Fo-ti + Ethinyl estradiol, Levonogestrel
Ethinyl estradiol, Levonogestrel brand name: Lybrel.
Ethinyl estradiol, Levonogestrel falls into 5 drug categories that Fo-ti can interact with; the most serious is rated moderate. Theoretically, fo-ti might increase or decrease the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2.
Read the full interaction reportFo-ti and Ethinyl estradiol, Levonogestrel
These two interact in 5 distinct ways. Each one is explained separately below.
Why Are There 5 Interactions?
Fo-ti interacts with whole categories of medication. Ethinyl estradiol, Levonogestrel falls into 5 of those categories, so it can interact with Fo-ti in 5 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 5Why this applies to Ethinyl estradiol, Levonogestrel
Ethinyl estradiol, Levonogestrel falls under CYTOCHROME P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) SUBSTRATES — the group Fo-ti interacts with.
In vitro research suggests that fo-ti might inhibit CYP1A2. Additionally, in vitro research suggests that the degree of CYP1A2 inhibition depends on the type of fo-ti extract (i.e., the raw plant leads to greater inhibition than extensively processed extracts). However, in an animal study, an aqueous extract of fo-ti inhibited CYP1A2 while an alcoholic extract of fo-ti induced CYP1A2. Induction or inhibition of CYP1A2 by fo-ti has not been reported 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.
If you take Lybrel (a combined birth control pill with ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel) and you're curious about Fo-ti, here's the honest picture. Lab studies hint that Fo-ti might affect an enzyme called CYP1A2, which plays a small role in handling estrogen. Depending on the extract, Fo-ti could slow that enzyme (possibly raising estrogen levels, which can mean more nausea, breast tenderness, or headaches) or speed it up (which could weaken the pill). The direction isn't predictable.
The key thing to know: this is only seen in test tube and animal work, never confirmed in people, so I wouldn't lose sleep over it. Still, since reliable birth control matters, and Fo-ti has its own liver-safety concerns, please run it by your pharmacist or doctor before adding it.
- Unger M, Frank A. Simultaneous determination of the inhibitory potency of herbal extracts on the activity of six major cytochrome P450 enzymes using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry and automated online extraction. Rapid Commun Mass Spectrom 2004;1 PubMed
- Zhang Y, Ding T, Diao T, Deng M, Chen S. Effects of Polygonum multiflorum on the activity of cytochrome P450 isoforms in rats. Pharmazie 2015;70(1):47-54. DOI
- Xing Y, Yu Q, Zhou L, et al. Cytochrome P450-mediated herb-drug interaction (HDI) of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. based on pharmacokinetic studies and in vitro inhibition assays. Phytomedicine 2023;112:154710. PubMed
HEPATOTOXIC DRUGS
2 of 5Ethinyl estradiol, Levonogestrel also falls under HEPATOTOXIC DRUGS.
Fo-ti has been linked to liver damage in many reports.
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 concern with combining Fo-ti and your birth control pill (Lybrel, which is ethinyl estradiol plus levonorgestrel). This isn't about Fo-ti changing how strong your pill is or how well it prevents pregnancy. Instead, it's about your liver. Fo-ti, especially the processed root in supplement form, has been linked in a number of case reports to liver injury. Estrogen-containing pills can also occasionally stress the liver, so taking both together could, in theory, add up to a higher chance of liver trouble.
To be honest, this is based on scattered, anecdotal reports rather than strong studies, so it's a theoretical caution, not a proven danger. Still, watch for yellowing skin or eyes, dark urine, belly pain, or unusual tiredness, and check with your pharmacist or doctor before pairing these two.
- Park GJ, Mann SP, Ngu MC. Acute hepatitis induced by Shou-Wu-Pian, a herbal product derived from Polygonum multiflorum. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2001;16:115-7.
- But PP, Tomlinson B, Lee KL. Hepatitis related to the Chinese medicine Shou-wu-pian manufactured from Polygonum multiflorum. Vet Hum Toxicol 1996;38:280-2.
- UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency. Polygonum multiflorum and liver reactions. April 2006. Available at: www.mhra.gov.uk/home/idcplg?IdcService= SS_GET_PAGE&useSecondary=true&ssDocName= CON2023590&ssTargetNodeId= 833 (Accessed 10 May 2
- Panis B, Wong DR, Hooymans PM, De Smet PA, Rosias PP. Recurrent toxic hepatitis in a Caucasian girl related to the use of Shou-Wu-Pian, a Chinese herbal preparation. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2005;41:256-8. PubMed
- Mazzanti G, Battinelli L, Daniele C, et al. New case of acute hepatitis following the consumption of Shou Wu Pian, a Chinese herbal product derived from Polygonum multiflorum. Ann Intern Med 2004;140:E589-90.
