Herb & supplement monograph

Cereus Drug Interactions, Uses, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS ·Updated July 2026

What is this page for?

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

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Cereus 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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Cereus 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 Cereus drug interaction appears low for most people, since the known concerns involve only a few specific heart and mood medications. None of the listed interactions are rated major, and all of them rest on theoretical or lab-based evidence rather than solid human studies.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The combination that deserves the most caution is digoxin, a heart medicine with a narrow safety margin. Cereus may strengthen the effects of digoxin and possibly other cardiac drugs, and even a small added effect could matter for a medicine that is dosed and monitored so carefully. There is also a theoretical concern with MAOIs, a class of antidepressants, because large amounts of Cereus contain tyramine, which can raise blood pressure when combined with these drugs.

What the rest of the list means

Cereus interacts with a fairly small group of medications overall, and neither concern has been confirmed in people. Both are predictions based on how the plant might act in the body, not on documented harm. For people who do not take heart medicines or MAOIs, the data points to little cause for worry.

Check your medications against Cereus

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

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Cereus

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

Don’t want to scroll the list? Just ask.

Tell us the medications you take and we’ll check each one against Cereus using our pharmacist-reviewed interaction data.

AI summaries are generated from our Cereus interaction data for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI

2,830 drugs

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 Cereus 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 Cereus affects

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

All 2 drug categories Cereus interacts with

Digoxin (lanoxin)Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (maois)

Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Cereus may potentiate the actions of cardiac glycosides and may enhance the effect of other cardiac drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (Maois)

Theoretically, excessive doses of cereus may interact with MAOIs, because of the tyramine content.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Monograph

Cereus: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS · Reviewed July 2026 ·

The bottom line

Cereus (often called night-blooming cereus) is a cactus traditionally used in folk and homeopathic medicine for heart-related complaints like palpitations. High-quality human evidence supporting these uses is lacking, and because it may affect the heart, it should be used only under medical guidance. Pregnant and breastfeeding people should avoid it.

Scientific name: Selenicereus grandiflorus
Family: Cactaceae
Part used: Flowers and young stems
Common forms: Tincture, liquid extract, capsules, homeopathic preparations

People commonly use it for

Heart palpitations
Mild heart symptoms
Anxiety and nervous tension
Shortness of breath
Fluid retention

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

Safety at a glance

OverallUse caution

Limited safety data and possible effects on the heart make professional guidance important.

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

Cereus usually refers to Selenicereus grandiflorus, a climbing cactus often called night-blooming cereus because its large, fragrant flowers open at night. It is native to parts of Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America, and is also grown as an ornamental plant.

Historically, the flowers and young stems were used to make tinctures and other liquid preparations. It became known in 19th-century herbal and homeopathic practice as a remedy for heart complaints, especially palpitations and a feeling of pressure in the chest. Today it is most often sold as a tincture, liquid extract, or homeopathic product.

Uses & effectiveness

People have traditionally used Cereus for heart palpitations, mild heart symptoms, shortness of breath, nervous tension, and fluid buildup. These uses come mainly from old herbal traditions and homeopathy rather than modern science.

The evidence is weak. There are very few well-designed human studies on Cereus, and the existing information comes largely from historical use and small laboratory observations. There is not enough reliable research to say it works for any heart or anxiety condition. Because heart symptoms can be serious, you should never use Cereus in place of evaluation and treatment by a healthcare provider.

How it works

The plant contains compounds such as flavonoids and certain alkaloids that have been studied in the laboratory. Some early research suggested it might have mild effects on heart rhythm and the force of heart contractions, which is why it was historically used for the heart.

It is important to understand that these proposed mechanisms are based mostly on old observations and laboratory work, not on strong modern clinical trials. We do not have a clear, proven understanding of how Cereus affects the human body.

Safety & precautions

There is limited modern safety data on Cereus. Because it may have effects on the heart, people with heart conditions, abnormal heart rhythms, or low or high blood pressure should be especially cautious and talk with a doctor before using it.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is not enough reliable information to consider Cereus safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, so it is best to avoid it during these times.

Always tell your pharmacist or doctor about any supplement you take, especially if you have a chronic condition or take prescription medicines. Do not use Cereus to self-treat chest pain, severe palpitations, fainting, or breathing problems — these need prompt medical attention.

Side effects

Because Cereus has not been carefully studied in people, its full side effect profile is not well known. Reported or possible effects include stomach upset, nausea, and a burning or irritating sensation in the mouth or throat, especially with concentrated tinctures.

In larger amounts there is a theoretical concern for effects on the heart rate or rhythm. Stop using it and seek medical care if you notice an irregular heartbeat, dizziness, fainting, or any allergic reaction such as rash, swelling, or trouble breathing.

Cereus: Reported Adverse Effects

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

Orally, fresh cereus juice may cause burning of the mouth, queasiness, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Topically, it may cause itching and skin pustules.

Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
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 established standard dose of Cereus. Products vary widely in strength, and homeopathic preparations are very different from herbal tinctures.

If you choose to use a Cereus product, follow the directions on the label and do not exceed them. Because of its possible heart effects, it is wise to check with a pharmacist or doctor before starting, and to choose products from reputable manufacturers.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Cereus & Pregnancy

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Cereus & Breastfeeding

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 3 references that drive our Cereus 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.

Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
Fetrow CW, Avila JR. Professional's Handbook of Complementary & Alternative Medicines. 1st ed. Springhouse, PA: Springhouse Corp., 1999.

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.

Brand directory

Brands that make products with Cereus

11 brands in our database make a supplement containing Cereus.

Allergy Research Group 1,595 products BIOVEA 1,494 products Energetix 283 products Hawaii Pharm 4,726 products Herb Pharm 3,320 products Herb Pharm Professional 28 products Herbal Terra 3,138 products Herbalist & Alchemist 613 products L.A. Naturals 201 products Village Vitality 361 products VitalBulk 269 products

Product directory

Supplement products with Cereus

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

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Cereus: Common Questions

Does Cereus interact with prescription medications?

Yes. We list 10 medications with a known interaction with Cereus. Use the checker above to see how Cereus interacts with a specific drug.

How are Cereus 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 Cereus 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 Cereus 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 Cereus used for?

It has traditionally been used for heart palpitations, mild heart symptoms, shortness of breath, and nervous tension, but strong scientific proof for these uses is lacking.

Is Cereus safe to take?

Safety data are limited, and because it may affect the heart, it should only be used with guidance from a healthcare provider, especially if you have a heart condition.

Can I take Cereus during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

No reliable safety information exists for these situations, so it is best to avoid Cereus while pregnant or breastfeeding.

Can Cereus replace my heart medication?

No. Cereus is not a proven treatment and should never be used in place of prescribed heart medicine or medical care for heart symptoms.

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

Keep exploring

Products that contain Cereus

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

See all 77 products with Cereus →

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Cereus Drug Interactions, Uses, Safety & More

Your Choice:

Cereus Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

Drugs that interact with Cereus

Don’t want to scroll the list? Just ask.

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

Where This Data Comes From

The kinds of drugs Cereus affects

Cereus: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Overview

Uses & effectiveness

How it works

Safety & precautions

Side effects

Cereus: Reported Adverse Effects

Dosing

Cereus & Pregnancy

Cereus & Breastfeeding

References & further reading

Brands that make products with Cereus

Supplement products with Cereus

Cereus: Common Questions

Related supplements & herbs

Products that contain Cereus

Have a question about Cereus?