Herb & supplement monograph

Hercules Club Drug Interactions, Uses, Safety & More

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

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

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Hercules Club 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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Hercules Club 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 Hercules Club drug interaction appears low for most people. Every interaction on record is rated minor, and none is backed by strong human evidence.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The only pattern worth noticing involves stomach-acid medicines. Because Hercules Club has been reported to increase stomach acid, it could theoretically work against antacids, H2-blockers, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as those used for heartburn, reflux, or ulcers. If someone relies on one of these medicines and their symptoms seem harder to control while taking Hercules Club, the supplement is a reasonable thing to consider. That said, this concern comes from limited, low-grade evidence, not from documented problems in people.

What the rest of the list means

Although a few dozen medications appear on the interaction list, that number mostly reflects how many individual drugs fall into these three acid-reducing categories. None of these interactions has been confirmed in human studies; they are predictions based on the idea that extra stomach acid could blunt these medicines. So a long list here signals caution about one theme, not many separate dangers.

Check your medications against Hercules Club

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

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Hercules Club

36 medications have a known interaction with Hercules Club, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

2,830 drugs
Alginic Acid, Aluminum HydroxideRafton
Minor Antacids

Theoretically, Hercules club may decrease the clinical effects of antacids.

Read the full Hercules Club + Alginic Acid, Aluminum Hydroxide interaction
Aluminum HydroxideAlu-Cap, Amphojel, Gaviscon
Minor Antacids

Theoretically, Hercules club may decrease the clinical effects of antacids.

Read the full Hercules Club + Aluminum Hydroxide interaction Aluminum Hydroxide drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin Codeine #2
Minor Antacids

Theoretically, Hercules club may decrease the clinical effects of antacids.

Read the full Hercules Club + Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interaction
Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin
Minor Antacids

Theoretically, Hercules club may decrease the clinical effects of antacids.

Read the full Hercules Club + Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Magnesium Hydroxide interaction Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Magnesium Hydroxide drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide (otc Drug)Maalox, Mucogel
Minor Antacids

Theoretically, Hercules club may decrease the clinical effects of antacids.

Read the full Hercules Club + Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide (otc Drug) interaction
Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, Simethicone (otc Drug)Mylanta
Minor Antacids

Theoretically, Hercules club may decrease the clinical effects of antacids.

Read the full Hercules Club + Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, Simethicone (otc Drug) interaction
Aluminum, Magnesium (otc Drug)Almagel
Minor Antacids

Theoretically, Hercules club may decrease the clinical effects of antacids.

Read the full Hercules Club + Aluminum, Magnesium (otc Drug) interaction
Amoxicillin, Omeprazole Magnesium, RifabutinTalicia
Minor Proton Pump Inhibitors (ppis)

Theoretically, Hercules club may decrease the clinical effects of PPIs.

Read the full Hercules Club + Amoxicillin, Omeprazole Magnesium, Rifabutin interaction
Aspirin, Aluminum Hydroxide, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin Codeine #3
Minor Antacids

Theoretically, Hercules club may decrease the clinical effects of antacids.

Read the full Hercules Club + Aspirin, Aluminum Hydroxide, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interaction
Aspirin, Calcium Carbonate, Magnesium Carbonate, Magnesium OxideBufferin
Minor Antacids

Theoretically, Hercules club may decrease the clinical effects of antacids.

Read the full Hercules Club + Aspirin, Calcium Carbonate, Magnesium Carbonate, Magnesium Oxide interaction Aspirin, Calcium Carbonate, Magnesium Carbonate, Magnesium Oxide drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Aspirin, Citric Acid, Sodium BicarbonateAlka-Seltzer Pain Reliever and Antacid
Minor Antacids

Theoretically, Hercules club may decrease the clinical effects of antacids.

Read the full Hercules Club + Aspirin, Citric Acid, Sodium Bicarbonate interaction
Aspirin, OmeprazoleYosprala
Minor Proton Pump Inhibitors (ppis)

Theoretically, Hercules club may decrease the clinical effects of PPIs.

Read the full Hercules Club + Aspirin, Omeprazole interaction
Bismuth Subcarbonate, Calcium Carbonate, OpiumDiabismul
Minor Antacids

Theoretically, Hercules club may decrease the clinical effects of antacids.

Read the full Hercules Club + Bismuth Subcarbonate, Calcium Carbonate, Opium interaction
Calcium CarbonateAdcal, Adcal-D3, Calcichew, Os-Cal, Tums
Minor Antacids

Theoretically, Hercules club may decrease the clinical effects of antacids.

Read the full Hercules Club + Calcium Carbonate interaction Calcium Carbonate drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
CimetidineCimetidine Injection, Tagamet, Tagamet HB
Minor H2-blockers

Theoretically, Hercules club may decrease the clinical effects of H2 blockers.

Read the full Hercules Club + Cimetidine interaction Cimetidine drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
DexlansoprazoleDexilant Solutab
Minor Proton Pump Inhibitors (ppis)

Theoretically, Hercules club may decrease the clinical effects of PPIs.

