Drug & supplement interaction

Goji + tipranavir

tipranavir brand name: Aptivus.

Moderate Interaction
Medically reviewed by · Updated September 2026
The bottom line Moderate

tipranavir falls into 4 drug categories that Goji can interact with; the most serious is rated moderate. Theoretically, goji berry might inhibit CYP2D6 and reduce metabolism of CYP2D6 substrates.

Read the full interaction report
SeverityModerate
LikelihoodPossible
Interactions4
EvidenceD
What do Severity, Likelihood & Evidence mean?
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Interaction report

Goji and tipranavir

These two interact in 4 distinct ways. Each one is explained separately below.

Why Are There 4 Interactions?

Goji interacts with whole categories of medication. tipranavir falls into 4 of those categories, so it can interact with Goji in 4 different ways. We’ve listed each one below — your overall risk is driven by the most serious of them (Moderate).

Moderate

CYTOCHROME P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) SUBSTRATES

1 of 4

Why this applies to tipranavir

tipranavir falls under CYTOCHROME P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) SUBSTRATES — the group Goji interacts with.

Theoretically, goji berry might inhibit CYP2D6 and reduce metabolism of CYP2D6 substrates.
In vitro research shows that goji berry juice inhibits CYP2D6 enzymes. Concomitant use with goji may decrease metabolism and increase levels of CYP2D6 substrates. However, this has not been reported in humans.
Severity Moderate Likelihood Possible Evidence D

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.

Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Dr. Brian Staiger explains PharmD, Clinical Pharmacist

Here's the short version on goji and your tipranavir (Aptivus). The concern on file is that goji might block an enzyme called CYP2D6, which could let drugs that depend on it build up. If that happened with tipranavir, you could in theory see more of its usual side effects, like nausea, diarrhea, stomach upset, tiredness, or rash.

But I want to keep this in perspective. This is only a theoretical idea from lab (test tube) studies, and it has never been reported in real people. On top of that, tipranavir is mainly handled by a different enzyme (CYP3A) and is taken with ritonavir, so CYP2D6 isn't its main exit route. Eating goji berries as food is unlikely to matter, but check with your pharmacist before using concentrated goji supplements.

Contact Dr. Brian directly if you have additional questions on this interaction
References
  1. Liu R, Tam TW, Mao J, et al. In vitro activity of Lycium barbarum (Goji) against major human phase I metabolism enzymes. Complement Integr Med. 2016;13(3):257-265.
Moderate

CYTOCHROME P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) SUBSTRATES

2 of 4

tipranavir also falls under CYTOCHROME P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) SUBSTRATES.

Theoretically, goji berry might inhibit CYP2C19 and reduce metabolism of CYP2C19 substrates.
In vitro research shows that goji berry tincture and juice inhibit CYP2C19 enzymes. Concomitant use with goji may decrease metabolism and increase levels of CYP2C19 substrates. However, this has not been reported in humans.
Severity Moderate Likelihood Possible Evidence D

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.

Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Dr. Brian Staiger explains PharmD, Clinical Pharmacist

Here's the gist for your HIV regimen: lab studies hint that goji berry might slow down an enzyme called CYP2C19, which is one of the pathways your body uses to clear tipranavir (Aptivus). If that enzyme gets blocked, tipranavir levels could theoretically creep up, which might mean more of its usual side effects like nausea, diarrhea, stomach upset, or liver strain.

That said, I want to keep this in perspective. This is theoretical, based only on test-tube work, and it has never actually been reported in real people. Eating goji berries as a food is unlikely to matter much. Concentrated goji supplements, tinctures, or juices are the bigger question mark. Since keeping HIV therapy steady is so important, just run any goji supplement past your pharmacist or HIV provider first.

Contact Dr. Brian directly if you have additional questions on this interaction
References
  1. Liu R, Tam TW, Mao J, et al. In vitro activity of Lycium barbarum (Goji) against major human phase I metabolism enzymes. Complement Integr Med. 2016;13(3):257-265.
Moderate

CYTOCHROME P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) SUBSTRATES

3 of 4

tipranavir also falls under CYTOCHROME P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) SUBSTRATES.

