Herb & supplement monograph

Asian Water Plantain Drug Interactions, Uses, Safety & More

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Asian Water Plantain 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 Asian Water Plantain drug interaction appears low for most people. Every interaction on record is rated minor, with none rated moderate or major.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The only concern that stands out involves medications that can strain the kidneys, sometimes called nephrotoxic drugs. Even here, the evidence comes from animal research, where kidney changes appeared only at extremely high doses given for weeks, far beyond normal use. At typical amounts, animal studies found the extract to be generally safe, and this effect has not been shown to occur in people. So while we would keep it in mind for anyone whose kidney function is closely watched, it is a cautious flag rather than a proven problem.

What the rest of the list means

The long list of interacting medications may look worrying, but nearly all of it traces back to this single theoretical kidney concern applied across many drugs. A high count does not mean each combination is harmful. In this case, the predicted effect has not produced meaningful problems in humans at ordinary doses.

Check your medications against Asian Water Plantain

Based on HelloPharmacist’s Asian Water Plantain interaction data and reviewed under our editorial standards.

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Asian Water Plantain

355 medications have a known interaction with Asian Water Plantain, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

2,830 drugs
AcetaminophenChildren's Tylenol, Children's Tylenol Meltaways, Tylenol, Tylenol Ex Strength
Minor Nephrotoxic Drugs

Studies on animals have shown that Asian water plantain extract, which contains triterpenoids, is generally safe at doses up to 1440 mg/kg orally daily and does not cause harm to the body.

Read the full Asian Water Plantain + Acetaminophen interaction Acetaminophen drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Acetaminophen, AspirinGemnisyn
Minor Nephrotoxic Drugs

Studies on animals have shown that Asian water plantain extract, which contains triterpenoids, is generally safe at doses up to 1440 mg/kg orally daily and does not cause harm to the body.

Read the full Asian Water Plantain + Acetaminophen, Aspirin interaction
Acetaminophen, Aspirin, CaffeineExcedrin, Excedrin Extra Strength, Excedrin Migraine
Minor Nephrotoxic Drugs

Studies on animals have shown that Asian water plantain extract, which contains triterpenoids, is generally safe at doses up to 1440 mg/kg orally daily and does not cause harm to the body.

Read the full Asian Water Plantain + Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Caffeine interaction
Acetaminophen, Brompheniramine, PhenylpropanolamineDimetapp Cold and Flu
Minor Nephrotoxic Drugs

Studies on animals have shown that Asian water plantain extract, which contains triterpenoids, is generally safe at doses up to 1440 mg/kg orally daily and does not cause harm to the body.

Read the full Asian Water Plantain + Acetaminophen, Brompheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine interaction
Acetaminophen, ButalbitalAxocet, Bancap, Bucet, Butex Forte, Esgic CF, Orbivan CF +5 more
Minor Nephrotoxic Drugs

Studies on animals have shown that Asian water plantain extract, which contains triterpenoids, is generally safe at doses up to 1440 mg/kg orally daily and does not cause harm to the body.

Read the full Asian Water Plantain + Acetaminophen, Butalbital interaction
Acetaminophen, Butalbital, CaffeineEsgic, Esgic Plus, Fiogesic, Fioricet, Repan, Tecnal +1 more
Minor Nephrotoxic Drugs

Studies on animals have shown that Asian water plantain extract, which contains triterpenoids, is generally safe at doses up to 1440 mg/kg orally daily and does not cause harm to the body.

Read the full Asian Water Plantain + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine interaction Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, CodeineEsgic with Codeine, Fioricet w/ Codeine
Minor Nephrotoxic Drugs

Studies on animals have shown that Asian water plantain extract, which contains triterpenoids, is generally safe at doses up to 1440 mg/kg orally daily and does not cause harm to the body.

Read the full Asian Water Plantain + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine interaction
Acetaminophen, Butalbital, CodeineBancap w/ Codeine
Minor Nephrotoxic Drugs

Studies on animals have shown that Asian water plantain extract, which contains triterpenoids, is generally safe at doses up to 1440 mg/kg orally daily and does not cause harm to the body.

