Herb & supplement monograph

Andiroba Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

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

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

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Andiroba 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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On this page

Andiroba 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 Andiroba drug interaction appears low for most people. None of the listed interactions are rated major or moderate, and every one is graded minor with weak supporting evidence.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The only category that comes up is anticonvulsants, or seizure medicines. Andiroba contains natural fatty compounds that acted on the same calming brain receptors these drugs target in animal studies, so in theory it could add to their effects. That said, this concern is graded unlikely, meaning it has not been shown to happen in people. Because seizure control is a narrow-margin issue, it is still the one area worth being aware of, but nothing in the data points to a well-documented problem.

What the rest of the list means

A list of dozens of interacting medications can look worrying, but here it mostly reflects one theoretical concern applied across many individual seizure drugs. These entries come from lab and animal findings rather than reports of real harm in people, and the predicted effect has not been confirmed in humans. In practice, that makes this a mild and largely theoretical profile.

Check your medications against Andiroba

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

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Andiroba

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

2,830 drugs
AcetazolamideAk-Zol, Diamox› Aminophylline, Amobarbital, EphedrineAmesec› AmobarbitalAmytal› Amobarbital, Ephedrine SulfateEphedrine & Amytal› Amobarbital, SecobarbitalTuinal› Aprobarbital, Butabarbital, PhenobarbitalTriple Barbital› Belladonna, Caffeine, Ergotamine, PentobarbitalMicomp PB› Belladonna, PhenobarbitalBellophen, Susano› Bellafoline, Caffeine, Ergotamine Tartrate, PentobarbitalCafergot PB› Butalbital, Phenobarbital, SecobarbitalTribarb› CarbamazepineCarbatrol, Carnexiv, Equetro, Tegretol, Tegretol XR› CenobamateXcopri› ClobazamFrisium, Onfi, Sympazan› ClonazepamCeberclon, Klonopin, Rivotril› ClorazepateTranxene, Tranxene SD, Tranxene T-Tab› DiazepamDiastat AcuDial, Valium, Valium injection, Valtoco› Divalproex SodiumDepakote› Ephedrine, Phenobarbital, TheophyllineTedral› EthosuximideZarontin› EthotoinPaganone› FelbamateFelbatol› FosphenytoinCerebyx› Fosphenytoin SodiumSesquient› GabapentinGralise, Neurontin› Gabapentin EnacarbilHorizant› LamotrigineLamictal› LevetiracetamElepsia XR, Keppra, Spritam› LorazepamAtivan› Magnesium Sulfate (prescription Drug)Bilagog, Magnesium Sulfate› MephenytoinMesantoin›
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 Andiroba 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 Andiroba affects

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

All 1 drug category Andiroba interacts with
Anticonvulsants
Anticonvulsants

Andiroba contains fatty acid amides that have shown potential anticonvulsant effects in animal studies. These compounds are believed to act as agonists at gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-A receptors, similar to some anticonvulsant medications. There is a theoretical possibility that combining andiroba with anticonvulsants that also act on GABA receptors could enhance their effects, potentially leading to increased side effects (source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32164340). However, it's important to note that this is based on theoretical considerations, and more studies are needed to understand the actual interaction between andiroba and anticonvulsants in humans.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Monograph

Andiroba: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed June 2026 ·
The bottom line

Andiroba is an oil pressed from the seeds of an Amazonian tree, used mainly on the skin for inflammation, minor wounds, aches, and as an insect repellent. Most evidence comes from laboratory and animal studies, so its benefits in people are not well proven. It is most often used topically; avoid internal use and use during pregnancy or breastfeeding because safety has not been established.

Andiroba
Scientific name
Carapa guianensis
Family
Meliaceae
Part used
Seed oil (mainly), bark, and leaves
Common forms
Topical oil, skin and hair products, soaps, balms, candles (insect repellent)
People commonly use it for
  • Skin care and wound healing
  • Insect repellent
  • Muscle and joint aches
  • Anti-inflammatory skin conditions
  • Hair and scalp care

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

Safety at a glance
OverallUse caution

Generally used on the skin; safety of taking it internally is not well studied.

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

Andiroba (Carapa guianensis) is a tall tropical tree native to the Amazon rainforest and other parts of Central and South America. It is sometimes called Brazilian mahogany or bastard mahogany because of its wood.

The most valued product is a thick, bitter oil pressed from the tree's seeds. People in the Amazon have used andiroba oil for generations, applying it to the skin and using it in soaps, balms, lamp oil, and candles meant to keep insects away.

Today andiroba oil is sold mostly in skin-care, massage, and hair products. The bark and leaves are also used in traditional medicine, though far less commonly than the oil.

How it works

Andiroba oil contains fatty acids such as oleic and palmitic acid, along with bitter plant compounds called limonoids (including gedunin and andirobin) and triterpenes.

