Herb & supplement monograph

Arenaria Rubra Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

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

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

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Arenaria Rubra 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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Arenaria Rubra 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 Arenaria Rubra drug interaction appears low for most people, since none of its known interactions are firmly documented in humans. No interaction is rated major, and while all are rated moderate, they rest on theoretical or laboratory evidence rather than well-controlled human studies.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The pairing that stands out most involves acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, Alzheimer's medicines such as donepezil and rivastigmine. Arenaria Rubra may act on the same brain enzyme these drugs target, so taking them together could theoretically add to their effects on acetylcholine. Because these medicines are dosed carefully for people with memory conditions, we think this combination deserves the closest look, even though the concern has not been confirmed in people.

What the rest of the list means

A list of over a dozen interacting medications can look worrying, but here it mostly reflects predicted overlap in how Arenaria Rubra and these drugs act in the body. None of these effects has been proven to cause meaningful problems in people, so most combinations are a matter of sensible caution rather than a known hazard.

Check your medications against Arenaria Rubra

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

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Arenaria Rubra

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

2,830 drugs
Ambenonium ChlorideMytelase› DemecariumHumorsol› DonepezilAricept› Donepezil (patch)Adlarity› EchothiophatePhospholine Iodide› EdrophoniumEnlon, Reversol, Tensilon› Edrophonium, AtropineEnlon-Plus› GalantamineRazadyne, Reminyl› Galantamine Extended ReleaseRazadyne ER› IsoflurophateFloropryl› Memantine, DonepezilNamzaric› Neostigmine BromideProstigmin, Prostigmin Injection› Neostigmine MethylsulfateBloxiverz› PhysostigmineAntilirium, Eserine› Pyridostigmine BromideMestinon, Regonol› RivastigmineExelon, Exelon Patch› TacrineCognex› "phentolamineOraVerse, Rogitine, Ryzumvi› 6-mercaptopurinePurinethol› Ado-trastuzumab EmtansineKadcyla› AbacavirZiagen› Abacavir Sulfate, Dolutegravir, LamivudineTriumeq› Abacavir, LamivudineEpzicom› AbaloparatideTymlos› AbametapirXeglyze› AbarelixPlenaxis› AbciximabReoPro› AbemaciclibVerzenio› Abiraterone› Abiraterone AcetateYonsa, Zytiga›
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 Arenaria Rubra 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 Arenaria Rubra affects

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

All 1 drug category Arenaria Rubra interacts with
Acetylcholinesterase (ache) Inhibitors
Acetylcholinesterase (Ache) Inhibitors

Arenaria rubra, by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, may theoretically interact with other acetylcholinesterase inhibitors like donepezil and rivastigmine, commonly used in Alzheimer's disease treatment. This interaction could potentially lead to additive effects on acetylcholine levels in the brain. While this might initially seem beneficial in increasing the stimulation of nicotinic and muscarinic receptors, it also raises the risk of additive cholinergic side effects. These side effects could include symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive salivation, sweating, bradycardia, and potentially more severe effects like bronchoconstriction or seizures. Caution should be exercised when combining acetylcholinesterase drugs and Arenaria rubra.

Likelihood Possible Evidence C
Monograph

Arenaria Rubra: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed June 2026 ·
The bottom line

Arenaria rubra (Spergularia rubra) is a small herb used in folk medicine, mainly for urinary and kidney complaints. Modern evidence is very limited and comes mostly from laboratory studies, so its benefits in people are not proven. Talk with a pharmacist or doctor before using it, especially if you have a medical condition or are pregnant.

Arenaria Rubra
Scientific name
Spergularia rubra
Family
Caryophyllaceae
Part used
Above-ground parts (aerial parts)
Common forms
Tea (infusion), dried herb, liquid extracts
People commonly use it for
  • Urinary and bladder complaints
  • Kidney stones ("stone-breaking")
  • Mild diuretic
  • Traditional digestive support
  • Antioxidant interest

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.

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Overview

Arenaria rubra is a common name for the plant known scientifically as Spergularia rubra. It is a small, low-growing herb in the carnation family. Other names include red sand-spurrey, purple sandwort, and "casse-pierre," a French term meaning "stone-breaker."

