Herb & supplement monograph

Calumba Drug Interactions, Uses, Safety & More

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

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

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Calumba 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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Calumba 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 Calumba drug interaction appears low for most people. Every listed interaction is rated minor, and none is backed by strong human evidence.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The one theme worth knowing about involves stomach-acid medicines. There are reports that calumba may increase stomach acid, so in theory it could work against antacids, H2-blockers, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) taken to reduce acid. Even here, the concern is theoretical and has not been confirmed in well-controlled human studies. If you rely on one of these medicines to control reflux or ulcer symptoms, this is the combination we would watch most closely.

What the rest of the list means

Although a few dozen medications appear on the interaction list, that number mostly reflects how many individual acid-reducing products fall into these three categories, not many separate risks. Because the evidence is limited to reports and theory rather than proven effects in people, most of these combinations are unlikely to cause a meaningful problem, though a possible interaction cannot be fully ruled out.

Check your medications against Calumba

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

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Calumba

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

2,830 drugs
Alginic Acid, Aluminum HydroxideRafton› Aluminum HydroxideAlu-Cap, Amphojel, Gaviscon› Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin Codeine #2› Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin› Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide (otc Drug)Maalox, Mucogel› Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, Simethicone (otc Drug)Mylanta› Aluminum, Magnesium (otc Drug)Almagel› Amoxicillin, Omeprazole Magnesium, RifabutinTalicia› Aspirin, Aluminum Hydroxide, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin Codeine #3› Aspirin, Calcium Carbonate, Magnesium Carbonate, Magnesium OxideBufferin› Aspirin, Citric Acid, Sodium BicarbonateAlka-Seltzer Pain Reliever and Antacid› Aspirin, OmeprazoleYosprala› Bismuth Subcarbonate, Calcium Carbonate, OpiumDiabismul› Calcium CarbonateAdcal, Adcal-D3, Calcichew, Os-Cal, Tums› CimetidineCimetidine Injection, Tagamet, Tagamet HB› DexlansoprazoleDexilant Solutab› Dihydroxyaluminum Sodium CarbonateRolaids› EsomeprazoleNexium› Esomeprazole MagnesiumNexium 24hr› Esomeprazole StrontiumEsomeprazole Strontium› Esomeprazole, NaproxenVimovo› FamotidineFamotidine, Famotidine Injection, Pepcid, Pepcid AC› Famotidine, IbuprofenDuexis› LansoprazolePrevacid› Lansoprazole, Amoxicillin, ClarithromycinPrevpac› MagaldrateRiopan› Magnesium Sulfate (prescription Drug)Bilagog, Magnesium Sulfate› NizatidineAxid, Axid Injection› OmeprazoleLosec, Prilosec, Zegerid› Omeprazole, Sodium BicarbonateKonvomep›
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 Calumba 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 Calumba affects

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

All 3 drug categories Calumba interacts with
AntacidsH2-blockersProton Pump Inhibitors (ppis)
Antacids

Theoretically, calumba might decrease the effectiveness of antacids.
There are reports that calumba increases stomach acid.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
H2-Blockers

Theoretically, calumba might decrease the effectiveness of H2-blockers.
There are reports that calumba increases stomach acid.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Proton Pump Inhibitors (Ppis)

Theoretically, calumba might decrease the effectiveness of H2-blockers.
There are reports that calumba increases stomach acid.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Monograph

Calumba: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed July 2026 ·
The bottom line

Calumba is the dried root of an African climbing plant that has long been used as a bitter tonic to stimulate appetite and ease digestive complaints. Modern scientific evidence for these uses is very limited, and its safety has not been well studied, so it should be used cautiously and avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Scientific name
Jateorhiza palmata
Family
Menispermaceae
Part used
Dried root
Common forms
Dried root, powder, tincture, liquid extract, capsules
People commonly use it for
  • Poor appetite
  • Digestive upset and indigestion
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • As a bitter tonic

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

Safety at a glance
OverallUse caution

Little modern safety data exists, so use it cautiously and ideally under professional guidance.

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

Calumba (also written colombo) is a traditional herbal remedy made from the dried root of Jateorhiza palmata, a climbing plant in the moonseed family. It is native to the forests of southeastern Africa, including regions of Mozambique and Madagascar.