Read the full Asian Water Plantain + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine interaction
Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine PhosphatePhrenilin #3
Minor Nephrotoxic Drugs

Studies on animals have shown that Asian water plantain extract, which contains triterpenoids, is generally safe at doses up to 1440 mg/kg orally daily and does not cause harm to the body.

Read the full Asian Water Plantain + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine Phosphate interaction
Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, PhenylephrineHycomine Compound
Minor Nephrotoxic Drugs

Studies on animals have shown that Asian water plantain extract, which contains triterpenoids, is generally safe at doses up to 1440 mg/kg orally daily and does not cause harm to the body.

Read the full Asian Water Plantain + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, Phenylephrine interaction
Acetaminophen, Caffeine, CodeineGesic C15, Gesic C30, Gesic C8, Lenoltec 1, Lenoltec 2, Lenoltec 3 +1 more
Minor Nephrotoxic Drugs

Studies on animals have shown that Asian water plantain extract, which contains triterpenoids, is generally safe at doses up to 1440 mg/kg orally daily and does not cause harm to the body.

Read the full Asian Water Plantain + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine interaction
Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, SalicylamideCodalan No.1, Codalan No.2, Codalan No.3
Minor Nephrotoxic Drugs

Studies on animals have shown that Asian water plantain extract, which contains triterpenoids, is generally safe at doses up to 1440 mg/kg orally daily and does not cause harm to the body.

Read the full Asian Water Plantain + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, Salicylamide interaction
Acetaminophen, Caffeine, DihydrocodeineDHC Plus, Panlor DC, Panlor SS
Minor Nephrotoxic Drugs

Studies on animals have shown that Asian water plantain extract, which contains triterpenoids, is generally safe at doses up to 1440 mg/kg orally daily and does not cause harm to the body.

Read the full Asian Water Plantain + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Dihydrocodeine interaction
Acetaminophen, Caffeine, IsomethepteneMigralam
Minor Nephrotoxic Drugs

Studies on animals have shown that Asian water plantain extract, which contains triterpenoids, is generally safe at doses up to 1440 mg/kg orally daily and does not cause harm to the body.

Read the full Asian Water Plantain + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Isometheptene interaction
Acetaminophen, Caffeine, PyrilamineMidol Max Strength Menstrual
Minor Nephrotoxic Drugs

Studies on animals have shown that Asian water plantain extract, which contains triterpenoids, is generally safe at doses up to 1440 mg/kg orally daily and does not cause harm to the body.

Read the full Asian Water Plantain + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Pyrilamine interaction
Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Dextromethorphan HbrVicks Formula 44M Cough, Cold & Flu Relief
Minor Nephrotoxic Drugs

Studies on animals have shown that Asian water plantain extract, which contains triterpenoids, is generally safe at doses up to 1440 mg/kg orally daily and does not cause harm to the body.

Read the full Asian Water Plantain + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Dextromethorphan Hbr interaction
Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, PhenylephrineColrex
Minor Nephrotoxic Drugs

Studies on animals have shown that Asian water plantain extract, which contains triterpenoids, is generally safe at doses up to 1440 mg/kg orally daily and does not cause harm to the body.

Read the full Asian Water Plantain + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, Phenylephrine interaction
Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, DextromethorphanCoricidin II Extra Strength Cold and Flu
Minor Nephrotoxic Drugs

Studies on animals have shown that Asian water plantain extract, which contains triterpenoids, is generally safe at doses up to 1440 mg/kg orally daily and does not cause harm to the body.

Read the full Asian Water Plantain + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan interaction
Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan HydrobromideCoricidin HBP Maximum Strength Flu
Minor Nephrotoxic Drugs

Studies on animals have shown that Asian water plantain extract, which contains triterpenoids, is generally safe at doses up to 1440 mg/kg orally daily and does not cause harm to the body.

Read the full Asian Water Plantain + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide interaction
Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, PhenylpropanolamineMulti Symptom Cold Relief
Minor Nephrotoxic Drugs

Studies on animals have shown that Asian water plantain extract, which contains triterpenoids, is generally safe at doses up to 1440 mg/kg orally daily and does not cause harm to the body.

Read the full Asian Water Plantain + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylpropanolamine interaction
Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, PseudoephedrineChildren's Tylenol Cold Plus Cough, Tylenol Cold Ex Strength
Minor Nephrotoxic Drugs

Studies on animals have shown that Asian water plantain extract, which contains triterpenoids, is generally safe at doses up to 1440 mg/kg orally daily and does not cause harm to the body.

