Herb & supplement monograph

Codonopsis Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

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Reviewed by licensed pharmacists Sourced from Natural Medicines

Codonopsis 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 Codonopsis drug interaction appears low for most people, since the concerns identified so far are largely theoretical rather than proven in humans. None of the listed interactions are rated major, and every one carries only a possible likelihood, meaning the evidence comes mostly from lab, animal, or limited human research.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The best-supported concern involves anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs: a small human study found that a codonopsis liquor reduced platelet clumping, so combining it with blood thinners could, in theory, raise bleeding risk. In animal research, codonopsis sped up the clearance of abiraterone, a cancer medicine, which might lower its levels and effect. Lab and animal work also suggests codonopsis may lower blood sugar, so people taking diabetes medications should watch for signs of low blood sugar.

What the rest of the list means

Codonopsis shows up alongside a couple hundred medications, but that reflects broad drug categories, not proven problems with each drug. Most of these pairings rest on effects seen only in animals or lab studies, and none has been confirmed to cause meaningful harm in people so far.

Check your medications against Codonopsis

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

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Codonopsis

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

2,830 drugs
AbciximabReoPro
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, codonopsis liquor might increase the risk of bleeding when used with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs.

Read the full Codonopsis + Abciximab interaction
Abiraterone
Moderate Abiraterone (zytiga)

Theoretically, taking codonopsis root with abiraterone might reduce the levels and therapeutic effects of abiraterone.

Read the full Codonopsis + Abiraterone interaction Abiraterone drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Abiraterone AcetateYonsa, Zytiga
Moderate Abiraterone (zytiga)

Theoretically, taking codonopsis root with abiraterone might reduce the levels and therapeutic effects of abiraterone.

Read the full Codonopsis + Abiraterone Acetate interaction Abiraterone Acetate drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
AbrocitinibCibinqo
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, codonopsis liquor might increase the risk of bleeding when used with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs.

Read the full Codonopsis + Abrocitinib interaction Abrocitinib drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
AcarboseGlucobay, Prandase, Precose
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, codonopsis might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.

Read the full Codonopsis + Acarbose interaction Acarbose drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
AcenocoumarolSintrom
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, codonopsis liquor might increase the risk of bleeding when used with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs.

Read the full Codonopsis + Acenocoumarol interaction
Acetaminophen, AspirinGemnisyn
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, codonopsis liquor might increase the risk of bleeding when used with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs.

Read the full Codonopsis + Acetaminophen, Aspirin interaction
Acetaminophen, Aspirin, CaffeineExcedrin, Excedrin Extra Strength, Excedrin Migraine
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, codonopsis liquor might increase the risk of bleeding when used with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs.

Read the full Codonopsis + Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Caffeine interaction
Acetaminophen, IbuprofenCombogesic
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, codonopsis liquor might increase the risk of bleeding when used with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs.

Read the full Codonopsis + Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen interaction
AcetohexamideDymelor
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, codonopsis might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.

Read the full Codonopsis + Acetohexamide interaction
Acetylsalicylic AcidEntrophen
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, codonopsis liquor might increase the risk of bleeding when used with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs.

Read the full Codonopsis + Acetylsalicylic Acid interaction Acetylsalicylic Acid drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
AlbiglutideTanzeum
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, codonopsis might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.

Read the full Codonopsis + Albiglutide interaction
AlogliptinNesina
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, codonopsis might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.

Read the full Codonopsis + Alogliptin interaction Alogliptin drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Alogliptin, MetforminKazano
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, codonopsis might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.

Read the full Codonopsis + Alogliptin, Metformin interaction
Alogliptin, PioglitazoneOseni
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, codonopsis might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.

Read the full Codonopsis + Alogliptin, Pioglitazone interaction
Alteplase, TpaActilyse, Activase
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, codonopsis liquor might increase the risk of bleeding when used with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs.

Read the full Codonopsis + Alteplase, Tpa interaction
Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin Codeine #2
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, codonopsis liquor might increase the risk of bleeding when used with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs.

Read the full Codonopsis + Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interaction
Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, codonopsis liquor might increase the risk of bleeding when used with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs.

Read the full Codonopsis + Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Magnesium Hydroxide interaction Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Magnesium Hydroxide drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Anacaulase-bcdbNexoBrid
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, codonopsis liquor might increase the risk of bleeding when used with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs.

Read the full Codonopsis + Anacaulase-bcdb interaction
AnagrelideAgrylin
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, codonopsis liquor might increase the risk of bleeding when used with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs.

