Drug & supplement interaction

Phellodendron + Abrocitinib

Abrocitinib brand name: Cibinqo.

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

Abrocitinib falls into 2 drug categories that Phellodendron can interact with; the most serious is rated moderate. Theoretically, phellodendron might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C9.

Read the full interaction report
SeverityModerate
LikelihoodPossible
Interactions2
EvidenceD
What do Severity, Likelihood & Evidence mean?
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Interaction report

Phellodendron and Abrocitinib

These two interact in 2 distinct ways. Each one is explained separately below.

Why Are There 2 Interactions?

Phellodendron interacts with whole categories of medication. Abrocitinib falls into 2 of those categories, so it can interact with Phellodendron in 2 different ways. We’ve listed each one below — your overall risk is driven by the most serious of them (Moderate).

Moderate

CYTOCHROME P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) SUBSTRATES

1 of 2

Why this applies to Abrocitinib

Abrocitinib falls under CYTOCHROME P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) SUBSTRATES — the group Phellodendron interacts with.

Theoretically, phellodendron might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C9.
Phellodendron contains berberine. Preliminary clinical research shows that berberine can inhibit CYP2C9. Theoretically, phellodendron might also inhibit CYP2C9.
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 Cibinqo (abrocitinib): your body partly clears this medicine using a liver enzyme called CYP2C9. Phellodendron contains berberine, and early research suggests berberine may slow that enzyme down. If the enzyme works slower, abrocitinib could clear out of your system less quickly and build up a bit, which in theory could mean stronger effects and more side effects.

For abrocitinib, that might look like nausea, headache, or a higher chance of infections since this drug already calms the immune system. I want to be honest though: this is a theoretical concern based on how the chemicals behave, not proven cases in real patients. Still, before adding Phellodendron, run it by your pharmacist or doctor so they can weigh it for you.

Contact Dr. Brian directly if you have additional questions on this interaction
References
  1. Guo, Y., Chen, Y., Tan, Z. R., Klaassen, C. D., and Zhou, H. H. Repeated administration of berberine inhibits cytochromes P450 in humans. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2012;68(2):213-217. PubMed
Moderate

ANTICOAGULANT/ANTIPLATELET DRUGS

2 of 2

Abrocitinib also falls under ANTICOAGULANT/ANTIPLATELET DRUGS.

Theoretically, phellodendron might increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Phellodendron contains berberine. In vitro and in vivo research suggest that berberine can inhibit platelet aggregation. Theoretically, phellodendron might also inhibit platelet aggregation.
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 something worth knowing if you take Cibinqo (abrocitinib) for your eczema. The concern on file is about bleeding risk. Phellodendron contains berberine, and in lab and animal studies berberine seems to make platelets (the cells that help your blood clot) a little less sticky. So in theory, it could nudge you toward bruising or bleeding more easily.

What matters here is that abrocitinib itself can already lower your platelet count, especially in the first weeks of treatment. Adding something that may also affect platelets could, in theory, stack up. I want to be honest though: this is based only on lab and animal data, not on real patients, so the evidence is weak. Still, it's worth a quick chat with your pharmacist or doctor before combining the two.

Contact Dr. Brian directly if you have additional questions on this interaction
References
  1. Wu, J. F. and Liu, T. P. [Effects of berberine on platelet aggregation and plasma levels of TXB2 and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha in rats with reversible middle cerebral artery occlusion]. Yao Xue.Xue.Bao. 1995;30(2):98-102.
  2. Tripathi YB and Shukla SD. Berberis artistata inhibits PAF induced aggregation of rabbit platelets. Phytotherapy Research 1996;10:628-630.

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

Phellodendron Also Interacts With Other Medications

Phellodendron has 1,159 moderate known drug interactions in our database — the Abrocitinib one above is among them. If you take anything else, check it against the full list below.

Moderate 1,159 No known interaction 1,671 (incl. Abrocitinib)
Taking anything else?

Check Another of Your Medications Against Phellodendron

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

Everything else you take

See Every Supplement That Interacts With Abrocitinib

This page covers Phellodendron only. If you take other supplements — a multivitamin, a sleep aid, something for joints — the Abrocitinib page lists 290 supplements it has a documented interaction with, worst first, each one explained.

The most serious there right now: Activated Charcoal (major), Danshen (major), Piracetam (major), Aconite (moderate) and Active Hexose Correlated Compound (ahcc) (moderate).

By severity: 3 major · 252 moderate · 35 minor.

From our pharmacist’s overview on the Abrocitinib page

“Bleeding is where I'd focus first with abrocitinib (Cibinqo), an eczema pill that can itself lower platelet counts. Of the 290 supplements and herbs with an interaction on file, 202 have blood-thinning or antiplatelet activity, and two of the three major-rated entries, danshen and piracetam, sit in that group.”

Reviewed by 2 · Jul 18, 2026

Open the Abrocitinib interaction page

One more smart check

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

We hold 393 real supplement products containing Phellodendron, each one broken down to its full ingredient list — and combination products often carry several ingredients besides Phellodendron. Your product may carry other ingredients that interact with Abrocitinib too, on top of Phellodendron — 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 Phellodendron and Abrocitinib 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 Phellodendron
Top 25%

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

29 days ago today
Medication Abrocitinib
Top 10%

#253 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 Phellodendron

What is Phellodendron?

Phellodendron
  • Digestive complaints and diarrhea
  • Inflammation and joint discomfort
  • Stress and weight management (in combination products)
  • Skin conditions (topical, traditional)
  • Antimicrobial support

Phellodendron is a traditional Chinese medicine bark (Huang Bai) that contains berberine and other plant compounds with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity in lab studies. Human evidence for most uses is limited, and it is often sold in combination with other herbs, making its individual effects hard to judge. Talk with your pharmacist or doctor before using it, and avoid it during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Read the full Phellodendron monograph & all interactions
Medication

About Abrocitinib

What Is Abrocitinib Used For?

Brand name: Cibinqo

Abrocitinib (sold as Cibinqo tablets) treats refractory, moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis, a long-lasting itchy skin condition also called eczema. It is for adults and children 12 years and older.

It is meant for people whose disease is not well controlled with other systemic (whole-body) medicines, including biologics, or when those medicines are not a good option. It is not recommended together with other JAK inhibitors, biologic immunomodulators, or other immunosuppressants.

See full Abrocitinib drug information
Keep checking

Other Drugs & Phellodendron

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

0Major
1,159Moderate
0Minor
1,670No known interaction
1,159 Moderate 1,670 No interaction
Moderate

1,159 interactions

Showing 60 of 1,159 moderate interactions — see all 1,159 on the Phellodendron page.

No interaction 1,670 drugs checked — show the list

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

Showing the 60 most looked-up of 1,670 medications checked with no known interaction — see the full Phellodendron list.

See the full Phellodendron interactions page
See every supplement checked against Abrocitinib, 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
Phellodendron monograph › Uses, safety, and every drug interaction in one place Abrocitinib supplement interactions › Every supplement checked against Abrocitinib, ranked by severity Abrocitinib 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 Phellodendron and Abrocitinib Together: Common Questions

Can you take Phellodendron with Abrocitinib?
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 2 interactions listed for Phellodendron and Abrocitinib?
Abrocitinib belongs to more than one drug category, and Phellodendron 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 Phellodendron and Abrocitinib 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 Abrocitinib and Phellodendron?

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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.