Herb & supplement monograph

Babassu Drug Interactions, Uses, Safety & More

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

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

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Babassu 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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Babassu 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 Babassu drug interaction appears low for most people. None of the listed interactions are rated major, and every one is based on animal research rather than confirmed effects in humans.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The combinations that deserve the most attention involve anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs such as warfarin, aspirin, and clopidogrel, because animal research suggests babassu may reduce blood clotting, which could theoretically add to bleeding risk. The other concern is with antithyroid drugs like methimazole, since babassu showed antithyroid effects in animals and might add to their action, raising the chance of an underactive thyroid. In both cases the concern is theoretical, but it matters more if you take a closely monitored medicine like warfarin or a thyroid drug.

What the rest of the list means

Although babassu is listed with a long roster of interacting medications, that number reflects just two broad drug categories that each include many individual medicines. Every predicted effect comes from animal studies, and none has been shown to cause a meaningful problem in people. A long list here signals caution in specific situations, not proven harm across the board.

Check your medications against Babassu

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

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Babassu

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

2,830 drugs
AbciximabReoPro› AbrocitinibCibinqo› AcenocoumarolSintrom› Acetaminophen, AspirinGemnisyn› Acetaminophen, Aspirin, CaffeineExcedrin, Excedrin Extra Strength, Excedrin Migraine› Acetaminophen, IbuprofenCombogesic› Acetylsalicylic AcidEntrophen› Alteplase, TpaActilyse, Activase› Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin Codeine #2› Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin› Anacaulase-bcdbNexoBrid› AnagrelideAgrylin› AnisindioneMiradon› Antithrombin IiiThrombate III› ApixabanEliquis› ArgatrobanArgatroban› AspirinAngettes 75, ASA, Asaphen, Aspirin, Caprin, Cartia +8 more› Aspirin, Aluminum Hydroxide, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin Codeine #3› Aspirin, ButalbitalAxotal› Aspirin, Butalbital, CaffeineFiorinal› Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine PhosphateFiorinal w/ Codeine› Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine, PhenacetinMarnal› Aspirin, CaffeineAnacin› Aspirin, Caffeine, Codeine PhosphateAnacin w/ Codeine› Aspirin, Caffeine, Dihydrocodeine BitartrateSynalgos DC› Aspirin, Caffeine, Dover's PwdAcedoval, Dovacet› Aspirin, Caffeine, HydrocodoneDamason-P› Aspirin, Caffeine, Isobutylallylbarbituric Acid, PhenacetinLanorinal› Aspirin, Caffeine, OrphenadrineInvagesic, Invagesic Forte, Norgesic, Norgesic Forte, Orphengesic, Orphengesic Forte› Aspirin, Caffeine, Phenacetin, PropoxypheneMargesic Comp. 65›
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 Babassu 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 Babassu affects

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

All 2 drug categories Babassu interacts with
Anticoagulant/antiplatelet DrugsAntithyroid Drugs
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Evidence from animal research suggests that babassu has antithrombotic effects. Theoretically, babassu might increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs. Some anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, ticlopidine (Ticlid), warfarin (Coumadin), and others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antithyroid Drugs

Evidence from animal research suggests that babassu has antithyroid effects. Theoretically, concomitant use with antithyroid drugs may result in additive hypothyroid activity, and may increase the risk of hypothyroidism. Some of these medications include methimazole (Tapazole), potassium iodide (Thyro-Block), and others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Monograph

Babassu: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed June 2026 ·
The bottom line

Babassu comes from a Brazilian palm tree, and its oil and mesocarp flour are used in foods, cosmetics, and traditional remedies. Early lab and animal studies suggest possible anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effects, but there is very little human research to confirm any health benefit. If you want to try it, talk with your pharmacist or doctor first.

Babassu
Scientific name
Attalea speciosa
Family
Arecaceae
Part used
Kernel oil and the dried, powdered mesocarp (inner husk)
Common forms
Oil, mesocarp flour/powder, capsules, topical creams and soaps
People commonly use it for
  • Skin and hair care
  • Inflammation
  • Wound healing
  • Digestive complaints
  • General wellness

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

Safety at a glance
OverallUse caution

It is used as a food and cosmetic, but human safety data for supplement use 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

Babassu (Attalea speciosa) is a tall palm tree that grows in South America, mainly in the Amazon region of Brazil. The tree produces hard-shelled fruits whose seeds (kernels) are pressed to make babassu oil, while the inner husk layer (called the mesocarp) is dried and ground into a flour or powder.

Babassu oil is rich in medium-chain fats and is widely used in cooking, soaps, lotions, and hair products. The mesocarp flour is used in traditional foods and folk remedies. In local Brazilian communities, babassu has long been valued as a source of food, fuel, and home remedies.

Today people use babassu oil mostly for skin and hair care, and some take the mesocarp powder hoping for general health benefits. Most of these uses come from tradition rather than strong scientific proof.