Read the full Codonopsis + Anagrelide interaction Anagrelide drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
AnisindioneMiradon
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, codonopsis liquor might increase the risk of bleeding when used with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs.

Read the full Codonopsis + Anisindione interaction
Antidiabetes, Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (dpp-iv) InhibitorGlyxambi
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, codonopsis might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.

Read the full Codonopsis + Antidiabetes, Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (dpp-iv) Inhibitor interaction
Antithrombin IiiThrombate III
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, codonopsis liquor might increase the risk of bleeding when used with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs.

Read the full Codonopsis + Antithrombin Iii interaction
ApixabanEliquis
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, codonopsis liquor might increase the risk of bleeding when used with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs.

Read the full Codonopsis + Apixaban interaction Apixaban drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
ArgatrobanArgatroban
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, codonopsis liquor might increase the risk of bleeding when used with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs.

Read the full Codonopsis + Argatroban interaction
AspirinAngettes 75, ASA, Asaphen, Aspirin, Caprin, Cartia +8 more
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, codonopsis liquor might increase the risk of bleeding when used with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs.

Read the full Codonopsis + Aspirin interaction Aspirin drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Aspirin, Aluminum Hydroxide, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin Codeine #3
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, codonopsis liquor might increase the risk of bleeding when used with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs.

Read the full Codonopsis + Aspirin, Aluminum Hydroxide, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interaction
Aspirin, ButalbitalAxotal
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, codonopsis liquor might increase the risk of bleeding when used with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs.

Read the full Codonopsis + Aspirin, Butalbital interaction
Aspirin, Butalbital, CaffeineFiorinal
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, codonopsis liquor might increase the risk of bleeding when used with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs.

Read the full Codonopsis + Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine interaction Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine PhosphateFiorinal w/ Codeine
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, codonopsis liquor might increase the risk of bleeding when used with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs.

Read the full Codonopsis + Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine Phosphate interaction
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 Codonopsis 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 Codonopsis affects

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

All 3 drug categories Codonopsis interacts with
Abiraterone (zytiga)Anticoagulant/antiplatelet DrugsAntidiabetes Drugs
Abiraterone (Zytiga)

Theoretically, taking codonopsis root with abiraterone might reduce the levels and therapeutic effects of abiraterone.
Animal research in rats shows that intragastric administration of codonopsis root along with abiraterone every 2 days for 2 weeks seems to increase the clearance of abiraterone and reduce the overall exposure and time to maximum concentration. This interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, codonopsis liquor might increase the risk of bleeding when used with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs.
A small clinical study in adults with coronary heart disease shows that consuming Codonopsis pilosula liquor for 4 weeks inhibits platelet aggregation but does not affect tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) or plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI).

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, codonopsis might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Laboratory and animal research suggest that codonopsis has antidiabetic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Monograph

Codonopsis: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

The bottom line

Codonopsis (often called 'dang shen') is a root long used in Traditional Chinese Medicine as a gentle energy and digestive tonic, frequently as a milder substitute for ginseng. Human research is very limited, so its benefits are not well proven. It appears reasonably well tolerated in food-like amounts, but you should talk with a pharmacist or doctor before using it, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a health condition.

Scientific name
Codonopsis pilosula
Family
Campanulaceae
Part used
Dried root
Common forms
Dried root, slices, decoctions (teas/soups), powders, capsules, tinctures, and herbal formulas
People commonly use it for
  • Fatigue and low energy
  • Digestive support and poor appetite
  • Immune support
  • General tonic ('qi' tonic in Traditional Chinese Medicine)
  • Cough and weakness during recovery from illness

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

Safety at a glance
OverallUse caution

Generally considered well tolerated in traditional food-like amounts, but high-quality safety data 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

Codonopsis is the dried root of Codonopsis pilosula, a climbing plant in the bellflower family. It grows in parts of China, Korea, and other regions of East Asia. In Traditional Chinese Medicine it is known as dang shen (or 'poor man's ginseng') and has been used for hundreds of years.

It is most often added to soups, broths, and herbal teas, or taken as a powder, capsule, or tincture. Because it is thought of as a gentle 'tonic,' it is sometimes used in place of true ginseng for people who want a milder option.

How it works

Codonopsis root contains a mix of natural compounds, including polysaccharides (a type of plant sugar), saponins, and other plant chemicals. In lab and animal studies, some of these compounds have shown possible effects on the immune system, on inflammation, and on the lining of the stomach.

