Herb & supplement monograph

Hawaiian Baby Woodrose Drug Interactions, Uses, Safety & More

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Hawaiian Baby Woodrose 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 Hawaiian Baby Woodrose drug interaction appears low for most people, though the picture changes for anyone taking a medication that affects serotonin. None of the listed interactions are rated major, and all of them rest on theoretical evidence rather than documented reactions in people.

Interactions deserving the most attention

Every interaction on this profile traces back to one concern: serotonergic drugs, a broad group that includes many antidepressants and migraine medicines. Hawaiian Baby Woodrose contains chemicals that might raise serotonin levels, so combining it with these medicines could, in theory, add up to too much serotonin, a problem known as serotonin syndrome. This effect has not been confirmed in human studies, but because serotonin syndrome can be serious, we treat this pairing with genuine caution rather than dismissing it.

What the rest of the list means

The long list of interacting medications looks alarming, but it reflects a single theoretical mechanism applied across many drugs, not hundreds of separate proven problems. The evidence here comes from what the plant's chemicals might do in the body, and no well-documented human reactions support these predictions so far.

Check your medications against Hawaiian Baby Woodrose

Based on HelloPharmacist’s Hawaiian Baby Woodrose interaction data and reviewed under our editorial standards.

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Hawaiian Baby Woodrose

184 medications have a known interaction with Hawaiian Baby Woodrose, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

2,830 drugs
Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Dextromethorphan HbrVicks Formula 44M Cough, Cold & Flu Relief
Moderate Serotonergic Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use may increase the risk for serotonergic adverse effects.

Read the full Hawaiian Baby Woodrose + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Dextromethorphan Hbr interaction
Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, PhenylephrineColrex
Moderate Serotonergic Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use may increase the risk for serotonergic adverse effects.

Read the full Hawaiian Baby Woodrose + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, Phenylephrine interaction
Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, DextromethorphanCoricidin II Extra Strength Cold and Flu
Moderate Serotonergic Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use may increase the risk for serotonergic adverse effects.

Read the full Hawaiian Baby Woodrose + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan interaction
Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan HydrobromideCoricidin HBP Maximum Strength Flu
Moderate Serotonergic Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use may increase the risk for serotonergic adverse effects.

Read the full Hawaiian Baby Woodrose + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide interaction
Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, PhenylpropanolamineMulti Symptom Cold Relief
Moderate Serotonergic Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use may increase the risk for serotonergic adverse effects.

Read the full Hawaiian Baby Woodrose + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylpropanolamine interaction
Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, PseudoephedrineChildren's Tylenol Cold Plus Cough, Tylenol Cold Ex Strength
Moderate Serotonergic Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use may increase the risk for serotonergic adverse effects.

Read the full Hawaiian Baby Woodrose + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine interaction
Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine, SalicylamideRhinogesic GG
Moderate Serotonergic Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use may increase the risk for serotonergic adverse effects.

Read the full Hawaiian Baby Woodrose + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine, Salicylamide interaction
Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, PhenylephrineAlka-Seltzer PLUS, Histex SR, Protid
Moderate Serotonergic Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use may increase the risk for serotonergic adverse effects.

Read the full Hawaiian Baby Woodrose + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine interaction
Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine, SalicylamideRhinogesic, Rhinogesic JR
Moderate Serotonergic Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use may increase the risk for serotonergic adverse effects.

Read the full Hawaiian Baby Woodrose + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine, Salicylamide interaction
Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, PhenylpropanolamineAlumadrine, Conex, Sinadrin Max Strength, Sinulin
Moderate Serotonergic Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use may increase the risk for serotonergic adverse effects.

Read the full Hawaiian Baby Woodrose + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine interaction
Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, OpiumHista-Derfule
Moderate Serotonergic Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use may increase the risk for serotonergic adverse effects.

