Herb & supplement monograph

Khella Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS ·Updated July 2026

What is this page for?

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

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Khella 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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Khella 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 Khella drug interaction appears modest for most people, because none of its interactions are rated major and the concerns are largely theoretical. Every listed interaction is rated moderate, and all rest on lab findings or predicted effects rather than well-documented human studies.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The best-supported concern involves liver-damaging (hepatotoxic) medications such as acetaminophen, amiodarone, and methotrexate, since khella can raise liver enzyme levels and adding another drug that stresses the liver could compound that effect. Digoxin also deserves care because it is a narrow-margin heart medicine, and a khella compound might theoretically work against it. Finally, combining khella with photosensitizing drugs like tetracycline or sulfa antibiotics could make skin more sensitive to sunlight.

What the rest of the list means

Although the list of interacting medications is long, it comes from just a few broad categories, so a big number does not mean each combination is proven harmful. Most of these interactions are theoretical, based on how khella's plant compounds might behave, and none have been confirmed to cause meaningful problems in human studies.

Check your medications against Khella

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

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Khella

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

Don’t want to scroll the list? Just ask.

Tell us the medications you take and we’ll check each one against Khella using our pharmacist-reviewed interaction data.

AI summaries are generated from our Khella interaction data for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI

2,830 drugs

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 Khella 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 Khella affects

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

All 3 drug categories Khella interacts with

Digoxin (lanoxin)Hepatotoxic DrugsPhotosensitizing Drugs

Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Theoretically, khella might decrease the effectiveness of cardiac glycosides like digoxin. The khella constituent visnadin has negative inotropic effects that might counter the effects of cardiac glycosides.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Hepatotoxic Drugs

Theoretically, khella might have additive adverse effects on the liver when used with hepatotoxic drugs. Khella can increase liver transaminases. Some drugs that can adversely affect the liver include acetaminophen (Tylenol), amiodarone (Cordarone), carbamazepine (Tegretol), isoniazid (INH), methotrexate (Rheumatrex), methyldopa (Aldomet), and many others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B

Photosensitizing Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use might result in increased photosensitivity. Khella constituents can cause photosensitivity. Some drugs that cause photosensitivity include amitriptyline (Elavil), quinolones (Ciprofloxacin, others), sulfa drugs (Septra, Bactrim, others), and tetracycline.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Monograph

Khella: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS · Reviewed July 2026 ·

The bottom line

Khella is a Mediterranean herb whose seeds contain compounds like khellin that may relax smooth muscle in the airways and blood vessels. While it has a long history of traditional use for breathing and heart problems, modern evidence in supplement form is limited, and it can cause side effects and sun sensitivity, so talk with your pharmacist or doctor before using it.

Scientific name: Ammi visnaga
Family: Apiaceae
Part used: Dried ripe fruit (seeds)
Common forms: Capsules, tinctures, teas, standardized extracts

People commonly use it for

Asthma and bronchitis
Angina and heart-related chest pain
Kidney stones
Vitiligo and psoriasis
Mild high blood pressure

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

Safety at a glance

OverallUse caution

May cause side effects like nausea and sun sensitivity, and quality of evidence is limited.

PregnancyLikely Unsafe

When used orally. The active constituent, khellin, has uterine stimulant activity; contraindicated.

Read the full pregnancy detail

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

Khella comes from Ammi visnaga, a flowering plant in the carrot family that grows around the Mediterranean and parts of the Middle East and North Africa. The dried ripe seeds are the part used in traditional medicine.

The plant contains natural compounds such as khellin and visnagin. For centuries, people in the region have used khella seeds for breathing problems, chest pain, and kidney stones. Today it is sold as capsules, tinctures, teas, and standardized extracts.

How it works

The main active compounds in khella are khellin and visnagin. Laboratory and animal studies suggest these may relax smooth muscle—the muscle found in the walls of the airways and blood vessels.

By relaxing airway muscle, khella might make breathing easier, which is the idea behind its use in asthma. By relaxing blood vessel walls, it may widen vessels, which is the basis for its traditional use in angina and high blood pressure. Compounds in khella are also thought to relax the muscle of the urinary tract, which is why it has been used for kidney stones.

It is important to know that much of this understanding comes from lab and animal research, and these effects do not always translate the same way in people.

Effectiveness

Does Khella work?

Here’s what the research actually shows for each use — graded by Natural Medicines and reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD.

Evidence overview · 2 uses evaluated

2 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 Khella, current evidence isn’t strong enough to rate any specific use. The conditions it has been studied for are listed below.

Also studied for 2 conditions — evidence insufficient to rate

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Psoriasis

Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Preliminary clinical research suggests that taking the khella constituent khellin by mouth, in combination with sunlight exposure, helps clear psoriatic lesions.

Sources Ref 1908

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Vitiligo

Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

There is conflicting evidence regarding the effects of using khellin, a constituent of khella, orally or topically, in combination with light therapy, to improve re-pigmentation in people with vitiligo. In one study, applying a 2% solution of khellin in acetone and propylene glycol, followed by exposure to sunlight for up to 90 minutes, three times weekly for 4 months, was no more effective than using a placebo solution with sunlight exposure. However, in one uncontrolled study, taking khellin orally for 4 months in conjunction with controlled sunlight exposure was associated with re-pigmentation of at least 50% of vitiliginous areas in 12 of 30 patients. In another uncontrolled study, applying a liposomal formulation of khellin topically, in combination with UVA/UVB light therapy for 12 months, was associated with at least 50% re-pigmentation of 72% of treated areas. However, the validity of these findings is limited by the lack of a comparator group.

