Herb & supplement monograph

Bridelia Drug Interactions, Uses, Safety & More

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

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

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Bridelia 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

Check Bridelia against your medication

Add one medication
Bridelia
+
Start typing any prescription or over-the-counter drug name.
Reviewed by licensed pharmacists Sourced from Natural Medicines
On this page
Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Bridelia

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

2,830 drugs
AbciximabReoPro› AbrocitinibCibinqo› AcebutololRhotral, Sectral› AcenocoumarolSintrom› Acetaminophen, AspirinGemnisyn› Acetaminophen, Aspirin, CaffeineExcedrin, Excedrin Extra Strength, Excedrin Migraine› Acetaminophen, IbuprofenCombogesic› AcetazolamideAk-Zol, Diamox› Acetylsalicylic AcidEntrophen› AliskirenTekturna› Alteplase, TpaActilyse, Activase› Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin Codeine #2› Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin› AmbrisentanLetairis, Volibris› AmilorideAmilamont, Midamor› Amiloride, HydrochlorothiazideAmil-Co, Amilzide, Moduret 25, Moduretic› AmlodipineNorliqva› Amlodipine BenzoateKaterzia› Amlodipine BesilateIstin› Amlodipine BesylateNorvasc› Amlodipine Besylate, BenazeprilLotrel› Amlodipine, CelecoxibConsensi› Ammonium ChlorideAmmonium Chloride› Anacaulase-bcdbNexoBrid› AnagrelideAgrylin› AnisindioneMiradon› Antithrombin IiiThrombate III› ApixabanEliquis› AprocitentanTryvio› ArgatrobanArgatroban›
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 Bridelia 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 Bridelia affects

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

All 3 drug categories Bridelia interacts with
Anticoagulant/antiplatelet DrugsAntihypertensive DrugsEstrogens
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

In animals, orally administered extracts of Bridelia ferruginea stem bark inhibit ADP/adrenaline-induced thrombosis by approximately 62%.Theoretically, Bridelia might increase the risk of bleeding when used concomitantly with anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs.
Some of these drugs include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, others), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, warfarin (Coumadin), and others.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Antihypertensive Drugs

Animal research suggests that Bridelia extracts decrease arterial pressure. Theoretically, concomitant use of Bridelia with antihypertensive drugs might have additive blood pressure lowering effects.
Some antihypertensive drugs include nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia), verapamil (Calan, Isoptin, Verelan), diltiazem (Cardizem), isradipine (DynaCirc), felodipine (Plendil), amlodipine (Norvasc), and others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Estrogens

In animals, Bridelia ferruginea extract has estrogenic effects, although the magnitude of these effects is less than that of ethinylestradiol. Theoretically, Bridelia might interfere with hormone therapy.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Monograph

Bridelia: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed July 2026 ·
The bottom line

Bridelia is a group of tropical plants, with Bridelia ferruginea widely used in traditional African medicine for diabetes, infections, and digestive problems. Scientific evidence is mostly limited to laboratory and animal studies, so its benefits and safety in people are not well established. Talk to a pharmacist or doctor before using it, especially if you take other medicines or have a health condition.

Scientific name
Bridelia ferruginea
Family
Phyllanthaceae
Part used
Bark, leaves, stem, and roots
Common forms
Bark or leaf decoction (tea), powder, traditional extracts, capsules
People commonly use it for
  • Blood sugar support
  • Digestive complaints and diarrhea
  • Wound care and skin conditions
  • Antimicrobial use
  • Mouth and gum care (traditional chewing stick)

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

Safety at a glance
OverallLimited data

Human safety data are very limited, so use cautiously and under professional guidance.

PregnancyLikely Unsafe

When used orally. There is concern that Bridelia might have labor-inducing effects. In animals, Bridelia atroviridis leaf extract induces uterine cont...

Read the full pregnancy detail
BreastfeedingInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information is 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

Bridelia is the name of a group of flowering plants found in tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and parts of Australia. The most studied species is Bridelia ferruginea, a shrub or small tree common in West Africa.

Different parts of the plant — including the bark, leaves, stems, and roots — have long been used in traditional medicine. People have used decoctions (teas made by boiling plant parts) for problems like diabetes, diarrhea, infections, and wounds. The twigs are also sometimes used as natural chewing sticks for cleaning teeth.

Today Bridelia is found mostly as a traditional herbal remedy rather than a standardized commercial supplement. Because it is not widely studied in people, it is not a mainstream product in most pharmacies.

Uses & effectiveness

Bridelia is used in traditional medicine for many conditions, but high-quality human studies are lacking. Most of what we know comes from laboratory and animal research, which cannot prove that it works or is safe in people.

