Sage + Desogestrel, Ethinyl Estradiol
Desogestrel, Ethinyl Estradiol brand names: Ortho-Cept 28, Ortho-Cept 21, Marvelon 21, Marvelon 28, Desogen, and others.
Desogestrel, Ethinyl Estradiol falls into 4 drug categories that Sage can interact with; the most serious is rated moderate. Theoretically, sage might increase the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP2C9.
Read the full interaction reportSage and Desogestrel, Ethinyl Estradiol
These two interact in 4 distinct ways. Each one is explained separately below.
Why Are There 4 Interactions?
Sage interacts with whole categories of medication. Desogestrel, Ethinyl Estradiol falls into 4 of those categories, so it can interact with Sage in 4 different ways. We’ve listed each one below — your overall risk is driven by the most serious of them (Moderate).
CYTOCHROME P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) SUBSTRATES
1 of 4Why this applies to Desogestrel, Ethinyl Estradiol
Desogestrel, Ethinyl Estradiol falls under CYTOCHROME P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) SUBSTRATES — the group Sage interacts with.
In vitro evidence suggests that aqueous extracts of sage can inhibit CYP2C9. So far, this interaction has not been reported in humans.
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.
Here's the gist for your birth control pill (Desogen / Ortho-Cept). In lab tests, sage extracts can slow down an enzyme called CYP2C9, which helps your body clear certain medicines. If that slowing happened in real life, the hormones in your pill could build up a little, which in theory might mean more of the usual side effects like nausea, breast tenderness, headaches, or spotting.
The honest truth is this is only test-tube data, and it has never actually been reported in people. Cooking with sage is not a concern. Concentrated sage supplements or the essential oil are the only forms worth thinking about. If you want to use those regularly, just run it by your pharmacist or doctor first so you can keep your pill working well.
- Foster BC, Vandenhoek S, Hana J, et al. In vitro inhibition of human cytochrome P450-mediated metabolism of marker substrates by natural products. Phytomedicine 2003;10:334-42.. PubMed
P-GLYCOPROTEIN SUBSTRATES
2 of 4Desogestrel, Ethinyl Estradiol also falls under P-GLYCOPROTEIN SUBSTRATES.
In vitro research suggests that common sage (Salvia officinalis) can inhibit the multi-drug transporter protein, P-glycoprotein. This effect has not been reported in humans.
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.
Here's the short version on your birth control pill (Desogen/Ortho-Cept) and sage. In lab dish studies, sage appears to block a transporter called P-glycoprotein, which helps move certain drugs around the body. In theory, slowing that pump could let a bit more of your hormones hang around. With this pill, that might translate into more of the usual estrogen-related side effects like nausea, breast tenderness, headaches, or spotting.
The big thing to keep in mind: this has only been seen in test tubes, never in people, so it's mostly theoretical. Normal cooking with sage is not a concern. If you're thinking about concentrated sage extracts or the essential oil daily, just run it by your pharmacist or doctor first so they can give you peace of mind.
- Hellum, B. H. and Nilsen, O. G. In vitro inhibition of CYP3A4 metabolism and P-glycoprotein-mediated transport by trade herbal products. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol. 2008;102(5):466-475.
CYTOCHROME P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) SUBSTRATES
3 of 4Desogestrel, Ethinyl Estradiol also falls under CYTOCHROME P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) SUBSTRATES.
In vitro evidence suggests that aqueous extracts of sage can inhibit CYP3A4. So far, this interaction has not been reported in humans.
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.
Your birth control pill (Desogen, Marvelon, Ortho-Cept) contains hormones that your liver processes using an enzyme called CYP3A4. In test-tube studies, water-based sage extracts seemed to slow that enzyme down a bit. In theory, that could let the estrogen and progestin in your pill linger a little longer, which might mean more of the usual estrogen-type side effects like nausea, breast tenderness, headaches, or spotting.
Here's the reassuring part: this has never actually been seen in people, and it comes only from lab work. Sprinkling sage on your food is not a concern. Concentrated sage capsules or essential oil are where I'd be more cautious. Nothing here means your pill will stop working, but it's worth a quick chat with your pharmacist or doctor before starting any sage supplement.
- Foster BC, Vandenhoek S, Hana J, et al. In vitro inhibition of human cytochrome P450-mediated metabolism of marker substrates by natural products. Phytomedicine 2003;10:334-42.. PubMed
- Hellum, B. H. and Nilsen, O. G. In vitro inhibition of CYP3A4 metabolism and P-glycoprotein-mediated transport by trade herbal products. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol. 2008;102(5):466-475.
