Bulbine Natalensis + Ethinyl Estradiol, Desogestrel
Ethinyl Estradiol, Desogestrel brand names: Linessa, Apri, Reclipsen, Solia, Kariva, and others.
Ethinyl Estradiol, Desogestrel falls into 4 drug categories that Bulbine Natalensis can interact with; the most serious is rated moderate. Theoretically, Bulbine natalensis stem might reduce the levels and clinical effects of CYP1A2 substrates.
Read the full interaction reportBulbine Natalensis and Ethinyl Estradiol, Desogestrel
These two interact in 4 distinct ways. Each one is explained separately below.
Why Are There 4 Interactions?
Bulbine Natalensis interacts with whole categories of medication. Ethinyl Estradiol, Desogestrel falls into 4 of those categories, so it can interact with Bulbine Natalensis in 4 different ways. We’ve listed each one below — your overall risk is driven by the most serious of them (Moderate).
CYTOCHROME P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) SUBSTRATES
1 of 4Why this applies to Ethinyl Estradiol, Desogestrel
Ethinyl Estradiol, Desogestrel falls under CYTOCHROME P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) SUBSTRATES — the group Bulbine Natalensis interacts with.
In vitro research shows that Bulbine natalensis stem extract slightly induces CYP1A2 mRNA expression and enzyme activity. Theoretically, this may increase the metabolism of CYP1A2 substrates; however, this has not been studied in humans.
Interaction 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.
Here's the gist for your birth control pill (the ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel combo). In lab dishes, Bulbine natalensis appears to slightly speed up an enzyme called CYP1A2, which is one of the pathways that helps process the estrogen part of your pill. If that sped-up clearance happened in real life, it could in theory lower the hormone levels a bit, and with birth control even a small dip is worth taking seriously because it could mean weaker pregnancy protection or some breakthrough bleeding or spotting.
I want to be honest, though: this is only a test-tube finding, not something shown in people, so it may not matter much at all. Since this is one place I'd rather be cautious, please run it by your pharmacist or doctor before combining them.
- Husain I, Manda V, Alhusban M, et al. Modulation of CYP3A4 and CYP2C9 activity by Bulbine natalensis and its constituents: An assessment of HDI risk of B. natalensis containing supplements. Phytomedicine 2021;81:153416. PubMed
CYTOCHROME P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) SUBSTRATES
2 of 4Ethinyl Estradiol, Desogestrel also falls under CYTOCHROME P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) SUBSTRATES.
In vitro research shows that Bulbine natalensis stem extract induces CYP2C9 mRNA expression and enzyme activity. Theoretically, this may increase the metabolism of CYP2C9 substrates; however, this has not been studied in humans.
Interaction 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.
Here's the thinking on combining Bulbine natalensis with your birth control pill (the ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel combo). In lab dishes, this plant appears to speed up a liver enzyme called CYP2C9, which is one of the pathways your body uses to clear hormones like the ones in your pill. If that happened in real life, your pill could be broken down a little faster, which in theory could lower hormone levels and weaken how well it prevents pregnancy. You might also notice more breakthrough bleeding or spotting.
I want to be honest though: this is only a theoretical, test-tube finding, never shown in actual people. Since an unplanned pregnancy is a big deal, I'd still run this by your pharmacist or doctor before using it, and consider a backup method to be safe.
- Husain I, Dale OR, Manda V, et al. Bulbine natalensis (currently Bulbine latifolia) and select bulbine knipholones modulate the activity of AhR, CYP1A2, CYP2B6, and P-gp. Planta Med 2022;88(12):975-984. PubMed
CYTOCHROME P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) SUBSTRATES
3 of 4Ethinyl Estradiol, Desogestrel also falls under CYTOCHROME P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) SUBSTRATES.
In vitro research shows that Bulbine natalensis stem extract induces CYP3A4 mRNA expression and enzyme activity. Theoretically, this may increase the metabolism of CYP3A4 substrates, but this has not been studied in humans.
Interaction 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.
Your birth control pill (the ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel combo) relies on a liver enzyme called CYP3A4 to be broken down. Here's the concern: in lab studies, Bulbine natalensis seems to speed that enzyme up. If that happened in your body, your pill could get cleared faster, leaving lower hormone levels. For a contraceptive, the worry isn't a side effect, it's reduced protection against pregnancy, along with possible breakthrough bleeding or spotting.
I'll be honest, this is theoretical and only based on test-tube work, not real people, so we don't know how strong the effect actually is. Still, since an unplanned pregnancy is a big deal, I'd talk with your pharmacist or doctor before pairing these, and ask about a backup method just in case.
- Husain I, Dale OR, Manda V, et al. Bulbine natalensis (currently Bulbine latifolia) and select bulbine knipholones modulate the activity of AhR, CYP1A2, CYP2B6, and P-gp. Planta Med 2022;88(12):975-984. PubMed
P-GLYCOPROTEIN SUBSTRATES
4 of 4Ethinyl Estradiol, Desogestrel also falls under P-GLYCOPROTEIN SUBSTRATES.