Read the full Asian Water Plantain + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine interaction
Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine, SalicylamideRhinogesic GG
Minor Nephrotoxic Drugs

Studies on animals have shown that Asian water plantain extract, which contains triterpenoids, is generally safe at doses up to 1440 mg/kg orally daily and does not cause harm to the body.

Read the full Asian Water Plantain + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine, Salicylamide interaction
Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, PhenylephrineAlka-Seltzer PLUS, Histex SR, Protid
Minor Nephrotoxic Drugs

Studies on animals have shown that Asian water plantain extract, which contains triterpenoids, is generally safe at doses up to 1440 mg/kg orally daily and does not cause harm to the body.

Read the full Asian Water Plantain + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine interaction
Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine, SalicylamideRhinogesic, Rhinogesic JR
Minor Nephrotoxic Drugs

Studies on animals have shown that Asian water plantain extract, which contains triterpenoids, is generally safe at doses up to 1440 mg/kg orally daily and does not cause harm to the body.

Read the full Asian Water Plantain + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine, Salicylamide interaction
Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, PhenylpropanolamineAlumadrine, Conex, Sinadrin Max Strength, Sinulin
Minor Nephrotoxic Drugs

Studies on animals have shown that Asian water plantain extract, which contains triterpenoids, is generally safe at doses up to 1440 mg/kg orally daily and does not cause harm to the body.

Read the full Asian Water Plantain + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine interaction
Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, OpiumHista-Derfule
Minor Nephrotoxic Drugs

Studies on animals have shown that Asian water plantain extract, which contains triterpenoids, is generally safe at doses up to 1440 mg/kg orally daily and does not cause harm to the body.

Read the full Asian Water Plantain + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, Opium interaction
Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, PhenyltoloxamineNorel Plus
Minor Nephrotoxic Drugs

Studies on animals have shown that Asian water plantain extract, which contains triterpenoids, is generally safe at doses up to 1440 mg/kg orally daily and does not cause harm to the body.

Read the full Asian Water Plantain + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, Phenyltoloxamine interaction
Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, PseudoephedrineAlka-Seltzer PLUS Liquid Gels, Children's Tylenol Cold, Codimal, Comtrex, Extra Strength Tylenol Allergy Sinus, Lorsin +3 more
Minor Nephrotoxic Drugs

Studies on animals have shown that Asian water plantain extract, which contains triterpenoids, is generally safe at doses up to 1440 mg/kg orally daily and does not cause harm to the body.

Read the full Asian Water Plantain + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Pseudoephedrine interaction
Acetaminophen, ChlorzoxazoneAcetazone Forte, Extra Strength Tylenol Aches & Strains, Parafon Forte
Minor Nephrotoxic Drugs

Studies on animals have shown that Asian water plantain extract, which contains triterpenoids, is generally safe at doses up to 1440 mg/kg orally daily and does not cause harm to the body.

Read the full Asian Water Plantain + Acetaminophen, Chlorzoxazone interaction
Acetaminophen, Chlorzoxazone, CodeineAcetazone Forte C8, Parafon Forte C8
Minor Nephrotoxic Drugs

Studies on animals have shown that Asian water plantain extract, which contains triterpenoids, is generally safe at doses up to 1440 mg/kg orally daily and does not cause harm to the body.

Read the full Asian Water Plantain + Acetaminophen, Chlorzoxazone, Codeine interaction
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 Asian Water Plantain 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 Asian Water Plantain affects

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

All 1 drug category Asian Water Plantain interacts with
Nephrotoxic Drugs
Nephrotoxic Drugs

Studies on animals have shown that Asian water plantain extract, which contains triterpenoids, is generally safe at doses up to 1440 mg/kg orally daily and does not cause harm to the body. However, using a higher dose of the extract, at 33.3 grams/kg orally for 60 days, has been linked to kidney issues, as indicated by increased blood urea nitrogen levels, and enlargement of the liver and kidneys. Additionally, two components of Asian water plantain, alisol A and alisol B, when given in doses of 400 mg/kg daily and 500 mg/kg daily respectively for 6 months, have been found to increase the production of markers that suggest potential kidney damage from certain medications. While these findings suggest there is very little risk that Asian water plantain may interact with drugs that are harmful to the kidneys, caution is still advised if combined with known nephrotoxic drugs (source: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28408883/)

