Ignatius Bean - Zovirax (Acyclovir) Interaction
Herbal: Ignatius Bean
Also Known As: Strychnos ignatii, Strychnos tieute, Bean of St. Ignatius, Fiève de Saint-Ignance, Habas de San Ignacio, Ignatia, Ignatia Amara, Lu Song Guo, Saint Ignatius-Beans
Drug: Acyclovir
Brand names:
Zovirax, Zovirax Injection, Sitavig, Avaclyr
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
May 11, 2025
Interaction Details
There were no interactions found between Acyclovir and Ignatius Bean. This does not mean the potential for an interaction does not exist, however. There is often a lack of studies and data surrounding traditional medicine, especially concerning drug interactions, so it is important to always consult your provider before making any changes to your medication regimen.
Ignatius Bean Overview
Strychnos ignatii is a climbing shrub native to the Philippines and Southeast Asia, with its seed known as the Ignatius bean. This bean contains toxic compounds like strychnine and brucine. Historically, it was used in traditional medicine for its stimulating properties and to treat paralysis and digestive issues. However, due to its toxicity, it's considered unsafe. Ingesting 30-50 mg of the bean (containing about 5 mg of strychnine) can cause restlessness, anxiety, heightened senses, increased reflexes, balance issues, stiff and painful neck and back muscles, twitching, spasms of the jaw and neck muscles, kidney failure with urine discoloration, muscle tissue breakdown, severe tension, and difficulty breathing due to muscle spasms. Because of these effects, extreme caution should be exercised, and medical guidance is strongly advised before using Ignatius bean.
Acyclovir Overview
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Acyclovir is used to decrease pain and speed the healing of sores or blisters in people who have varicella (chickenpox), herpes zoster (shingles; a rash that can occur in people who have had chickenpox in the past), and first-time or repeat outbreaks of genital herpes (a herpes virus infection that causes sores to form around the genitals and rectum from time to time). Acyclovir is also sometimes used to prevent outbreaks of genital herpes in people who are infected with the virus. Acyclovir is in a class of antiviral medications called synthetic nucleoside analogues. It works by stopping the spread of the herpes virus in the body. Acyclovir will not cure genital herpes and may not stop the spread of genital herpes to other people.
Ignatius Bean - More Interactions
Ignatius Bean interacts with 0 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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