In vitro research shows that Bulbine natalensis stem extract induces p-glycoprotein mRNA expression; however, effects on transporter expression were not evaluated.
Interaction 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.
Here's the honest picture if you're on this birth control pill (the ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel combo found in brands like Apri or Kariva) and thinking about Bulbine natalensis. Your pill partly relies on a transporter called P-glycoprotein as it moves through your body. Lab studies hint that Bulbine might rev up that transporter. If that actually happens in people, it could push more of the hormones out and slightly lower their levels, which in theory means a little less reliable protection against pregnancy.
I want to be clear: this is theoretical, based only on test-tube data, not real-world human results. Still, since pregnancy prevention is something you don't want to gamble on, please run it by your pharmacist or doctor before combining them.
- Husain I, Manda V, Alhusban M, et al. Modulation of CYP3A4 and CYP2C9 activity by Bulbine natalensis and its constituents: An assessment of HDI risk of B. natalensis containing supplements. Phytomedicine 2021;81:153416. PubMed
What These Ratings Mean
Every interaction above is graded three ways — here’s the key to each label.
Clinically significant. Avoid the combination, or use only under close professional supervision.
Usually worth avoiding or managing — may need monitoring, a dose change, or timing apart.
Generally not serious. Be aware of it and mention it to your pharmacist.
- LikelyWell-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction.
- 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.
- 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.
- UnlikelyInteraction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.
- AHigh-quality meta-analysis (quantitative systematic review).
- BCase-control study.
- CConsensus.
- DAnecdotal evidence.
These ratings are for information only. Never start, stop, or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.
Bulbine Natalensis Also Interacts With Other Medications
Bulbine Natalensis has 918 moderate known drug interactions in our database — the Ethinyl Estradiol, Desogestrel one above is among them. If you take anything else, check it against the full list below.
Check Another of Your Medications Against Bulbine Natalensis
We haven’t checked that one against Bulbine Natalensis yet — ask our pharmacists directly.
Covers the 2,830 medications we’ve checked against Bulbine Natalensis. Pick one to open its full report.
See Every Supplement That Interacts With Ethinyl Estradiol, Desogestrel
This page covers Bulbine Natalensis only. If you take other supplements — a multivitamin, a sleep aid, something for joints — the Ethinyl Estradiol, Desogestrel page lists 246 supplements it has a documented interaction with, worst first, each one explained.
The most serious there right now: Activated Charcoal (major), Beer (major), Grapefruit (major), Siberian Cocklebur (major) and St. John's Wort (major).
By severity: 6 major · 201 moderate · 39 minor.
Taking Bulbine Natalensis as Part of a Dietary Supplement Product? Check It for Interactions
We hold 51 real supplement products containing Bulbine Natalensis, each one broken down to its full ingredient list — and combination products often carry several ingredients besides Bulbine Natalensis. Your product may carry other ingredients that interact with Ethinyl Estradiol, Desogestrel too, on top of Bulbine Natalensis — and those would not show on this page. Find your product and we’ll check every ingredient on its label:
Where Bulbine Natalensis and Ethinyl Estradiol, Desogestrel Sit Against Everything Else
Out of every supplement and medication people look up on HelloPharmacist, here is where these two land this week — and which way each has been moving.
#466 of 1,452 supplements looked up here in the last 7 days
#546 of 2,830 medications looked up here in the last 7 days
Position among everything looked up on this site, not a measure of how commonly either one is used or how important it is. A supplement can climb this list because of a news story. It counts every request to the page, automated ones included, and nothing here identifies anyone.
About Bulbine Natalensis
What is Bulbine Natalensis?
- Boosting testosterone
- Improving libido
- Muscle building and athletic performance
- General male vitality
Bulbine natalensis is a South African plant marketed mainly as a testosterone-boosting and libido supplement, but the human evidence is essentially absent and most claims come from animal studies. Animal research has also raised concerns about possible liver and kidney harm at higher doses, so caution is warranted. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor before trying it.
Other Drugs & Bulbine Natalensis
Browse every other medication we’ve checked against Bulbine Natalensis — both the ones with a known interaction and the ones without. Select any drug for the full detail.
No drugs match “”.
