Herb & supplement monograph

Arum Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

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

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

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Arum 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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Arum 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 Arum drug interaction appears low for most people. Only one interaction is documented, it is rated minor, and no major or moderate interactions have been reported.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The one interaction worth knowing about involves iron. Arum contains oxalate, a natural compound that can bind to iron in the gut and reduce how much of it the body absorbs. This is well documented in people, but the effect is graded minor, so it matters mainly for someone taking iron to correct a deficiency, where getting the full dose absorbed is the whole point. No interactions affecting bleeding risk, blood sugar, blood pressure, or other closely monitored medicines have been reported.

What the rest of the list means

Arum's interaction profile is unusually short, which reflects both limited research and the nature of the one effect that has been found. Binding a mineral in the gut is a physical effect on absorption, not a change in how the body processes medications, so it does not suggest broader problems with other drugs. As things stand, the data points to a supplement with very little documented interaction potential.

Check your medications against Arum

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

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Arum

1 medication has a known interaction with Arum, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

2,830 drugs
Ferrous SulfateFeosol› "phentolamineOraVerse, Rogitine, Ryzumvi› 6-mercaptopurinePurinethol› Ado-trastuzumab EmtansineKadcyla› AbacavirZiagen› Abacavir Sulfate, Dolutegravir, LamivudineTriumeq› Abacavir, LamivudineEpzicom› AbaloparatideTymlos› AbametapirXeglyze› AbarelixPlenaxis› AbciximabReoPro› AbemaciclibVerzenio› Abiraterone› Abiraterone AcetateYonsa, Zytiga› AbrocitinibCibinqo› AcalabrutinibCalquence› AcamprosateCampral› AcarboseGlucobay, Prandase, Precose› AcebutololRhotral, Sectral› AcenocoumarolSintrom› AcepromazineAtravet› AcetaminophenChildren's Tylenol, Children's Tylenol Meltaways, Tylenol, Tylenol Ex Strength› Acetaminophen, AspirinGemnisyn› Acetaminophen, Aspirin, CaffeineExcedrin, Excedrin Extra Strength, Excedrin Migraine› Acetaminophen, Brompheniramine, PhenylpropanolamineDimetapp Cold and Flu› 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›
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 Arum 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 Arum affects

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

All 1 drug category Arum interacts with
Iron
Iron

Arum contains oxalate, which can bind to multivalent metal ions in the gastrointestinal tract, such as iron, and reduce their absorption.

Likelihood Likely Evidence C
Monograph

Arum: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed July 2026 ·
The bottom line

Arum is a traditional European plant whose root has been used in folk medicine, but there is essentially no reliable human research to support any health benefit. The raw plant is toxic and irritating because of calcium oxalate crystals, so it should not be eaten or used casually. We do not recommend using Arum as a supplement, especially during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Arum
Scientific name
Arum maculatum
Family
Araceae
Part used
Root (tuber), and sometimes leaves
Common forms
Dried root preparations, tinctures, and traditional folk remedies
People commonly use it for
  • Coughs and chest congestion
  • Sore throat
  • Promoting sweating (diaphoretic)
  • Skin and wart remedies (topical folk use)
  • Digestive complaints

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

Safety at a glance
OverallBest avoided

The raw plant is toxic and irritating, and safe doses have not been established.

PregnancyLikely Unsafe

When used orally because of its toxicity; avoid using.

Read the full pregnancy detail
BreastfeedingLikely Unsafe

When used orally because of its toxicity; 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

Arum is a genus of flowering plants in the arum family (Araceae). The best-known species, Arum maculatum, is often called cuckoo pint, lords-and-ladies, or adder's root. It grows wild in woodlands and shady, damp areas across Europe and parts of North America, and is recognized by its arrow-shaped leaves and bright red berries.

In traditional folk medicine, the root (tuber) was used after drying or cooking to reduce its strong irritant effect. People historically used it to help loosen mucus, ease coughs, and promote sweating. Today, Arum is rarely used and is not a common ingredient in modern supplements.

It is important to know that the fresh plant—including the leaves, berries, and root—is considered toxic and is not safe to eat or use without proper processing.

How it works

The Arum root contains several natural compounds, including plant proteins called lectins (such as agglutinins), a fiber called glucomannan, sharp calcium oxalate crystals, and small amounts of cyanogenic glycosides.

The calcium oxalate crystals are needle-shaped and cause intense irritation and burning when the raw plant touches the mouth, throat, or skin. Traditional preparation methods like drying or heating were used to break these down. The plant's effects on coughing and sweating, where claimed, have not been clearly explained or confirmed by modern science.