Read the full Hawaiian Baby Woodrose + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, Opium interaction
Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, PhenyltoloxamineNorel Plus
Moderate Serotonergic Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use may increase the risk for serotonergic adverse effects.

Read the full Hawaiian Baby Woodrose + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, Phenyltoloxamine interaction
Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, PseudoephedrineAlka-Seltzer PLUS Liquid Gels, Children's Tylenol Cold, Codimal, Comtrex, Extra Strength Tylenol Allergy Sinus, Lorsin +3 more
Moderate Serotonergic Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use may increase the risk for serotonergic adverse effects.

Read the full Hawaiian Baby Woodrose + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Pseudoephedrine interaction
Acetaminophen, DextromethorphanTylenol Cough Ex Strength
Moderate Serotonergic Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use may increase the risk for serotonergic adverse effects.

Read the full Hawaiian Baby Woodrose + Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan interaction
Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Doxylamine, PseudoephedrineVicks NyQuil
Moderate Serotonergic Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use may increase the risk for serotonergic adverse effects.

Read the full Hawaiian Baby Woodrose + Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Doxylamine, Pseudoephedrine interaction
Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, PhenylephrineConar-A
Moderate Serotonergic Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use may increase the risk for serotonergic adverse effects.

Read the full Hawaiian Baby Woodrose + Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine interaction
Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, PhenylpropanolamineAnatuss
Moderate Serotonergic Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use may increase the risk for serotonergic adverse effects.

Read the full Hawaiian Baby Woodrose + Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Phenylpropanolamine interaction
Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, PseudoephedrineRobitussin Cold, Severe Cold, Suphedrine Cold/Cough
Moderate Serotonergic Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use may increase the risk for serotonergic adverse effects.

Read the full Hawaiian Baby Woodrose + Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Pseudoephedrine interaction
Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Phenylpropanolamine, PyrilamineTheracaps
Moderate Serotonergic Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use may increase the risk for serotonergic adverse effects.

Read the full Hawaiian Baby Woodrose + Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Phenylpropanolamine, Pyrilamine interaction
Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, PseudoephedrineAlka-Seltzer PLUS Flu Liquid Gels, Non Aspirin Cold Caps, Tylenol Cold, Tylenol Flu Daytime Ex Strength, Tylenol Flu Ex Strength
Moderate Serotonergic Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use may increase the risk for serotonergic adverse effects.

Read the full Hawaiian Baby Woodrose + Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine interaction
Acetaminophen, MeperidineDemerol APAP
Moderate Serotonergic Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use may increase the risk for serotonergic adverse effects.

Read the full Hawaiian Baby Woodrose + Acetaminophen, Meperidine interaction
Acetaminophen, Phenylephrine, ChlorpheniramineSuper Cold Tabs
Moderate Serotonergic Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use may increase the risk for serotonergic adverse effects.

Read the full Hawaiian Baby Woodrose + Acetaminophen, Phenylephrine, Chlorpheniramine interaction
AlmotriptanAlmogran, Axert
Moderate Serotonergic Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use may increase the risk for serotonergic adverse effects.

Read the full Hawaiian Baby Woodrose + Almotriptan interaction Almotriptan drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
AlosetronLotronex
Moderate Serotonergic Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use may increase the risk for serotonergic adverse effects.

Read the full Hawaiian Baby Woodrose + Alosetron interaction Alosetron drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
AmitriptylineElavil
Moderate Serotonergic Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use may increase the risk for serotonergic adverse effects.

Read the full Hawaiian Baby Woodrose + Amitriptyline interaction Amitriptyline drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Amitriptyline, ChlordiazepoxideLimbitrol DS
Moderate Serotonergic Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use may increase the risk for serotonergic adverse effects.

Read the full Hawaiian Baby Woodrose + Amitriptyline, Chlordiazepoxide interaction
Amitriptyline, PerphenazineEtrafon, Etrafon-A, Etrafon-Forte, Triavil
Moderate Serotonergic Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use may increase the risk for serotonergic adverse effects.

