Sorrel - Zocor (Simvastatin) Interaction
Herbal: Sorrel
Also Known As: Rumex acetosa, Acedera, Azeda-Brava, Common Sorrel, Field Sorrel, Garden Sorrel, Oseille, Oseille Commune, Petite Oseille, Red Sorrel, Sheep Sorrel, Sheep's Sorrel, Sorrel Dock, Sour Dock, Surette, Wiesensauerampfer
Drug: Simvastatin
Brand names:
Zocor
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
May 04, 2025
Interaction Details
Simvastatin is classified as belonging to the following category: Organic Anion-Transporting Polypeptide Substrates (Oatp)
Sorrel might reduce the effectiveness of OATP substrates by reducing their absorption from the gut.
In vitro research shows that sorrel inhibits OATP1A2. Theoretically it may inhibit other OATPs. The OATPs are expressed in the small intestine and liver and transport drugs into cells. Inhibition of OATP may reduce the bioavailability of oral drugs that are substrates of OATP.
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
- Ahn JH, Kim J, Rehman NU, Kim HJ, Ahn MJ, Chung HJ. Effect of Rumex Acetosa Extract, a Herbal Drug, on the Absorption of Fexofenadine. Pharmaceutics. 2020;12(6):E547.
Sorrel Overview
Sorrel is a perennial herb that is known for its distinct sour taste. It grows in temperate climates all over the world, and is often used in cooking to add a tangy flavor to dishes. The sour flavor of sorrel is due to the presence of oxalate, a compound found in many plants. In addition to its culinary uses, sorrel has also been used in traditional medicine for a variety of purposes, such as treating fever, inflammation, and skin conditions. Sorrel has been utilized for its potential health benefits, which may include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. It is worth noting, however, that sorrel should be used in moderation, as the high levels of oxalate it contains can lead to the formation of kidney stones in some people.
Simvastatin Overview
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Simvastatin is used together with diet, weight-loss, and exercise to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke and to decrease the chance that heart surgery will be needed in people who have heart disease or who are at risk of developing heart disease. Simvastatin is also used to decrease the amount of fatty substances such as low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (''bad cholesterol'') and triglycerides in the blood and to increase the amount of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (''good cholesterol'') in the blood. Simvastatin may also be used to decrease the amount of cholesterol and other fatty substances in the blood in children and teenagers 10 to 17 years of age who have familial heterozygous hypercholesterolemia (an inherited condition in which cholesterol cannot be removed from the body normally). Simvastatin is in a class of medications called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins). It works by slowing the production of cholesterol in the body to decrease the amount of cholesterol that may build up on the walls of the arteries and block blood flow to the heart, brain, and other parts of the body.
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Accumulation of cholesterol and fats along the walls of your arteries (a process known as atherosclerosis) decreases blood flow and, therefore, the oxygen supply to your heart, brain, and other parts of your body. Lowering your blood level of cholesterol and fats with simvastatin has been shown to prevent heart disease, angina (chest pain), strokes, and heart attacks.
Sorrel - More Interactions
Sorrel interacts with 167 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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