Cubebs - Xeljanz (Tofacitinib) Interaction
Herbal: Cubebs
Also Known As: Piper cubeba, Cubeb, Cubeb Berries, Cubeba, Cubeba officinalis, Cubèbe, Java Pepper, Kabab Chini, Kankol, Pimienta de Java, Poivre Cubèbe, Poivre de Java, Poivre à Queue, Poivrier Cubèbe, Sheetal, Tailed Chubebs, Tailed Pepper
Drug: Tofacitinib
Brand names:
Xeljanz, Xeljanz XR
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
May 25, 2025
Interaction Details
Tofacitinib is classified as belonging to the following category: Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates
Several compounds isolated from cubebs can inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) in vitro. So far, this effect has not been reported in humans. Theoretically, cubebs might increase the effects and side effects of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4. These include lovastatin (Mevacor), clarithromycin (Biaxin), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), diltiazem (Cardizem), estrogens, indinavir (Crixivan), triazolam (Halcion), and numerous others.
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
- Usia T, Watabe T, Kadota S, Tezuka Y. Potent CYP3A4 inhibitory constituents of Piper cubeba. J Nat Prod 2005;68(1):64-8.
Cubebs Overview
Cubebs (Piper cubeba) is an evergreen shrub that is native to Java and Sumatra in Indonesia. It is a member of the pepper family (Piperaceae) and is closely related to black pepper (Piper nigrum). The berries of the plant have a pungent, aromatic smell and a slightly bitter taste. They are often used as a substitute for black pepper in cooking and are popular in a variety of dishes.
In traditional medicine, cubebs are believed to have a number of potential health benefits. They are thought to have expectorant, antiseptic, and astringent properties, and they are sometimes used to treat respiratory conditions, such as coughs and bronchitis, as well as digestive disorders, such as indigestion and diarrhea. Cubebs are also sometimes used as a natural remedy for urinary tract infections and prostate problems.
Tofacitinib Overview
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Tofacitinib is used alone or with other medications to treat rheumatoid arthritis (condition in which the body attacks its own joints causing pain, swelling, and loss of function) in adults who are unable to take or did not respond to one or more tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor medication(s). It is also used to treat psoriatic arthritis (a condition that causes joint pain and swelling and scales on the skin) in adults who are unable to take or did not respond to or tolerate one or more TNF inhibitor medication(s). Tofacitinib is used to treat ulcerative colitis (a condition which causes swelling and sores in the lining of the colon [large intestine] and rectum) in adults who are unable to take or who did not respond to one or more TNF inhibitor medication(s). It is also used to treat polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (PJIA; a type of childhood arthritis that affects five or more joints during the first six months of the condition, causing pain, swelling, and loss of function) in children 2 years and older who are unable to take or who did not respond to one or more TNF inhibitor medication(s). Tofacitinib is in a class of medications called Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors. It works by decreasing the activity of the immune system.
Cubebs - More Interactions
Cubebs interacts with 644 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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