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence A
Monograph

Asian Water Plantain: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

The bottom line

Asian water plantain (Ze Xie) is a rhizome long used in traditional Chinese medicine, mainly as a diuretic and for fluid retention. Modern evidence is mostly limited to laboratory and animal studies, so its benefits in people are not well proven, and quality human safety data are lacking. Talk with a pharmacist or doctor before using it, and avoid it during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Asian Water Plantain
Scientific name
Alisma plantago-aquatica
Family
Alismataceae
Part used
Dried rhizome (root-like stem), known as Rhizoma Alismatis or Ze Xie
Common forms
Dried sliced rhizome, powders, decoctions (teas), capsules, and as part of multi-herb traditional Chinese medicine formulas
People commonly use it for
  • Promoting urination (diuretic)
  • Fluid retention and swelling
  • Urinary discomfort
  • Cholesterol and heart health support
  • Kidney and bladder support

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

Safety at a glance
OverallUse caution

Human safety data are limited, and high or long-term use may stress the kidneys or liver.

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

Asian water plantain comes from the plant Alisma plantago-aquatica, a perennial water plant that grows in ponds, ditches, marshes, and slow streams across parts of Asia, Europe, and North America. In traditional Chinese medicine it is best known by the name Ze Xie, and the part used is the dried underground stem (rhizome).

The dried rhizome has been used for centuries in herbal traditions, most often to help the body get rid of extra fluid. It is rarely used by itself in TCM; instead it is usually combined with other herbs in classic formulas. Today it can also be found as a powder or in capsules, often marketed for fluid balance or kidney and urinary support.

Uses & effectiveness

People most commonly use Asian water plantain as a diuretic — to increase urine and reduce fluid buildup or swelling. It is also used traditionally for urinary discomfort, and more recently it has been studied for possible effects on cholesterol and blood vessel health.

The evidence in humans is weak. Most of what we know comes from laboratory experiments and animal studies. These early studies suggest the herb may have diuretic, antioxidant, and anti-atherosclerotic (anti–plaque-buildup) activity, but this does not prove it works or is safe in people. High-quality clinical trials are lacking.

Because the research is so preliminary, Asian water plantain should not be relied on to treat any medical condition such as high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease, or swelling. Anyone with these conditions should use proven treatments under medical supervision.

How it works

The rhizome contains a group of plant compounds called triterpenoids, including alisol A, alisol B, and alisol C, along with related substances such as alismol and orientalols. It also contains chlorogenic acid and other antioxidants.

In laboratory and animal research, these compounds have shown effects that may explain its traditional use as a diuretic, meaning it appears to increase the amount of water and salt the kidneys remove. Some alisol compounds have also shown antioxidant activity and effects on cholesterol and fat handling in test-tube and animal studies.

It is important to understand that these mechanisms are mostly proposed from preclinical research. How the herb is absorbed, broken down, and used in the human body is not fully understood.

Safety & precautions

There is not much reliable human safety information for Asian water plantain. It has a long history of traditional use within carefully prepared formulas, but that does not guarantee it is safe as a modern supplement, especially in concentrated forms or for long periods.

Because it can act as a diuretic, it may affect fluid and mineral (electrolyte) balance. People with kidney disease, heart conditions, low blood pressure, or those who are dehydrated should be especially cautious. Some animal studies have raised questions about possible kidney or liver effects at high doses, so long-term or high-dose use is not recommended without medical guidance.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is not enough safety data, so it is best to avoid Asian water plantain if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Children should also avoid it unless directed by a qualified healthcare provider.

Always tell your pharmacist or doctor about any herbal product you are taking, especially if you take prescription medicines or have an ongoing health condition.

Side effects

Reliable data on side effects in people are limited. Because it can act as a diuretic, possible effects include increased urination, dehydration, and changes in electrolytes such as potassium, which can cause symptoms like dizziness, muscle cramps, or weakness.

