Goldthread - Viagra (Sildenafil Citrate) Interaction
Herbal: Goldthread
Also Known As: Coptis chinensis, Cankerroot, Chinese Coptis, Chinese Goldthread, Coptide, Coptide à Trois Feuilles, Coptide Chinois, Coptide du Groenland, Coptide Savoyane, Coptide Trifoliolée, Coptidis Rhizome, Coptis, Coptis Rhizome, Golden Thread, Goldenthread, Huang Lian
Drug: Sildenafil Citrate
Brand names:
Viagra
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
May 25, 2025
Interaction Details
Sildenafil Citrate is classified as belonging to the following category: Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates
There's very preliminary evidence that berberine, a constituent of goldthread, might inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) enzyme. So far, this interaction has not been reported in humans. However, watch for an increase in the levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4 in patients taking goldthread. Some drugs metabolized by CYP3A4 include lovastatin (Mevacor), clarithromycin (Biaxin), indinavir (Crixivan), sildenafil (Viagra), triazolam (Halcion), and numerous others. Use goldthread cautiously or avoid in patients taking these drugs.
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
- Wu X, Li Q, Xin H, Yu A, Zhong M. Effects of berberine on the blood concentration of cyclosporin A in renal transplanted recipients: clinical and pharmacokinetic study. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2005;61:567-72.
Goldthread Overview
Goldthread is a perennial herb belonging to the family Polygonaceae and is native to regions of China, India, and Nepal. It is known for its bright yellow roots, which are used to make dyes and as a traditional medicine. Goldthread is purported to have various health benefits, such as aiding in digestion and reducing inflammation. Goldthread has been shown to contain a number of compounds, including berberine, itself a very popular standalone supplement.
Sildenafil Citrate Overview
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Sildenafil (Viagra) is used to treat erectile dysfunction (impotence; inability to get or keep an erection) in men. Sildenafil (Revatio) is used to improve the ability to exercise in adults and children 1 year of age and older with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH; high blood pressure in the vessels carrying blood to the lungs, causing shortness of breath, dizziness, and tiredness). Sildenafil is in a class of medications called phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors. Sildenafil treats erectile dysfunction by increasing blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation. This increased blood flow can cause an erection. Sildenafil treats PAH by relaxing the blood vessels in the lungs to allow blood to flow easily.
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If you are taking sildenafil to treat erectile dysfunction, you should know that it does not cure erectile dysfunction or increase sexual desire. Sildenafil does not prevent pregnancy or the spread of sexually transmitted diseases such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Goldthread - More Interactions
Goldthread interacts with 622 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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