People most commonly use Bridelia for:

  • Blood sugar control: Animal and test-tube studies suggest it may lower blood sugar, but human trials are very limited.
  • Diarrhea and digestive upset: A traditional use, supported mainly by lab studies, not strong clinical evidence.
  • Infections: Extracts have shown antibacterial and antifungal activity in the lab, but this does not mean it treats infections in people.
  • Wounds and skin problems: Used traditionally on the skin, with little formal study.
  • Mouth and gum health: Used as a chewing stick in some regions.

Overall, the evidence is preliminary and insufficient to recommend Bridelia for any specific health condition. More research in humans is needed.

How it works

Bridelia contains plant compounds such as tannins, flavonoids, and other polyphenols. These types of compounds are known to have antioxidant and antimicrobial activity in laboratory tests.

Researchers believe these compounds may be behind the plant's proposed effects, such as fighting microbes, reducing inflammation, or affecting how the body handles sugar. Some lab studies suggest it may influence enzymes involved in blood sugar control.

It is important to remember that these are proposed mechanisms based mostly on test-tube and animal research. How Bridelia behaves in the human body is not well understood.

Safety & precautions

The safety of Bridelia in humans has not been well studied. Because reliable safety data are missing, it should be used with caution and ideally under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

People with diabetes should be especially careful, since the plant may affect blood sugar. Anyone with a chronic health condition, or who is taking prescription medicines, should check with a pharmacist or doctor first.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is not enough information to consider Bridelia safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. To be safe, it is best to avoid it during these times.

Children, older adults, and people with liver or kidney problems should also avoid it unless advised otherwise by a healthcare provider.

Side effects

Because Bridelia has not been carefully studied in people, its full side effect profile is unknown.

Plants high in tannins, like Bridelia, can cause stomach upset, nausea, or constipation in some people, especially when used in large amounts. If it lowers blood sugar, it could potentially cause symptoms of low blood sugar such as shakiness, dizziness, or sweating.

Allergic reactions are always possible with any plant product. Stop using it and seek medical care if you notice rash, swelling, trouble breathing, or other signs of a serious reaction.

Dosing

There is no established or standardized dose for Bridelia. Traditional preparations vary widely, and product strength is not consistent.

If you choose to use a Bridelia product, follow the directions on the label and do not exceed the recommended amount. Because quality and purity can vary between products, it is wise to choose reputable brands.

The safest step is to talk with a pharmacist or doctor before starting, so they can review your medicines and health conditions.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Bridelia & Pregnancy

Likely Unsafe

When used orally. There is concern that Bridelia might have labor-inducing effects. In animals, Bridelia atroviridis leaf extract induces uterine contractions in a concentration-dependent manner.

  1. Corallo A, Savineau JP, Tricoche R, Foungbe S. The uterotonic action of the aqueous extract of Bridelia atroviridis in the rat. Fundam Clin Pharmacol 1991;5(4):319-29.

Bridelia & Breastfeeding

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information is 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 4 references that drive our Bridelia 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. Corallo A, Foungbe S, Davy M, Cohen Y. Cardiovascular pharmacology of aqueous extract of the leaves of Bridelia atroviridis Muell. Arg. (Euphorbiaceae) in the rat. J Ethnopharmacol 1997;57(3):189-96. PubMed
  2. Njamen D, Magne Nde CB, Tanee Fomum Z, Vollmer G. Effects of the extracts of some tropical medicinal plants on estrogen inducible yeast and Ishikawa screens, and on ovariectomized Wistar rats. Pharmazie 2008;63(2):164-8. DOI
  3. Corallo A, Savineau JP, Tricoche R, Foungbe S. The uterotonic action of the aqueous extract of Bridelia atroviridis in the rat. Fundam Clin Pharmacol 1991;5(4):319-29. PubMed
  4. Olajide, O. A. Investigation of the effects of selected medicinal plants on experimental thrombosis. Phytother Res 1999;13(3):231-232. DOI
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

Bridelia: Common Questions

Does Bridelia interact with prescription medications?
Yes. We list 330 medications with a known interaction with Bridelia. Use the checker above to see how Bridelia interacts with a specific drug.
How are Bridelia 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 Bridelia 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 Bridelia 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 Bridelia used for?
It is used in traditional medicine for blood sugar control, diarrhea, infections, wounds, and oral care. However, strong human evidence is lacking for any of these uses.
Is Bridelia safe to take?
Its safety in people is not well studied. Use it cautiously and check with a pharmacist or doctor first, especially if you have a health condition or take other medicines.
Can I use Bridelia during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
No reliable safety information is available, so it is best to avoid Bridelia during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Does Bridelia lower blood sugar?
Animal and laboratory studies suggest it might lower blood sugar, but this has not been proven in well-designed human studies. If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor before using it.

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

Where next
Supplement interaction checkerCheck any supplement or product against your medications Drug–drug interactionsCheck two or more of your medications against each other Browse medications A–ZEvery drug we’ve checked against herbs & supplements NDC & pricing lookupFind a drug’s NDCs, packaging and costs Ask a pharmacistFree, personal answer from our licensed team

Have a question about Bridelia?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist