Herb & supplement monograph

Groundsel Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

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

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

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

From the HelloPharmacist Editorial Team · Updated July 2026

Groundsel drug interactions are all rated moderate rather than major, and while the risk for most people rests on theoretical evidence, the concern behind them deserves respect because it involves the liver. Every listed interaction traces back to a single mechanism that has been shown only in lab-based, theoretical research, not in human studies.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The one concern that stands out involves CYP3A4 inducers, medications that speed up a liver enzyme the body uses to process many drugs. Groundsel naturally contains substances called pyrrolizidine alkaloids, and that same enzyme converts them into byproducts that can damage the liver. So taking groundsel alongside a medication that boosts this enzyme could, in theory, increase the risk of liver toxicity. This has not been confirmed in people, but because the potential harm is to the liver, we would not brush it aside.

What the rest of the list means

The fairly long list of interacting medications does not mean dozens of separate problems have been observed. Nearly all of these listings flow from that one shared enzyme mechanism, and the effect remains theoretical, with no human studies yet showing meaningful harm from any specific combination.

Check your medications against Groundsel

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

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Groundsel

87 medications have a known interaction with Groundsel, 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 Groundsel 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 Groundsel affects

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

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

Theoretically, taking CYP3A4 inducers with groundsel might increase the risk of pyrrolizidine alkaloid toxicity, such as hepatotoxicity.
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids, constituents of groundsel, are converted to toxic metabolites by CYP3A4.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Monograph

Groundsel: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed July 2026 ·
The bottom line

Groundsel is a common weed traditionally used as a folk remedy, but it contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can cause serious liver damage. There is no reliable evidence that it works for any condition, and most health authorities consider it unsafe to take internally. We do not recommend using it.

Scientific name
Senecio vulgaris
Family
Asteraceae
Part used
Aerial parts (leaves, stems, flowers)
Common forms
Tea, dried herb, tincture, topical poultice
People commonly use it for
  • Menstrual complaints
  • Digestive upset
  • Minor wounds (topical)
  • Sore gums or mouth
  • Mild aches

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

Safety at a glance
OverallBest avoided

Groundsel contains liver-toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids and is generally considered unsafe to ingest.

PregnancyLikely Unsafe

When used orally. Groundsel products can contain pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA) constituents, which might be teratogenic and hepatotoxic. There is insuff...

Read the full pregnancy detail
BreastfeedingLikely Unsafe

When used orally. Hepatotoxic PA constituents in groundsel are excreted in milk. There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety...

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

Groundsel (Senecio vulgaris) is a small flowering plant in the daisy family (Asteraceae). It is a very common weed that grows in gardens, fields, roadsides, and waste ground across Europe, Asia, North America, and many other parts of the world.

For centuries, groundsel was used in folk medicine. People made teas, washes, and poultices from the leaves and flowers for problems like menstrual cramps, stomach upset, and minor skin wounds. Today it is rarely recommended because the plant contains natural compounds that can be poisonous to the liver.

How it works

Groundsel contains a group of natural chemicals called pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). These are the same kind of compounds found in other Senecio and comfrey-type plants and are well known for being toxic to the liver.

The plant also contains other substances such as flavonoids and tannins, which have been studied in the laboratory for possible antioxidant or astringent effects. However, these lab findings do not prove the plant is safe or effective when used by people. The harmful effects of the pyrrolizidine alkaloids are the most important and best-documented action of this plant.

Effectiveness

Does Groundsel work?

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

Evidence overview · 4 uses evaluated
4 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 Groundsel, current evidence isn’t strong enough to rate any specific use. The conditions it has been studied for are listed below.

Also studied for 4 conditions — evidence insufficient to rate
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Colic
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using oral groundsel for colic, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of groundsel for this condition.

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

Although there is interest in using oral groundsel juice for dysmenorrhea, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of groundsel for this condition.

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

Although there is interest in using oral groundsel juice for epilepsy, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of groundsel for this condition.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Intestinal parasite infection
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using oral groundsel for intestinal parasite infection, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of groundsel 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

The biggest concern with groundsel is the pyrrolizidine alkaloids it contains. When swallowed, even small amounts taken over time can cause serious and sometimes irreversible liver damage, including a condition that blocks the small veins in the liver. In severe cases this can be life-threatening.

Because of this risk, most health authorities advise against taking groundsel internally. People with liver disease, children, older adults, and anyone with a chronic illness should be especially careful and avoid it.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Do not use groundsel if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. The toxic alkaloids may harm the liver and could affect the developing baby or pass into breast milk.

If you are considering any herbal product, talk with your pharmacist or doctor first.

Side effects

The most serious risk from groundsel is liver injury from its pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Warning signs of liver problems can include belly pain, swelling in the abdomen, nausea, tiredness, loss of appetite, and yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice).