Read the full Hawaiian Baby Woodrose + Amitriptyline, Perphenazine interaction
AmoxapineAsendin
Moderate Serotonergic Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use may increase the risk for serotonergic adverse effects.

Read the full Hawaiian Baby Woodrose + Amoxapine interaction Amoxapine drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Amphetamine Aspartate, Amphetamine Sulfate, Dextroamphetamine Saccharate, Dextroamphetamine SulfateAdderall, Adderall XR
Moderate Serotonergic Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use may increase the risk for serotonergic adverse effects.

Read the full Hawaiian Baby Woodrose + Amphetamine Aspartate, Amphetamine Sulfate, Dextroamphetamine Saccharate, Dextroamphetamine Sulfate interaction
AripiprazoleAbilify, Abilify Maintena, Abilify Mycite
Moderate Serotonergic Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use may increase the risk for serotonergic adverse effects.

Read the full Hawaiian Baby Woodrose + Aripiprazole interaction Aripiprazole drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
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 Hawaiian Baby Woodrose 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 Hawaiian Baby Woodrose affects

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

All 1 drug category Hawaiian Baby Woodrose interacts with
Serotonergic Drugs
Serotonergic Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use may increase the risk for serotonergic adverse effects.
Hawaiian baby woodrose contains chemicals which might increase serotonin levels. Combining serotonergic drugs with Hawaiian baby woodrose might increase the risk of serotonergic side effects including serotonin syndrome and cerebral vasoconstrictive disorders.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Monograph

Hawaiian Baby Woodrose: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

The bottom line

Hawaiian Baby Woodrose seeds contain LSD-like compounds and are most often used recreationally to cause hallucinations, not as a safe or proven medicine. Because of serious safety risks, unpredictable effects, and unclear legal status, it is generally not recommended. If you are considering any product containing it, talk to a pharmacist or doctor first.

Hawaiian Baby Woodrose
Scientific name
Argyreia nervosa
Family
Convolvulaceae
Part used
Seeds (mainly), also roots and leaves in traditional use
Common forms
Whole seeds, ground seed powder, seed extracts; sometimes sold as ornamental seeds
People commonly use it for
  • Hallucinogenic/psychedelic effects (recreational)
  • Pain relief (traditional)
  • Anti-inflammatory (traditional)
  • Aphrodisiac (traditional Ayurvedic use)
  • Nervous system tonic (traditional)

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

Safety at a glance
OverallBest avoided

Seeds contain LSD-like compounds and can cause serious psychological and physical effects.

PregnancyLikely Unsafe

When used orally; avoid using.

Read the full pregnancy detail
BreastfeedingLikely Unsafe

When used orally; 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

Hawaiian Baby Woodrose (Argyreia nervosa) is a climbing vine in the morning glory family (Convolvulaceae). It is native to tropical parts of India, Nepal, and other parts of Asia, and it now grows in many warm regions, including Hawaii. The plant has large, heart-shaped leaves and showy purple or lavender flowers.

In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, parts of the plant such as the roots have been used for various complaints. Today, however, the plant is best known because its seeds contain LSD-like compounds and are used recreationally to cause hallucinations. This is very different from its older medicinal uses, and it raises serious safety concerns.

Uses & effectiveness

There is very little reliable human research supporting any health benefit of Hawaiian Baby Woodrose. Most of what is known comes from traditional use, laboratory studies, animal studies, or reports of recreational use.

In traditional medicine, the plant has been used for pain, inflammation, as an aphrodisiac, and as a general tonic. None of these uses are backed by strong, modern clinical trials. The seeds are mainly used to produce psychedelic effects, but this is not a recognized or safe medical treatment.

Overall, the evidence for any benefit is weak or insufficient, while the risks are well documented. It should not be used to treat any medical condition.

How it works

The seeds contain ergoline alkaloids, including lysergic acid amide (LSA, also called ergine), which is chemically similar to LSD. These compounds act on serotonin receptors in the brain, which is thought to explain their mind-altering and hallucinogenic effects.

Other compounds in the plant may have effects seen in laboratory or animal studies, such as antioxidant or anti-inflammatory activity. These findings are early and do not prove that the plant is safe or helpful in people.

Safety & precautions

Hawaiian Baby Woodrose is generally not recommended because of its powerful and unpredictable effects. The amount of active compound in seeds can vary a lot, making the dose hard to control and the risk of a bad reaction high.

People with mental health conditions (such as anxiety, depression, psychosis, or a history of substance misuse), heart conditions, or high blood pressure should especially avoid it. The seeds are sometimes coated with chemicals to prevent eating, which can add to the danger.

Pregnancy: Avoid. Ergoline compounds may affect the uterus, and there is no safe data. Breastfeeding: Avoid, since the compounds could pass into breast milk and the safety is unknown. Its legal status varies by location, so check local laws. Always speak with a pharmacist or doctor before using any product containing this plant.

Side effects

Reported side effects include nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, dizziness, blurred vision, and changes in heart rate and blood pressure. Many users feel sick because of the seeds themselves.

Mental effects can include hallucinations, confusion, anxiety, panic, and frightening experiences ("bad trips"). Rare but serious effects may include severe agitation, dangerous changes in blood pressure or heart rhythm, and, with the LSD-like compounds, a risk of long-lasting psychological problems. Reactions can be unpredictable and can require emergency care.

Hawaiian Baby Woodrose: Reported Adverse Effects

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

Hawaiian baby woodrose is generally regarded as unsafe for use. Any benefits of therapy may not outweigh the risk of toxicity. The number of seeds needed to produce adverse effects differs for each individual.

Most Common Adverse Effects:

Orally: Dizziness, fatigue, hallucinations, hypertension, mydriasis, paranoia, sweating, tachycardia.

Reports by condition
Anxiety Psychiatric

Orally, four homogenized Hawaiian baby woodrose seeds has been reported to cause difficulty expressing thoughts, fits of laughter, and paranoia in one person. The seed has also been reported to cause mood elevation and anxiety. In an 18-year-old male, ingestion of 15 seeds resulted in erratic and bizarre behavior accompanying suicidal and homicidal ideation and depression. The patient also used cannabis, but symptoms were thought to be related to Hawaiian baby woodrose. In one case report of a 29-year-old male, consuming an unknown quantity of soaked Hawaiian baby woodrose seeds and smoking cannabis resulted in severe agitation leading to a jump from a fourth-floor window and death. In a 17-year-old female, ingestion of 6 seeds initially resulted in a euphoric and energetic mood, with increased socializing and school performance. The patient then developed problems with concentration, thinking, and sleep, with nightmares, anxiety, suspiciousness, and crying, resulting in hospital admission and treatment for psychosis with aripiprazole 10 mg daily and lorazepam as needed. Most symptoms resolved within 7 weeks; however, problems with concentration continued for several more weeks. Aripiprazole was discontinued 22 weeks after discharge.

The number of seeds needed to produce adverse effects differs for each individual. Additionally, the alkaloid and lysergic acid amide contents vary from batch to batch. Lysergic acid amide 2-5 mg is enough to cause hallucinations.

  1. Kremer C, Paulke A, Wunder C, Toennes SW. Variable adverse effects in subjects after ingestion of equal doses of Argyreia nervosa seeds. Forensic Sci Int. 2012;214(1-3):e6-8.
  2. Paulke A, Kremer C, Wunder C, Wurglics M, Schubert-Zsilavecz M, Toennes SW. Identification of legal highs--ergot alkaloid patterns in two Argyreia nervosa products. Forensic Sci Int. 2014;242:62-71.
  3. Gertsch JH, Wood C. Case report: an ingestion of Hawaiian Baby Woodrose seeds associated with acute psychosis. Hawaii Med J. 2003 Jun;62(6):127, 129.
  4. Vigor C, Fabre N, Fourasté I, Moulis C. Neoclerodane diterpenoids from Croton eluteria. J Nat Prod. 2002;65(8):1180-2.
  5. Sobanski E, Dalm S, Sievers L, et al. Herbal high: substance-induced psychosis after consumption of seeds of the Hawaiian baby woodrose. Z Kinder Jugendpsychiatr Psychother. 2021 Jul;49(4):307-11.
Fatigue Neurologic/CNS

