Herb & supplement monograph

Japanese Apricot Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

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

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

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Japanese Apricot 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

Check Japanese Apricot against your medication

Add one medication
Japanese Apricot
+
Start typing any prescription or over-the-counter drug name.
Reviewed by licensed pharmacists Sourced from Natural Medicines
On this page

Japanese Apricot 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 Japanese Apricot drug interaction appears low for most people. No interactions are rated major, and every listed concern is theoretical, drawn from lab or animal research rather than documented effects in people.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The medicines that deserve the most care are anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs, such as aspirin, clopidogrel, and heparin, because parts of the apricot flower may have mild blood-thinning properties, and bleeding risk is something these medicines already require watching. The other group is diabetes medications like glimepiride and glyburide, since the fruit extract lowered blood sugar in an animal study, so people managing blood sugar closely should stay alert for signs it is dropping too low. Neither effect has been confirmed in humans.

What the rest of the list means

The long list of medications comes from just two broad drug categories, so the number looks bigger than the actual concern. These interactions are theoretical, based on possible effects seen only in lab or animal research, and no clinically meaningful changes have been shown in people so far.

Check your medications against Japanese Apricot

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

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Japanese Apricot

208 medications have a known interaction with Japanese Apricot, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

2,830 drugs
AbciximabReoPro
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Some constituents of Japanese apricot flower extract might have antiplatelet properties.

Read the full Japanese Apricot + Abciximab interaction
AbrocitinibCibinqo
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Some constituents of Japanese apricot flower extract might have antiplatelet properties.

Read the full Japanese Apricot + Abrocitinib interaction Abrocitinib drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
AcarboseGlucobay, Prandase, Precose
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking Japanese apricot in combination with antidiabetes drugs might lower blood glucose and increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Read the full Japanese Apricot + Acarbose interaction Acarbose drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
AcenocoumarolSintrom
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Some constituents of Japanese apricot flower extract might have antiplatelet properties.

Read the full Japanese Apricot + Acenocoumarol interaction
Acetaminophen, AspirinGemnisyn
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Some constituents of Japanese apricot flower extract might have antiplatelet properties.

Read the full Japanese Apricot + Acetaminophen, Aspirin interaction
Acetaminophen, Aspirin, CaffeineExcedrin, Excedrin Extra Strength, Excedrin Migraine
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Some constituents of Japanese apricot flower extract might have antiplatelet properties.

Read the full Japanese Apricot + Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Caffeine interaction
Acetaminophen, IbuprofenCombogesic
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Some constituents of Japanese apricot flower extract might have antiplatelet properties.

Read the full Japanese Apricot + Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen interaction
AcetohexamideDymelor
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking Japanese apricot in combination with antidiabetes drugs might lower blood glucose and increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Read the full Japanese Apricot + Acetohexamide interaction
Acetylsalicylic AcidEntrophen
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Some constituents of Japanese apricot flower extract might have antiplatelet properties.

Read the full Japanese Apricot + Acetylsalicylic Acid interaction Acetylsalicylic Acid drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
AlbiglutideTanzeum
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking Japanese apricot in combination with antidiabetes drugs might lower blood glucose and increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Read the full Japanese Apricot + Albiglutide interaction
AlogliptinNesina
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking Japanese apricot in combination with antidiabetes drugs might lower blood glucose and increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Read the full Japanese Apricot + Alogliptin interaction Alogliptin drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Alogliptin, MetforminKazano
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking Japanese apricot in combination with antidiabetes drugs might lower blood glucose and increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Read the full Japanese Apricot + Alogliptin, Metformin interaction
Alogliptin, PioglitazoneOseni
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking Japanese apricot in combination with antidiabetes drugs might lower blood glucose and increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Read the full Japanese Apricot + Alogliptin, Pioglitazone interaction
Alteplase, TpaActilyse, Activase
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Some constituents of Japanese apricot flower extract might have antiplatelet properties.

Read the full Japanese Apricot + Alteplase, Tpa interaction
Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin Codeine #2
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Some constituents of Japanese apricot flower extract might have antiplatelet properties.

Read the full Japanese Apricot + Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interaction
Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Some constituents of Japanese apricot flower extract might have antiplatelet properties.

