Herb & supplement monograph

Combretum Micranthum Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

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

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

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Combretum Micranthum 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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Combretum Micranthum Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

From the HelloPharmacist Editorial Team · Updated July 2026

Based on the available evidence, Combretum Micranthum drug interactions carry a moderate overall risk, and the concern centers almost entirely on medicines that lower blood pressure, blood sugar, or sodium levels. Every listed interaction is rated moderate, none are major, and all fall into just three related groups of medications.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The best-supported concern involves blood pressure medications, since human research suggests kinkeliba leaf itself can lower blood pressure, so combining the two could drop pressure further than intended. Diabetes medications also deserve attention, because early human and animal research points to a blood-sugar-lowering effect that could raise the chance of low blood sugar. With diuretics, kinkeliba may increase sodium loss, which could add to the risk of low sodium levels. These effects matter most for medicines that are dosed carefully to hit a target, like blood pressure and blood sugar treatments.

What the rest of the list means

The long list of medications reflects just three broad drug categories, so most entries share the same underlying concern rather than each carrying a separate risk. These interactions are largely theoretical, predicted from the plant's own effects in early research rather than proven problems seen when the combinations were actually taken together.

Check your medications against Combretum Micranthum

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

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Combretum Micranthum

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

2,830 drugs
AcarboseGlucobay, Prandase, Precose› AcebutololRhotral, Sectral› Acetaminophen, Caffeine, PyrilamineMidol Max Strength Menstrual› Acetaminophen, Pamabrom, PyrilamineMidol Max Strength PMS, Pamprin, Pamprin ES› AcetazolamideAk-Zol, Diamox› AcetohexamideDymelor› AlbiglutideTanzeum› AliskirenTekturna› AlogliptinNesina› Alogliptin, MetforminKazano› Alogliptin, PioglitazoneOseni› 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› Antidiabetes, Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (dpp-iv) InhibitorGlyxambi› AprocitentanTryvio› AtenololAtenix, Tenormin› Atenolol, ChlortalidoneAtenixCo, Tenoret 50, Totaretic› Atenolol, ChlorthalidoneTenoretic› AzilsartanEdarbi› Azilsartan, ChlorthalidoneEdarbyclor› BenazeprilLotensin› Benazepril, HydrochlorothiazideLotensin HCT›
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 Combretum Micranthum 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 Combretum Micranthum affects

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

All 3 drug categories Combretum Micranthum interacts with
Antidiabetes DrugsAntihypertensive DrugsDiuretic Drugs
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking Combretum micranthum leaf with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Some preliminary human and animal research suggests that Combretum micranthum leaf has hypoglycemic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, taking Combretum micranthum leaf with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Clinical research suggests that Combretum micranthum leaf reduces blood pressure.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Diuretic Drugs

Theoretically, taking Combretum micranthum leaf with diuretic drugs might increase the risk of hyponatremia.
Combretum micranthum leaf has shown natriuretic effects in preliminary clinical research.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Monograph

Combretum Micranthum: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed July 2026 ·
The bottom line

Combretum micranthum (kinkeliba) is a West African shrub whose leaves are brewed into a traditional tea for digestion, liver complaints, and fever. Solid human studies are lacking, so its benefits remain unproven, and people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have liver or kidney problems should be cautious and talk to a healthcare professional first.

Combretum Micranthum
Scientific name
Combretum micranthum
Family
Combretaceae
Part used
Leaves (mainly), and sometimes stems and roots
Common forms
Tea (herbal infusion or decoction), dried leaf powder, capsules, liquid extracts
People commonly use it for
  • Digestive upset
  • Liver and gallbladder support
  • Fever
  • Weight management
  • Mild urinary or fluid retention
  • Traditional opium withdrawal aid

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

Safety at a glance
OverallUse caution

Used widely as a traditional tea, but human safety data are very 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

Combretum micranthum, commonly called kinkeliba, is a flowering shrub or small tree in the Combretaceae family. It grows widely across sub-Saharan West Africa, in countries such as Senegal, Mali, and Niger.

The leaves are the main part used. They are usually dried and brewed into a tea sometimes sold as "long-life tea." In traditional medicine, kinkeliba has long been used as a general tonic and is one of the most popular herbal teas in parts of West Africa.

People traditionally use it for digestive complaints, liver and gallbladder problems, fever, and as a mild remedy after meals. It has also picked up the nickname "opium antidote" from its historical use in helping people who were dependent on opium, though this use is not supported by modern evidence.

How it works

Kinkeliba leaves contain a range of plant compounds, including flavonoids, tannins, and unique molecules sometimes called combretum alkaloids and polyphenols. These compounds are thought to give the plant antioxidant and astringent (tightening) properties.

Tannins may explain its traditional use for diarrhea and digestive complaints, since they can have a binding, astringent effect on the gut. Antioxidant polyphenols are the suspected reason for proposed liver-protective and anti-inflammatory effects.

It is important to understand that these mechanisms come mainly from test-tube and animal research. How well they translate into real benefits in people who drink the tea is still unclear.

Effectiveness

Does Combretum Micranthum work?

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

Evidence overview · 1 use evaluated
1 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 Combretum Micranthum, current evidence isn’t strong enough to rate any specific use. The conditions it has been studied for are listed below.