Read the full Hercules Club + Dexlansoprazole interaction Dexlansoprazole drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Dihydroxyaluminum Sodium CarbonateRolaids
Minor Antacids

Theoretically, Hercules club may decrease the clinical effects of antacids.

Read the full Hercules Club + Dihydroxyaluminum Sodium Carbonate interaction Dihydroxyaluminum Sodium Carbonate drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
EsomeprazoleNexium
Minor Proton Pump Inhibitors (ppis)

Theoretically, Hercules club may decrease the clinical effects of PPIs.

Read the full Hercules Club + Esomeprazole interaction Esomeprazole drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Esomeprazole MagnesiumNexium 24hr
Minor Proton Pump Inhibitors (ppis)

Theoretically, Hercules club may decrease the clinical effects of PPIs.

Read the full Hercules Club + Esomeprazole Magnesium interaction
Esomeprazole StrontiumEsomeprazole Strontium
Minor Proton Pump Inhibitors (ppis)

Theoretically, Hercules club may decrease the clinical effects of PPIs.

Read the full Hercules Club + Esomeprazole Strontium interaction
Esomeprazole, NaproxenVimovo
Minor Proton Pump Inhibitors (ppis)

Theoretically, Hercules club may decrease the clinical effects of PPIs.

Read the full Hercules Club + Esomeprazole, Naproxen interaction
FamotidineFamotidine, Famotidine Injection, Pepcid, Pepcid AC
Minor H2-blockers

Theoretically, Hercules club may decrease the clinical effects of H2 blockers.

Read the full Hercules Club + Famotidine interaction Famotidine drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Famotidine, IbuprofenDuexis
Minor H2-blockers

Theoretically, Hercules club may decrease the clinical effects of H2 blockers.

Read the full Hercules Club + Famotidine, Ibuprofen interaction
LansoprazolePrevacid
Minor Proton Pump Inhibitors (ppis)

Theoretically, Hercules club may decrease the clinical effects of PPIs.

Read the full Hercules Club + Lansoprazole interaction Lansoprazole drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Lansoprazole, Amoxicillin, ClarithromycinPrevpac
Minor Proton Pump Inhibitors (ppis)

Theoretically, Hercules club may decrease the clinical effects of PPIs.

Read the full Hercules Club + Lansoprazole, Amoxicillin, Clarithromycin interaction
MagaldrateRiopan
Minor Antacids

Theoretically, Hercules club may decrease the clinical effects of antacids.

Read the full Hercules Club + Magaldrate interaction
Magnesium Sulfate (prescription Drug)Bilagog, Magnesium Sulfate
Minor Antacids

Theoretically, Hercules club may decrease the clinical effects of antacids.

Read the full Hercules Club + Magnesium Sulfate (prescription Drug) interaction
NizatidineAxid, Axid Injection
Minor H2-blockers

Theoretically, Hercules club may decrease the clinical effects of H2 blockers.

Read the full Hercules Club + Nizatidine interaction Nizatidine drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
OmeprazoleLosec, Prilosec, Zegerid
Minor Proton Pump Inhibitors (ppis)

Theoretically, Hercules club may decrease the clinical effects of PPIs.

Read the full Hercules Club + Omeprazole interaction Omeprazole drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Omeprazole, Sodium BicarbonateKonvomep
Minor Proton Pump Inhibitors (ppis)

Theoretically, Hercules club may decrease the clinical effects of PPIs.

Read the full Hercules Club + Omeprazole, Sodium Bicarbonate interaction
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 Hercules Club 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 Hercules Club affects

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

All 3 drug categories Hercules Club interacts with
AntacidsH2-blockersProton Pump Inhibitors (ppis)
Antacids

Theoretically, Hercules club may decrease the clinical effects of antacids.
Due to reports that Hercules club increases stomach acid, Hercules club might decrease the effectiveness of antacids.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
H2-Blockers

Theoretically, Hercules club may decrease the clinical effects of H2 blockers.
Due to reports that Hercules club increases stomach acid, Hercules club might decrease the effectiveness of H2-blockers.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Proton Pump Inhibitors (Ppis)

Theoretically, Hercules club may decrease the clinical effects of PPIs.
Due to reports that Hercules club increases stomach acid, Hercules club might decrease the effectiveness of PPIs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Monograph

Hercules Club: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed July 2026 ·
The bottom line

Hercules Club (southern prickly ash) is a traditional folk remedy used mainly for toothache, digestion, and joint pain, often by chewing the bark, which causes a tingling, numbing feeling in the mouth. Modern scientific evidence supporting these uses is very limited, and safety has not been well studied, so it is best to talk with a pharmacist or doctor before using it.

Hercules Club
Scientific name
Zanthoxylum clava-herculis
Family
Rutaceae
Part used
Bark, roots, and berries
Common forms
Dried bark, tinctures, teas, and topical preparations
People commonly use it for
  • Toothache and mouth pain
  • Indigestion and sluggish digestion
  • Rheumatism and joint pain
  • Circulation (as a stimulant or tonic)
  • Sore throat

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

Safety at a glance
OverallUse caution

Limited safety data exist, and the plant is best used only with professional guidance.

