Herb & supplement monograph

Caffeic Acid Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

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

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

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Caffeic Acid 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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Caffeic Acid 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 Caffeic Acid drug interaction appears low for most people, since every listed interaction rests on lab or animal findings rather than confirmed effects in humans. None of the interactions are rated major, and although most carry a moderate rating, all are graded as only possible, meaning they come from laboratory or animal research.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The main theoretical concern involves medications cleared by the kidneys through transport proteins called OAT1 and OAT3. In lab studies, caffeic acid blocks these transporters, which could slow how the body removes certain drugs and raise their levels, though this has not been shown to happen in people. There is also a minor, animal-based finding that caffeic acid may modestly raise levodopa levels, an effect some researchers speculate could even be helpful in Parkinson disease.

What the rest of the list means

The long list of affected medications largely reflects one shared mechanism: many drugs use these same kidney transporters, so each one gets counted. That does not mean every combination is harmful. Since none of these predicted effects has been confirmed in human studies, most remain theoretical.

Check your medications against Caffeic Acid

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

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Caffeic Acid

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

2,830 drugs
Acetaminophen, AspirinGemnisyn› Acetaminophen, Aspirin, CaffeineExcedrin, Excedrin Extra Strength, Excedrin Migraine› Acetaminophen, IbuprofenCombogesic› Acetylsalicylic AcidEntrophen› AcyclovirAvaclyr, Sitavig, Zovirax, Zovirax Injection› AdefovirHepsera› Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin Codeine #2› Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin› Amiloride, HydrochlorothiazideAmil-Co, Amilzide, Moduret 25, Moduretic› Amlodipine, CelecoxibConsensi› 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› Aspirin, Calcium Carbonate, Magnesium Carbonate, Magnesium OxideBufferin› Aspirin, CarisoprodolSoma Compound› Aspirin, Carisoprodol, Codeine PhosphateSoma Compound w/ Codeine› Aspirin, Chlorpheniramine, PhenylpropanolamineAlka-Seltzer Plus Cold› Aspirin, Citric Acid, Sodium BicarbonateAlka-Seltzer Pain Reliever and Antacid› Aspirin, Codeine PhosphateAspirin w/ Codeine›
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 Caffeic Acid 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 Caffeic Acid affects

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

All 3 drug categories Caffeic Acid interacts with
Organic Anion Transporter 1 (oat1) SubstratesOrganic Anion Transporter 3 (oat3) SubstratesLevodopa
Organic Anion Transporter 1 (Oat1) Substrates

Theoretically, caffeic acid might increase the levels and clinical effects of OAT1 substrates.
In vitro, caffeic acid inhibits OAT1. This drug transport protein is involved in renal tubular uptake of some drugs from the blood and then elimination in the urine. Inhibition of this transporter decreases renal elimination and increases drug levels in the body. Although caffeic acid inhibits OAT1 in vitro, the clinical significance of this in humans is not known.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Organic Anion Transporter 3 (Oat3) Substrates

Theoretically, caffeic acid might increase the levels and clinical effects of OAT3 substrates.
In vitro, caffeic acid inhibits OAT3. This drug transport protein is involved in renal tubular uptake of some drugs from the blood and then elimination in the urine. Inhibition of this transporters decreases renal elimination and increases drug levels in the body. Although caffeic acid inhibits OAT3 in vitro, the clinical significance of this in humans is not known.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Levodopa

Theoretically, caffeic acid might increase the levels and clinical effects of levodopa.
In an animal model, caffeic acid 10 mg/kg seems to significantly decrease conversion of levodopa to 3-O-methyldopa by about 22%. Caffeic acid also decreased the maximum concentration (Cmax) of 3-O-methyldopa by about 31%. There is speculation that this interaction could be beneficial for Parkinson disease patients. However, the clinical significance of this potential interaction in humans is not known.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Monograph

Caffeic Acid: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed June 2026 ·
The bottom line

Caffeic acid is a natural plant compound found in coffee, many fruits, vegetables, and herbs, and it is studied mainly for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Most evidence comes from laboratory and animal research, so its benefits in people are not yet proven. If you want to take it as a supplement, talk with your pharmacist or doctor first.