These proposed mechanisms are mostly based on test-tube and animal research. It is not clear whether the same effects happen in the human body at the amounts people normally take, so the science is still preliminary.

Effectiveness

Does Codonopsis work?

Evidence overview · 6 uses evaluated
6 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 Codonopsis, current evidence isn’t strong enough to rate any specific use. The conditions it has been studied for are listed below.

Also studied for 6 conditions — evidence insufficient to rate
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Asthma
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using oral Codonopsis lanceolata for asthma, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of codonopsis for this condition.

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

Although there is interest in using oral Codonopsis lanceolata for cancer, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of codonopsis for this condition.

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

Although there is interest in using oral Codonopsis lanceolata for dyspepsia, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of codonopsis for this condition.

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

Although there is interest in using oral Codonopsis lanceolata for hyperlipidemia, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of codonopsis for this condition.

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

Although there is interest in using oral Codonopsis lanceolata for obesity, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of codonopsis for this condition.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Respiratory tract infections
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using oral Codonopsis lanceolata for respiratory tract infections, including bronchitis and tuberculosis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of codonopsis for these conditions.

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

Codonopsis has a long history of food and medicinal use and is generally thought to be well tolerated when used in traditional amounts. However, modern safety studies are limited, so its long-term safety is not well established.

People with autoimmune conditions should be cautious, since herbs marketed for 'immune support' could in theory affect the immune system. Anyone with a chronic medical condition or who takes regular medications should check with a pharmacist or doctor first.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is not enough reliable information about its safety in these situations. To be safe, it is best to avoid Codonopsis during pregnancy and while breastfeeding unless your healthcare provider specifically approves it.

As with any supplement, product quality can vary. Choose products from reputable companies that test for purity and contaminants.

Side effects

Reported side effects are uncommon and tend to be mild. Some people may notice digestive upset, such as nausea or stomach discomfort. Allergic reactions are possible, as with any plant product.

Because human studies are limited, the full range of possible side effects is not well documented. Stop using it and seek medical care if you have signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, swelling, or trouble breathing.

Codonopsis: Reported Adverse Effects

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

Reports by condition
Arrhythmia Cardiovascular

Orally, very large doses of codonopsis (30-60 grams) may cause chest pain or arrhythmia.

  1. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
Pain Gastrointestinal

Orally, very large doses of codonopsis (30-60 grams) may cause throat pain and loss of voice.

  1. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
Urticaria Immunologic

Orally, codonopsis can cause allergic reactions including anaphylaxis and urticaria. In one case report, an 18-year-old male developed anaphylaxis after ingesting codonopsis roots. In an oral re-challenge test, he developed anaphylaxis and urticaria again 30 minutes after consuming 20 grams of codonopsis root. Although codonopsis is in the same family as mugwort, the patient did not appear to be sensitized to mugwort pollen.

  1. Hur GY, Choi GS, Park HJ, Ye YM, Park HS. Anaphylactic shock induced by Codonopsis lanceolata, traditional Chinese medicine in a patient with allergic rhinitis. Allergy. 2008;63(10):1406-7.
Vertigo Neurologic/CNS

Orally, very large doses of codonopsis (30-60 grams) may cause vision problems, dizziness, loss of balance, leg spasms, and confusion.

  1. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
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 official, standardized dose of Codonopsis. Traditional preparations often use the dried root in soups or decoctions, while commercial products come as capsules, powders, and tinctures in widely varying strengths.

Follow the directions on your specific product label, and do not assume more is better. A pharmacist or doctor can help you decide whether it is appropriate for you and what amount may be reasonable.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Codonopsis & Pregnancy

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Codonopsis & 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 5 references that drive our Codonopsis 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. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
  2. Xu, X., Wang, S. R., and Lin, Q. [Clinical and experimental study on codonopsis pilosula oral liquor in treating coronary heart disease with blood stasis]. Zhongguo Zhong.Xi.Yi.Jie.He.Za Zhi. 1995;15(7):398-400.
  3. Hur GY, Choi GS, Park HJ, Ye YM, Park HS. Anaphylactic shock induced by Codonopsis lanceolata, traditional Chinese medicine in a patient with allergic rhinitis. Allergy. 2008;63(10):1406-7.
  4. Zhang ZB, Ip SP, Cho WCS, et al. Herb-drug interactions between androgenic Chinese herbal medicines and androgen receptor antagonist on tumor growth: Studies on two xenograft prostate cancer animal models. Phytother Res. 2021.
  5. Jia W, Bi Q, Jiang S, et al. Hypoglycemic activity of Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf. in vitro and in vivo and its chemical composition identification by UPLC-Triple-TOF-MS/MS. Food Funct 2022;13(5):2456-2464.
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

