Northern Prickly Ash - Interferon Alfa-2b Interaction
Herbal: Northern Prickly Ash
Also Known As: Zanthoxylum americanum, Angelica Tree, Clavalier, Pepper Wood, Prickly Ash, Toothache Bark, Xanthoxylum, Yellow Wood, Zanthoxylum, Toothache tree
Drug: Interferon Alfa-2b
Brand names:
Rebetron, Intron A, Viraferon
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
Jun 22, 2025
Interaction Details
There were no interactions found between Interferon Alfa-2b and Northern Prickly Ash. 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.
Northern Prickly Ash Overview
Northern Prickly Ash (Zanthoxylum americanum) is a deciduous shrub native to North America. The leaves and twigs of the plant have a distinct, spicy aroma when crushed. In the summer, small, greenish-white flowers appear, followed by small, red berries in the fall.
The bark, leaves, and berries of Northern Prickly Ash have been used in traditional medicine as a treatment for toothache (northern prickly ash is sometimes referred to as the 'toothache tree') and rheumatism, and the berries have been used to treat digestive issues. The plant is also purported to have other anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
Interferon Alfa-2b Overview
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Interferon alfa-2b injection is used to treat a number of conditions.
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Interferon alfa-2b injection is used
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alone or in combination with ribavirin (Copegus, Rebetol, Ribasphere) to treat chronic (long-term) hepatitis C infection (swelling of the liver caused by a virus) in people who show signs of liver damage,
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to treat chronic hepatitis B infection (swelling of the liver caused by a virus) in people who show signs of liver damage,
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to treat hairy cell leukemia (a white blood cell cancer),
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to treat genital warts,
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to treat Kaposi's sarcoma (a type of cancer that causes abnormal tissue to grow on different parts of the body) related to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS),
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to treat malignant melanoma (a cancer that begins in certain skin cells) in certain people who have had surgery to remove the cancer,
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along with another medication to treat follicular non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL; a slow-growing blood cancer).
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Interferon alfa-2b is in a class of medications called immunomodulators. Interferon alfa-2b works to treat hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) by decreasing the amount virus in the body. Interferon alfa-2b may not cure hepatitis B or hepatitis C or prevent you from developing complications from these infections such as cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver, liver failure, or liver cancer. It also may not prevent the spread of hepatitis B or C to other people. It is not known exactly how interferon alfa-2b works to treat cancer or genital warts.
Northern Prickly Ash - More Interactions
Northern Prickly Ash interacts with 36 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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