Read the full Japanese Apricot + Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Magnesium Hydroxide interaction Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Magnesium Hydroxide drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Anacaulase-bcdbNexoBrid
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Some constituents of Japanese apricot flower extract might have antiplatelet properties.

Read the full Japanese Apricot + Anacaulase-bcdb interaction
AnagrelideAgrylin
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Some constituents of Japanese apricot flower extract might have antiplatelet properties.

Read the full Japanese Apricot + Anagrelide interaction Anagrelide drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
AnisindioneMiradon
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Some constituents of Japanese apricot flower extract might have antiplatelet properties.

Read the full Japanese Apricot + Anisindione interaction
Antidiabetes, Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (dpp-iv) InhibitorGlyxambi
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking Japanese apricot in combination with antidiabetes drugs might lower blood glucose and increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Read the full Japanese Apricot + Antidiabetes, Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (dpp-iv) Inhibitor interaction
Antithrombin IiiThrombate III
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Some constituents of Japanese apricot flower extract might have antiplatelet properties.

Read the full Japanese Apricot + Antithrombin Iii interaction
ApixabanEliquis
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Some constituents of Japanese apricot flower extract might have antiplatelet properties.

Read the full Japanese Apricot + Apixaban interaction Apixaban drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
ArgatrobanArgatroban
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Some constituents of Japanese apricot flower extract might have antiplatelet properties.

Read the full Japanese Apricot + Argatroban interaction
AspirinAngettes 75, ASA, Asaphen, Aspirin, Caprin, Cartia +8 more
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Some constituents of Japanese apricot flower extract might have antiplatelet properties.

Read the full Japanese Apricot + Aspirin interaction Aspirin drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Aspirin, Aluminum Hydroxide, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin Codeine #3
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Some constituents of Japanese apricot flower extract might have antiplatelet properties.

Read the full Japanese Apricot + Aspirin, Aluminum Hydroxide, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interaction
Aspirin, ButalbitalAxotal
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Some constituents of Japanese apricot flower extract might have antiplatelet properties.

Read the full Japanese Apricot + Aspirin, Butalbital interaction
Aspirin, Butalbital, CaffeineFiorinal
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Some constituents of Japanese apricot flower extract might have antiplatelet properties.

Read the full Japanese Apricot + Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine interaction Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine PhosphateFiorinal w/ Codeine
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Some constituents of Japanese apricot flower extract might have antiplatelet properties.

Read the full Japanese Apricot + Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine Phosphate interaction
Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine, PhenacetinMarnal
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Some constituents of Japanese apricot flower extract might have antiplatelet properties.

Read the full Japanese Apricot + Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine, Phenacetin interaction
Aspirin, CaffeineAnacin
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Some constituents of Japanese apricot flower extract might have antiplatelet properties.

Read the full Japanese Apricot + Aspirin, Caffeine 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 Japanese Apricot 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 Japanese Apricot affects

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

All 2 drug categories Japanese Apricot interacts with
Anticoagulant/antiplatelet DrugsAntidiabetes Drugs
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Some constituents of Japanese apricot flower extract might have antiplatelet properties. Theoretically, combining Japanese flower extract with drugs that have antiplatelet or anticoagulant effects might increase the risk of bruising or bleeding. Some of these drugs include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, indomethacin (Indocin), ticlopidine (Ticlid), warfarin (Coumadin), and others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking Japanese apricot in combination with antidiabetes drugs might lower blood glucose and increase the risk of hypoglycemia. Japanese apricot fruit extract has been shown to reduce levels of fasting glucose in a diabetic animal model. However, this has not been shown in humans. Until more is known, use caution.
Some antidiabetes medications include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), glipizide (Glucotrol), tolbutamide (Orinase), and others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Monograph

Japanese Apricot: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed July 2026 ·
The bottom line

Japanese Apricot (Prunus mume) is a tart fruit used widely in East Asian foods and traditional medicine, often as pickled umeboshi or a concentrated extract. It has a long history of culinary and folk use, but high-quality human studies are limited, so most health claims remain unproven. The processed fruit is generally well tolerated as a food, but talk to a pharmacist or doctor before using concentrated supplements.