- Cardenas A, Restrepo JC, Sierra F, Correa G. Acute hepatitis due to shen-min: a herbal product derived from Polygonum multiflorum. J Clin Gastroenterol 2006;40:629-32. PubMed
- Laird AR, Ramchandani N, deGoma EM, et al. Acute hepatitis associated with the use of an herbal supplement (Polygonum multiflorum) mimicking iron-overload syndrome. J Clin Gastroenterol 2008;42:861-2. PubMed
- Jung KA, Min HJ, Yoo SS, et al. Drug-Induced Liver Injury: Twenty Five Cases of Acute Hepatitis Following Ingestion of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. Gut Liver 2011;5(4):493-9. PubMed
- Yuen, M. F., Tam, S., Fung, J., Wong, D. K., Wong, B. C., and Lai, C. L. Traditional Chinese medicine causing hepatotoxicity in patients with chronic hepatitis B infection: a 1-year prospective study. Aliment.Pharmacol.Ther 10-15-2006;24(8):1179-1186. PubMed
- Bae, S. H., Kim, D. H., Bae, Y. S., Lee, K. J., Kim, D. W., Yoon, J. B., Hong, J. H., and Kim, S. H. [Toxic hepatitis associated with Polygoni multiflori]. Korean J.Hepatol. 2010;16(2):182-186. PubMed
- Furukawa, M., Kasajima, S., Nakamura, Y., Shouzushima, M., Nagatani, N., Takinishi, A., Taguchi, A., Fujita, M., Niimi, A., Misaka, R., and Nagahara, H. Toxic hepatitis induced by show-wu-pian, a Chinese herbal preparation. Intern.Med. 2010;49(15):1537-1 PubMed
- Dong H, Slain D, Cheng J, Ma W, Liang W. Eighteen cases of liver injury following ingestion of Polygonum multiflorum. Complement Ther Med 2014;22(1):70-4. PubMed
- Lei X, Chen J, Ren J, et al. Liver damage associated with Polygonum multiflorum Thunb.: a systematic review of case reports and case series. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2015;2015:459749.
CONTRACEPTIVE DRUGS
3 of 5Ethinyl estradiol, Levonogestrel also falls under CONTRACEPTIVE DRUGS.
In vitro research suggests that fo-ti extract has estrogenic activity.
Interaction 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..
Lybrel combines two hormones, ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel, to prevent pregnancy. The concern here is that Fo-ti contains plant compounds that may act a little like estrogen in the body. In theory, large supplement doses could compete at the same estrogen receptors your birth control relies on, which might subtly nudge how well the pill works.
I want to be honest with you: this is based only on lab and test-tube research, not real patients, so we don't have strong proof it actually matters. Still, since this pill prevents pregnancy, I'd play it safe. Watch for breakthrough spotting and don't lean on Fo-ti as a reliable plan. Please run it by your doctor or pharmacist before combining them.
- Oerter Klein KO, Janfaza M, Wong JA, Chang RJ. Estrogen bioactivity in Fo-Ti and other herbs used for their estrogen-like effects as determined by a recombinant cell bioassay. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2003;88:4077-9.. PubMed
- Zhang CZ, Wang SX, Zhang Y, et al. In vitro estrogenic activities of Chinese medicinal plants traditionally used for the management of menopausal symptoms. J Ethnopharmacol 2005;98:295-300. PubMed
- Kang, S. C., Lee, C. M., Choi, H., Lee, J. H., Oh, J. S., Kwak, J. H., and Zee, O. P. Evaluation of oriental medicinal herbs for estrogenic and antiproliferative activities. Phytother Res 2006;20(11):1017-1019. PubMed
ESTROGENS
4 of 5Ethinyl estradiol, Levonogestrel also falls under ESTROGENS.
In vitro research suggests that fo-ti extract has estrogenic activity.
Interaction 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..
Lybrel is a combination birth control pill that uses ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen) plus levonorgestrel to prevent pregnancy and keep your cycle steady. The concern with Fo-ti is pretty mild and mostly theoretical. In lab dishes, Fo-ti extract showed weak estrogen-like activity, so in very large supplement doses it could, in theory, nudge at the same estrogen receptors your pill works on. That kind of tug-of-war might slightly throw off how your hormones balance out.
To be clear, this comes only from test-tube research, not from real people, so I wouldn't lose sleep over it. Small culinary amounts are very unlikely to matter. Before starting concentrated Fo-ti, check with your pharmacist or doctor, and watch for breakthrough spotting or irregular bleeding.