Theoretically, goji berry might inhibit CYP2C9 and reduce metabolism of CYP2C9 substrates.
In vitro research shows that goji berry tincture and juice inhibit CYP2C9 enzymes. Additionally, multiple case reports suggest that goji berry concentrated tea and juice inhibit the metabolism of warfarin, a CYP2C9 substrate. Concomitant use with goji may decrease metabolism and increase levels of CYP2C9 substrates.
Severity Moderate Likelihood Possible Evidence D

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.

Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Dr. Brian Staiger explains PharmD, Clinical Pharmacist

Here's the basic idea: goji berry may slow down a liver enzyme called CYP2C9. Tipranavir (Aptivus) is partly handled by that pathway, so in theory, concentrated goji products could let a bit more tipranavir build up in your blood. Since tipranavir isn't a prodrug, more of it means a stronger drug effect and possibly more side effects, like stomach upset, nausea, rash, or extra strain on your liver.

I want to keep this in perspective. This concern is largely theoretical, based on lab studies and case reports with a different drug (warfarin), not with tipranavir itself. A few goji berries in your meals is unlikely to matter. Concentrated goji teas, juices, or supplements are where I'd be cautious, so please run those by your pharmacist or HIV provider first.

Contact Dr. Brian directly if you have additional questions on this interaction
References
  1. Lam AY, Elmer GW, Mohutsky MA. Possible interaction between warfarin and Lycium Barbarum. Ann Pharmacother 2001;35:1199-201.
  2. Guzmán CE, Guzmán-Moreno CG, Assad-Morell JL, Edgar Francisco Carrizales-Sepúlveda EF. Flecainide toxicity associated with the use of goji berries: a case report. Eur Heart J Case Rep. 2021;5(6):ytab204. PubMed
  3. Liu R, Tam TW, Mao J, et al. In vitro activity of Lycium barbarum (Goji) against major human phase I metabolism enzymes. Complement Integr Med. 2016;13(3):257-265.
Moderate

CYTOCHROME P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) SUBSTRATES

4 of 4

tipranavir also falls under CYTOCHROME P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) SUBSTRATES.

Theoretically, goji berry might inhibit CYP3A4 and reduce metabolism of CYP3A4 substrates.
In vitro research shows that goji berry juice inhibits CYP3A4 enzymes. Concomitant use with goji may decrease metabolism and increase levels of CYP3A4 substrates. However, this has not been reported in humans.
Severity Moderate Likelihood Possible Evidence D

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.

Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Dr. Brian Staiger explains PharmD, Clinical Pharmacist

Here's the simple version for tipranavir (Aptivus). Your body relies on a liver enzyme called CYP3A4 to help clear this medicine. Lab studies suggest goji berry may slow that same enzyme down. If that happened in a person, tipranavir could build up a bit more than expected, which might mean stronger side effects like nausea, diarrhea, stomach upset, or stress on the liver.

The important thing to know is that this is only a theoretical concern from test-tube research, not something proven in people. Eating a normal amount of goji berries as food is unlikely to be a problem. Concentrated goji supplements or juice are a different story, so check with your pharmacist or doctor before adding them, especially since your HIV regimen needs steady, reliable levels.

Contact Dr. Brian directly if you have additional questions on this interaction
References
  1. Liu R, Tam TW, Mao J, et al. In vitro activity of Lycium barbarum (Goji) against major human phase I metabolism enzymes. Complement Integr Med. 2016;13(3):257-265.

What These Ratings Mean

Every interaction above is graded three ways — here’s the key to each label.

Severity how clinically significant the interaction is
Major

Clinically significant. Avoid the combination, or use only under close professional supervision.

Moderate

Usually worth avoiding or managing — may need monitoring, a dose change, or timing apart.

Minor

Generally not serious. Be aware of it and mention it to your pharmacist.

Likelihood how strong the evidence is that the interaction actually happens in people
  • 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.
Evidence the quality of the studies behind the rating (graded A–D)
  • 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.

Keep it in perspective

Goji Also Interacts With Other Medications

Goji has 2 major, 929 moderate, 68 minor known drug interactions in our database — the tipranavir one above is among them. If you take anything else, check it against the full list below.

Major 2 Moderate 929 Minor 68 No known interaction 1,831 (incl. tipranavir)
Taking anything else?

Check Another of Your Medications Against Goji

Covers the 2,830 medications we’ve checked against Goji. Pick one to open its full report.

Everything else you take

See Every Supplement That Interacts With tipranavir

This page covers Goji only. If you take other supplements — a multivitamin, a sleep aid, something for joints — the tipranavir page lists 212 supplements it has a documented interaction with, worst first, each one explained.