Part used
Naturally occurring plant compound (found in coffee, fruits, and many herbs)
Common forms
Capsules, tablets, powders, and as part of plant extracts (such as coffee or propolis)
People commonly use it for
  • Antioxidant support
  • General anti-inflammatory use
  • Skin and sun protection (topical)
  • Immune support
  • Cancer-prevention interest (research stage)

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

Safety at a glance
OverallUse caution

Generally well tolerated in food amounts, but concentrated supplement doses are not well studied in humans.

PregnancyInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information; avoid using.

Read the full pregnancy detail
BreastfeedingInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information; 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

Caffeic acid is a natural compound made by plants. Despite its name, it is not the same as caffeine and is not a stimulant. It belongs to a group of plant chemicals called polyphenols.

You can find caffeic acid in many everyday foods and drinks, including coffee, apples, berries, potatoes, and many herbs and vegetables. It is also found in propolis, a substance made by bees. People usually get small amounts of it naturally through their diet.

As a supplement, caffeic acid is sold in capsules, powders, and as part of plant extracts. It is most often promoted for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

How it works

Caffeic acid is a polyphenol, a type of plant compound known for antioxidant activity. In laboratory tests, it can help neutralize free radicals, which are unstable molecules that may damage cells over time.

Researchers have also seen it affect certain pathways involved in inflammation and cell signaling in lab and animal studies. Some studies suggest it may influence how cells grow and survive, which is why it is studied in cancer research.

It is important to know that these mechanisms come mostly from test-tube and animal research. What happens in a lab dish does not always translate into a real benefit when a person takes it by mouth.

Effectiveness

Does Caffeic Acid work?

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

Evidence overview · 2 uses evaluated
2 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 Caffeic Acid, current evidence isn’t strong enough to rate any specific use. The conditions it has been studied for are listed below.

Also studied for 2 conditions — evidence insufficient to rate
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Athletic performance
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral caffeic acid for athletic performance, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of caffeic acid for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Obesity
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral caffeic acid for weight loss, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of caffeic acid for this purpose.

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

Caffeic acid is found naturally in many common foods, and amounts you get from food are generally considered safe. The safety of concentrated supplement doses is less clear because there are few high-quality human studies.

People with existing health conditions, those taking prescription medicines, and anyone with allergies to bee products (since caffeic acid is in propolis) should be cautious and check with a healthcare provider first.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is not enough reliable safety information about supplement doses during pregnancy or breastfeeding. To be safe, avoid caffeic acid supplements during these times and stick to normal dietary amounts unless your doctor specifically advises otherwise.

Always talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting any new supplement.

Side effects

When consumed in normal food amounts, caffeic acid is not known to cause problems for most people. Because supplement-level doses are not well studied, the full side effect profile in humans is not clearly known.

Possible side effects with concentrated supplements may include mild stomach upset. People allergic to bee products like propolis could have allergic reactions. If you notice rash, swelling, trouble breathing, or other signs of an allergic reaction, stop using it and seek medical care.

Dosing

There is no established standard dose of caffeic acid as a supplement. Research studies have used different amounts, and a safe, effective dose for general use has not been confirmed.

If you choose to use a product that contains caffeic acid, follow the directions on the label and do not exceed the recommended amount. Because doses and product quality vary, it is best to check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Caffeic Acid & Pregnancy

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information; avoid using.

Caffeic Acid & Breastfeeding

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information; 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 Caffeic Acid 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. Uwai Y, Ozeki Y, Isaka T, et al. Inhibitory effect of caffeic acid on human organic anion transporters hOAT1 and hOAT3: a novel candidate for food-drug interaction. Drug Metab Pharmacokinet 2011;26:486-93. PubMed
  2. Wang LH, Hsu KY, Uang YS, et al. Caffeic acid improves the bioavailability of L-dopa in rabbit plasma. Phytother Res 2010;24:852-8.
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 Caffeic Acid

5 brands in our database make a supplement containing Caffeic Acid.

