Herb & supplement monograph

European Mandrake Drug Interactions, Uses, Safety & More

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

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

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what European Mandrake 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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Interaction report

Drugs that interact with European Mandrake

2042 medications have a known interaction with European Mandrake, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

2,830 drugs
"phentolamineOraVerse, Rogitine, Ryzumvi› 6-mercaptopurinePurinethol› AbacavirZiagen› Abacavir Sulfate, Dolutegravir, LamivudineTriumeq› Abacavir, LamivudineEpzicom› AbciximabReoPro› AbemaciclibVerzenio› Abiraterone› Abiraterone AcetateYonsa, Zytiga› AbrocitinibCibinqo› AcalabrutinibCalquence› AcamprosateCampral› AcarboseGlucobay, Prandase, Precose› AcebutololRhotral, Sectral› AcenocoumarolSintrom› AcepromazineAtravet› AcetaminophenChildren's Tylenol, Children's Tylenol Meltaways, Tylenol, Tylenol Ex Strength› Acetaminophen, AspirinGemnisyn› Acetaminophen, Aspirin, CaffeineExcedrin, Excedrin Extra Strength, Excedrin Migraine› Acetaminophen, Brompheniramine, PhenylpropanolamineDimetapp Cold and Flu› Acetaminophen, ButalbitalAxocet, Bancap, Bucet, Butex Forte, Esgic CF, Orbivan CF +5 more› Acetaminophen, Butalbital, CaffeineEsgic, Esgic Plus, Fiogesic, Fioricet, Repan, Tecnal +1 more› Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, CodeineEsgic with Codeine, Fioricet w/ Codeine› Acetaminophen, Butalbital, CodeineBancap w/ Codeine› Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine PhosphatePhrenilin #3› Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, PhenylephrineHycomine Compound› Acetaminophen, Caffeine, CodeineGesic C15, Gesic C30, Gesic C8, Lenoltec 1, Lenoltec 2, Lenoltec 3 +1 more› Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, SalicylamideCodalan No.1, Codalan No.2, Codalan No.3› Acetaminophen, Caffeine, DihydrocodeineDHC Plus, Panlor DC, Panlor SS› Acetaminophen, Caffeine, IsomethepteneMigralam›
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 European Mandrake 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 European Mandrake affects

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

All 2 drug categories European Mandrake interacts with
Anticholinergic DrugsOral Drugs
Anticholinergic Drugs

Concurrent use may cause additive anticholinergic effects and adverse effects. Anticholinergic drugs include conventional medications containing tropane alkaloids such as atropine, as well as phenothiazines, amantadine, some antiparkinson drugs, glutethimide, meperidine, tricyclic antidepressants, antiarrhythmic agents, and antihistamines.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Oral Drugs

Theoretically, concurrent use might increase absorption of some drugs because of inhibited gastrointestinal (GI) motility caused by European mandrake.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Monograph

European Mandrake: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed July 2026 ·
The bottom line

European mandrake is a highly toxic plant from the nightshade family that was used in ancient and medieval times as a sedative and pain reliever. It contains powerful poisons that can cause serious harm or death, and there is no proof it safely treats any condition. We strongly recommend you do not consume mandrake in any form.

European Mandrake
Scientific name
Mandragora officinarum
Family
Solanaceae
Part used
Root (and sometimes leaves and fruit)
Common forms
Historically used as root preparations, extracts, and tinctures; not sold as a safe modern supplement
People commonly use it for
  • Insomnia (traditional)
  • Pain relief (historical)
  • Anxiety or depression (folk use)
  • Gout and aches (traditional)
  • Sedation or anesthesia (historical)

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

Safety at a glance
OverallBest avoided

Mandrake is highly toxic and can be fatal if swallowed.

PregnancyLikely Unsafe

When used orally. European mandrake contains anticholinergic alkaloids that can cross the placenta and adversely effect the fetus; avoid using.

Read the full pregnancy detail
BreastfeedingLikely Unsafe

When used orally. European mandrake contains anticholinergic alkaloids that can cross the placenta and adversely effect the fetus; 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.

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Overview

European mandrake (Mandragora officinarum) is a plant native to the Mediterranean region. It belongs to the nightshade family (Solanaceae), the same plant family that includes deadly nightshade, henbane, and jimsonweed.

The plant has a thick, forked root that sometimes looks roughly like a human body. Because of this, mandrake has a long history in folklore, magic, and superstition. In ancient and medieval medicine it was used as a sleep aid, pain reliever, and even as a rough form of anesthesia before surgery.

Today, mandrake is not recommended for use as a supplement or medicine. Its main importance now is historical and as a poisonous plant to avoid.

Uses & effectiveness

People have traditionally used mandrake for insomnia, pain, anxiety, depression, gout, and as a sedative or anesthetic. These uses come from ancient folk medicine, not from modern, reliable research.

There is no good scientific evidence that mandrake safely or effectively treats any health condition. The plant has not been studied in well-designed human clinical trials for these purposes. What we do know is mostly about its toxic effects.

Because mandrake is so dangerous, any possible "benefit" is far outweighed by the very real risk of poisoning. Safer, proven options exist for sleep, pain, and mood problems.

How it works

Mandrake contains powerful compounds called tropane alkaloids, including atropine, scopolamine, and hyoscyamine. These same chemicals are found in other toxic nightshade plants.

Tropane alkaloids block a part of the nervous system that controls things like heart rate, saliva, sweating, digestion, and the eyes. This is why mandrake can cause sedation, a dry mouth, large pupils, and a fast heartbeat. In high amounts these effects become dangerous and can be deadly.

Much of what we understand about these chemicals comes from poisoning reports and from research on related plants, not from studies showing mandrake is a safe treatment.

Safety & precautions

European mandrake is highly poisonous. All parts of the plant, especially the root and fruit, contain toxic alkaloids. Swallowing even a small amount can cause serious poisoning, and large amounts can be fatal.

No one should take mandrake. This is especially true for children, older adults, and people with heart disease, glaucoma, urinary problems, or other health conditions. There is no safe, established dose.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Avoid mandrake completely. The plant is toxic and may harm both the mother and the baby. Do not use it while pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

If you suspect someone has swallowed mandrake or is showing signs of poisoning, contact a poison control center or emergency services right away.

Side effects

Mandrake can cause poisoning even at low doses. Symptoms may include dry mouth, blurred vision, large (dilated) pupils, flushed skin, a fast or irregular heartbeat, difficulty urinating, and confusion.

More severe poisoning can cause hallucinations, agitation, very high body temperature, seizures, coma, and death. These effects can come on quickly and may need emergency hospital care.

Because of these dangers, mandrake should be considered a poison rather than a remedy.

European Mandrake: Reported Adverse Effects

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

Orally, European mandrake most commonly causes anticholinergic side effects including confusion, drowsiness, dry mouth, tachycardia, mydriasis, blurred vision, photophobia, decreased urination, decreased sweating and overheating, and flushing. Although some adverse reactions can occur even with low doses, adverse effects are dose related. Large doses can cause severe adverse reactions including somnolence, central excitation (restlessness, hallucinations, delirium, manic episodes), exhaustion, respiratory and cardiac arrest, and death. All parts of the European mandrake plant including the root, leaves, and fruit contain anticholinergic alkaloids and can cause these effects. Elderly patients and children can be more susceptible to the adverse effects of anticholinergic constituents of European mandrake.

There is some evidence that subcutaneous injection may cause anaphylactic shock including swelling of lips and eyelids, nausea, tingling in palms and scalp, abdominal cramping, stool incontinence, and loss of consciousness. This reaction has occurred with a very low dose of 2 mL of a 3 mcg/mL solution of European mandrake extract. Although Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to European mandrake may not be detected, in vitro evaluation may find strong T lymphocyte proliferation. Skin patch tests with European mandrake root powder in sensitive individuals is likely to produce a delayed-type reaction with erythema resembling acute dermatitis. Skin patch tests should be performed to rule-out hypersensitivity before administration of subcutaneous European mandrake.

  1. McEvoy GK, ed. AHFS Drug Information. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 1998.
  2. Ellenhorn MJ, et al. Ellenhorn's Medical Toxicology: Diagnoses and Treatment of Human Poisoning. 2nd ed. Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins, 1997.
  3. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
  4. Helbling A, Brander KA, Pichler WJ. Anaphylactic shock after subcutaneous injection of mandragora D3, a homeopathic drug. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2000;106:989-90.
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 safe or established dose of European mandrake. It is not approved or recommended as a dietary supplement, and reputable products are not sold for internal use.

Because the plant is highly toxic, we strongly advise against taking it in any amount or form. If you have seen mandrake suggested for sleep, pain, or any other use, please talk with a pharmacist or doctor about safer, proven alternatives.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

European Mandrake & Pregnancy

Likely Unsafe

When used orally. European mandrake contains anticholinergic alkaloids that can cross the placenta and adversely effect the fetus; avoid using.

  1. McEvoy GK, ed. AHFS Drug Information. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 1998.

European Mandrake & Breastfeeding

Likely Unsafe

When used orally. European mandrake contains anticholinergic alkaloids that can cross the placenta and adversely effect the fetus; avoid using.

  1. McEvoy GK, ed. AHFS Drug Information. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 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.

© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 4 references that drive our European Mandrake 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. McEvoy GK, ed. AHFS Drug Information. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 1998.
  2. Ellenhorn MJ, et al. Ellenhorn's Medical Toxicology: Diagnoses and Treatment of Human Poisoning. 2nd ed. Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins, 1997.
  3. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
  4. Helbling A, Brander KA, Pichler WJ. Anaphylactic shock after subcutaneous injection of mandragora D3, a homeopathic drug. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2000;106:989-90. 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

European Mandrake: Common Questions

Does European Mandrake interact with prescription medications?
Yes. We list 2042 medications with a known interaction with European Mandrake. Use the checker above to see how European Mandrake interacts with a specific drug.
How are European Mandrake 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 European Mandrake 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 European Mandrake 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 European Mandrake safe to take?
No. Mandrake is highly toxic and can cause severe poisoning or death. It is not considered safe to consume in any form.
What was mandrake used for in the past?
In ancient and medieval times it was used as a sleep aid, pain reliever, and a crude anesthetic, but these uses are not supported by modern safety standards or reliable research.
Can I use mandrake while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. Mandrake is poisonous and should be completely avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding because it can harm both mother and baby.
What should I do if someone swallows mandrake?
Treat it as a medical emergency. Contact a poison control center or emergency services right away, especially if there are symptoms like a fast heartbeat, confusion, or seizures.

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

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