PregnancyLikely Unsafe

When used orally because it might have menstrual stimulant effects. There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of the berry...

Read the full pregnancy detail
BreastfeedingPossibly Unsafe

When used orally because it might cause colic in nursing infants.

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

Hercules Club (Zanthoxylum clava-herculis) is a small spiny tree or shrub native to the southeastern United States. It is also called southern prickly ash, the toothache tree, or tickle tongue because chewing its bark causes a tingling and numbing feeling in the mouth.

It should not be confused with northern prickly ash (Zanthoxylum americanum), which is a closely related but different plant. The bark, roots, and berries have a long history of use in traditional and folk medicine.

People have traditionally used Hercules Club for toothaches, digestive complaints, and joint pain. It has also been used as a general "stimulant" or tonic. Today it is found in some dried bark products, tinctures, and teas.

Uses & effectiveness

Most of what we know about Hercules Club comes from traditional use, not modern clinical studies. There is very little high-quality human research, so for nearly all of its uses the evidence is considered insufficient.

People have commonly used it for:

  • Toothache and mouth pain — the bark produces a numbing, tingling effect when chewed, which is the basis for the nickname "toothache tree."
  • Digestive upset — it has been used to stimulate saliva and digestion.
  • Rheumatism and joint pain — used traditionally as a remedy for aches.
  • Circulation and as a tonic — folk use as a "stimulant."

Laboratory studies have looked at compounds in the plant for possible antimicrobial and other effects, but these findings come from test-tube or animal research and do not prove the plant works or is safe in people. Bottom line: claims about Hercules Club are not well supported by strong scientific evidence.

How it works

Hercules Club contains a mix of natural plant compounds, including alkaloids (such as ones in the benzophenanthridine group), lignans, and aromatic oils. These are thought to be responsible for its effects.

The tingling, numbing sensation people feel when chewing the bark is linked to compounds that act on nerves in the mouth, which may explain its traditional use for toothache. Some of its compounds have shown antimicrobial activity in laboratory tests.

It is important to know that most of these mechanisms are based on laboratory or animal studies. How well they apply to people taking the herb is not clearly established.

Safety & precautions

The safety of Hercules Club has not been well studied in people. Because it contains active alkaloids, it should be used cautiously and ideally only with guidance from a healthcare professional.

Pregnancy: There is not enough information to consider it safe, and some prickly ash species have traditionally been thought to affect the uterus. It is best to avoid it during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding: Safety is unknown, so it should be avoided while breastfeeding.

People with liver problems, those who are about to have surgery, and anyone with a chronic health condition should check with a pharmacist or doctor first. Keep it out of reach of children, and do not use it as a substitute for proper dental or medical care.

Side effects

Because Hercules Club has not been carefully studied, its full side effect profile is not known. Reported or expected effects include:

  • Mouth numbness or tingling when the bark is chewed.
  • Stomach upset such as nausea.
  • Possible skin irritation from handling the spiny plant or topical preparations.

As with any herbal product, an allergic reaction is possible. Stop using it and seek medical care if you develop a rash, swelling, trouble breathing, or other serious symptoms.

Dosing

There is no established standardized dose for Hercules Club. Traditional use varied widely, and product strengths differ from one brand to another.

If you choose to use a commercial product, follow the directions on the label and do not exceed them. Because the plant contains active alkaloids, more is not better and could increase the risk of side effects.

Always check with a pharmacist or doctor before starting Hercules Club, especially if you take other medicines or have a health condition.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Hercules Club & Pregnancy

Likely Unsafe

When used orally because it might have menstrual stimulant effects. There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of the berry during pregnancy; avoid using.

  1. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
  2. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.

Hercules Club & Breastfeeding

Possibly Unsafe

When used orally because it might cause colic in nursing infants.

  1. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 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 2 references that drive our Hercules Club 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. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
  2. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
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

Hercules Club: Common Questions

Does Hercules Club interact with prescription medications?
Yes. We list 36 medications with a known interaction with Hercules Club. Use the checker above to see how Hercules Club interacts with a specific drug.
How are Hercules Club 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 Hercules Club 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 Hercules Club 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 Hercules Club used for?
It is a traditional remedy used mainly for toothache, indigestion, and joint pain, and as a general tonic. Strong scientific evidence for these uses is lacking.
Why is it called the toothache tree?
Chewing the bark produces a tingling and numbing feeling in the mouth, which is why people traditionally used it to ease tooth and mouth pain. This is not a substitute for seeing a dentist.
Is Hercules Club safe to take?
Its safety has not been well studied, and it contains active plant alkaloids, so it should be used cautiously and only with advice from a pharmacist or doctor.
Can I use it during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
No. There is not enough safety information, so it is best to avoid Hercules Club during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

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

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