ESTROGENS
4 of 4Desogestrel, Ethinyl Estradiol also falls under ESTROGENS.
In vitro evidence suggests that geraniol, a constituent of Spanish sage (Salvia lavandulaefolia), exerts estrogenic activity. The clinical significance of this effect is unclear.
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.
You're asking about pairing sage with your birth control pill, which combines desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol. Here's the honest picture: this concern is purely theoretical. In a lab dish, one compound found in Spanish sage (geraniol) showed mild estrogen-like activity. That's a long way from proving anything happens inside the body, and we simply don't know if it changes how your pill works.
The everyday amount of sage you'd use in cooking is very unlikely to matter at all. Concentrated sage extracts or essential oil are a different story and deserve more caution. Since this pill prevents pregnancy, I'd rather you be safe than guess. If you're thinking about regular high-dose sage supplements, run it by your pharmacist or doctor first.
- Perry, N. S., Houghton, P. J., Sampson, J., Theobald, A. E., Hart, S., Lis-Balchin, M., Hoult, J. R., Evans, P., Jenner, P., Milligan, S., and Perry, E. K. In-vitro activity of S. lavandulaefolia (Spanish sage) relevant to treatment of Alzheimer's diseas
What These Ratings Mean
Every interaction above is graded three ways — here’s the key to each label.
Clinically significant. Avoid the combination, or use only under close professional supervision.
Usually worth avoiding or managing — may need monitoring, a dose change, or timing apart.
Generally not serious. Be aware of it and mention it to your pharmacist.
- 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.
- 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.
Sage Also Interacts With Other Medications
Sage has 1,295 moderate known drug interactions in our database — the Desogestrel, Ethinyl Estradiol one above is among them. If you take anything else, check it against the full list below.
Check Another of Your Medications Against Sage
We haven’t checked that one against Sage yet — ask our pharmacists directly.
Covers the 2,830 medications we’ve checked against Sage. Pick one to open its full report.
See Every Supplement That Interacts With Desogestrel, Ethinyl Estradiol
This page covers Sage only. If you take other supplements — a multivitamin, a sleep aid, something for joints — the Desogestrel, Ethinyl Estradiol page lists 246 supplements it has a documented interaction with, worst first, each one explained.
The most serious there right now: Activated Charcoal (major), Beer (major), Grapefruit (major), Siberian Cocklebur (major) and St. John's Wort (major).
By severity: 6 major · 201 moderate · 39 minor.
From our pharmacist’s overview on the Desogestrel, Ethinyl Estradiol page
“St. John's Wort is the supplement I would flag first for anyone on desogestrel with ethinyl estradiol (Desogen, Ortho-Cept, Marvelon).”
Reviewed by 2 · Jul 18, 2026
Taking Sage as Part of a Dietary Supplement Product? Check It for Interactions
We hold 718 real supplement products containing Sage, each one broken down to its full ingredient list — and combination products often carry several ingredients besides Sage. Your product may carry other ingredients that interact with Desogestrel, Ethinyl Estradiol too, on top of Sage — and those would not show on this page. Find your product and we’ll check every ingredient on its label:
Where Sage and Desogestrel, Ethinyl Estradiol 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.
#265 of 1,452 supplements looked up here in the last 7 days
#444 of 2,830 medications looked up here in the last 7 days
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.
About Sage
What is Sage?
- Sore throat and mouth irritation
- Digestive upset
- Excessive sweating
- Memory and thinking
- Menopause symptoms (hot flashes)
- General antioxidant support
Sage is a common kitchen herb that is generally safe in food amounts and is traditionally used for sore throats, digestion, sweating, and memory. Some early research is encouraging for sore throat and menopausal hot flashes, but most uses are not well proven. Concentrated extracts and the essential oil should be used carefully because high doses contain a compound called thujone, which can be harmful.
Other Drugs & Sage
Browse every other medication we’ve checked against Sage — both the ones with a known interaction and the ones without. Select any drug for the full detail.
No drugs match “”.
