Herb & supplement monograph

Ba Ji Tian Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

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

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

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Ba Ji Tian 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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Ba Ji Tian 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 Ba Ji Tian drug interaction appears low for most people. None of the listed interactions are rated major, and the moderate concerns that are listed rest on animal research rather than human studies.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The interactions that deserve the most attention involve diabetes medications such as glimepiride and glyburide. Animal research suggests Ba Ji Tian might raise or lower blood sugar, which could either add to or work against these drugs. Because blood sugar is closely monitored and small shifts can matter, people using these medicines should watch their glucose readings while taking Ba Ji Tian. This effect has not been confirmed in people, so it remains a precaution rather than a proven problem.

What the rest of the list means

Although many medications appear on the interaction list, this does not mean each combination is harmful. Nearly all of them trace back to the same theoretical blood sugar concern, seen only in animal studies so far. For most people taking other kinds of medications, Ba Ji Tian has not shown meaningful interaction effects in humans.

Check your medications against Ba Ji Tian

Based on HelloPharmacist’s Ba Ji Tian interaction data and reviewed under our editorial standards.

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Ba Ji Tian

86 medications have a known interaction with Ba Ji Tian, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

2,830 drugs
AcarboseGlucobay, Prandase, Precose› AcetohexamideDymelor› AlbiglutideTanzeum› AlogliptinNesina› Alogliptin, MetforminKazano› Alogliptin, PioglitazoneOseni› Antidiabetes, Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (dpp-iv) InhibitorGlyxambi› CanagliflozinInvokana› Canagliflozin, MetforminInvokamet› Canagliflozin, Metformin HydrochlorideInvokamet XR› ChlorpropamideChlorpropam, Diabinese› DapagliflozinFarxiga› Dapagliflozin Propanediol, MetforminXigduo XR› Dapagliflozin Propanediol, Saxagliptin HydrochlorideQtern› Dapagliflozin, Metformin Hydrochloride, Saxagliptin HydrochlorideQternmet XR› Dasiglucagon HydrochlorideZegalogue› DulaglutideTrulicity› EmpagliflozinJardiance› Empagliflozin, Linagliptin, Metformin HydrochlorideTrijardy XR› Empagliflozin, MetforminSynjardy› Empagliflozin, Metformin HydrochlorideSynjardy XR› ErtugliflozinSteglatro› Ertugliflozin, Metformin HydrochlorideSegluromet› ExenatideBydureon, Byetta› Exenatide SyntheticBydureon BCISE› GliclazideDiamicron› GlimepirideAmaryl› GlipizideGlucotrol, Glucotrol XL› Glipizide, MetforminMetaglip› GlucagonBaqsimi, Glucagon›
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 Ba Ji Tian 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 Ba Ji Tian affects

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

All 1 drug category Ba Ji Tian interacts with
Antidiabetes Drugs
Antidiabetes Drugs

Animal research shows that taking ba ji tian extracts might increase or decrease blood glucose levels. Theoretically ba ji tian might have additive effects or attenuate the effects antidiabetes drugs. Monitor blood glucose levels closely; dose adjustments of antidiabetes drugs might be necessary. Some antidiabetes drugs include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, metformin (Glucophage), pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), and others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Monograph

Ba Ji Tian: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed June 2026 ·
The bottom line

Ba Ji Tian is a root used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, mostly to 'tonify the kidneys' and support energy, sexual function, and bone health. Modern evidence in humans is very limited, and most claims come from laboratory or animal studies. If you want to try it, talk with a pharmacist or doctor first, and avoid it during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Ba Ji Tian
Scientific name
Morinda officinalis
Family
Rubiaceae
Part used
Dried root
Common forms
Decoction (tea), powder, capsules, tinctures, and dried root for cooking or herbal formulas
People commonly use it for
  • Kidney 'yang' tonic in Traditional Chinese Medicine
  • Low libido and erectile concerns
  • Bone and joint health
  • Fatigue and low vitality
  • Low mood

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

Safety at a glance
OverallUse caution

Generally used in traditional practice, but human safety data are limited.

