Herb & supplement monograph

Ashitaba Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS ·Updated June 2026

What is this page for?

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

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Ashitaba 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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Reviewed by licensed pharmacists Sourced from Natural Medicines

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Ashitaba 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 Ashitaba drug interaction appears low for most people. Every listed interaction is rated moderate, and all of them trace back to a single lab-based finding that has not been confirmed in humans.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The one issue worth knowing about involves CYP1A2 substrates, a large group of medications the body clears using a particular liver enzyme. Lab research suggests ashitaba may slow this enzyme, which in theory could let levels of those medications build up and raise the chance of side effects. So far this has not been reported in people, so it is a precaution rather than a proven problem, but some caution makes sense with medicines that depend heavily on this enzyme.

What the rest of the list means

The long list of medications can look alarming, but it reflects one theoretical mechanism applied to every drug that enzyme processes, not evidence of real harm from each combination. Because the finding comes from lab studies only, most of these pairings may never cause a meaningful change in people.

Check your medications against Ashitaba

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

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Ashitaba

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

Don’t want to scroll the list? Just ask.

Tell us the medications you take and we’ll check each one against Ashitaba using our pharmacist-reviewed interaction data.

AI summaries are generated from our Ashitaba interaction data for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI

2,830 drugs

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 Ashitaba 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 Ashitaba affects

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

All 1 drug category Ashitaba interacts with

Cytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates

Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates

In vitro research shows that ashitaba extract inhibits cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A2. Theoretically, concomitant use of ashitaba with CYP1A2 substrates might decrease the clearance of these substrates and increase the risk for adverse effects. However, this interaction has yet to be reported in humans. Until more is known, use with caution.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Monograph

Ashitaba: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS · Reviewed June 2026 ·

The bottom line

Ashitaba is a leafy plant from Japan that is eaten as a vegetable and taken as a supplement for general health, antioxidant, and heart benefits. Most of the supporting research comes from laboratory and animal studies, so its real benefits in people are still uncertain. It appears generally well tolerated as a food, but talk to your pharmacist or doctor before using concentrated supplements.

Scientific name: Angelica keiskei
Family: Apiaceae
Part used: Leaves, stems, and roots
Common forms: Tea, capsules, powder, dried leaves, fresh vegetable, juice

People commonly use it for

General wellness and longevity
Antioxidant support
Heart and cholesterol health
Digestive and stomach support
Anti-inflammatory

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

Safety at a glance

OverallUse caution

Likely safe as a food, but supplement safety has not been 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.

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Overview

Ashitaba (Angelica keiskei) is a large, leafy perennial plant native to Japan. Its name means "tomorrow's leaf," because if you pick a leaf today, a new one is said to grow back quickly. It is also grown in other parts of Asia.

In Japan, the stems and leaves are eaten as a vegetable, and the plant has a long history of traditional use. Today people also take Ashitaba as a tea, powder, juice, or capsule, often as a general "health" or "longevity" supplement.

The plant contains several natural compounds, including yellow-colored chalcones, flavonoids, saponins, and coumarins, which are the focus of most research interest.

How it works

Ashitaba is rich in plant compounds called chalcones, such as xanthoangelol and 4-hydroxyderricin, found in its yellow sap. It also contains flavonoids, saponins, and coumarins.

In laboratory studies, these chalcones appear to act as antioxidants, helping to neutralize unstable molecules called free radicals. Some research suggests certain chalcones may calm inflammation by affecting signaling pathways such as NF-kappa B. Other lab studies have looked at possible effects on bacteria, cholesterol-related proteins, and cancer cell growth.

It is important to remember that most of these mechanisms come from test-tube and animal research. What happens in a lab dish does not always translate to real effects in the human body.

Effectiveness

Does Ashitaba work?

Here’s what the research actually shows for each use — graded by Natural Medicines and reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD.

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 Ashitaba, 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 Alcohol-related liver disease

Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Preliminary clinical research in habitual alcohol drinkers with early alcohol-related liver disease shows that taking ashitaba extract 500 mg twice daily for 12 weeks does not improve fatigue or reduce liver enzyme levels when compared with placebo. However, in heavy drinkers consuming 20 or more cans of beer or 12 or more glasses of wine per week, ashitaba extract reduces gamma-glutamyl transferase levels when compared with placebo.

Sources Ref 100594

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

Ashitaba has a long history of being eaten as a vegetable in Japan and is generally considered safe as a food. The safety of concentrated supplements, taken in higher amounts than you would get from food, is less well studied.