Orally, four homogenized Hawaiian baby woodrose seeds have been reported to cause fatigue lasting for 2 hours and tremor of the hands lasting for about 9 hours in one person. Weakness, vertigo, and heaviness in the legs have also been reported. The seeds have also been reported to cause auditory hallucinations and altered visual perception. The number of seeds needed to produce adverse effects differs for each individual. Additionally, the alkaloid and lysergic acid amide contents vary from batch to batch. Lysergic acid amide 2-5 mg is enough to cause hallucinations, with effects lasting 4-8 hours.

  1. Kremer C, Paulke A, Wunder C, Toennes SW. Variable adverse effects in subjects after ingestion of equal doses of Argyreia nervosa seeds. Forensic Sci Int. 2012;214(1-3):e6-8.
  2. Al-Assmar SE. The seeds of the Hawaiian baby woodrose are a powerful hallucinogen. Arch Intern Med 1999;159:2090.
  3. Paulke A, Kremer C, Wunder C, Wurglics M, Schubert-Zsilavecz M, Toennes SW. Identification of legal highs--ergot alkaloid patterns in two Argyreia nervosa products. Forensic Sci Int. 2014;242:62-71.
  4. Shawcross WE. Recreational use of ergoline alkaloid from Argyreia nervosa. J Psychoactive Drugs 1983;15:251-9.
  5. Vigor C, Fabre N, Fourasté I, Moulis C. Neoclerodane diterpenoids from Croton eluteria. J Nat Prod. 2002;65(8):1180-2.
Hypertension Cardiovascular

Orally, approximately four homogenized Hawaiian baby woodrose seeds have been reported to cause temporary blood pressure elevation. In one 18-year-old male, consuming 15 Hawaiian baby woodrose seeds resulted in tachycardia and hypertension. The patient also used cannabis, but symptoms were thought to be related to Hawaiian baby woodrose. The number of seeds needed to produce adverse effects differs for each individual. Additionally, the alkaloid and lysergic acid amide contents vary from batch to batch.

  1. Kremer C, Paulke A, Wunder C, Toennes SW. Variable adverse effects in subjects after ingestion of equal doses of Argyreia nervosa seeds. Forensic Sci Int. 2012;214(1-3):e6-8.
  2. Gertsch JH, Wood C. Case report: an ingestion of Hawaiian Baby Woodrose seeds associated with acute psychosis. Hawaii Med J. 2003 Jun;62(6):127, 129.
Nausea and vomiting Gastrointestinal

Orally, four homogenized Hawaiian baby woodrose seeds have been reported to cause nausea and vomiting. The number of seeds needed to produce adverse effects differs for each individual. Additionally, the alkaloid and lysergic acid amide contents vary from batch to batch.

  1. Kremer C, Paulke A, Wunder C, Toennes SW. Variable adverse effects in subjects after ingestion of equal doses of Argyreia nervosa seeds. Forensic Sci Int. 2012;214(1-3):e6-8.
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 or medical dose for Hawaiian Baby Woodrose, and because the strength of the seeds varies, no dose can be considered reliable or safe. Because of the real risk of harm, we do not recommend a dose.

If you encounter a product that contains it, do not rely on label promises, and talk to a pharmacist or doctor before taking anything. The safest choice for most people is to avoid it entirely.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Hawaiian Baby Woodrose & Pregnancy

Likely Unsafe

When used orally; avoid using.

