Lemongrass - Tamoxifen Citrate Interaction
Herbal: Lemongrass
Also Known As: Cymbopogon citratus, Abafado, Cana Santa, Capim-Cidrao, Capim-Santo, Ceylon Citronella Grass, Cimbopogone, Citronella, Citrongrass, Citronnelle, Cochin Lemongrass, Fever Grass, Grass Tea, Herbe Citron, Hierba de Limón, Lemon Grass, Lemon Grass Stalk, Limonaria, Limon Out, S
Drug: Tamoxifen Citrate
Brand names:
Nolvadex, Soltamox
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
Jun 29, 2025
Interaction Details
Tamoxifen Citrate is classified as belonging to the following category: Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates
Theoretically, lemongrass might decrease the metabolism of CYP3A4 substrates.
Animal research shows that lemongrass and its constituent citral inhibit CYP3A4.
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
- Li CC, Yu HF, Chang CH, Liu YT, Yao HT. Effects of lemongrass oil and citral on hepatic drug-metabolizing enzymes, oxidative stress, and acetaminophen toxicity in rats. J Food Drug Anal 2018;26(1):432-8.
Interaction Details
Tamoxifen Citrate is classified as belonging to the following category: Glucuronidated Drugs
Theoretically, lemongrass might increase the clearance and decrease the levels of glucuronidated drugs.
Animal research shows that lemongrass and its constituent citral induce uridine diphosphoglucuronosyl transferase (UGT), the major phase 2 enzyme that is responsible for glucuronidation.
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
- Li CC, Yu HF, Chang CH, Liu YT, Yao HT. Effects of lemongrass oil and citral on hepatic drug-metabolizing enzymes, oxidative stress, and acetaminophen toxicity in rats. J Food Drug Anal 2018;26(1):432-8.
Lemongrass Overview
Lemongrass is a tall tropical plant with thin, narrow leaves that is native to Asia, Africa, and Australia. It has a strong, citrusy aroma and is often used as a natural insect repellent.
Lemongrass is commonly used in cooking and often used to flavor foods.
In addition to its culinary and aromatic uses, lemongrass is also believed to have a number of health benefits. It is thought to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, and is sometimes used to treat a variety of conditions, including digestive problems, infections, and stress. Lemongrass essential oil is commonly utilized for aromatherapy.
Tamoxifen Citrate Overview
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Tamoxifen is used to treat breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body in men and women. It is used to treat early breast cancer in women who have already been treated with surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy. It is used to reduce the risk of developing a more serious type of breast cancer in women who have had ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS; a type of breast cancer that does not spread outside of the milk duct where it forms) and who have been treated with surgery and radiation. It is used to reduce the risk of breast cancer in women who are at high risk for the disease due to their age, personal medical history, and family medical history.
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Tamoxifen is in a class of medications known as antiestrogens. It blocks the activity of estrogen (a female hormone) in the breast. This may stop the growth of some breast tumors that need estrogen to grow.
Lemongrass - More Interactions
Lemongrass interacts with 685 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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