Uses & effectiveness

The evidence for babassu is limited and mostly preliminary. Much of what we know comes from laboratory and animal studies, not well-designed human trials.

Skin and hair care: Babassu oil is a popular cosmetic ingredient because it is light and moisturizing. This is a traditional and cosmetic use; it is not a proven medical treatment.

Inflammation and wound healing: Some animal and test-tube studies suggest babassu oil may reduce swelling and help skin cells move to heal wounds. These findings are early and have not been confirmed in people.

Immune and digestive uses: Components of the mesocarp, such as a fiber called glucan MP1, have shown effects on immune cells in the lab. Interestingly, some studies show anti-inflammatory effects while others show the opposite (immune-stimulating) effects, so the picture is not clear.

Overall, there is not enough reliable human evidence to say babassu treats or prevents any disease.

How it works

Babassu oil is high in medium-chain triglycerides (a type of fat), which may help it absorb into the skin and provide moisture. The mesocarp flour contains starch, fiber, protein, minerals, tannins, and plant compounds like triterpenes and a glucan called MP1.

In laboratory and animal research, babassu oil appears to affect immune cells. It has reduced certain inflammation signals in some experiments, such as lowering nitric oxide in stimulated immune cells, while changing levels of other immune messengers. The glucan MP1 may boost the activity of immune cells that clean up germs.

It is important to know that these are mostly test-tube and animal findings. We do not yet know if babassu works the same way in the human body or whether these effects lead to real health benefits.

Safety & precautions

Babassu oil and mesocarp flour have a long history of use as food and in cosmetics, which suggests they are generally well tolerated in those forms. However, there is very little research on the safety of taking babassu as a medicinal supplement, especially in larger doses or for long periods.

People with allergies to palm products or coconut-type oils should be careful, since allergic reactions are possible. If you have a chronic health condition or an immune disorder, talk to your doctor before using babassu, because some studies suggest it can affect the immune system in different ways.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is not enough safety information for these groups. To be safe, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using babassu as a supplement or remedy. Using babassu oil in foods or skin products is generally considered low risk, but check with your doctor.

Always tell your pharmacist or doctor about any supplements you are taking.

Side effects

When used as a food or in cosmetics, babassu is usually well tolerated. Reported problems are uncommon and not well studied.

Possible side effects may include stomach upset or digestive changes when the mesocarp flour is eaten in large amounts (largely from its fiber and starch content), and skin irritation or allergic reactions when the oil is applied to the skin.

Serious side effects have not been clearly documented, but because human research is so limited, the full safety profile is unknown. Stop using it and seek care if you notice signs of an allergic reaction such as rash, itching, swelling, or trouble breathing.

Dosing

There is no established standard dose for babassu as a supplement. Research has not identified a safe and effective amount for any health condition.

If you use a babassu product, follow the directions on the label and do not exceed the recommended amount. For skin or hair products, use as directed on the package.

Because doses and product quality vary widely, it is best to check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting babassu, especially if you take other medicines or have a health condition.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Babassu & Pregnancy

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Babassu & 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 Babassu 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. Azevedo, A. P., Farias, J. C., Costa, G. C., Ferreira, S. C., Aragao-Filho, W. C., Sousa, P. R., Pinheiro, M. T., Maciel, M. C., Silva, L. A., Lopes, A. S., Barroqueiro, E. S., Borges, M. O., Guerra, R. N., and Nascimento, F. R. Anti-thrombotic effect of
  2. Gaitan, E., Cooksey, R. C., Legan, J., Lindsay, R. H., Ingbar, S. H., and Medeiros-Neto, G. Antithyroid effects in vivo and in vitro of babassu and mandioca: a staple food in goiter areas of Brazil. Eur J Endocrinol 1994;131(2):138-144. 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 Babassu

1 brand in our database make a supplement containing Babassu.

Product directory

Supplement products with Babassu

1 product in our database contain Babassu. Open any to see its full ingredient list and every drug interaction we check.

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Babassu: Common Questions

Does Babassu interact with prescription medications?
Yes. We list 127 medications with a known interaction with Babassu. Use the checker above to see how Babassu interacts with a specific drug.
How are Babassu 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 Babassu 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 Babassu 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 Babassu used for?
People mainly use Babassu oil for skin and hair care, and some use the mesocarp flour or oil hoping for anti-inflammatory or general health benefits. Most of these uses are based on tradition, not strong scientific proof.
Is Babassu safe?
Babassu oil and flour have a long history of use as food and in cosmetics and are generally well tolerated. However, there is little research on taking it as a medicine, so talk to your pharmacist or doctor before using it that way.
Can I use Babassu during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
There is not enough safety information, so it is best to avoid using Babassu as a supplement or remedy during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Check with your doctor before using any form.
Does Babassu oil help with inflammation?
Some animal and lab studies suggest Babassu oil may reduce inflammation, but these findings are early and have not been confirmed in people. We can't say it is a proven treatment for inflammation.

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

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Products that contain Babassu

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