  1. Ellenhorn MJ, et al. Ellenhorn's Medical Toxicology: Diagnoses and Treatment of Human Poisoning. 2nd ed. Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins, 1997.
  2. Al-Assmar SE. The seeds of the Hawaiian baby woodrose are a powerful hallucinogen. Arch Intern Med 1999;159:2090.

Hawaiian Baby Woodrose & Breastfeeding

Likely Unsafe

When used orally; avoid using.

  1. Ellenhorn MJ, et al. Ellenhorn's Medical Toxicology: Diagnoses and Treatment of Human Poisoning. 2nd ed. Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins, 1997.
  2. Al-Assmar SE. The seeds of the Hawaiian baby woodrose are a powerful hallucinogen. Arch Intern Med 1999;159:2090.
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 9 references that drive our Hawaiian Baby Woodrose 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. Ellenhorn MJ, et al. Ellenhorn's Medical Toxicology: Diagnoses and Treatment of Human Poisoning. 2nd ed. Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins, 1997.
  2. Al-Assmar SE. The seeds of the Hawaiian baby woodrose are a powerful hallucinogen. Arch Intern Med 1999;159:2090. PubMed
  3. Shawcross WE. Recreational use of ergoline alkaloid from Argyreia nervosa. J Psychoactive Drugs 1983;15:251-9.
  4. Singhal AB, Caviness VS, Begleiter AF, et al. Cerebral vasoconstriction and stroke after use of serotonergic drugs. Neurology 2002;58:130-3. PubMed
  5. Vigor C, Fabre N, Fourasté I, Moulis C. Neoclerodane diterpenoids from Croton eluteria. J Nat Prod. 2002;65(8):1180-2.
  6. Kremer C, Paulke A, Wunder C, Toennes SW. Variable adverse effects in subjects after ingestion of equal doses of Argyreia nervosa seeds. Forensic Sci Int. 2012;214(1-3):e6-8. PubMed
  7. Gertsch JH, Wood C. Case report: an ingestion of Hawaiian Baby Woodrose seeds associated with acute psychosis. Hawaii Med J. 2003 Jun;62(6):127, 129.
  8. Paulke A, Kremer C, Wunder C, Wurglics M, Schubert-Zsilavecz M, Toennes SW. Identification of legal highs--ergot alkaloid patterns in two Argyreia nervosa products. Forensic Sci Int. 2014;242:62-71. PubMed
  9. Sobanski E, Dalm S, Sievers L, et al. Herbal high: substance-induced psychosis after consumption of seeds of the Hawaiian baby woodrose. Z Kinder Jugendpsychiatr Psychother. 2021 Jul;49(4):307-11. 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

Hawaiian Baby Woodrose: Common Questions

Does Hawaiian Baby Woodrose interact with prescription medications?
Yes. We list 184 medications with a known interaction with Hawaiian Baby Woodrose. Use the checker above to see how Hawaiian Baby Woodrose interacts with a specific drug.
How are Hawaiian Baby Woodrose 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 Hawaiian Baby Woodrose 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 Hawaiian Baby Woodrose 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 Hawaiian Baby Woodrose used for?
Traditionally it has been used for pain, inflammation, and as a tonic, but today it is mostly known for its seeds, which are used recreationally to cause hallucinations. None of these uses are proven safe or effective.
Is Hawaiian Baby Woodrose safe to take?
It is generally not recommended. The seeds contain LSD-like compounds that can cause nausea, hallucinations, dangerous changes in heart rate and blood pressure, and frightening mental reactions.
Can I use it during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
No. It should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding because of potential harm and the lack of any safety data.
Why do the seeds make people feel sick?
The seeds naturally cause nausea and vomiting for many people, and they may also be coated with chemicals to discourage eating, which adds to the risk.

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

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