Product directory

Supplement products with Caffeic Acid

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

Green Bee Propolis by NaturaNectar Capsule 60 Vegetable Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Ripped Freak RF Diuretic by PharmaFreak Capsule 48 Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Bee Propolis Trio by NaturaNectar Capsule 60 Vegetable Capsule(s) Off market View ingredients & interactions Jack3D Micro Blue Raspberry by USPlabs Powder 5.1 oz. · 146 Gram(s) Off market View ingredients & interactions Jack3D Micro Fruit Punch by USPlabs Powder 5.1 Oz(s) · 146 Gram(s) Off market View ingredients & interactions Jack3D Micro Fruit Punch by USPlabs Powder 5.1 oz. · 146 Gram(s) Off market View ingredients & interactions Jack3D Micro Green Apple by USPlabs Powder 5.1 oz. · 146 Gram(s) Off market View ingredients & interactions Olive Leaf Complex by Barlean's Softgel Capsule 120 Softgel(s) Off market View ingredients & interactions Olive Leaf Complex by Barlean's Softgel Capsule 60 Softgel(s) Off market View ingredients & interactions Olive Leaf Complex by Barlean's Softgel Capsule 120 Softgel(s) Off market View ingredients & interactions Olive Leaf Complex by Barlean's Softgel Capsule 60 Softgel(s) Off market View ingredients & interactions Olive Leaf Complex Natural Flavor by Barlean's Organic Oils Liquid 16 oz. · 454 Gram(s) Off market View ingredients & interactions Olive Leaf Complex Natural Olive Leaf Flavor by Barlean's Liquid 8 Ounce(s) · 227 Gram(s) Off market View ingredients & interactions Olive Leaf Complex Natural Olive Leaf Flavor by Barlean's Liquid 16 oz. · 454 Gram(s) Off market View ingredients & interactions Olive Leaf Complex Peppermint Flavor by Barlean's Organic Oils Liquid 16 oz. · 454 Gram(s) Off market View ingredients & interactions Olive Leaf Complex Peppermint Flavor by Barlean's Liquid 8 oz. · 227 Gram(s) Off market View ingredients & interactions Olive Leaf Complex Peppermint Flavor by Barlean's Liquid 16 oz. · 454 Gram(s) Off market View ingredients & interactions Olive Leaf Complex Peppermint Flavor by Barlean's Organic Oils Liquid 8 oz. · 227 Gram(s) Off market View ingredients & interactions Olive Leaf Complex Peppermint Flavor by Barlean's Liquid 16 oz. · 454 Gram(s) Off market View ingredients & interactions Olive Leaf Complex Peppermint Flavor by Barlean's Liquid 8 Ounce(s) · 227 Gram(s) Off market View ingredients & interactions
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Caffeic Acid: Common Questions

What is Caffeic Acid used for, and does it work?
People use Caffeic Acid 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 Caffeic Acid interact with prescription medications?
Yes. We list 182 medications with a known interaction with Caffeic Acid. Use the checker above to see how Caffeic Acid interacts with a specific drug.
How are Caffeic Acid 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 Caffeic Acid 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 Caffeic Acid 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.
Is Caffeic Acid the same as caffeine?
No. Despite the similar name, Caffeic Acid is not caffeine and does not act as a stimulant. It is a plant antioxidant found in foods like coffee, fruits, and vegetables.
What is Caffeic Acid used for?
People use it mainly for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and it is being studied for skin protection and cancer prevention. However, most evidence is from lab and animal studies, so benefits in people are not proven.
Is Caffeic Acid safe to take?
Amounts found naturally in food are generally considered safe. Concentrated supplement doses have not been well studied in humans, so talk with your pharmacist or doctor before using them.
Can I take Caffeic Acid while pregnant or breastfeeding?
There is not enough safety data on supplement doses, so it is best to avoid Caffeic Acid supplements during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Normal amounts from food are not a concern.

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

Keep exploring

Products that contain Caffeic Acid

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

See all 20 products with Caffeic Acid →
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