Other possible effects include digestive upset and allergic reactions, especially in people sensitive to plants in the daisy family (such as ragweed, marigolds, or chamomile). Because the liver damage can build up slowly and silently, harm may occur even without obvious early symptoms.

Groundsel: Reported Adverse Effects

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

Reports by condition
Diarrhea Hepatic

Orally, groundsel may cause hepatotoxicity due to its pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA) constituents. Chronic exposure hepatotoxic PAs is associated with veno-occlusive disease. Subacute veno-occlusive disease causes vague symptoms with persistent liver enlargement. Symptoms of acute veno-occlusive disease include colicky pains in epigastrium, vomiting and diarrhea, and ascites formation within several days. Enlargement and induration of the liver occurs within a few weeks. A case of fatal hepatic veno-occlusive disease in an infant resulting from groundsel tea consumption has been reported.

Dietary supplements sold in the US are not required to include the amount of PAs they contain; therefore, all preparations used orally containing groundsel should be considered potentially unsafe.

  1. WHO working group. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Environmental Health Criteria, 80. WHO: Geneva, 1988.
  2. Roeder E. Medicinal plants in Europe containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Pharmazie 1995;50:83-98.
  3. Fox DW, Hart MC, Bergeson PS, et al. Pyrrolizidine (Senecio) intoxication mimicking Reye syndrome. J Pediatr 1978;93:980-2.
  4. Klepser TB, Klepser ME. Unsafe and potentially safe herbal therapies. Am J Health Syst Pharm 1999;56:125-38.
Hypertension Pulmonary/Respiratory

Groundsel contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA), which might cause pneumotoxicity. Animal research shows that PA-associated pneumotoxicity occurs as pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular hypertrophy.

  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 groundsel. Because of its toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids, no standardized, tested dosing exists, and we do not recommend taking it internally.

If you come across a product that contains groundsel, do not assume any amount is safe. Always read the label, and check with a pharmacist or doctor before using any herbal supplement, especially one with known toxicity concerns.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Groundsel & Pregnancy

Likely Unsafe

When used orally. Groundsel products can contain pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA) constituents, which might be teratogenic and hepatotoxic. There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of using groundsel products that do not contain hepatotoxic PAs during pregnancy. However, dietary supplements sold in the US are not required to include the amount of PAs they contain; therefore, all preparations used orally containing groundsel should be considered likely unsafe.

  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. Klepser TB, Klepser ME. Unsafe and potentially safe herbal therapies. Am J Health Syst Pharm 1999;56:125-38.

Groundsel & Breastfeeding

Likely Unsafe

When used orally. Hepatotoxic PA constituents in groundsel are excreted in milk. There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of using groundsel products that do not contain hepatotoxic PAs during lactation. However, dietary supplements sold in the US are not required to include the amount of PAs they contain; therefore, all preparations used orally containing groundsel should be considered likely unsafe.

  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. Klepser TB, Klepser ME. Unsafe and potentially safe herbal therapies. Am J Health Syst Pharm 1999;56:125-38.
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 6 references that drive our Groundsel 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. Klepser TB, Klepser ME. Unsafe and potentially safe herbal therapies. Am J Health Syst Pharm 1999;56:125-38. PubMed
  2. WHO working group. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Environmental Health Criteria, 80. WHO: Geneva, 1988.
  3. Fox DW, Hart MC, Bergeson PS, et al. Pyrrolizidine (Senecio) intoxication mimicking Reye syndrome. J Pediatr 1978;93:980-2. PubMed
  4. Chojkier M. Hepatic sinusoidal-obstruction syndrome: toxicity of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. J Hepatol 2003;39:437-46. PubMed
  5. Roeder E. Medicinal plants in Europe containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Pharmazie 1995;50:83-98.
  6. 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

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Groundsel: Common Questions

What is Groundsel used for, and does it work?
People use Groundsel 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 Groundsel interact with prescription medications?
Yes. We list 87 medications with a known interaction with Groundsel. Use the checker above to see how Groundsel interacts with a specific drug.
How are Groundsel 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 Groundsel 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 Groundsel 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 Groundsel safe to take?
No. Groundsel contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can cause serious liver damage, so it is generally considered unsafe to swallow. We do not recommend using it.
What was Groundsel traditionally used for?
In folk medicine it was used for menstrual cramps, stomach upset, sore gums, and minor wounds. None of these uses are supported by solid scientific evidence.
Can I use Groundsel while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. Groundsel should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding because its toxic compounds may harm the liver and the baby.
What are the warning signs of harm from Groundsel?
Possible signs of liver injury include belly pain or swelling, nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite, and yellowing of the skin or eyes. Seek medical care right away if these occur.

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

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