Also studied for 1 condition — evidence insufficient to rate
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Hypertension
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Small clinical studies suggest that oral Combretum micranthum leaf is beneficial in patients with hypertension.

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

Kinkeliba has a long history of use as a daily tea in West Africa, which suggests that moderate amounts are generally tolerated by many people. However, modern safety studies in humans are very limited, so a cautious approach is wise.

People with liver disease, kidney disease, or those taking medicines that affect fluid balance should be especially careful, since the herb is traditionally used for the liver and as a mild diuretic. People with low blood sugar should also be cautious given possible blood-sugar effects seen in animal studies.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Because there is not enough reliable safety information, kinkeliba should be avoided during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Always check with a pharmacist or doctor before using herbal products if you are pregnant, nursing, or giving them to children.

Side effects

For most healthy adults, drinking kinkeliba tea in usual amounts appears to be well tolerated, but formal side-effect data are limited.

Possible side effects could include stomach upset, nausea, or changes in urination from its mild diuretic effect. The tannin content may cause stomach irritation in some people, especially when taken strong or on an empty stomach.

Stop using it and seek medical care if you notice signs of an allergic reaction (such as rash, itching, swelling, or trouble breathing) or any unexpected symptoms. As with any herbal product, quality and purity can vary between brands.

Combretum Micranthum: Reported Adverse Effects

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

Orally, Combretum micranthum leaf seems to be well tolerated.

Most Common Adverse Effects:

Orally: Abdominal pain.

Reports by condition
Insomnia Genitourinary

Orally, nocturia resulting in insomnia has been reported rarely.

  1. Bourqui A, Niang EAB, Graz B, et al. Hypertension treatment with Combretum micranthum or Hibiscus sabdariffa, as decoction or tablet: a randomized clinical trial. J Hum Hypertens 2020.
Pain Gastrointestinal

Orally, abdominal pain has been reported.

  1. Bourqui A, Niang EAB, Graz B, et al. Hypertension treatment with Combretum micranthum or Hibiscus sabdariffa, as decoction or tablet: a randomized clinical trial. J Hum Hypertens 2020.
  2. Seck SM, Doupa D, Dia DG, et al. Clinical efficacy of African traditional medicines in hypertension: A randomized controlled trial with Combretum micranthum and Hibiscus sabdariffa. J Hum Hypertens 2017;32(1):75-81.
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 standardized dose for Combretum micranthum. Traditionally, a handful of dried leaves is steeped in hot water to make a tea, but the strength varies widely from one preparation to another.

If you choose to use a commercial product, follow the directions on the label and do not exceed the recommended amount. Because the right dose for any specific health purpose is unknown, it is best to start low and check with a pharmacist or doctor first, especially if you take other medicines or have a health condition.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Combretum Micranthum & Pregnancy

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Combretum Micranthum & 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 4 references that drive our Combretum Micranthum 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. Bourqui A, Niang EAB, Graz B, et al. Hypertension treatment with Combretum micranthum or Hibiscus sabdariffa, as decoction or tablet: a randomized clinical trial. J Hum Hypertens 2020. PubMed
  2. Kpemissi M, Potârniche AV, Lawson-Evi P, et al. Nephroprotective effect of Combretum micranthum G. Don in nicotinamide-streptozotocin induced diabetic nephropathy in rats: In-vivo and in-silico experiments. J Ethnopharmacol 2020;261:113133. PubMed
  3. Chika A, Bello SO. Antihyperglycaemic activity of aqueous leaf extract of Combretum micranthum (Combretaceae) in normal and alloxan-induced diabetic rats. J Ethnopharmacol 2010;129(1):34-7. PubMed
  4. Seck SM, Doupa D, Dia DG, et al. Clinical efficacy of African traditional medicines in hypertension: A randomized controlled trial with Combretum micranthum and Hibiscus sabdariffa. J Hum Hypertens 2017;32(1):75-81. PubMed
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

Combretum Micranthum: Common Questions

What is Combretum Micranthum used for, and does it work?
People use Combretum Micranthum 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 Combretum Micranthum interact with prescription medications?
Yes. We list 265 medications with a known interaction with Combretum Micranthum. Use the checker above to see how Combretum Micranthum interacts with a specific drug.
How are Combretum Micranthum 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 Combretum Micranthum 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 Combretum Micranthum 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 Combretum Micranthum (kinkeliba) used for?
It is a West African shrub whose leaves are brewed into a traditional tea used for digestive upset, liver and gallbladder complaints, fever, and as a general tonic. These uses are traditional and not proven by strong scientific studies.
Is kinkeliba tea safe to drink?
It has a long history of use as a daily tea and is generally tolerated in moderate amounts, but human safety studies are limited. People with liver, kidney, or blood-sugar problems should be cautious and check with a healthcare professional.
Can I use kinkeliba during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
No reliable safety data exist for these situations, so it is best to avoid kinkeliba during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Why is it sometimes called an "opium antidote"?
The nickname comes from its historical use to help people withdrawing from opium, but there is no modern scientific evidence that it works for this purpose, and it should not be used as a treatment for substance withdrawal.

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

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