Laboratory and animal research suggests these compounds may have anti-inflammatory effects and may help calm irritated tissue. Some studies have explored gedunin for anti-parasite activity, and others have looked at how the oil might support skin and wound healing.

These mechanisms are mostly based on test-tube and animal studies. How much of this carries over to real-world use in humans is still unclear.

Effectiveness

Does Andiroba work?

Here’s what the research actually shows for each use — graded by Natural Medicines and reviewed by .

Evidence overview · 2 uses evaluated
2 Insufficient evidence
How to read these evidence grades

Natural Medicines’ 7-point scale. We show each rating’s label word-for-word.

1EffectiveStrong, consistent evidence it works.
2Likely EffectiveGood evidence, though not yet conclusive.
3Possibly EffectiveSome evidence suggests a benefit.
4Possibly IneffectiveSome evidence it may not help.
5Likely IneffectiveFairly strong evidence it doesn’t help.
6IneffectiveStrong evidence it doesn’t work.
7Insufficient Reliable Evidence to RateToo little research to say either way.

For Andiroba, current evidence isn’t strong enough to rate any specific use. The conditions it has been studied for are listed below.

Also studied for 2 conditions — evidence insufficient to rate
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Mosquito repellent
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if topical andiroba oil is effective as a mosquito repellent.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Oral mucositis
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if topical andiroba oil is beneficial in children with methotrexate-induced oral mucositis.

Source & disclaimer. Effectiveness ratings and evidence summaries are provided by Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) and shown as licensed. Where Natural Medicines hasn’t rated a use, HelloPharmacist’s pharmacists may add their own reviewed rating and evidence (each such entry is labeled). This is educational information, not medical advice — talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing a supplement.

Safety & precautions

Andiroba is most commonly used on the skin, and topical use is generally considered low risk for most people. As with any plant oil, some people may have an allergic or sensitivity reaction.

The safety of taking andiroba by mouth has not been well studied, so internal use is best avoided unless directed by a qualified health professional. Quality and purity can vary between products since supplements are not tightly regulated.

Because safety data are lacking, pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid andiroba. People with allergies to plant oils, those with sensitive skin, and anyone with a serious medical condition should talk to a pharmacist or doctor before using it. When trying it on the skin for the first time, test a small area first.

Side effects

When used on the skin, andiroba oil is usually well tolerated. The most likely problems are skin irritation, redness, or an allergic reaction at the spot where it is applied.

Because the oil is bitter and contains strong plant compounds, swallowing it may cause stomach upset, nausea, or other digestive symptoms. Serious side effects have not been well documented, but this is partly because human safety studies are limited.

Stop using andiroba and seek care if you notice a rash, swelling, trouble breathing, or other signs of an allergic reaction.

Dosing

There is no established standard dose for andiroba. Doses have not been confirmed in reliable human studies.

For topical products, follow the directions on the label. If you are considering any internal use, do not — there is no proven safe amount, and a pharmacist or doctor should be consulted first.

Because product strength and quality vary widely, choose products from reputable brands and ask your pharmacist if you are unsure.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Andiroba & Pregnancy

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Andiroba & 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 3 sources that drive our Andiroba monograph — publicly available pages from reputable medical and government organizations. Every link was verified to work before publishing.

  1. Carapa guianensis (Andiroba) — U.S. National Library of Medicine (PubChem / NCBI) Source
  2. Dietary Supplements: What You Need to Know — NIH Office of Dietary Supplements Source
  3. Using Dietary Supplements Safely — MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) Source
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.

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Andiroba: Common Questions

What is Andiroba used for, and does it work?
People use Andiroba for a range of reasons, but according to the Natural Medicines database the current clinical evidence is insufficient to confirm it works for the specific conditions it has been studied for. See the graded list on this page, and talk to your pharmacist or doctor before relying on it for any condition.
Does Andiroba interact with prescription medications?
Yes. We list 50 medications with a known interaction with Andiroba. Use the checker above to see how Andiroba interacts with a specific drug.
How are Andiroba 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 Andiroba 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 Andiroba 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 Andiroba used for?
It is most commonly used on the skin for inflammation, minor wounds, sore muscles, and as a natural insect repellent. These uses come mostly from tradition and early research rather than strong human studies.
Is Andiroba oil safe to use on the skin?
Topical use is generally well tolerated, but some people may get irritation or an allergic reaction. Test a small area of skin first and stop if you notice redness, rash, or swelling.
Can I take Andiroba by mouth?
Internal use has not been well studied, so it is best avoided unless a qualified health professional advises it. The oil is bitter and may cause stomach upset if swallowed.
Is Andiroba safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
There is not enough safety information, so Andiroba is best avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using it.

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

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