Scientific name
Prunus mume
Family
Rosaceae
Part used
Fruit (often unripe, smoked, or processed into extracts)
Common forms
Pickled fruit (umeboshi), concentrated fruit extract, paste, juice, syrup, capsules, tea
People commonly use it for
  • Digestive upset
  • Fatigue and general wellness
  • Sore throat and cough
  • Antimicrobial support
  • Liver and detox support (traditional)

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

Safety at a glance
OverallUse caution

Generally considered safe as a food, but concentrated supplement evidence is limited and quality varies.

PregnancyUse caution

Food amounts are likely fine, but concentrated extracts have not been well studied; use caution and ask your doctor.

BreastfeedingInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; 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

Japanese Apricot comes from the tree Prunus mume, which is native to China and widely grown in Japan and Korea. Despite its English name, the fruit is closely related to both apricots and plums. It is prized for its flowers in early spring and for its tart, sour fruit.

The fruit is rarely eaten fresh because it is very sour. Instead, it is usually processed into foods and remedies. Popular forms include umeboshi (salted, pickled fruit), umeshu (a fruit liqueur), fruit syrups and juices, and a thick concentrated extract sometimes called "plum extract" or "bainiku ekisu."

In traditional East Asian medicine, Japanese Apricot has long been used for digestive complaints, fatigue, coughs, and as a general tonic. Today it is also sold as a dietary supplement in capsules and pastes.

How it works

Japanese Apricot fruit contains organic acids (such as citric and malic acid), plant compounds called polyphenols and flavonoids, and other antioxidants. The concentrated extract is rich in these acids, which give it its strong sour taste.

Researchers have proposed that these compounds may have antioxidant and antimicrobial effects, and may support digestion. Some lab studies also explore possible effects on liver cells and blood flow.

It is important to understand that most of this work comes from laboratory and animal research. These findings suggest possible mechanisms but do not confirm that the same effects happen in the human body at the amounts people normally take.

Effectiveness

Does Japanese Apricot work?

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

Evidence overview · 5 uses evaluated
5 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 Japanese Apricot, current evidence isn’t strong enough to rate any specific use. The conditions it has been studied for are listed below.

Also studied for 5 conditions — evidence insufficient to rate
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Population research suggests that individuals who consume dried or pickled Japanese apricot at least once daily are 37% less likely to have GERD and approximately 28% less likely to have symptoms of gastrointestinal dysmotility when compared to those who consume Japanese apricot less than once daily. However, consumption of Japanese apricot does not seem to be associated with a reduced risk of reflux symptoms. Also, benefits did not occur in elderly individuals or in those with Helicobacter pylori infection.

Sources Ref 100020
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Helicobacter pylori
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

A small preliminary clinical trial shows that taking a 1% Japanese apricot solution, known as Bainiku-ekisu solution, 130 mL twice daily for 12 weeks does not reduce Helicobacter pylori infection compared with baseline. Also, population research has found that consuming dried or pickled Japanese apricot at least three times daily is not associated with a reduced rate of H. pylori infection when compared to consuming Japanese apricot less often. However, when stratified by age, there is some evidence that higher intake of dried or pickled Japanese apricot may reduce the risk of H. pylori infection in younger but not elderly patients. Further clinical research is needed in a larger population.

Sources Ref 100029 Ref 100026
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Hepatitis C
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Preliminary clinical research in patients with hepatitis C shows that taking Japanese apricot extract (Misatol ME, AdaBio Co. Ltd.) 6.5 grams twice daily for 12 weeks reduces levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) by 31% and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) by 29% when compared with baseline. It is unclear if taking if this product affects viral load or the progression of chronic liver disease and cirrhosis.

Sources Ref 100023
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Hypertension
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Preliminary clinical research shows that taking Japanese apricot polyphenols 800 mg daily for 12 weeks does not reduce blood pressure when compared to placebo in patients with mild to moderate hypertension. A larger study is needed in order to confirm these findings.

Sources Ref 100021
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Preliminary clinical research shows that taking Japanese apricot extract (Misatol ME, AdaBio Co. Ltd.) 6.5 grams twice daily for 12 weeks reduces levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) by 31% each when compared with baseline in patients with NAFLD. It is unclear if taking if this product reduces the risk of NAFLD complications.