People with allergies to plants in the carrot and celery family (Apiaceae) should be cautious, as cross-reactions are possible. The plant's coumarin and sap content may also make some people more sensitive, so use care if you have a sensitive stomach or known plant allergies.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is not enough reliable safety information for concentrated Ashitaba supplements during pregnancy or breastfeeding. To be safe, avoid supplement forms during these times unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

Always tell your pharmacist or doctor about any supplement you take, especially if you have a medical condition or take prescription medicines.

Side effects

When eaten as a vegetable, Ashitaba is usually well tolerated. Reported side effects are not well documented, but possible mild effects could include stomach upset or digestive discomfort.

Because Ashitaba contains coumarins and other plant compounds, some people may experience skin sensitivity or allergic reactions, particularly those allergic to related plants like carrot, celery, or parsley. Stop using it and seek care if you notice rash, itching, swelling, or trouble breathing.

Because concentrated supplements have not been studied closely, the full range of possible side effects is simply not known.

Dosing

There is no well-established, standardized dose for Ashitaba supplements. Studies have used different forms and amounts, so a single "correct" dose has not been set.

If you choose to use an Ashitaba product, follow the directions on the label and do not exceed the recommended amount. Because quality and strength vary between brands, choose products from reputable companies that test their products.

Check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a health condition, or take other medicines.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Ashitaba & Pregnancy

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Ashitaba & 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 references that drive our Ashitaba 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.

Kwon D, Yoon S, Carter O, Bailey GS, Dashwood RH. Antioxidant and antigenotoxic activities of Angelica keiskei, Oenanthe javanica and Brassica oleracea in the Salmonella mutagenicity assay and in HCT116 human colon cancer cells. Biofactors. 2006;26(4):231
Noh HM, Ahn EM, Yun JM, Cho BL, Paek YJ. Angelica keiskei Koidzumi extracts improve some markers of liver function in habitual alcohol drinkers: a randomized double-blind clinical trial. J Med Food. 2015;18(2):166-72.

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.

Brand directory

Brands that make products with Ashitaba

27 brands in our database make a supplement containing Ashitaba.

Amvilab 48 products APSU 2 products ASF Advanced Superfoods 7 products BELDT Labs 15 products Burton Nutrition 5 products Dr. Tobias 48 products Feel Great Vitamin Co. 36 products Healthy Choice Naturals 179 products IronMagLabs 37 products Ketolabs 3 products KLEENIQ 12 products Number One Nutrition 36 products Optimal Alpha 14 products Purity Products 174 products Rise-N-Shine 168 products Ron Teeguarden's Dragon Herbs 300 products RunFit Nutrition 11 products Samsara Herbs 268 products Steele Spirit 13 products Sun Potion 21 products Supplement Spot 47 products Swanson 1,121 products Swanson Best Weight-Control Formulas 53 products Swanson Premium Brand 788 products

Product directory

Supplement products with Ashitaba

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

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Ashitaba: Common Questions

What is Ashitaba used for, and does it work?

People use Ashitaba 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 Ashitaba interact with prescription medications?

Yes. We list 186 medications with a known interaction with Ashitaba. Use the checker above to see how Ashitaba interacts with a specific drug.

How are Ashitaba 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 Ashitaba 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 Ashitaba 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 Ashitaba used for?

People commonly use it for general wellness and longevity, antioxidant support, heart and cholesterol health, digestion, and inflammation. Most of these uses come from tradition or early lab research rather than strong human studies.

Is Ashitaba safe to take?

It is generally considered safe when eaten as a vegetable, but the safety of concentrated supplements is not well studied. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor before taking it, especially if you have allergies or a medical condition.

Can I take Ashitaba while pregnant or breastfeeding?

There isn't enough reliable safety information, so it's best to avoid concentrated Ashitaba supplements during pregnancy and breastfeeding unless your doctor approves.

How is Ashitaba taken?

It is available as a tea, powder, juice, capsules, or eaten fresh as a vegetable. Because there is no standard dose, follow the product label and check with your pharmacist.

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

Keep exploring

Products that contain Ashitaba

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

See all 41 products with Ashitaba →

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Ashitaba Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Your Choice:

Ashitaba Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

Drugs that interact with Ashitaba

Don’t want to scroll the list? Just ask.

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

Where This Data Comes From

The kinds of drugs Ashitaba affects

Ashitaba: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Overview

How it works

Does Ashitaba work?

Safety & precautions

Side effects

Dosing

Ashitaba & Pregnancy

Ashitaba & Breastfeeding

References & further reading

Brands that make products with Ashitaba

Supplement products with Ashitaba

Ashitaba: Common Questions

Related supplements & herbs

Products that contain Ashitaba

Have a question about Ashitaba?