- Oerter Klein KO, Janfaza M, Wong JA, Chang RJ. Estrogen bioactivity in Fo-Ti and other herbs used for their estrogen-like effects as determined by a recombinant cell bioassay. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2003;88:4077-9.. PubMed
- Zhang CZ, Wang SX, Zhang Y, et al. In vitro estrogenic activities of Chinese medicinal plants traditionally used for the management of menopausal symptoms. J Ethnopharmacol 2005;98:295-300. PubMed
- Kang, S. C., Lee, C. M., Choi, H., Lee, J. H., Oh, J. S., Kwak, J. H., and Zee, O. P. Evaluation of oriental medicinal herbs for estrogenic and antiproliferative activities. Phytother Res 2006;20(11):1017-1019. PubMed
CYTOCHROME P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) SUBSTRATES
5 of 5Ethinyl estradiol, Levonogestrel also falls under CYTOCHROME P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) SUBSTRATES.
In vitro research suggests that fo-ti might inhibit CYP3A4. One in vitro study suggests that the degree of CYP3A4 inhibition may depend on the type of fo-ti extract (i.e., the raw plant leads to greater inhibition than extensively processed extracts). However, this evidence conflicts with animal research suggesting that fo-ti does not inhibit CYP3A4. This interaction has not been reported 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 (Lybrel) contains two hormones, ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel, and your body clears the estrogen part largely through an enzyme called CYP3A4. Lab studies hint that Fo-ti, especially the raw, less-processed root, might slow that enzyme down a little. In theory, that could let estrogen levels drift up, which sometimes shows up as nausea, breast tenderness, bloating, headaches, or spotting.
I want to be honest about how soft this evidence is. It comes only from test-tube work, animal studies actually disagree, and this has never been seen in real people. So I wouldn't lose sleep over it. Still, because Fo-ti has been tied to liver problems, it's worth a quick chat with your pharmacist or doctor before combining the two.
- Unger M, Frank A. Simultaneous determination of the inhibitory potency of herbal extracts on the activity of six major cytochrome P450 enzymes using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry and automated online extraction. Rapid Commun Mass Spectrom 2004;1 PubMed
- Zhang Y, Ding T, Diao T, Deng M, Chen S. Effects of Polygonum multiflorum on the activity of cytochrome P450 isoforms in rats. Pharmazie 2015;70(1):47-54. DOI
- Xing Y, Yu Q, Zhou L, et al. Cytochrome P450-mediated herb-drug interaction (HDI) of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. based on pharmacokinetic studies and in vitro inhibition assays. Phytomedicine 2023;112:154710. 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.
Fo-ti Also Interacts With Other Medications
Fo-ti has 1,256 moderate known drug interactions in our database — the Ethinyl estradiol, Levonogestrel one above is among them. If you take anything else, check it against the full list below.
Check Another of Your Medications Against Fo-ti
We haven’t checked that one against Fo-ti yet — ask our pharmacists directly.
Covers the 2,830 medications we’ve checked against Fo-ti. Pick one to open its full report.
See Every Supplement That Interacts With Ethinyl estradiol, Levonogestrel
This page covers Fo-ti only. If you take other supplements — a multivitamin, a sleep aid, something for joints — the Ethinyl estradiol, Levonogestrel page lists 239 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 · 195 moderate · 38 minor.
From our pharmacist’s overview on the Ethinyl estradiol, Levonogestrel page
“A daily birth control pill like Lybrel (ethinyl estradiol with levonorgestrel) only works when enough hormone stays in the bloodstream, and that is exactly what several supplements on this page can undermine. This list deserves genuine care, starting with the six major-rated entries.”
Reviewed by 2 · Jul 18, 2026
Taking Fo-ti as Part of a Dietary Supplement Product? Check It for Interactions
We hold 976 real supplement products containing Fo-ti, each one broken down to its full ingredient list — and combination products often carry several ingredients besides Fo-ti. Your product may carry other ingredients that interact with Ethinyl estradiol, Levonogestrel too, on top of Fo-ti — and those would not show on this page. Find your product and we’ll check every ingredient on its label:
Where Fo-ti and Ethinyl estradiol, Levonogestrel 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.
#211 of 1,452 supplements looked up here in the last 7 days
#111 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 Fo-ti
What is Fo-ti?
- Anti-aging and longevity
- Hair graying and hair loss
- General tonic for vitality
- Constipation
- High cholesterol
Fo-ti (He Shou Wu) is a root used in traditional Chinese medicine, often promoted for healthy aging and hair. High-quality human evidence for these benefits is limited, and processed Fo-ti has been linked to reports of liver injury, so caution and professional guidance are important.
