Herb & supplement monograph

Galphimia Glauca Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

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

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

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Galphimia Glauca 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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Galphimia Glauca 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 Galphimia Glauca drug interaction appears low for most people, though one theme deserves awareness. None of the listed interactions are rated major, and every one of them traces back to a single theoretical concern rather than proven harm in people.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The medications that matter most here are CNS depressants, meaning drugs that slow the brain, such as sedatives, sleep medications, and similar calming medicines. Galphimia glauca extract seems to have sedative effects of its own, so combining it with these medications could, in theory, add to drowsiness. We rate this worth watching rather than alarming, because the evidence is graded as possible, coming from early research rather than well-controlled human studies.

What the rest of the list means

Although the number of medications on the list looks large, nearly all of them are there for the same reason: the supplement's possible calming effect. A long list like this reflects how many prescription drugs share that sedative property, not hundreds of separate proven problems. So far, no clinically meaningful interaction has been confirmed in people.

Check your medications against Galphimia Glauca

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

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Galphimia Glauca

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

2,830 drugs
AcepromazineAtravet› 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, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, PhenylephrineColrex› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, OpiumHista-Derfule› Acetaminophen, Chlorzoxazone, CodeineAcetazone Forte C8, Parafon Forte C8› Acetaminophen, CodeineTylenol No.3, Tylenol w/ Codeine› Acetaminophen, Codeine, DoxylamineMersyndol› Acetaminophen, Codeine, MethocarbamolAcetaminophen, Codeine, Methocarbamol, Robaxacet 8› Acetaminophen, Dichloralantipyrine, IsomethepteneAmidrine, Midchlor, Migquin, Migratine› Acetaminophen, Dichloralphenazone, IsomethepteneMidrin› Acetaminophen, Dichlorophenazone, IsometheptaneIsocom› Acetaminophen, DiphenhydramineTylenol PM, Tylenol PM Ex Strength› Acetaminophen, Diphenhydramine, PseudoephedrineChildren's Tylenol Allergy, Cold Control, Contac Night Allergy Relief› Acetaminophen, HydrocodoneAnexsia, Anodynos DHC, Azdone, Co-Gesic, Doucet, Lorcet +9 more› Acetaminophen, MeperidineDemerol APAP› Acetaminophen, OxycodonePercocet, Roxicet, Tylox, Xartemis XR› Acetaminophen, PentazocineTalacen› Acetaminophen, PropoxypheneDarvocet-N 100, Darvocet-N 50, E-Lor, Wygesic› AcetazolamideAk-Zol, Diamox› AlfentanilAlfenta› AlprazolamNiravam, Xanax› Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin Codeine #2› AminoglutethimideCytadren› Aminophylline, Amobarbital, EphedrineAmesec›
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 Galphimia Glauca 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 Galphimia Glauca affects

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

All 1 drug category Galphimia Glauca interacts with
Cns Depressants
Cns Depressants

Theoretically, taking Galphimia glauca with CNS depressants may increase the risk of sedation.
Galphimia glauca extract seems to have sedative effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Monograph

Galphimia Glauca: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed July 2026 ·
The bottom line

Galphimia glauca is a shrub from Mexico and Central America that has been studied mainly for anxiety, with some small clinical trials suggesting possible benefit. Overall the evidence is still limited and its long-term safety is not well established, so talk with your pharmacist or doctor before using it.

Galphimia Glauca
Scientific name
Galphimia glauca
Family
Malpighiaceae
Part used
Leaves and aerial parts
Common forms
Capsules, standardized extracts, tinctures, homeopathic preparations, tea
People commonly use it for
  • Anxiety and stress
  • Insomnia
  • Allergic rhinitis and hay fever
  • Respiratory complaints
  • Traditionally used as an anticonvulsant

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

Safety at a glance
OverallUse caution

Short-term studies suggest it is generally well tolerated, but long-term safety data are limited.

PregnancyInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available.

Read the full pregnancy detail
BreastfeedingInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available.

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

Galphimia glauca is an evergreen flowering shrub in the Malpighiaceae family. It is sometimes called golden thryallis, goldshower, Calderona Amarilla, or Flor Estrella. The plant is native to the subtropical regions of the Americas, including Mexico, where it has long been used in traditional medicine.

Traditionally, the leaves and aerial parts have been used to help with anxiety, trouble sleeping, allergies, and respiratory problems, and as a remedy thought to calm seizures. Today it is most often found as a capsule, standardized extract, tincture, or homeopathic preparation.

How it works

Galphimia glauca contains compounds called galphimines (a type of nor-seco-triterpene) that are thought to be its main active ingredients. In laboratory and animal studies, galphimines appear to affect activity in parts of the brain involved in calming nerve signals, which may explain the reported anti-anxiety and sedative effects.

The plant also contains flavonoids and other natural antioxidants that may contribute to its effects. It is important to know that much of this understanding comes from test-tube and animal research, so exactly how it works in people is not fully proven.

Effectiveness

Does Galphimia Glauca work?

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

Evidence overview · 3 uses evaluated
1 Possibly effective 2 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.
Possibly Effective Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Small clinical studies suggest that oral Galphimia glauca may be beneficial in adults with GAD.

Also studied for 2 conditions — evidence insufficient to rate
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral Galphimia glauca for allergic rhinitis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of Galphimia glauca for this condition.

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

Although there has been interest in using oral Galphimia glauca for asthma, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of Galphimia glauca for this condition.

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

In short-term clinical studies, standardized Galphimia glauca extracts appear to be reasonably well tolerated. However, the studies are small and we do not have good information about long-term safety or about high doses.

People who feel drowsy, dizzy, or sedated should be careful, especially before driving or operating machinery. Because it may have calming effects, use caution if you have a condition affected by sedation.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is not enough reliable safety information, so it is best to avoid Galphimia glauca if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Children and people with liver or kidney problems should also avoid it unless a healthcare provider advises otherwise. Always talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting any new supplement.

Side effects

Reported side effects in studies have generally been mild and may include drowsiness, dizziness, headache, or stomach upset. Because research is limited, the full range of possible side effects is not well known.

As with any herbal product, allergic reactions are possible. Stop using it and seek medical care if you notice a rash, swelling, trouble breathing, or other signs of a serious reaction.

Galphimia Glauca: Reported Adverse Effects

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

Orally, Galphimia glauca seems to be well tolerated.

Most Common Adverse Effects:

Orally: Epigastric burning, headache, nausea, sedation.

Reports by condition
Cluster headache Neurologic/CNS

Orally, Galphimia glauca extract 7-14 mg daily has been associated with sedation and headache. Rarely, restlessness, nervousness, weakness, and other side effects have been reported; but it is unclear if Galphimia glauca was the causal factor.

  1. Herrera-Arellano A, Jiménez-Ferrer JE, Zamilpa A, García-Alonso G, Herrera-Alvarez S, Tortoriello J. Therapeutic effectiveness of Galphimia glauca vs. lorazepam in generalized anxiety disorder. A controlled 15-week clinical trial. Planta Med. 2012;78(14):
Myasthenia gravis Gastrointestinal

Orally, Galphimia glauca extract 7-14 mg daily has been associated with nausea and epigastric burning.

  1. Herrera-Arellano A, Jiménez-Ferrer JE, Zamilpa A, García-Alonso G, Herrera-Alvarez S, Tortoriello J. Therapeutic effectiveness of Galphimia glauca vs. lorazepam in generalized anxiety disorder. A controlled 15-week clinical trial. Planta Med. 2012;78(14):
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 standard dose of Galphimia glauca. Clinical studies have used standardized extracts, but products on the market vary widely in their strength and how they are made.

Because of this, follow the directions on the product label and do not exceed the recommended amount. The safest approach is to check with your pharmacist or doctor first, especially if you take other medicines or have a health condition.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Galphimia Glauca & Pregnancy

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available.

Galphimia Glauca & Breastfeeding

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available.

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 Galphimia Glauca 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. Herrera-Arellano, A., Jimenez-Ferrer, E., Zamilpa, A., et al. Efficacy and tolerability of a standardized herbal product from Galphimia glauca on generalized anxiety disorder. A randomized, double-blind clinical trial controlled with lorazepam. Planta Med
  2. Herrera-Arellano A, Jiménez-Ferrer JE, Zamilpa A, García-Alonso G, Herrera-Alvarez S, Tortoriello J. Therapeutic effectiveness of Galphimia glauca vs. lorazepam in generalized anxiety disorder. A controlled 15-week clinical trial. Planta Med. 2012;78(14): 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

Galphimia Glauca: Common Questions

What is Galphimia Glauca used for, and does it work?
People use Galphimia Glauca for many reasons, but the evidence varies by use. According to the Natural Medicines database, there is at least some clinical evidence supporting Galphimia Glauca for Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). For most other uses it has been studied for, the evidence is currently insufficient to rate. See the graded list on this page, and always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Does Galphimia Glauca interact with prescription medications?
Yes. We list 248 medications with a known interaction with Galphimia Glauca. Use the checker above to see how Galphimia Glauca interacts with a specific drug.
How are Galphimia Glauca 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 Galphimia Glauca 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 Galphimia Glauca 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 Galphimia Glauca used for?
It is most often used for anxiety and stress, and traditionally for insomnia, allergies, and respiratory problems. The strongest (but still limited) evidence is for anxiety.
Does Galphimia Glauca really work for anxiety?
Some small clinical trials suggest it may help reduce anxiety, but the studies are limited in size and quality. More research is needed before it can be firmly recommended.
Is Galphimia Glauca safe to take?
Short-term studies suggest it is generally well tolerated, but long-term safety is not well known. Talk with your pharmacist or doctor before using it, especially if you take other medicines.
Can I take Galphimia Glauca while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. There is not enough safety information, so it is best avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

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

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