Babassu - Rituxan (Rituximab) Interaction
Herbal: Babassu
Also Known As: Attalea speciosa, Babaçu, Babassou, Babassu Coconut, Babassu Palm Tree, Babussupalme, Cusí, Cusi Palm
Drug: Rituximab
Brand names:
Rituxan
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
May 25, 2025
Interaction Details
There were no interactions found between Rituximab and Babassu. 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.
Babassu Overview
Babassu palm (Attalea speciosa) is a tall tree native to South America, mainly found in the Amazon Rainforest of Brazil. Its fruit contains seeds rich in babassu oil, with the dried, powdered mesocarp (inner husk layer) and extracted kernel oil being the primary parts used. The mesocarp provides starch, protein, lipid, soluble carbohydrates, fiber, and minerals, along with glucan MP1, tannins, steroid compounds, and triterpenes. Babassu oil is particularly rich in medium-chain triglycerides.
Research indicates that babassu oil possesses anti-inflammatory properties. Studies show it stimulates fibroblast migration, inhibits nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated peritoneal macrophages, and boosts interferon-gamma and interleukin 6 levels. Topical application of babassu oil in mice models reduced swelling, hyperplasia, and myeloperoxidase activity, indicating its potential in managing inflammation. Additionally, a constituent in babassu mesocarp, glucan MP1, has been found to enhance phagocytosis and reduce acetic acid-induced vascular permeability, early-stage inflammatory reactions. However, some studies suggest that an aqueous extract of babassu mesocarp flour may activate peritoneal macrophages, leading to increased nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide production, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) release, and MHC class II expression.
Rituximab Overview
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Rituximab injection products are used in adults alone or with other medications to treat various types of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL; a type of cancer that begins in a type of white blood cells that normally fights infection). Rituximab injection products are also used in adults with other medications to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL; a type of cancer of the white blood cells). Rituximab injection products (Rituxan, Ruxience, Truxima) are also used in adults with methotrexate (Otrexup, Rasuvo, Xatmep, others) to treat the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA; a condition in which the body attacks its own joints, causing pain, swelling, and loss of function) in adults who have already been treated with a certain type of medication called a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor. Rituximab injection products (Rituxan, Riabni, Ruxience, Truxima) are also used in adults and children 2 years of age and older along with other medications to treat granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener's granulomatosis) and microscopic polyangiitis, which are conditions in which the body attacks its own veins and other blood vessels, which causes damage to organs, such as the heart and lungs. Rituximab injection (Rituxan) is used to treat pemphigus vulgaris (a condition that causes painful blisters on the skin and the lining the mouth, nose, throat and genitals). Rituximab injection products are in a class of medications called monoclonal antibodies. They treat the various types of NHL and CLL by killing cancer cells. Certain rituximab injection products also treat rheumatoid arthritis, granulomatosis with polyangiitis, microscopic polyangiitis, and pemphigus vulgaris by blocking the activity of the part of the immune system that may damage the joints, veins, and other blood vessels.
Babassu - More Interactions
Babassu interacts with 126 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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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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