Alder Buckthorn - Opdivo (Nivolumab) Interaction
Herbal: Alder Buckthorn
Also Known As: Frangula alnus, Rhamnus frangula, Alder Dogwood, Arraclán, Arrow Wood, Aulne Noir, Black Dogwood, Bois Noir, Bourdaine, Buckthorn, Dog Wood, Frángula, Frangula, Frangule, Glossy Buckthorn, Nerprun Bourdaine, Nerprun Noir
Drug: Nivolumab
Brand names:
Opdivo
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
May 18, 2025
Interaction Details
There were no interactions found between Nivolumab and Alder Buckthorn. 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.
Alder Buckthorn Overview
Alder buckthorn (Rhamnus frangula) is an invasive shrub native to Europe and North America. Its bark has been traditionally used in medicine due to its cathartic effects in the large intestine, attributed to its anthraglycoside content. It is generally used to help alleviate constipation. However, chronic use of alder buckthorn has been linked to gastrointestinal epithelial cell damage, pigmentation of the colonic mucosa (pseudomelanosis coli), and a potential risk of colorectal cancer. If used as a dietary supplement, the duration of use for alder buckthorn should be limited to no more than a few days altogether, due to its potential adverse effects on gastrointestinal health with prolonged use. In 1993, the FDA removed its Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status due to insufficient safety data, particularly regarding prolonged use of its anthraquinone laxatives, reinforcing the need for caution in its medicinal use.
Nivolumab Overview
-
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.
-
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.
Alder Buckthorn - More Interactions
Alder Buckthorn interacts with 122 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 supplement 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