Toothed Clubmoss - Aricept (Donepezil) Interaction
Herbal: Toothed Clubmoss
Also Known As: Huperzia serrata, Chinese Club Moss, Huperazon, Licopodio Chino, Lycopode Chinois, Lycopodio Chinois, Qian Ceng Ta
Drug: Donepezil
Brand names:
Aricept, Adlarity
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
Jul 22, 2023
Interaction Details
Donepezil is classified as belonging to the following category: Cholinergic Drugs
Huperzine A, a constituent of toothed clubmoss, has demonstrated acetylcholinesterase inhibitory properties. Theoretically, concurrent use of toothed clubmoss with cholinergic drugs might have additive effects and increase the risk of cholinergic side effects.
Cholinergic drugs include bethanechol (Urecholine), donepezil (Aricept), echothiophate (Phospholine Iodide), edrophonium (Enlon, Reversol, Tensilon), neostigmine (Prostigmin), physostigmine (Antilirium), pyridostigmine (Mestinon, Regonol), succinylcholine (Anectine, Quelicin), and tacrine (Cognex).
Interaction Rating
Likelihood of Occurrence
PossibleInteraction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
References
- Budavari S, ed. The Merck Index. 12th ed. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck & Co., Inc., 1996.
- Ohba T, Yoshino Y, Ishisaka M, et al. Japanese Huperzia serrata extract and the constituent, huperzine A, ameliorate the scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment in mice. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2015;79(11):1838-44.
Toothed Clubmoss Overview
Toothed Clubmoss, also known as Huperzia serrata, is a plant in the Lycopodiaceae family that is native to Asia, North America, and Europe. It grows in damp, shaded areas and is known for its small, spiky leaves.
Toothed Clubmoss is used in traditional medicine and is claimed to have a number of potential health benefits, including improving memory and cognitive function, reducing inflammation, and relieving pain. It is also used as a source of huperzine A, which has been investigated as a possible treatment for neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease.
Donepezil Overview
-
Donepezil is used to treat dementia (a brain disorder that affects the ability to remember, think clearly, communicate, and perform daily activities and may cause changes in mood and personality) in people who have Alzheimer's disease (AD; a brain disease that slowly destroys the memory and the ability to think, learn, communicate and handle daily activities). Donepezil is in a class of medications called cholinesterase inhibitors. It improves mental function (such as memory, attention, the ability to interact with others, speak, think clearly, and perform regular daily activities) by increasing the amount of a certain naturally occurring substance in the brain. Donepezil may improve the ability to think and remember or slow the loss of these abilities in people who have AD. However, donepezil will not cure AD or prevent the loss of mental abilities at some time in the future.
Toothed Clubmoss - More Interactions
Toothed Clubmoss interacts with 216 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. |
Return to the main herbal interaction checker page
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.
Ask A Pharmacist About Your Herbal Questions!
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!
Ask A Pharmacist