1,295 interactions
- Diclofenac Sodium ›
- Diltiazem ›
- Nifedipine ›
- Ibuprofen ›
- Diphenhydramine ›
- Hydrocortisone ›
- Insulin (rdna) ›
- Naproxen ›
- Doxycycline ›
- Erythromycin ›
- Estradiol ›
- Minocycline ›
- Propranolol ›
- Tetracycline ›
- Lidocaine ›
- Ranitidine ›
- Hydrochlorothiazide ›
- Norethindrone ›
- Testosterone ›
- Verapamil ›
- Levonorgestrel ›
- Prednisone ›
- Quinidine ›
- Cyclosporine ›
- Dexamethasone ›
- Flurazepam ›
- Glyburide ›
- Glycopyrrolate ›
- Insulin (pork) ›
- Triazolam ›
- Zopiclone ›
- Colchicine ›
- Fentanyl ›
- Flurbiprofen ›
- Oxybutynin ›
- Oxycodone ›
- Phenytoin ›
- Prednisolone ›
- Tacrolimus ›
- Temazepam ›
- Triamcinolone ›
- Apomorphine ›
- Budesonide ›
- Carbamazepine ›
- Clindamycin ›
- Dextromethorphan ›
- Diclofenac Potassium ›
- Doxorubicin ›
- Fluticasone ›
- Formoterol ›
- Hydralazine ›
- Indomethacin ›
- Insulin (human) ›
- Ipratropium ›
- Miconazole ›
- Morphine Sulfate ›
- Nitrazepam ›
- Procainamide ›
- Trimipramine ›
- Acetaminophen ›
Showing 60 of 1,295 moderate interactions — see all 1,295 on the Sage page.
No interaction 1,534 drugs checked — show the list
We also checked Sage against these medications and found no known interaction in our sources. Open any page to confirm.
- Levothyroxine ›
- Methylphenidate ›
- Aspirin ›
- Rosuvastatin ›
- Escitalopram ›
- Docusate ›
- Valacyclovir ›
- Hydroxyurea ›
- Sumatriptan ›
- Bupropion ›
- Amoxicillin ›
- Acyclovir ›
- Bendamustine ›
- Methotrexate ›
- Azithromycin ›
- Isotretinoin ›
- Methylene Blue ›
- Ciprofloxacin ›
- Levothyroxine, Liothyronine ›
- Cyclopentolate ›
- Cephalexin ›
- Roxithromycin ›
- Pegunigalsidase Alfa-iwxj ›
- Daptomycin ›
- Hexobarbitone ›
- Levothyroxine Sodium ›
- Dexmethylphenidate ›
- Factor 7a ›
- Thyroid Hormone ›
- Carbidopa, Levodopa ›
- Mitomycin ›
- Levodopa ›
- Ezetimibe ›
- Cefaclor ›
- Lenvatinib ›
- Phenylephrine ›
- Vancomycin ›
- Hethylphenidate Hcl ›
- Dirithromycin ›
- Bentoquatam ›
- Amoxicillin, Clavulanate Potassium ›
- Hydroxychloroquine ›
- Tenecteplase ›
- Azelaic Acid ›
- Triptorelin ›
- Dextrothyroxine ›
- Lomustine ›
- Tocainide ›
- Pizotifen ›
- Acetylsalicylic Acid ›
- Rocuronium ›
- Succimer ›
- Mitomycin C ›
- Halothane ›
- Desflurane ›
- Chenodiol ›
- Gestodene ›
- Niacin (prescription Drug) ›
- Metronidazole ›
- Cabergoline ›
Showing the 60 most looked-up of 1,534 medications checked with no known interaction — see the full Sage list.
Sources & How We Checked
Interaction details are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database. The medication overview comes from MedlinePlus.
- Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) — Evidence-graded clinical reference for vitamins, herbs and supplements — the basis for our interaction data.
- MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine — NIH consumer drug information, used for the medication overviews.
- NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD) — Official supplement product labels.
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
Desogestrel, Ethinyl Estradiol Is Linked to Lower Levels of 7 Nutrients
Natural Medicines records Desogestrel, Ethinyl Estradiol as a medicine that can lower these. This is not an interaction with Sage — it is a separate effect of the medicine, and it is a reason some people are advised to supplement rather than to avoid one:
Read the full Desogestrel, Ethinyl Estradiol nutrient depletion report ›
Depletion records come from the licensed Natural Medicines database. Do not start a supplement on the strength of this page — ask your pharmacist or doctor whether it applies to you.
Taking Sage and Desogestrel, Ethinyl Estradiol Together: Common Questions
Can you take Sage with Desogestrel, Ethinyl Estradiol?
Why are there 4 interactions listed for Sage and Desogestrel, Ethinyl Estradiol?
How serious is the Sage and Desogestrel, Ethinyl Estradiol interaction?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
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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.