Sources Ref 100023

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

As a traditional food, Japanese Apricot (such as umeboshi) is generally considered safe for most healthy adults. However, concentrated supplements and extracts are not as well studied, and product quality can vary.

Be aware that pickled forms like umeboshi can be very high in salt. People watching their sodium for high blood pressure, heart, or kidney concerns should limit these.

People with allergies to plums, apricots, or other stone fruits should be cautious. Like other stone fruits, the seeds/kernels naturally contain compounds that can release cyanide, so the pits should never be eaten.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Eating the fruit in normal food amounts is likely fine, but concentrated extracts and supplements have not been well studied in these groups. To be safe, avoid supplement-strength products during pregnancy and breastfeeding unless your doctor approves.

Always tell your pharmacist or doctor about any supplement you take, especially if you have a health condition or take medications.

Side effects

When used as a food, Japanese Apricot is usually well tolerated. The most common issues are related to its sourness and salt content, including mild stomach upset or, with salty pickled forms, increased thirst and higher sodium intake.

Some people may have an allergic reaction, especially those sensitive to other stone fruits. Stop using it and seek care if you notice rash, itching, swelling, or trouble breathing.

Because the safety of concentrated extracts is not well established, take them cautiously and watch for any new or unexpected symptoms.

Japanese Apricot: Reported Adverse Effects

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

Orally, Japanese apricot dried fruit extract seems to be well tolerated. Side effects reported in clinical research include gastric intolerance. Diluted Japanese apricot juice concentrate may cause constipation. Allergies to Japanese apricot are rare. The raw fruit of Japanese apricot is thought to be toxic due to the cyanogenic glycosides prunasin and amygdalin.

  1. Beretta A, Accinni R, Dellanoce C, Tonini A, Cardot JM, Bussiére A. Efficacy of a standardized extract of Prunus mume in liver protection and redox homeostasis: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Phytother Res. 2016;30(6):949-55.
  2. Nakajima S, Fujita K, Inoue Y, Nishio M, Seto Y. Effect of the folk remedy, Bainiku-ekisu, a concentrate of Prunus mume juice, on Helicobacter pylori infection in humans. Helicobacter. 2006;11(6):589-91.
  3. Iijima S, Ito M, Makabe K, Murakami Y, Yokooji T, Matsuo H. Case of food-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis due to Japanese apricot and peach: Detection of causative antigens. J Dermatol. 2015;42(9):916-7.
  4. Chuda Y, Ono H, Ohnishi-Kameyama M, et al. Mumefural, citric acid derivative improving blood fluidity from fruit-juice concentrate of Japanese apricot (Prunus mume Sieb. et Zucc).J Agric Food Chem 1999;47:828-31. .
Reports by condition
Constipation Gastrointestinal

Orally, Japanese apricot dried fruit extract 300 mg daily has been reported to cause gastric intolerance in one patient in one clinical study. In other clinical research, dilute Japanese apricot juice concentrate has been reported to cause constipation in one patient.

  1. Beretta A, Accinni R, Dellanoce C, Tonini A, Cardot JM, Bussiére A. Efficacy of a standardized extract of Prunus mume in liver protection and redox homeostasis: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Phytother Res. 2016;30(6):949-55.
  2. Nakajima S, Fujita K, Inoue Y, Nishio M, Seto Y. Effect of the folk remedy, Bainiku-ekisu, a concentrate of Prunus mume juice, on Helicobacter pylori infection in humans. Helicobacter. 2006;11(6):589-91.
DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

Adverse-effects data: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

Dosing

There is no well-established standard dose for Japanese Apricot supplements. The amount varies widely depending on the form, whether it is a food (like umeboshi), a syrup, a paste, or a concentrated extract.