918 interactions
- Diclofenac Sodium ›
- Diltiazem ›
- Theophylline ›
- Nifedipine ›
- Ibuprofen ›
- Aspirin ›
- Hydrocortisone ›
- Naproxen ›
- Doxycycline ›
- Erythromycin ›
- Estradiol ›
- Minocycline ›
- Propranolol ›
- Tetracycline ›
- Lidocaine ›
- Ranitidine ›
- Norethindrone ›
- Testosterone ›
- Verapamil ›
- Levonorgestrel ›
- Prednisone ›
- Quinidine ›
- Cyclosporine ›
- Dexamethasone ›
- Glyburide ›
- Methyltestosterone ›
- Triazolam ›
- Zopiclone ›
- Colchicine ›
- Fentanyl ›
- Flurbiprofen ›
- Oxybutynin ›
- Phenytoin ›
- Prednisolone ›
- Tacrolimus ›
- Temazepam ›
- Triamcinolone ›
- Apomorphine ›
- Budesonide ›
- Carbamazepine ›
- Clindamycin ›
- Dextromethorphan ›
- Diclofenac Potassium ›
- Dipyridamole ›
- Doxorubicin ›
- Fluticasone ›
- Formoterol ›
- Indomethacin ›
- Miconazole ›
- Morphine Sulfate ›
- Trimipramine ›
- Acetaminophen ›
- Buprenorphine ›
- Conjugated Estrogens ›
- Diazepam ›
- Everolimus ›
- Ivabradine ›
- Ivermectin ›
- Ketoprofen ›
- Lofepramine ›
Showing 60 of 918 moderate interactions — see all 918 on the Bulbine Natalensis page.
No interaction 1,911 drugs checked — show the list
We also checked Bulbine Natalensis against these medications and found no known interaction in our sources. Open any page to confirm.
- Levothyroxine ›
- Methylphenidate ›
- Rosuvastatin ›
- Metoprolol ›
- Escitalopram ›
- Isotretinoin ›
- Tirzepatide ›
- Methamphetamine ›
- Docusate ›
- Sumatriptan ›
- Valacyclovir ›
- Hydroxyurea ›
- Metformin ›
- Semaglutide ›
- Lisdexamfetamine ›
- Amphetamine ›
- Levothyroxine, Liothyronine ›
- Methotrexate ›
- Amoxicillin ›
- Lisinopril ›
- Bupropion ›
- Azithromycin ›
- Pregabalin ›
- Gabapentin ›
- Dextroamphetamine ›
- Lamotrigine ›
- Acyclovir ›
- Duloxetine ›
- Methylene Blue ›
- Ciprofloxacin ›
- Candesartan Cilexetil ›
- Amoxicillin, Clavulanate Potassium ›
- Bisoprolol ›
- Insulin Degludec, Liraglutide ›
- Calcium Oxybate, Magnesium Oxybate, Potassium Oxybate, Sodium Oxybate ›
- Ezetimibe ›
- Cyclopentolate ›
- Cephalexin ›
- Isoniazid, Pyrazinamide, Rifampin ›
- Atenolol, Chlorthalidone ›
- Thyroid Hormone ›
- Carbidopa, Levodopa ›
- Levetiracetam ›
- Mannitol ›
- Bendroflumethiazide, Rauwolfia Serpentina ›
- Roxithromycin ›
- Levodopa ›
- Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Doxylamine ›
- Amphetamine Aspartate, Amphetamine Sulfate, Dextroamphetamine Saccharate, Dextroamphetamine Sulfate ›
- Canagliflozin, Metformin ›
- Acarbose ›
- Spironolactone ›
- Enalapril Maleate ›
- Ceftolozane Sulfate, Tazobactam Sodium ›
- Alginic Acid, Aluminum Hydroxide ›
- Atenolol ›
- Mitomycin ›
- Ephedrine, Phenobarbital, Theophylline ›
- Amobarbital, Ephedrine Sulfate ›
- Venlafaxine ›
Showing the 60 most looked-up of 1,911 medications checked with no known interaction — see the full Bulbine Natalensis list.
Sources & How We Checked
Interaction details are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database. The medication overview comes from MedlinePlus.
- Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) — Evidence-graded clinical reference for vitamins, herbs and supplements — the basis for our interaction data.
- MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine — NIH consumer drug information, used for the medication overviews.
- NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD) — Official supplement product labels.
Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.
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
Ethinyl Estradiol, Desogestrel Is Linked to Lower Levels of 7 Nutrients
Natural Medicines records Ethinyl Estradiol, Desogestrel as a medicine that can lower these. This is not an interaction with Bulbine Natalensis — it is a separate effect of the medicine, and it is a reason some people are advised to supplement rather than to avoid one:
Read the full Ethinyl Estradiol, Desogestrel nutrient depletion report ›
Depletion records come from the licensed Natural Medicines database. Do not start a supplement on the strength of this page — ask your pharmacist or doctor whether it applies to you.
Taking Bulbine Natalensis and Ethinyl Estradiol, Desogestrel Together: Common Questions
Can you take Bulbine Natalensis with Ethinyl Estradiol, Desogestrel?
Why are there 4 interactions listed for Bulbine Natalensis and Ethinyl Estradiol, Desogestrel?
How serious is the Bulbine Natalensis and Ethinyl Estradiol, Desogestrel interaction?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Still Have a Question About Ethinyl Estradiol, Desogestrel and Bulbine Natalensis?
Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.
This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.