Herb & supplement monograph

Adrue Drug Interactions, Uses, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by ·Updated June 2026
What is this page for?

First and foremost: how Adrue interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Adrue is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Adrue is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

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Adrue Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

From the HelloPharmacist Editorial Team · Updated July 2026

Based on the available evidence, the overall risk of a clinically significant Adrue drug interaction appears low for most people, with the main caution involving sedating medications. None of the listed interactions are rated major, and every one rests on animal research or theory rather than documented effects in humans.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The interactions that deserve the most attention all involve medicines that cause drowsiness. In animal studies, Adrue taken with certain sedatives increased total sleep time three to four fold, so combining it with benzodiazepines such as diazepam or lorazepam, barbiturates, or other CNS depressants could in theory deepen sedation and slow reflexes. This has not been confirmed in people, but extra drowsiness would matter for anyone who drives or needs to stay alert on these medicines.

What the rest of the list means

Although Adrue's interaction list covers hundreds of medications, nearly all of them reflect this single theoretical concern about added sedation, applied across the many drugs that can cause drowsiness. No harmful combination has actually been shown in humans, so a long list here signals a shared precaution rather than proven problems with each medicine.

Check your medications against Adrue

Based on HelloPharmacist’s Adrue interaction data and reviewed under our editorial standards.

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Adrue

256 medications have a known interaction with Adrue, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

2,830 drugs
AcepromazineAtravet› Acetaminophen, ButalbitalAxocet, Bancap, Bucet, Butex Forte, Esgic CF, Orbivan CF +5 more› Acetaminophen, Butalbital, CaffeineEsgic, Esgic Plus, Fiogesic, Fioricet, Repan, Tecnal +1 more› Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, CodeineEsgic with Codeine, Fioricet w/ Codeine› Acetaminophen, Butalbital, CodeineBancap w/ Codeine› Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine PhosphatePhrenilin #3› Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, PhenylephrineHycomine Compound› Acetaminophen, Caffeine, CodeineGesic C15, Gesic C30, Gesic C8, Lenoltec 1, Lenoltec 2, Lenoltec 3 +1 more› Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, SalicylamideCodalan No.1, Codalan No.2, Codalan No.3› Acetaminophen, Caffeine, DihydrocodeineDHC Plus, Panlor DC, Panlor SS› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, PhenylephrineColrex› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, OpiumHista-Derfule› Acetaminophen, Chlorzoxazone, CodeineAcetazone Forte C8, Parafon Forte C8› Acetaminophen, CodeineTylenol No.3, Tylenol w/ Codeine› Acetaminophen, Codeine, DoxylamineMersyndol› Acetaminophen, Codeine, MethocarbamolAcetaminophen, Codeine, Methocarbamol, Robaxacet 8› Acetaminophen, Dichloralantipyrine, IsomethepteneAmidrine, Midchlor, Migquin, Migratine› Acetaminophen, Dichloralphenazone, IsomethepteneMidrin› Acetaminophen, Dichlorophenazone, IsometheptaneIsocom› Acetaminophen, DiphenhydramineTylenol PM, Tylenol PM Ex Strength› Acetaminophen, Diphenhydramine, PseudoephedrineChildren's Tylenol Allergy, Cold Control, Contac Night Allergy Relief› Acetaminophen, HydrocodoneAnexsia, Anodynos DHC, Azdone, Co-Gesic, Doucet, Lorcet +9 more› Acetaminophen, MeperidineDemerol APAP› Acetaminophen, OxycodonePercocet, Roxicet, Tylox, Xartemis XR› Acetaminophen, PentazocineTalacen› Acetaminophen, PropoxypheneDarvocet-N 100, Darvocet-N 50, E-Lor, Wygesic› AcetazolamideAk-Zol, Diamox› AlfentanilAlfenta› AlprazolamNiravam, Xanax› Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin Codeine #2›
Read The List Like a Pharmacist

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

  • Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
  • Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
  • Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
  • No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

  • Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
  • Probable. 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.
  • Possible. 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
  • Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

  • Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
  • Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Adrue combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
  • Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.
The big picture

The kinds of drugs Adrue affects

Every type of medication (drug category) Adrue is known to interact with. Open any category for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

All 3 drug categories Adrue interacts with
BarbituratesBenzodiazepinesCns Depressants
Barbiturates

Animal research suggests that taking adrue in combination with sodium thiopental increases total sleep time three-fold compared to the effects of sodium thiopental alone. Theoretically, concomitant use of adrue and barbiturates might increase the risk of drowsiness and motor reflex depression. Some barbiturates include amobarbital (Amytal), butabarbital (Butisol), mephobarbital (Mebaral), pentobarbital (Nembutal), phenobarbital (Luminal), secobarbital (Seconal), and others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Benzodiazepines

Animal research suggests that taking adrue in combination with diazepam increases total sleep time four-fold compared to the effects of diazepam alone. Theoretically, concomitant use adrue and benzodiazepines might increase the risk of drowsiness and motor reflex depression. Some benzodiazepines include clonazepam (Klonopin), diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), and others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cns Depressants

Animal research suggests that taking adrue in combination with sodium thiopental or diazepam increases total sleep time up to four-fold compared to the effects of the drugs alone. Theoretically, concomitant use of adrue with CNS depressants might cause additive sedation. Some CNS depressants include benzodiazepines, such as diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), triazolam (Halcion), and estazolam (ProSom); barbiturates, such as mephobarbital (Mebaral), phenobarbital (Luminal Sodium), and pentobarbital sodium (Nembutal); zolpidem (Ambien); and others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Monograph

Adrue: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed June 2026 ·
The bottom line

Adrue (Cyperus articulatus) is a sedge whose rhizome has long been used in traditional medicine for nausea and other stomach complaints, and as a mild calming agent. Solid human studies are lacking, so its real benefits and safe doses are not well established. Talk to a pharmacist or doctor before using it, and avoid it during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Adrue
Scientific name
Cyperus articulatus
Family
Cyperaceae
Part used
Rhizome (underground stem) and tubers; sometimes the essential oil
Common forms
Dried rhizome, powder, tea or decoction, traditional preparations, essential oil
People commonly use it for
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Digestive upset, gas, and diarrhea
  • Calming or sedative effect
  • Traditional use for fevers and infections

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance
OverallLimited data

Human safety data are very limited, so use cautiously and under professional guidance.

PregnancyInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full pregnancy detail
BreastfeedingInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

Jump to a section

Overview

Adrue is the common name for Cyperus articulatus, a flowering plant in the sedge family (Cyperaceae). It is also called jointed flatsedge, Guinea rush, and piripiri. It grows in wet, marshy areas across tropical and subtropical parts of the world, including Africa, South America, and the Caribbean.

The part most often used in traditional medicine is the rhizome, which is the plant's underground stem, along with its small tubers. These have a pleasant, somewhat earthy aroma. People traditionally prepare it as a tea or decoction, chew the dried root, or use it in other folk remedies.

Historically, Adrue has been used to settle the stomach, ease nausea, and as a mild calming or sedative agent. It also appears in folk remedies for fevers, infections, and other complaints.

Uses & effectiveness

People most commonly use Adrue for nausea, indigestion, gas, and diarrhea. It has also been used traditionally as a sedative and for fevers, parasites, and skin or scalp care.

It is important to be honest about the evidence: most of what we know comes from traditional use and from laboratory or animal studies. There are very few, if any, good-quality human clinical trials showing that Adrue works for any specific health condition. Some lab research suggests the plant's compounds may have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, or calming-type effects, but lab and animal findings do not always carry over to people.

In short, the evidence for Adrue is preliminary and insufficient. It should not replace proven treatments for nausea, infections, or any medical problem.

How it works

The rhizome of Cyperus articulatus contains an essential oil rich in aromatic compounds called sesquiterpenes, along with other plant chemicals. These compounds are thought to be responsible for its smell and its possible biological effects.

Researchers have suggested, mostly from laboratory and animal studies, that these compounds may relax the digestive tract, affect the nervous system in a calming way, or fight certain microbes. These are proposed mechanisms, not proven actions in humans.

Because the exact active ingredients and how they behave in the human body are not well understood, it is not possible to say with confidence how Adrue produces any benefit a person might feel.

Safety & precautions

There is very little reliable human safety information about Adrue. Because of this, it is best used cautiously and with advice from a pharmacist or doctor.

People who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid Adrue, since there is no good evidence that it is safe for the baby. People with chronic health conditions, those taking prescription medicines, children, and older adults should also be cautious and check with a health professional first.

As with any herbal product, quality and purity can vary between brands. Products may be mislabeled or contaminated, so choose reputable sources and stop use if you have any unusual symptoms.

Side effects

The full side effect profile of Adrue is not well documented. Because it has been used as a stomach remedy, some people may notice mild digestive effects such as upset stomach.

Allergic reactions are possible with any plant product. Stop using Adrue and seek medical care if you develop a rash, itching, swelling, or trouble breathing.

Because it has been used traditionally as a sedative, it is reasonable to be cautious about possible drowsiness, though this is not well studied in humans.

Dosing

There is no established standardized dose for Adrue. Traditional use varies widely, and reliable human studies have not defined a safe and effective amount.

If you choose to use a commercial product, follow the directions on the label and do not exceed them. A pharmacist can help you review the product and decide whether it is appropriate for you.

Do not use Adrue as a substitute for medical care, especially for ongoing nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or signs of infection, which may need proper diagnosis and treatment.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Adrue & Pregnancy

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Adrue & Breastfeeding

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 1 references that drive our Adrue monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

  1. Rakotonirina, V. S., Bum, E. N., Rakotonirina, A., and Bopelet, M. Sedative properties of the decoction of the rhizome of Cyperus articulatus. Fitoterapia 2001;72(1):22-29. PubMed
Keep reading

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.

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

Brand directory

Brands that make products with Adrue

1 brand in our database make a supplement containing Adrue.

Product directory

Supplement products with Adrue

6 products in our database contain Adrue. Open any to see its full ingredient list and every drug interaction we check.

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Adrue: Common Questions

Does Adrue interact with prescription medications?
Yes. We list 256 medications with a known interaction with Adrue. Use the checker above to see how Adrue interacts with a specific drug.
How are Adrue interactions rated?
Each interaction is graded major, moderate, or minor based on how clinically significant it is and the strength of the evidence behind it. Major interactions are the most serious and are best avoided, or used only under close professional supervision.
Is it safe to take Adrue with my medications?
It depends on the specific medication. Some combinations are fine, while others call for monitoring, timing changes, or should be avoided. Check your exact drug above and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing anything.
Where does this Adrue interaction information come from?
Our interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database — an evidence-graded reference for vitamins, herbs, and supplements — and is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists, who may add clinical context.
What is Adrue used for?
Adrue (Cyperus articulatus) is used in traditional medicine mainly for nausea, indigestion, gas, and diarrhea, and as a mild calming or sedative agent. Good human studies confirming these uses are lacking.
Is Adrue safe to take?
There is not enough reliable human safety data to call it clearly safe. Use it cautiously, choose reputable products, and check with a pharmacist or doctor first.
Can I use Adrue during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
No. Because there is no good safety information, it is best to avoid Adrue if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
How is Adrue usually taken?
Traditionally the dried rhizome is made into a tea or decoction, chewed, or used in folk preparations. There is no standardized dose, so follow the product label and ask a pharmacist for guidance.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Keep exploring

Products that contain Adrue

A rotating sample of real supplements in our database that list Adrue — open any to see its full ingredients and every drug interaction we check.

See all 6 products with Adrue →
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