Drug & supplement interaction

Tree Turmeric + Aripiprazole Lauroxil

Aripiprazole Lauroxil brand names: Aristada, Aristada Initio Kit.

Moderate Interaction
The bottom line Moderate

Aripiprazole Lauroxil falls into 3 drug categories that Tree Turmeric can interact with; the most serious is rated moderate. Theoretically, use of tree turmeric along with CNS depressants might increase the risk of additive therapeutic and adverse effects.

Read the full interaction report
SeverityModerate
LikelihoodPossible
Interactions3
EvidenceD
What do Severity, Likelihood & Evidence mean?
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Interaction report

Tree Turmeric and Aripiprazole Lauroxil

These two interact in 3 distinct ways. Each one is explained separately below.

Why Are There 3 Interactions?

Tree Turmeric interacts with whole categories of medication. Aripiprazole Lauroxil falls into 3 of those categories, so it can interact with Tree Turmeric in 3 different ways. We’ve listed each one below — your overall risk is driven by the most serious of them (Moderate).

Moderate

CNS DEPRESSANTS

1 of 3

Why this applies to Aripiprazole Lauroxil

Aripiprazole Lauroxil falls under CNS DEPRESSANTS — the group Tree Turmeric interacts with.

Theoretically, use of tree turmeric along with CNS depressants might increase the risk of additive therapeutic and adverse effects.
Animal research suggests that berberine, a constituent of tree turmeric, can have sedative effects.
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 simple version for Aristada (the long-acting aripiprazole injection you get every few weeks). Tree turmeric contains berberine, and in animal studies berberine seemed to have a mild calming, sedative effect. Since aripiprazole can already cause drowsiness, sleepiness, or dizziness in some people, pairing the two might add up and leave you feeling more tired or foggy than usual.

I want to be honest about how thin this evidence is. This concern comes only from lab and animal research, not from human studies, so it's theoretical. It isn't about your liver clearing the drug faster or slower, just a possible overlap in calming effects. Before adding a berberine or tree turmeric supplement, check with your pharmacist or prescriber, and pay attention to any extra drowsiness.

References
  1. Janbaz KH, Gilani AH. Studies on preventive and curative effects of berberine on chemical-induced hepatotoxicity in rodents. Fitoterapia 2000;71:25-33.. PubMed
  2. Shanbhag, S. M., Kulkarni, H. J., and Gaitonde, B. B. Pharmacological actions of berberine on the central nervous system. Jpn.J Pharmacol 1970;20(4):482-487. PubMed
  3. Peng, W. H., Hsieh, M. T., and Wu, C. R. Effect of long-term administration of berberine on scopolamine-induced amnesia in rats. Jpn J Pharmacol 1997;74(3):261-266. DOI
  4. Sabir M and Bhide NK. Study of some pharmacological actions of berberine. Ind J Physiol & Pharmac 1971;15(3):111-132.
Moderate

CYTOCHROME P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) SUBSTRATES

2 of 3

Aripiprazole Lauroxil also falls under CYTOCHROME P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) SUBSTRATES.

Theoretically, tree turmeric might increase the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
In vitro research and preliminary clinical evidence suggest that berberine, a constituent of tree turmeric, can inhibit CYP2D6.
Severity Moderate Likelihood Possible Evidence B

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: your body uses an enzyme called CYP2D6 to help clear aripiprazole (the active drug in Aristada injections). The berberine in tree turmeric may slow that enzyme down a bit. If clearance slows, more aripiprazole can linger in your system, which could nudge up side effects like restlessness, trouble sleeping, drowsiness, slight shakiness, or feeling lightheaded.

That said, this is mostly theoretical, built on lab work and some early human data, so it's not a sure thing. Since Aristada is a long-acting shot you can't simply 'take less' of, it's worth a quick chat with your pharmacist or prescriber before adding any berberine supplement. Don't change your injection schedule on your own.

References
  1. Chatterjee P, Franklin MR. Human cytochrome p450 inhibition and metabolic-intermediate complex formation by goldenseal extract and its methylenedioxyphenyl components. Drug Metab Dispos 2003;31:1391-7. PubMed
  2. 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
  3. Hermann, R. and von, Richter O. Clinical evidence of herbal drugs as perpetrators of pharmacokinetic drug interactions. Planta Med 2012;78(13):1458-1477. PubMed
Moderate

CYTOCHROME P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) SUBSTRATES

3 of 3

Aripiprazole Lauroxil also falls under CYTOCHROME P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) SUBSTRATES.

Theoretically, tree turmeric might increase the levels and clinical effects of drugs that are substrates of CYP3A4.
In vitro research and preliminary clinical evidence suggest that berberine, a constituent of tree turmeric, moderately inhibits CYP3A4.
Severity Moderate Likelihood Probable Evidence A

Interaction 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..

Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Dr. Brian Staiger explains PharmD, Clinical Pharmacist

Here's the gist: your body uses an enzyme called CYP3A4 to help clear aripiprazole out of your system. The berberine in tree turmeric can slow that enzyme down. When that happens, aripiprazole may linger longer and build up, which can mean stronger effects and a bit more in the way of side effects, things like drowsiness, restlessness, dizziness, tremor, or feeling more sedated than usual.

One thing to keep in mind with the Aristada injection: it's long-acting, so any extra buildup wouldn't be quick to undo. The good news is this is mostly a theoretical concern based on lab and early human data, so don't panic. Just don't start a berberine or tree turmeric supplement without first checking with your pharmacist or prescriber.

References
  1. Wu X, Li Q, Xin H, Yu A, Zhong M. Effects of berberine on the blood concentration of cyclosporin A in renal transplanted recipients: clinical and pharmacokinetic study. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2005;61:567-72. PubMed
  2. Budzinski JW, Foster BC, Vandenhoek S, Arnason JT. An in vitro evaluation of human cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibition by selected commercial herbal extracts and tinctures. Phytomedicine 2000;7:273-82. PubMed
  3. 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
  4. Hermann, R. and von, Richter O. Clinical evidence of herbal drugs as perpetrators of pharmacokinetic drug interactions. Planta Med 2012;78(13):1458-1477. PubMed

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

Tree Turmeric Also Interacts With Other Medications

Tree Turmeric has 2 major, 1,157 moderate known drug interactions in our database — the Aripiprazole Lauroxil one above is among them. If you take anything else, check it against the full list below.

Taking anything else?

Check Another of Your Medications Against Tree Turmeric

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

Everything else you take

See Every Supplement That Interacts With Aripiprazole Lauroxil

This page covers Tree Turmeric only. If you take other supplements — a multivitamin, a sleep aid, something for joints — the Aripiprazole Lauroxil page lists 233 supplements it has a documented interaction with, worst first, each one explained.

The most serious there right now: 1,4-butanediol (major), American Hellebore (major), Arsenic (major), Beer (major) and Cesium (major).

By severity: 16 major · 187 moderate · 30 minor.

From our pharmacist’s overview on the Aripiprazole Lauroxil page

“Aripiprazole lauroxil (Aristada) is a long-acting antipsychotic injection, and because each dose keeps working for weeks, a bad supplement pairing cannot be undone by skipping a pill. So the 16 major-rated entries among its 233 interactions on file deserve to be understood first.”

Reviewed by 2 · Jul 18, 2026

Open the Aripiprazole Lauroxil interaction page

One more smart check

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

We hold 51 real supplement products containing Tree Turmeric, each one broken down to its full ingredient list — and combination products often carry several ingredients besides Tree Turmeric. Your product may carry other ingredients that interact with Aripiprazole Lauroxil too, on top of Tree Turmeric — 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 Tree Turmeric and Aripiprazole Lauroxil 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 Tree Turmeric
Top half

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

29 days ago today
Medication Aripiprazole Lauroxil
Top half

#710 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 Tree Turmeric

What is Tree Turmeric?

  • Blood sugar support
  • High cholesterol
  • Digestive complaints
  • Skin and eye conditions
  • Antimicrobial uses
  • Liver support

Tree turmeric (Berberis aristata) is a shrub used in traditional Indian (Ayurvedic) medicine, valued mainly for its berberine content. Early research suggests possible benefits for blood sugar and cholesterol, but high-quality human evidence is limited. Talk with your pharmacist or doctor before using it, and avoid it during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Read the full Tree Turmeric monograph & all interactions
Medication

About Aripiprazole Injection

What Is Aripiprazole Injection Used For?

Brand names: Aristada, Aristada Initio Kit

Aripiprazole injection is used to treat schizophrenia and to provide maintenance treatment for bipolar I disorder in adults. Different injectable products carry these approvals.

Abilify Asimtufii is approved for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults and as maintenance monotherapy for bipolar I disorder in adults. Aristada is approved for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults, with Aristada Initio used specifically to help start Aristada therapy.

See full Aripiprazole Injection drug information
Keep checking

Other Drugs & Tree Turmeric

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

2Major
1,157Moderate
0Minor
1,670No known interaction
Major

2 interactions

Moderate

1,157 interactions

Showing 60 of 1,157 moderate interactions — see all 1,157 on the Tree Turmeric page.

No interaction 1,670 drugs checked — show the list
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

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Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Taking Tree Turmeric and Aripiprazole Lauroxil Together: Common Questions

Can you take Tree Turmeric with Aripiprazole Lauroxil?
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 3 interactions listed for Tree Turmeric and Aripiprazole Lauroxil?
Aripiprazole Lauroxil belongs to more than one drug category, and Tree Turmeric 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 Tree Turmeric and Aripiprazole Lauroxil 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

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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.