The safest approach is to follow the directions on the product label and not exceed the recommended amount. Because products differ in strength and quality, talk with a pharmacist or doctor before starting, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a health condition, or take other medicines.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Japanese Apricot & Breastfeeding

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

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 10 references that drive our Japanese Apricot 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. Chuda Y, Ono H, Ohnishi-Kameyama M, et al. Mumefural, citric acid derivative improving blood fluidity from fruit-juice concentrate of Japanese apricot (Prunus mume Sieb. et Zucc).J Agric Food Chem 1999;47:828-31. .
  2. Matsuda H, Morikawa T, Ishiwada T, et al. Medicinal flowers. VIII. Radical scavenging constituents from the flowers of Prunus mume: structure of prunose III. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) 2003;51:440-3.. PubMed
  3. Maekita T, Kato J, Enomoto S, et al. Japanese apricot improves symptoms of gastrointestinal dysmotility associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease. World J Gastroenterol. 2015;21(26):8170-7. PubMed
  4. Takemura S, Yoshimasu K, Fukumoto J, et al. Safety and adherence of Umezu polyphenols in the Japanese plum (Prunus mume) in a 12-week double-blind randomized placebo-controlled pilot trial to evaluate antihypertensive effects. Environ Health Prev Med. 2 PubMed
  5. Shin EJ, Hur HJ, Sung MJ, et al. Ethanol extract of the Prunus mume fruits stimulates glucose uptake by regulating PPAR-γ in C2C12 myotubes and ameliorates glucose intolerance and fat accumulation in mice fed a high-fat diet. Food Chem. 2013;141(4):
  6. Hokari A, Ishikawa T, Tajiri H, et al. Efficacy of MK615 for the treatment of patients with liver disorders. World J Gastroenterol. 2012;18(31):4118-26. PubMed
  7. Enomoto S, Yanaoka K, Utsunomiya H, et al. Inhibitory effects of Japanese apricot (Prunus mume Siebold et Zucc.; Ume) on Helicobacter pylori-related chronic gastritis. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2010;64(7):714-9. PubMed
  8. Beretta A, Accinni R, Dellanoce C, Tonini A, Cardot JM, Bussiére A. Efficacy of a standardized extract of Prunus mume in liver protection and redox homeostasis: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Phytother Res. 2016;30(6):949-55.
  9. Iijima S, Ito M, Makabe K, Murakami Y, Yokooji T, Matsuo H. Case of food-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis due to Japanese apricot and peach: Detection of causative antigens. J Dermatol. 2015;42(9):916-7. PubMed
  10. Nakajima S, Fujita K, Inoue Y, Nishio M, Seto Y. Effect of the folk remedy, Bainiku-ekisu, a concentrate of Prunus mume juice, on Helicobacter pylori infection in humans. Helicobacter. 2006;11(6):589-91.
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 Japanese Apricot

9 brands in our database make a supplement containing Japanese Apricot.

Product directory

Supplement products with Japanese Apricot

12 products in our database contain Japanese Apricot. Open any to see its full ingredient list and every drug interaction we check.

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Japanese Apricot: Common Questions

What is Japanese Apricot used for, and does it work?
People use Japanese Apricot 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 Japanese Apricot interact with prescription medications?
Yes. We list 208 medications with a known interaction with Japanese Apricot. Use the checker above to see how Japanese Apricot interacts with a specific drug.
How are Japanese Apricot 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 Japanese Apricot 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 Japanese Apricot 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 Japanese Apricot used for?
It is traditionally used for digestive upset, fatigue, sore throat, and general wellness, and is a common food in East Asia. However, strong scientific proof for these uses is limited.
Is Japanese Apricot the same as a regular apricot?
No. It comes from the tree Prunus mume and is actually more closely related to plums, even though it's called an apricot. The fruit is very sour and is usually pickled or made into extracts rather than eaten fresh.
Is it safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Eating the fruit in normal food amounts is likely fine, but concentrated supplements haven't been well studied in pregnancy or breastfeeding. It's safest to avoid supplement-strength products unless your doctor says otherwise.
Are there any side effects?
It is usually well tolerated as a food, though salty pickled forms add a lot of sodium and may upset some stomachs. Allergic reactions are possible, especially in people sensitive to plums or apricots.

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

Keep exploring

Products that contain Japanese Apricot

A rotating sample of real supplements in our database that list Japanese Apricot — open any to see its full ingredients and every drug interaction we check.

See all 12 products with Japanese Apricot →
Where next
Supplement interaction checkerCheck any supplement or product against your medications Drug–drug interactionsCheck two or more of your medications against each other Browse medications A–ZEvery drug we’ve checked against herbs & supplements NDC & pricing lookupFind a drug’s NDCs, packaging and costs Ask a pharmacistFree, personal answer from our licensed team

Have a question about Japanese Apricot?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist