Herb & supplement monograph

Golden Ragwort Drug Interactions, Uses, Safety & More

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

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

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Golden Ragwort 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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Golden Ragwort 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 Golden Ragwort drug interaction appears low for most people, since none of the reported interactions have been confirmed in humans. No interactions are rated major, and every listed interaction is rated moderate but rests on theory rather than human studies.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The one concern that stands out involves CYP3A4 inducers, a group of medications that speed up a liver enzyme the body uses to process certain substances. Golden Ragwort contains natural compounds called pyrrolizidine alkaloids, and in theory these enzyme-boosting drugs could convert more of those compounds into toxic byproducts. This has not been shown to happen in people, but because the potential harm involves toxicity rather than a mild side effect, it is worth knowing about if you take one of these medications.

What the rest of the list means

Although the number of listed medications looks large, nearly all of them trace back to this single theoretical mechanism rather than separate proven problems. The concern comes from how these drugs affect an enzyme in lab research, not from documented harm in people, so a long list here does not mean every combination is dangerous.

Check your medications against Golden Ragwort

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

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Golden Ragwort

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

2,830 drugs
AminoglutethimideCytadren› Amoxicillin, Omeprazole Magnesium, RifabutinTalicia› ApalutamideErleada› AprepitantCinvanti, Emend› Aprobarbital, Butabarbital, PhenobarbitalTriple Barbital› AprocitentanTryvio› ArmodafinilNuvigil› Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, PhenobarbitalPhenaphen› Atropine, Hyoscyamine, PhenobarbitalHypnaldyne› Atropine, Hyoscyamine, Phenobarbital, ScopolamineBarbidonna No. 2, Belladonna Phenobarbital› Atropine, Hyoscyamine, Scopolamine, PhenobarbitalBarbeloid, Donnatal #2, Donphen› Atropine, PhenobarbitalAnthrocol› Belladona Extract, PhenobarbitalChardonna-2› Belladonna Alkaloids, Ergotamine Tartrate, PhenobarbitalBel Tabs, Bellamine-S, Bellaphen-S, Duragal S, Phenarbal S, Spastrin› Belladonna Alkaloids, PhenobarbitalBarbidonna, Donnatal› Belladonna Extract, PhenobarbitalBelap› Belladonna, Ergotamine Tartrate, Phenobarbital› Belladonna, Ergotamine, PhenobarbitalBellergal-S› Belladonna, PhenobarbitalBellophen, Susano› Bellafoline, PhenobarbitalBelladenal, Belladenal-S› Butabarbital, Phenobarbital, SecobarbitalS.B.P.› Butalbital, Phenobarbital, SecobarbitalTribarb› Camphor, Hyoscyamine, Passif, Phenobarbital, Scopolamine, ValerianNevrotose #3› CarbamazepineCarbatrol, Carnexiv, Equetro, Tegretol, Tegretol XR› CenobamateXcopri› DabrafenibTafinlar› DeferasiroxExjade, Jadenu› Dehydrocholic Acid, Homatropine Methylbromide, PhenobarbitalG.B.S.› DexamethasoneDecadron, Dexone, Dextenza, Dexycu, Hemady, Hexadrol +1 more› Dicyclomine, PhenobarbitalBentyl w/ Pb›
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 Golden Ragwort 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 Golden Ragwort affects

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

All 1 drug category Golden Ragwort interacts with
Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Inducers
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Inducers

Theoretically, CYP3A4 inducers might increase the risk of adverse effects from the pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA) constituents in golden ragwort.
Golden ragwort contains PAs. PAs are substrates of CYP3A4. Theoretically, drugs that induce CYP3A4 might increase the conversion of PAs to toxic metabolites.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Monograph

Golden Ragwort: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed July 2026 ·
The bottom line

Golden Ragwort is a flowering plant once used in traditional and folk medicine, mainly for menstrual and female reproductive complaints. It contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can cause serious liver damage, so it is not considered safe for internal use, and modern herbalists generally avoid it.

Scientific name
Packera aurea
Family
Asteraceae
Part used
Aerial parts (leaves, stems, flowers) and roots
Common forms
Tea, tincture, dried herb
People commonly use it for
  • Menstrual complaints
  • Easing childbirth (traditional)
  • Urinary discomfort
  • Sore throat (folk use)

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

Safety at a glance
OverallBest avoided

It contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can be toxic to the liver.

PregnancyLikely Unsafe

When used orally. Golden ragwort preparations containing hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA) constituents might be teratogenic and hepatotoxic. Th...

Read the full pregnancy detail
BreastfeedingLikely Unsafe

When used orally. Hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA) constituents in golden ragwort are excreted in breast-milk. There is insufficient reliable i...

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

Golden Ragwort (Packera aurea, formerly Senecio aureus) is a perennial wildflower in the daisy family (Asteraceae). It produces bright yellow, daisy-like flowers and grows in moist woods, meadows, and along streams across eastern North America.

In the past, the plant was used in traditional and folk medicine, especially by some Native American and early American herbalists. It was sometimes called "life root" or "female regulator" because it was used for menstrual and childbirth-related complaints. Today it is rarely recommended because it contains compounds that can harm the liver.

Uses & effectiveness

Historically, Golden Ragwort was used for menstrual problems, to help with childbirth and the period after delivery, and for urinary and throat complaints. These uses come from tradition, not from solid scientific research.

There is no good clinical evidence that Golden Ragwort is safe or effective for any health condition. Because of its known toxicity, modern researchers and herbalists have not pursued it as a useful remedy. Any traditional reputation it has should be weighed against the real risk of liver damage.

How it works

Golden Ragwort contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), a group of natural chemicals found in many plants of the daisy and borage families. These compounds are the main reason the plant is considered dangerous.

In the body, pyrrolizidine alkaloids can be changed by the liver into reactive substances that damage liver cells and blood vessels. This is based on laboratory and animal research, as well as reports of poisoning in people and livestock. The plant has no proven beneficial mechanism that would outweigh this risk.

Safety & precautions

Golden Ragwort is not considered safe to take internally. The pyrrolizidine alkaloids it contains can cause a serious, sometimes fatal liver condition called hepatic veno-occlusive disease, in which small veins in the liver become blocked. Long-term or repeated use raises the risk.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Avoid completely. The toxic alkaloids can harm the liver and may reach the baby through the placenta or breast milk. Despite its old reputation as a "female" herb, it should never be used during pregnancy, around childbirth, or while nursing.

People with liver disease, children, and older adults are especially vulnerable. Because of these dangers, it is best to avoid this plant and choose safer, better-studied options. Always talk with a pharmacist or doctor before using any herbal product.

Side effects

Because of its pyrrolizidine alkaloids, Golden Ragwort can cause liver damage. Warning signs of liver harm include belly pain or swelling, nausea, fatigue, dark urine, and yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice).

Liver injury from these alkaloids can be slow to appear and may become serious or permanent. As a member of the daisy family, it could also trigger allergic reactions in people sensitive to ragweed and related plants. Stop use and seek medical care right away if you notice any symptoms of liver trouble.

Golden Ragwort: Reported Adverse Effects

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

Reports by condition
Diarrhea Hepatic

Orally, the major concern with golden ragwort use is its pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA) content. These constituents can cause liver injury. Chronic exposure to other plants containing hepatotoxic PA constituents is associated with veno-occlusive disease. Subacute veno-occlusive disease can cause vague symptoms, including colicky pains, vomiting, diarrhea, and ascites within several days; persistent liver enlargement occurs within a few weeks.

  1. Chojkier M. Hepatic sinusoidal-obstruction syndrome: toxicity of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. J Hepatol 2003;39:437-46.
  2. Roeder E. Medicinal plants in Europe containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Pharmazie 1995;50:83-98.
  3. WHO working group. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Environmental Health Criteria, 80. WHO: Geneva, 1988.
Hypertension Pulmonary/Respiratory

Orally, the major concern with golden ragwort use is its pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA) content. These constituents can cause lung damage with pulmonary-arterial hypertension.

  1. Chojkier M. Hepatic sinusoidal-obstruction syndrome: toxicity of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. J Hepatol 2003;39:437-46.
  2. Roeder E. Medicinal plants in Europe containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Pharmazie 1995;50:83-98.
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 safe dose for Golden Ragwort, and no standardized products are recommended. Because it contains liver-toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids, health authorities generally advise against taking it at all.

If you come across a product that contains this plant, do not assume any amount is safe. Speak with a pharmacist or doctor first, and consider a safer, well-studied alternative.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Golden Ragwort & Pregnancy

Likely Unsafe

When used orally. Golden ragwort preparations containing hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA) constituents might be teratogenic and hepatotoxic. There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of using golden ragwort products that do not contain hepatotoxic PAs during pregnancy.

  1. Chojkier M. Hepatic sinusoidal-obstruction syndrome: toxicity of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. J Hepatol 2003;39:437-46.
  2. Roeder E. Medicinal plants in Europe containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Pharmazie 1995;50:83-98.

Golden Ragwort & Breastfeeding

Likely Unsafe

When used orally. Hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA) constituents in golden ragwort are excreted in breast-milk. There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of using golden ragwort products that are PA-free during lactation; avoid using.

  1. Chojkier M. Hepatic sinusoidal-obstruction syndrome: toxicity of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. J Hepatol 2003;39:437-46.
  2. Roeder E. Medicinal plants in Europe containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Pharmazie 1995;50:83-98.
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 Golden Ragwort 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. WHO working group. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Environmental Health Criteria, 80. WHO: Geneva, 1988.
  2. Chojkier M. Hepatic sinusoidal-obstruction syndrome: toxicity of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. J Hepatol 2003;39:437-46. PubMed
  3. Roeder E. Medicinal plants in Europe containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Pharmazie 1995;50:83-98.
  4. Wang YP, Yan J, Fu PP, Chou MW. Human liver microsomal reduction of pyrrolizidine alkaloid N-oxides to form the corresponding carcinogenic parent alkaloid. Toxicol Lett 2005;155:411-20. 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

Brand directory

Brands that make products with Golden Ragwort

2 brands in our database make a supplement containing Golden Ragwort.

Product directory

Supplement products with Golden Ragwort

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

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Golden Ragwort: Common Questions

Does Golden Ragwort interact with prescription medications?
Yes. We list 87 medications with a known interaction with Golden Ragwort. Use the checker above to see how Golden Ragwort interacts with a specific drug.
How are Golden Ragwort 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 Golden Ragwort 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 Golden Ragwort 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 Golden Ragwort used for?
Traditionally it was used for menstrual complaints, childbirth, and urinary or throat problems, but these uses are based on folk history, not scientific proof, and the plant is now considered unsafe.
Is Golden Ragwort safe to take?
No. It contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can cause serious liver damage, so it is not recommended for internal use.
Can I use Golden Ragwort during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
No. It should be completely avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding because its toxic alkaloids can harm both you and the baby.
Why was it called 'life root' or 'female regulator'?
Early herbalists used it for menstrual and childbirth-related complaints, which led to those nicknames, but this traditional reputation does not make it safe or effective.

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

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