The plant grows in sandy or gravelly soils across North America, Europe, Russia, Asia, and Australia. The above-ground parts are the portion most often used. In traditional and folk medicine it has been brewed into teas, mainly for problems involving the urinary tract and kidneys.

How it works

Arenaria rubra contains a mix of natural compounds, including triterpene saponins, phenolic compounds (such as C-glycosyl flavones), organic acids (like oxalic, citric, malic, and quinic acid), resins, and various fatty acids.

In laboratory tests, extracts of the plant have shown antioxidant effects, meaning they can neutralize certain free radicals. Test-tube studies also report that it can inhibit enzymes such as alpha-glucosidase (which breaks down carbohydrates) and acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase (enzymes that break down a brain chemical called acetylcholine). Based on this, researchers have wondered whether it could play a role in blood sugar or Alzheimer's research.

It is important to understand that these are early, mostly lab-based findings. What happens in a test tube does not always happen in the human body, and these mechanisms have not been confirmed in clinical use.

Effectiveness

Does Arenaria Rubra 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 Arenaria Rubra, 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 Kidney stones (nephrolithiasis)
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral arenaria rubra for kidney stones, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of arenaria rubra for this condition.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral arenaria rubra for UTIs, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of arenaria rubra for this condition.

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

There is very little reliable information about how safe Arenaria rubra is in humans. Because it has not been well studied, its long-term safety, ideal dose, and possible risks are not clearly known.

The plant contains oxalic acid. Foods and herbs high in oxalates may be a concern for people prone to certain types of kidney stones, so use caution if you have a history of kidney stones or kidney disease and speak with your doctor first.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is not enough safety information for these situations. To be safe, avoid using Arenaria rubra if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Children, older adults, and anyone with a chronic illness should also be cautious and check with a healthcare professional before using it.

Side effects

Because Arenaria rubra has not been carefully studied in people, its full side effect profile is unknown. As with many herbal teas and extracts, possible reactions could include digestive upset or, rarely, an allergic reaction in sensitive people.

If used as a diuretic, increased urination could in theory affect fluid and electrolyte balance. Stop using it and seek medical care if you notice signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, swelling, or trouble breathing.

Dosing

There is no established or standardized dose for Arenaria rubra. Reliable dosing studies in humans are lacking, so a safe and effective amount has not been defined.

If you choose to use a commercial product, follow the directions on the label and do not exceed the recommended amount. Because quality and strength can vary widely between products, it is best to talk with a pharmacist or doctor before starting, especially if you take medications or have a health condition.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Arenaria Rubra & Pregnancy

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Arenaria Rubra & 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 2 sources that drive our Arenaria Rubra monograph — publicly available pages from reputable medical and government organizations. Every link was verified to work before publishing.

  1. Using Dietary Supplements Wisely — NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Source
  2. Herbal Medicine — MedlinePlus (NIH) 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

Arenaria Rubra: Common Questions

What is Arenaria Rubra used for, and does it work?
People use Arenaria Rubra 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 Arenaria Rubra interact with prescription medications?
Yes. We list 17 medications with a known interaction with Arenaria Rubra. Use the checker above to see how Arenaria Rubra interacts with a specific drug.
How are Arenaria Rubra 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 Arenaria Rubra 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 Arenaria Rubra 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 Arenaria Rubra used for?
It is used in traditional medicine mainly for urinary and bladder complaints, as a mild diuretic, and as a folk remedy for kidney stones. These uses are based on tradition, not on strong scientific proof.
Is Arenaria Rubra safe?
Its safety in humans is not well known because it has not been studied much. Use it cautiously, follow product labels, and check with a pharmacist or doctor first.
Can I take Arenaria Rubra during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
No reliable safety data exist for these situations, so it is best to avoid it during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Does Arenaria Rubra really break up kidney stones?
Its nickname "stone-breaker" comes from folk use, but there is no solid human evidence that it dissolves or breaks up kidney stones. See a doctor for kidney stone treatment.

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

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