Indian Snakeroot - Levodopa Interaction
Herbal: Indian Snakeroot
Also Known As: Rauvolfia serpentina, Ajmaline, Alseroxylon, Arbre aux Serpents, Arbre de Serpents, Bois de Couleuvre, Chandra, Chandrika, Chota-Chand, Covanamilpori, Dhan-barua, Dhanburua, Dhanmarna, Java Devil-Pepper, Pagla-Ka-Dawa, Patalagandhi, Preparation 1043, Racine de Couleuvre, R
Drug: Levodopa
Brand names:
Larodopa, Inbrija
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
Jul 22, 2023
Interaction Details
Levodopa is classified as belonging to the following category: Levodopa
Theoretically, taking Indian snakeroot with levodopa may reduce the effectiveness of levodopa.
Extrapyramidal motor symptoms and Parkinson-like symptoms have been reported in clinical trials using Indian snakeroot. Concomitant use of Indian snakeroot with levodopa may reduce the effectiveness of levodopa and increase extrapyramidal motor symptoms.
Interaction Rating
Likelihood of Occurrence
ProbableInteraction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
References
- McEvoy GK, ed. AHFS Drug Information. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 1998.
- Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
- Lobay D. Rauwolfia in the Treatment of Hypertension. Integr Med (Encinitas). 2015 Jun;14(3):40-6.
- Vakil RJ. A clinical trial of Rauwolfia serpentina in essential hypertension. Br Heart J. 1949 Oct;11(4):350-5.
Indian Snakeroot Overview
Indian snakeroot (Rauvolfia serpentina), also known as sarpagandha, is a plant that is native to India and other parts of South Asia. It is a perennial shrub and has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic and Unani medicine as a treatment for a variety of conditions, including hypertension (high blood pressure), anxiety, and insomnia.
The roots of the Indian snakeroot plant contain a number of active compounds, including reserpine, which is known to have sedative and hypotensive (blood pressure-lowering) effects. Indian snakeroot has also bene used as an antipyretic.
Levodopa Overview
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Levodopa inhalation is used along with the combination of levodopa and carbidopa (Duopa, Rytary, Sinemet) to treat ''off'' episodes (times of difficulty moving, walking, and speaking that may happen when other medication(s) wear off) in people with Parkinson's disease (PD; a disorder of the nervous system that causes difficulties with movement, muscle control, and balance). Levodopa inhalation will not work to prevent ''off'' episodes but will help to control symptoms when an ''off'' episode has already begun. Levodopa is in a class of medications called dopamine agonists. Levodopa works by mimicking the action of dopamine, a natural substance in the brain that is lacking in patients with PD.
Indian Snakeroot - More Interactions
Indian Snakeroot interacts with 831 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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