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

Ba Ji Tian is the dried root of Morinda officinalis, a perennial plant in the same family as coffee. It grows mainly in southern China and other parts of Asia. The root has been used for many centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

In TCM, Ba Ji Tian is considered a warming herb that 'tonifies the kidney yang.' This is a traditional concept used to describe support for energy, sexual function, and bone and joint health. It is usually taken as a tea (decoction), a powder, or in capsules, and it is often combined with other herbs in classic formulas.

Note that Ba Ji Tian is sometimes listed under names like 'Morinda' or 'Noni.' This can cause confusion, because Noni usually refers to a different plant, Morinda citrifolia. Check labels carefully to be sure you are getting the right herb.

How it works

The root contains several active compounds, including iridoid glycosides (such as monotropein and deacetyl asperulosidic acid), anthraquinones, oligosaccharides (sugar-like molecules), and plant sterols like beta-sitosterol.

Laboratory and animal research suggests several possible actions. The oligosaccharides have been studied for antidepressant-like effects, possibly by affecting serotonin and a brain protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Other compounds have shown antioxidant activity and possible effects on bone cells.

It is important to understand that these are proposed mechanisms mostly based on early laboratory or animal studies. They do not confirm that the herb produces the same effects in the human body.

Effectiveness

Does Ba Ji Tian work?

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

Evidence overview · 1 use evaluated
1 Possibly effective
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.
Possibly Effective Depression
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

A small meta-analysis in patients with moderate depressive disorder shows that taking oligosaccharides extracted from the root of ba ji tian at doses of 300-800 mg daily for 6-8 weeks reduces depressive symptom scores, as measured on the Hamilton Depression Scale 17-items, similarly to an antidepressant control. The antidepressants controls used in the studies were fluoxetine 20-40 mg daily, duloxetine 120 mg daily, or escitalopram 10-20 mg daily.

Sources Ref 106542

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

Ba Ji Tian has a long history of traditional use, but high-quality human safety studies are lacking. Because of this, its overall safety is not well established.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is not enough reliable information to consider it safe. To stay on the safe side, avoid Ba Ji Tian if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

People with hormone-sensitive conditions, kidney disease, or other chronic health problems should be especially careful and check with a healthcare provider first. Herbal supplements are not tightly regulated, so quality and purity can vary between products. Choose products from reputable companies that use third-party testing when possible.

Always talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting Ba Ji Tian, especially if you take prescription medicines or have a medical condition.

Side effects

Reliable data on side effects in humans are limited. When taken in traditional amounts, Ba Ji Tian is generally considered well tolerated, but this is based mostly on traditional use rather than careful studies.

Possible side effects could include mild digestive upset such as stomach discomfort. As with any herbal product, allergic reactions are possible. Stop using it and seek medical care if you notice signs of an allergic reaction such as rash, swelling, or trouble breathing.

Because product quality varies, contamination or mislabeling is also a concern. If you feel unwell after starting a supplement, stop and contact your healthcare provider.

Dosing

There is no well-established standardized dose for Ba Ji Tian. In Traditional Chinese Medicine it is often used as part of a multi-herb formula and prepared as a decoction, but specific amounts vary by practitioner and product.

If you choose to use a commercial product, follow the directions on the label and do not exceed the recommended amount. A trained TCM practitioner, pharmacist, or doctor can help you decide whether it is appropriate for you and in what form.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Ba Ji Tian & Pregnancy

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Ba Ji Tian & 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 Ba Ji Tian 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. Soon, Y. Y. and Tan, B. K. Evaluation of the hypoglycemic and anti-oxidant activities of Morinda officinalis in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Singapore Med J 2002;43(2):077-085.
  2. Du Y, Zheng Q, Ou ZH, et al. Efficacy and safety of Morinda officinalis oligosaccharide capsules for depressive disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Braz J Psychiatry 2021;43(3):306-313. 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

Brand directory

Brands that make products with Ba Ji Tian

11 brands in our database make a supplement containing Ba Ji Tian.

Product directory

Supplement products with Ba Ji Tian

43 products in our database contain Ba Ji Tian. Open any to see its full ingredient list and every drug interaction we check.