The most serious there right now: Activated Charcoal (major), Grapefruit (major), St. John's Wort (major), 1,3-dmaa (moderate) and Acacia Rigidula (moderate).

By severity: 3 major · 165 moderate · 44 minor.

From our pharmacist’s overview on the tipranavir page

“Keeping tipranavir (Aptivus) at a steady blood level is what keeps HIV suppressed, so this is a supplement list that deserves genuine care, and the three major-rated entries come first. St.”

Reviewed by 2 · Jul 18, 2026

Open the tipranavir interaction page

One more smart check

Taking Goji as Part of a Dietary Supplement Product? Check It for Interactions

We hold 1,738 real supplement products containing Goji, each one broken down to its full ingredient list — and combination products often carry several ingredients besides Goji. Your product may carry other ingredients that interact with tipranavir too, on top of Goji — and those would not show on this page. Find your product and we’ll check every ingredient on its label:

How much people look this up

Where Goji and tipranavir 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.

Supplement Goji
Top 10%

#142 of 1,452 supplements looked up here in the last 7 days

29 days ago today
Medication tipranavir
Steady interest

#1,700 of 2,830 medications looked up here in the last 7 days

29 days ago today

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.

Supplement

About Goji

What is Goji?

Goji
  • General antioxidant support
  • Eye health
  • Immune support
  • Anti-aging and well-being
  • Blood sugar support

Goji berries are a nutritious fruit rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and plant polysaccharides, and they are safe for most people as a food. While they are popular for eye health, immune support, and general wellness, strong human evidence for most health claims is limited. Talk with your pharmacist or doctor before using concentrated goji supplements, especially if you take medications or are pregnant.

Read the full Goji monograph & all interactions
Medication

About Tipranavir

What Is Tipranavir Used For?

Brand name: Aptivus

Aptivus (tipranavir) is used to treat HIV-1 infection in adults and in pediatric patients weighing at least 36 kg (about 79 lbs). It is specifically for people who have already tried other HIV treatments and whose virus has become resistant to more than one protease inhibitor. It is always taken together with a low dose of ritonavir and with other HIV medications.

Aptivus is not recommended for people who have never taken HIV treatment before (treatment-naïve patients). Using tipranavir alongside additional active HIV drugs improves the chances of it working well.

See full Tipranavir drug information
Keep checking

Other Drugs & Goji

Browse every other medication we’ve checked against Goji — both the ones with a known interaction and the ones without. Select any drug for the full detail.

2Major
929Moderate
68Minor
1,830No known interaction
2 Major 929 Moderate 68 Minor 1,830 No interaction
Major

2 interactions

Moderate

929 interactions

Showing 60 of 929 moderate interactions — see all 929 on the Goji page.

Minor

68 interactions

Showing 60 of 68 minor interactions — see all 68 on the Goji page.

No interaction 1,830 drugs checked — show the list

We also checked Goji against these medications and found no known interaction in our sources. Open any page to confirm.

Showing the 60 most looked-up of 1,830 medications checked with no known interaction — see the full Goji list.

See the full Goji interactions page
See every supplement checked against tipranavir, ranked by severity
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Interaction details are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database. The medication overview comes from MedlinePlus.

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

Keep exploring
Goji monograph › Uses, safety, and every drug interaction in one place tipranavir supplement interactions › Every supplement checked against tipranavir, ranked by severity Tipranavir drug information › The full plain-English guide to this medication Supplement interaction checker › Check any supplement or product against your medications Browse medications A–Z › Every drug we've checked against herbs & supplements Ask a pharmacist › Free, personal answer from our licensed team
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Taking Goji and tipranavir Together: Common Questions

Can you take Goji with tipranavir?
There is a moderate interaction, so it may be acceptable with monitoring or timing changes — but check with your pharmacist first. Read the full details on this page and confirm with your pharmacist before combining them.
Why are there 4 interactions listed for Goji and tipranavir?
tipranavir belongs to more than one drug category, and Goji interacts with each of those categories a little differently. We list every one so nothing is missed — your overall risk is driven by the most serious of them.
How serious is the Goji and tipranavir interaction?
We rate it Moderate. This combination may require monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one. Consult your pharmacist before using them together.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Still Have a Question About tipranavir and Goji?

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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.