Lemon Verbena - Opdivo (Nivolumab) Interaction
Herbal: Lemon Verbena
Also Known As: Herb Louisa, Hierba Luisa, Lemon-Scented Verbena, Louisa, Verbena Citrodora, Verveine Citronnée, Verveine Citronnelle, Verveine des Indes, Verveine Odorante, Aloysia citrodora
Drug: Nivolumab
Brand names:
Opdivo
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
Apr 13, 2024
Interaction Details
There were no interactions found between Nivolumab and Lemon Verbena. 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.
Lemon Verbena Overview
Lemon verbena is a small flowering shrub native to South America. Widely used in teas, beverages, foods, and perfumes, it has a history of traditional medicinal use for gastrointestinal, venous, and neurological conditions. Its leaf and flowering tops are most utilized, with water-based extracts rich in polyphenols like flavone diglucuronides and verbascoside. The essential oil contains caryophyllene, limonene, and linalool, and may possess antimicrobial properties. Lemon verbena leaf extracts are often standardized for polyphenol content, with specific products containing 18% polyphenols or 9% verbascoside and isoacteoside. Lemon verbena has a lemony fragrance and flavor but is not botanically related to lemons.
Research suggests that verbascoside, found in lemon verbena, has anti-inflammatory effects, potentially impacting cytokine levels in multiple sclerosis. There's also interest in its anti-obesity effects, with studies showing potential appetite reduction and satiety promotion. Additionally, the plant's extracts may have antiparasitic effects against mites and ticks, and some studies indicate it could reduce muscle damage and oxidative stress related to exercise.
Nivolumab Overview
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Nivolumab injection is used alone or in combination with ipilimumab (Yervoy) to treat certain types of melanoma (a type of skin cancer) in adults and children 12 years of age or older that has spread to other parts of the body or cannot be removed by surgery. It is also used alone to prevent melanoma from returning after surgery. Nivolumab injection is also used in alone or in combination with ipilimumab and/or other chemotherapy medications to treat certain types of lung cancer (non-small cell lung cancer; NSCLC), renal cell cancer (a type of cancer that begins in the cells of the kidneys), Hodgkin's lymphoma (Hodgkin's disease), head and neck cancer, urothelial cancer (cancer of the lining of the bladder and other parts of the urinary tract), colorectal cancer (cancer that begins in the large intestine), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC; a type of liver cancer), esophageal cancer (cancer of the tube that connects your throat to your stomach), gastric cancer (cancer of the stomach) or gastroesophageal junction cancer (cancer located in the area where the stomach meets the esophagus), and malignant pleural mesothelioma (a type of cancer that affects the inside lining of the lungs and chest cavity). Nivolumab is in a class of medications called monoclonal antibodies. It works by helping your immune system to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells.
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Your doctor will review your specific type of cancer and past treatment history and other available treatments to determine if nivolumab is right for you.
Lemon Verbena - More Interactions
Lemon Verbena interacts with 22 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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