinetics

Insufficient information is available about the pharmacokinetics of Shepherd's Purse.

Interaction Overview

Shepherd's Purse may interact with certain drugs, particularly CNS depressants and thyroid hormone medications. It is important to exercise caution and consult a healthcare professional.

Common Side Effects to Watch For

Shepherd's Purse seems to be well tolerated when used in small amounts orally and short-term. Traditionally associated adverse effects include sedation, hypertension, hypotension, abnormal thyroid function, abnormal menstruation, and palpitations. However, these side effects are uncommon when used appropriately.

Are Supplements Standardized?

There is insufficient reliable information available about the standardization of Shepherd's Purse supplements. It is advisable to choose products from reputable sources and consult with a healthcare professional.

What is Shepherd's Purse Typically Used For?

Shepherd's Purse is used orally for various purposes, including headache, cystitis, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menorrhagia, metrorrhagia, nosebleeds, postpartum complications, diuretic effects, and antipyretic effects. Topically, it is used for nosebleeds, superficial burns, wound healing, bruising, and varicose veins.

Drugs that interact with Shepherd's Purse

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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.

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