Most of what we know about Arum's compounds comes from laboratory studies, not from research in people. These findings do not prove that Arum has any safe or useful medical effect.

Effectiveness

Does Arum work?

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

Evidence overview · 1 use evaluated
1 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 Arum, current evidence isn’t strong enough to rate any specific use. The conditions it has been studied for are listed below.

Also studied for 1 condition — evidence insufficient to rate
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Pharyngitis
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral arum for pharyngitis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of arum for this purpose.

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

Arum should be treated as a toxic plant. Eating the raw root, leaves, or berries can cause severe burning and swelling of the mouth, throat, and digestive tract because of the oxalate crystals. The bright red berries are especially dangerous if swallowed by children or pets.

Because safe amounts and safe preparation methods are not well established, we recommend most people avoid using Arum altogether. People with kidney problems, swallowing difficulties, or sensitive stomachs should be especially careful.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is no reliable safety information for Arum during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Given its toxicity and the lack of data, pregnant and nursing people should avoid it completely.

Always talk with a pharmacist or doctor before using any unfamiliar herbal product.

Side effects

The most common problems come from the plant's irritant crystals. These can cause a burning sensation in the mouth and throat, swelling of the lips and tongue, drooling, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and difficulty swallowing.

Skin contact with the sap can cause redness, irritation, and blistering. Severe poisoning, though less common, can lead to significant swelling of the airway. Swallowing the berries is a poisoning risk, particularly in children.

If someone eats any part of this plant and develops mouth swelling, breathing trouble, or repeated vomiting, seek medical help or contact a poison control center right away.

Arum: Reported Adverse Effects

Documented safety reports on Arum from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database, shown word-for-word from the licensed record.

When used orally, arum may be unsafe.

Most Common Adverse Effects:

Orally: Bloody diarrhea, bloody vomiting, burning of the oral mucous membranes, and swelling of the tongue, lips, and palate.

Reports by condition
Diarrhea Gastrointestinal

Orally, arum has been reported to cause burning of the oral mucous membranes, likely due to its oxalate crystal content. The immediate burning sensation caused by arum is thought to limit its oral intake, possibly reducing the likelihood for arum toxicity. Arum has also been reported to cause bloody vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and swelling of the tongue, lips, and palate in some people.

  1. Prakash Raju KNJ, Goel K, Anandhi D, Pandit VR, Surendar R, Sasikumar M. Wild tuber poisoning: Arum maculatum - A rare case report. Int J Crit Illn Inj Sci. 2018;8(2):111-114.
  2. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
  3. Mrvos, R., Dean, B. S., and Krenzelok, E. P. Philodendron/dieffenbachia ingestions: are they a problem? J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 1991;29(4):485-491.
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.

Adverse-effects data: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

Dosing

There is no established or standardized safe dose for Arum. Because the plant is toxic and human research is lacking, no trustworthy dosing guidelines exist.

We do not recommend taking Arum. If you encounter a product that contains it, do not use it without first checking with a pharmacist or doctor, and never prepare or eat the raw plant yourself.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Arum & Pregnancy

Likely Unsafe

When used orally because of its toxicity; avoid using.

  1. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.

Arum & Breastfeeding

Likely Unsafe

When used orally because of its toxicity; avoid using.

  1. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
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 references that drive our Arum 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. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
  2. Mrvos, R., Dean, B. S., and Krenzelok, E. P. Philodendron/dieffenbachia ingestions: are they a problem? J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 1991;29(4):485-491. PubMed
  3. Prakash Raju KNJ, Goel K, Anandhi D, Pandit VR, Surendar R, Sasikumar M. Wild tuber poisoning: Arum maculatum - A rare case report. Int J Crit Illn Inj Sci. 2018;8(2):111-114. 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

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Arum: Common Questions

What is Arum used for, and does it work?
People use Arum 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 Arum interact with prescription medications?
Yes. We list 1 medication with a known interaction with Arum. Use the checker above to see how Arum interacts with a specific drug.
How are Arum 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 Arum 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 Arum 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 Arum used for?
Traditionally, the dried root was used in folk medicine for coughs, congestion, sore throat, and to promote sweating. There is no solid scientific evidence that it works for any of these.
Is Arum safe to take?
No. The plant is considered toxic because of sharp oxalate crystals that cause severe burning and swelling, and no safe dose has been established. We recommend avoiding it.
Can I use Arum during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
No. There is no safety data, and because the plant is toxic, pregnant and breastfeeding people should avoid it entirely.
What happens if a child or pet eats the red berries?
The berries are poisonous and can cause painful mouth swelling, drooling, and vomiting. Contact a poison control center or seek medical care immediately.

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

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