The root has a very bitter taste, which is why it has traditionally been used as a "bitter tonic." Bitters were historically given to wake up the appetite and help with sluggish digestion. Calumba has appeared in old herbal texts and pharmacopeias, where it was used to treat stomach upset, poor appetite, and diarrhea.

Today it is much less common than many other herbs. When found, it is sold as dried root, powder, tinctures, liquid extracts, or capsules.

Uses & effectiveness

People have traditionally used Calumba for digestive complaints such as poor appetite, indigestion, nausea, and diarrhea. It was valued mainly as a bitter that was thought to stimulate the flow of digestive juices.

The evidence behind these uses is weak. Most of what we know comes from traditional use and old herbal writings rather than from modern, well-designed human studies. There is little to no high-quality clinical research showing that Calumba reliably treats any specific condition.

In short, while it has a long history of folk use, you should view its benefits as unproven. If you have ongoing digestive symptoms, it is important to have them checked by a healthcare professional rather than relying on Calumba.

How it works

Calumba root contains bitter compounds, including substances such as columbin (a bitter diterpenoid) and small amounts of plant alkaloids. The intense bitterness is thought to be the main reason it was used as a digestive aid.

The traditional idea is that tasting something very bitter triggers reflexes that increase saliva and stomach secretions, which may help stimulate appetite and digestion. This is the general theory behind all "bitter" herbs.

It is important to know that most of this understanding is based on the herb's chemistry, traditional reasoning, and laboratory research rather than strong human studies. The exact way Calumba acts in the body is not well established.

Safety & precautions

There is very little modern safety information about Calumba, so it should be used cautiously. Because it has not been carefully studied, the safest approach is to use small amounts only if needed and to talk with a pharmacist or doctor first.

People who should be especially careful or avoid it include:

  • Pregnant or breastfeeding people, because its safety is unknown
  • Children
  • People with chronic stomach, liver, or other ongoing health conditions
  • Anyone taking prescription medications, who should check with a pharmacist first

Because supplements are not tightly regulated, product quality and strength can vary. Choose products from reputable companies, and stop use and seek care if you have any unexpected reactions.

Side effects

Reliable data on Calumba's side effects are limited. As with other strong bitter herbs, large amounts could potentially cause stomach upset, nausea, or digestive discomfort in some people.

Allergic reactions are possible with almost any plant product. Stop using it and get medical help if you notice a rash, swelling, trouble breathing, or other signs of an allergic reaction.

Because so little is known, it is wise to start with a small amount and watch how your body responds.

Calumba: Reported Adverse Effects

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

Reports by condition
Nausea and vomiting Gastrointestinal

Orally, large doses of calumba may cause vomiting and epigastric pain.

  1. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
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 Calumba. Traditional sources used the dried root, powder, tinctures, or liquid extracts, but reliable modern dosing guidelines do not exist.

If you choose to use a Calumba product, follow the directions on the label and do not exceed them. Because strengths vary between products and forms, the same amount of powder, tincture, or capsule may be very different.

Talk with a pharmacist or doctor before starting Calumba, especially if you take other medicines, have a health condition, or are unsure how much to use.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Calumba & Pregnancy

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Calumba & 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 Calumba 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. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
  2. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
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

Calumba: Common Questions

Does Calumba interact with prescription medications?
Yes. We list 36 medications with a known interaction with Calumba. Use the checker above to see how Calumba interacts with a specific drug.
How are Calumba 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 Calumba 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 Calumba 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 Calumba used for?
It has traditionally been used as a bitter tonic to stimulate appetite and ease digestive problems such as indigestion, nausea, and diarrhea, though modern evidence for these uses is limited.
Is Calumba safe to take?
There is not much modern research on its safety, so it should be used cautiously and ideally under the guidance of a pharmacist or doctor.
Can I take Calumba while pregnant or breastfeeding?
It is best to avoid Calumba during pregnancy and breastfeeding because its safety in these situations has not been studied.
How is Calumba taken?
It is usually taken as dried root, powder, a tincture or liquid extract, or in capsules; since there is no standardized dose, follow the product label and check with a pharmacist.

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

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