Some people may have digestive upset or an allergic reaction. Rarely, herbal products like this could affect the kidneys or liver, particularly at high doses or with long-term use. Stop using it and seek medical care if you notice signs such as unusual tiredness, yellowing of the skin or eyes, swelling, or decreased urination.

Asian Water Plantain: Reported Adverse Effects

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

There is limited information available about the potential adverse effects of Asian water plantain. Orally, it has been used as a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with apparent safety; there have been no reported adverse effects in most patients. However, one case of hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity has been reported with the use of a combination TCM product containing Asian water plantain.

  1. Yuen MF, Tam S, Fung J, Wong DK, Wong BC, Lai CL. Traditional Chinese medicine causing hepatotoxicity in patients with chronic hepatitis B infection: a 1-year prospective study. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2006 Oct 15;24(8):1179-86.
Reports by condition
Hepatitis Hepatic

One case report of drug-induced systemic toxicity, including hepatotoxicity, has occurred in a 59-year-old man with chronic hepatitis B who had taken six doses of a combination product containing Asian water plantain 3 weeks prior to admission. He presented with gum bleed and petechiae, and his admission lab values indicated fulminant liver failure. His condition progressed to include renal failure and eventual death after 4 weeks. It is not clear if Asian water plantain, the other ingredients, or the combination caused this toxicity. However, the authors identified Asian water plantain as the likely causative ingredient based on animal research.

  1. Yuen MF, Tam S, Fung J, Wong DK, Wong BC, Lai CL. Traditional Chinese medicine causing hepatotoxicity in patients with chronic hepatitis B infection: a 1-year prospective study. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2006 Oct 15;24(8):1179-86.
Hepatitis Renal

One case report of drug-induced systemic toxicity, including nephrotoxicity, has occurred in a 59-year-old man with chronic hepatitis B who had taken six doses of a combination product containing Asian water plantain 3 weeks prior to admission. He initially presented with hepatic failure, which progressed to include renal failure and eventual death after 4 weeks. It is not clear if Asian water plantain, the other ingredients, or the combination caused this toxicity. However, the authors identified Asian water plantain as the likely causative ingredient based on animal research.

  1. Yuen MF, Tam S, Fung J, Wong DK, Wong BC, Lai CL. Traditional Chinese medicine causing hepatotoxicity in patients with chronic hepatitis B infection: a 1-year prospective study. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2006 Oct 15;24(8):1179-86.
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 well-established standardized dose for Asian water plantain as a supplement. In traditional Chinese medicine, the dried rhizome is typically used as part of a multi-herb formula prepared by a trained practitioner, not taken alone.

If you use a commercial product, follow the directions on the label and do not exceed the recommended amount. Because strength and quality can vary widely between products, and because human dosing data are limited, it is best to check with a pharmacist or doctor before starting. Do not use it as a substitute for prescribed diuretics or other proven treatments.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Asian Water Plantain & Pregnancy

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Asian Water Plantain & 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 Asian Water Plantain 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. Yuen MF, Tam S, Fung J, Wong DK, Wong BC, Lai CL. Traditional Chinese medicine causing hepatotoxicity in patients with chronic hepatitis B infection: a 1-year prospective study. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2006 Oct 15;24(8):1179-86. 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

Asian Water Plantain: Common Questions

Does Asian Water Plantain interact with prescription medications?
Yes. We list 355 medications with a known interaction with Asian Water Plantain. Use the checker above to see how Asian Water Plantain interacts with a specific drug.
How are Asian Water Plantain 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 Asian Water Plantain 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 Asian Water Plantain 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 Asian Water Plantain used for?
It is most often used in traditional Chinese medicine as a diuretic to help the body get rid of extra fluid, and for urinary and kidney support. Some early research also looks at cholesterol and heart-related effects, but human evidence is limited.
Is Asian Water Plantain safe to take?
There is not much reliable safety data in people. It may affect fluid and electrolyte balance and, at high doses, could potentially stress the kidneys or liver, so it should be used cautiously and ideally under the guidance of a pharmacist or doctor.
Can I take it while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. There is not enough safety information, so it is best to avoid Asian Water Plantain during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Does Asian Water Plantain really lower cholesterol?
The cholesterol-related effects are based mostly on laboratory and animal studies, not solid human trials. There is not enough evidence to recommend it for lowering cholesterol.

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

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