Ba Ji Tian by Hawaii Pharm Liquid 4 Fluid Ounce(s) · 120 mL View ingredients & interactions Ba Ji Tian by Herbal Terra Liquid 4 Fluid Ounce(s) · 120 mL View ingredients & interactions Ba Ji Tian by Herbal Terra Liquid 4 Fluid Ounce(s) · 120 mL View ingredients & interactions Ba Ji Tian by Hawaii Pharm Liquid 4 Fluid Ounce(s) · 120 mL View ingredients & interactions Ba Ji Tian Alcohol Free by Herbal Terra Liquid 2 Fluid Ounce(s) · 60 mL View ingredients & interactions Ba Ji Tian Alcohol Free by Hawaii Pharm Liquid 4 Fluid Ounce(s) · 120 mL View ingredients & interactions Ba Ji Tian Non-Alcohol by Hawaii Pharm Liquid 4 Fluid Ounce(s) · 120 mL View ingredients & interactions Ba Ji Tian Sugar Free by Herbal Terra Liquid 2 Fluid Ounce(s) · 60 mL View ingredients & interactions Ba Ji Yin Yang Teapills by Plum Flower Tablet Or Pill 200 Pill(s) · 1.2 Ounce(s) · 34 Gram(s) View ingredients & interactions Ba Ji Ying Yang Teapills by Plum Flower Tablet Or Pill 200 Pill(s) · 1.2 Ounce(s) · 33 Gram(s) View ingredients & interactions Gecko Tonic Teapills by Plum Flower Tablet Or Pill 1.2 oz. · 33 Gram(s) · 200 Pill(s) View ingredients & interactions KB-C by Nature's Sunshine Capsule 30 Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions KB-C by Nature's Sunshine Capsule 100 VegCap(s) View ingredients & interactions KB-C TCM by Nature's Sunshine Capsule 60 Packet(s) View ingredients & interactions Legendary Elixir by Tonic Tinctures Liquid 2 fl. Oz. · 60 mL View ingredients & interactions Majestic Yang Teapills by Plum Flower Tablet Or Pill 1.2 Ounce(s) · 34 Gram(s) · 200 Pill(s) View ingredients & interactions Menopause Formula by VitaCeutical Labs Capsule 30 Vegetarian Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Menopause Formula by Vitamer Laboratories Capsule 30 Vegetarian Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Natura 301 by AN American Nutriceuticals Capsule 120 Vegetarian Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Nature's Noni by Nature's Sunshine Capsule 100 Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Return to Spring Teapills by Plum Flower Tablet Or Pill 200 Pill(s) · 1.2 Ounce(s) · 33 Gram(s) View ingredients & interactions Return to Spring Teapills by Plum Flower Tablet Or Pill 1.2 Ounce(s) · 34 Gram(s) · 200 Pill(s) View ingredients & interactions Total Arginine by Nutri-West Tablet Or Pill 90 Tablet(s) View ingredients & interactions Two Immortals Teapills Er Xian Wan by Plum Flower Tablet Or Pill 200 Pill(s) · 1.2 Ounce(s) · 34 Gram(s) View ingredients & interactions
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Ba Ji Tian: Common Questions

What is Ba Ji Tian used for, and does it work?
People use Ba Ji Tian for many reasons, but the evidence varies by use. According to the Natural Medicines database, there is at least some clinical evidence supporting Ba Ji Tian for Depression. For most other uses it has been studied for, the evidence is currently insufficient to rate. See the graded list on this page, and always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Does Ba Ji Tian interact with prescription medications?
Yes. We list 86 medications with a known interaction with Ba Ji Tian. Use the checker above to see how Ba Ji Tian interacts with a specific drug.
How are Ba Ji Tian 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 Ba Ji Tian 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 Ba Ji Tian 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 Ba Ji Tian used for?
It is a Traditional Chinese Medicine root used mainly to support energy, sexual function, and bone and joint health. These are traditional uses, and strong human evidence is lacking.
Is Ba Ji Tian safe to take?
It has a long history of traditional use and is generally considered well tolerated, but human safety studies are limited. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor before trying it, especially if you have a medical condition or take other medicines.
Can I take Ba Ji Tian if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
No reliable safety information is available, so it is best to avoid it during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Is Ba Ji Tian the same as Noni?
Not exactly. Ba Ji Tian comes from Morinda officinalis, while Noni usually refers to a different plant, Morinda citrifolia. Check the label to be sure you are buying the correct herb.

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

Keep exploring

Products that contain Ba Ji Tian

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

See all 43 products with Ba Ji Tian →
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