Other Drugs & Fo-ti
Browse every other medication we’ve checked against Fo-ti — both the ones with a known interaction and the ones without. Select any drug for the full detail.
No drugs match “”.
1,256 interactions
- Diclofenac Sodium ›
- Diltiazem ›
- Theophylline ›
- Nifedipine ›
- Ibuprofen ›
- Aspirin ›
- Hydrocortisone ›
- Insulin (rdna) ›
- Naproxen ›
- Doxycycline ›
- Erythromycin ›
- Estradiol ›
- Minocycline ›
- Propranolol ›
- Tetracycline ›
- Lidocaine ›
- Amoxicillin ›
- Hydrochlorothiazide ›
- Norethindrone ›
- Testosterone ›
- Verapamil ›
- Fenofibrate ›
- Levonorgestrel ›
- Prednisone ›
- Quinidine ›
- Cyclosporine ›
- Dexamethasone ›
- Glyburide ›
- Insulin (pork) ›
- Methyltestosterone ›
- Triazolam ›
- Zopiclone ›
- Bupropion ›
- Ciprofloxacin ›
- Colchicine ›
- Fentanyl ›
- Flurbiprofen ›
- Isotretinoin ›
- Orphenadrine ›
- Oxybutynin ›
- Oxycodone ›
- Phenytoin ›
- Prednisolone ›
- Tacrolimus ›
- Temazepam ›
- Allopurinol ›
- Budesonide ›
- Carbamazepine ›
- Clindamycin ›
- Dextromethorphan ›
- Diclofenac Potassium ›
- Dipyridamole ›
- Doxorubicin ›
- Fluticasone ›
- Formoterol ›
- Indomethacin ›
- Insulin (human) ›
- Miconazole ›
- Morphine Sulfate ›
- Trimipramine ›
Showing 60 of 1,256 moderate interactions — see all 1,256 on the Fo-ti page.
No interaction 1,573 drugs checked — show the list
We also checked Fo-ti against these medications and found no known interaction in our sources. Open any page to confirm.
- Levothyroxine ›
- Methylphenidate ›
- Ivermectin ›
- Escitalopram ›
- Docusate ›
- Valacyclovir ›
- Hydroxyurea ›
- Sumatriptan ›
- Lisinopril ›
- Acyclovir ›
- Lamotrigine ›
- Gabapentin ›
- Pregabalin ›
- Azithromycin ›
- Methylene Blue ›
- Levothyroxine, Liothyronine ›
- Cyclopentolate ›
- Candesartan Cilexetil ›
- Cephalexin ›
- Roxithromycin ›
- Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Doxylamine ›
- Pegunigalsidase Alfa-iwxj ›
- Daptomycin ›
- Hexobarbitone ›
- Levothyroxine Sodium ›
- Dexmethylphenidate ›
- Levetiracetam ›
- Factor 7a ›
- Phentermine, Topiramate ›
- Thyroid Hormone ›
- Carbidopa, Levodopa ›
- Minoxidil ›
- Mitomycin ›
- Levodopa ›
- Ezetimibe ›
- Cefaclor ›
- Phenylephrine ›
- Vancomycin ›
- Hethylphenidate Hcl ›
- Dirithromycin ›
- Pentobarbitone ›
- Bentoquatam ›
- Procainamide ›
- Hydroxychloroquine ›
- Azelaic Acid ›
- Triptorelin ›
- Dextrothyroxine ›
- Lomustine ›
- Pizotifen ›
- Tocainide ›
- Rocuronium ›
- Telmisartan ›
- Succimer ›
- Mitomycin C ›
- Lorazepam ›
- Chenodiol ›
- Desflurane ›
- Cabergoline ›
- Metronidazole ›
- Famotidine ›
Showing the 60 most looked-up of 1,573 medications checked with no known interaction — see the full Fo-ti 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, Levonogestrel Is Linked to Lower Levels of 7 Nutrients
Natural Medicines records Ethinyl estradiol, Levonogestrel as a medicine that can lower these. This is not an interaction with Fo-ti — 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, Levonogestrel 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 Fo-ti and Ethinyl estradiol, Levonogestrel Together: Common Questions
Can you take Fo-ti with Ethinyl estradiol, Levonogestrel?
Why are there 5 interactions listed for Fo-ti and Ethinyl estradiol, Levonogestrel?
How serious is the Fo-ti and Ethinyl estradiol, Levonogestrel interaction?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Still Have a Question About Ethinyl estradiol, Levonogestrel and Fo-ti?
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.