Product directory

Supplement products with Codonopsis

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

Solitary Hermit Teapills by Plum Flower Tablet Or Pill 1000 Pill(s) · 6 Ounce(s) · 170 Gram(s) View ingredients & interactions Solitary Hermit Teapills by Plum Flower Tablet Or Pill 1.2 Ounce(s) · 34 Gram(s) · 200 Pill(s) View ingredients & interactions Stress Support System by Pure Essence Tablet Or Pill 60 Tablet(s) View ingredients & interactions Sugar Coated Shen Ling Bai Zhu Pian by Plum Flower Tablet Or Pill 100 Tablet(s) · 1.7 Oz(s) · 48 Gram(s) View ingredients & interactions Super Immune Seasonal Wellness Multivitamin by Super Nutrition Tablet Or Pill 240 Tablet(s) View ingredients & interactions Super Jing by Ron Teeguarden's Dragon Herbs Capsule 100 Vegetarian Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Super Jing by Ron Teeguarden's Dragon Herbs Capsule 100 Vegetarian Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Super Thermo Blast by Body Fortress Softgel Capsule 90 Softgel(s) View ingredients & interactions Taproot Deep Jing by Raw Forest Foods Powder 2.47 Ounce(s) · 70 Gram(s) View ingredients & interactions Ten Complete Supertonic by Ron Teeguarden's Dragon Herbs Capsule 100 Vegetarian Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Ten Complete Supertonic by Ron Teeguarden's Dragon Herbs Capsule 100 Vegetarian Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Ten Flavor Teapills by Plum Flower Capsule 1.2 Ounce(s) · 34 Gram(s) · 200 Pill(s) View ingredients & interactions Ten Flavor Teapills by Min Shan Tablet Or Pill 1.2 Ounce(s) · 34 Gram(s) · 200 Pill(s) View ingredients & interactions The Great Pulse Teapills Sheng Mai Wan by Plum Flower Tablet Or Pill 1.2 oz. · 33 g · 200 Pill(s) View ingredients & interactions The Great Pulse Teapills Sheng Mai Wan by Plum Flower Brand Tablet Or Pill 200 Pill(s) · 1.2 oz. · 33 Gram(s) View ingredients & interactions The Great Pulse Teapills Sheng Mai Wan by Plum Flower Tablet Or Pill 1.2 Ounce(s) · 34 Gram(s) · 200 Pill(s) View ingredients & interactions The Great Stabilizer by Ron Teeguarden's Dragon Herbs Capsule 100 Vegetarian Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions The Great Stabilizer by Ron Teeguarden's Dragon Herbs Capsule 100 Vegetarian Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions The Original Superfood by Pure Synergy Capsule 270 Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Thermal Infusion X2 by MET-Rx Softgel Capsule 120 Softgel(s) View ingredients & interactions Thyroid Strong by Redd Remedies Capsule 60 Vegetarian Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions ThyroPrime by Premium Nutrition Capsule View ingredients & interactions Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan by Min Shan Tablet Or Pill 200 Pill(s) · 1.2 Ounce(s) · 34 Gram(s) View ingredients & interactions Tian Wang Bu Xin Pian HeartVigor 200 mg by Guang Ci Tang Tablet Or Pill 200 Tablet(s) View ingredients & interactions
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Codonopsis: Common Questions

What is Codonopsis used for, and does it work?
People use Codonopsis 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 Codonopsis interact with prescription medications?
Yes. We list 211 medications with a known interaction with Codonopsis. Use the checker above to see how Codonopsis interacts with a specific drug.
How are Codonopsis 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 Codonopsis 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 Codonopsis 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 Codonopsis used for?
It is traditionally used as a gentle energy and digestive tonic and for general immune support. These are popular and traditional uses, not proven medical treatments, since strong human evidence is lacking.
Is Codonopsis the same as ginseng?
No. Codonopsis is a different plant, but it is sometimes called 'poor man's ginseng' and used as a milder, lower-cost substitute for true ginseng in some herbal traditions.
Is Codonopsis safe to take?
It appears reasonably well tolerated in traditional food-like amounts, but modern safety data are limited. Check with a pharmacist or doctor before using it, especially if you have a health condition or take medications.
Can I take Codonopsis while pregnant or breastfeeding?
It is best to avoid it during pregnancy and breastfeeding because there is not enough reliable information to confirm it is safe.

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

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