Sources Ref 57431 Ref 868 Ref 57430

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

Khella is not well studied for safety, especially in supplement form. One known issue is that khellin and related compounds can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight (photosensitivity), which may lead to sunburn or skin discoloration.

People with liver problems should be especially careful, since high or long-term use has been linked to liver concerns in some reports. Those with low blood pressure or who are taking medicines for the heart or blood pressure should talk to a healthcare provider first.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is not enough reliable safety information. To be safe, avoid khella if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Always check with a pharmacist or doctor before starting khella, and choose products from reputable companies, since herbal supplements are not tightly regulated.

Side effects

Reported side effects of khella include nausea, loss of appetite, headache, dizziness, and trouble sleeping. Some people may notice increased sensitivity to sunlight, raising the risk of sunburn.

Less commonly, high or prolonged use has been associated with liver issues and changes in liver tests. Stop using khella and seek medical care if you notice yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, severe stomach pain, or signs of an allergic reaction.

Khella: Reported Adverse Effects

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

Orally, prolonged use or use of high doses of khella can cause nausea, dizziness, constipation, lack of appetite, headache, itching, and insomnia. In some patients, khella can cause elevated liver transaminase and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) levels. There is also some concern that khella might cause photosensitivity.

Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Trans. S. Klein. Boston, MA: American Botanical Council, 1998.
Dr. Duke's Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases. Available at: http://www.ars-grin.gov/duke/.

Reports by condition

Cluster headache Neurologic/CNS

Orally, prolonged use or use of high doses of khella can cause dizziness, headache, and insomnia.

Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Trans. S. Klein. Boston, MA: American Botanical Council, 1998.

Constipation Gastrointestinal

Orally, prolonged use or use of high doses of khella can cause nausea, constipation, and lack of appetite.

Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Trans. S. Klein. Boston, MA: American Botanical Council, 1998.

Pruritus Dermatologic

Orally, prolonged use or use of high doses of khella can cause itching. There is also some concern that khella might cause photosensitivity because of the constituents khellin and furocoumarin.

Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Trans. S. Klein. Boston, MA: American Botanical Council, 1998.
Dr. Duke's Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases. Available at: http://www.ars-grin.gov/duke/.

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, standardized dose for khella supplements. The right amount depends on the product, how it is prepared, and the amount of active compounds it contains.

Because strength varies widely between products, follow the directions on the label and do not exceed them. It is best to check with a pharmacist or doctor before use, especially if you have any health conditions or take other medicines. Avoid long-term use unless guided by a healthcare professional.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Khella & Pregnancy

Likely Unsafe

When used orally. The active constituent, khellin, has uterine stimulant activity; contraindicated.

Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.

Khella & Breastfeeding

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 10 references that drive our Khella 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.

Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Trans. S. Klein. Boston, MA: American Botanical Council, 1998.
Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
Abdel-Fattah A, Aboul-Enein MN, Wassel GM, El-Menshawi BS. An approach to the treatment of vitiligo by khellin. Dermatologica 1982;165:136-40. PubMed
Duarte J, Torres AI, Zarzuelo A. Cardiovascular effects of visnagin on rats. Planta Med 2000;66:35-9. PubMed
Abdel-Fattah A, Aboul-Enein MN, Wassel G, El-Menshawi B. Preliminary report on the therapeutic effect of khellin in psoriasis. Dermatologica 1983;167:109-10. PubMed
Ossenkoppele PM, van der Sluis WG, van Vloten WA. [Phototoxic dermatitis following the use of Ammi majus fruit for vitiligo]. Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd 1991;135:478-80.
Harvengt C, Desager JP. HDL-cholesterol increase in normolipaemic subjects on khellin: a pilot study. Int J Clin Pharmacol Res 1983;3:363-6.
Dr. Duke's Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases. Available at: http://www.ars-grin.gov/duke/.
de Leeuw J, van der BN, Maierhofer G, et al. A case study to evaluate the treatment of vitiligo with khellin encapsulated in L-phenylalanin stabilized phosphatidylcholine liposomes in combination with ultraviolet light therapy. Eur J Dermatol 2003;13(5):
Orecchia G, Perfetti L. Photochemotherapy with topical khellin and sunlight in vitiligo. Dermatology 1992;184(2):120-123. 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.

Brand directory

Brands that make products with Khella

4 brands in our database make a supplement containing Khella.

Energetix 283 products Herb Pharm 3,320 products Herbalist & Alchemist 613 products Nestmann 28 products

Product directory

Supplement products with Khella

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

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Khella: Common Questions

What is Khella used for, and does it work?

People use Khella 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 Khella interact with prescription medications?

Yes. We list 620 medications with a known interaction with Khella. Use the checker above to see how Khella interacts with a specific drug.

How are Khella 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 Khella 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 Khella 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 Khella used for?

It is traditionally used for breathing problems like asthma and bronchitis, heart-related chest pain (angina), kidney stones, and skin conditions like vitiligo. Strong modern evidence supporting these uses is limited.

Is Khella safe to take?

Khella may cause side effects such as nausea, headache, and increased sun sensitivity, and it is not well studied for long-term safety. Talk to a pharmacist or doctor before using it, especially if you have liver, heart, or blood pressure conditions.

Can I take Khella during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

No—there is not enough safety information, so it is best to avoid Khella if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Does Khella make you more sensitive to the sun?

Yes, the compounds in Khella can increase your skin's sensitivity to sunlight, which may raise the risk of sunburn. Use sun protection and limit sun exposure while taking it.

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

Keep exploring

Products that contain Khella

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

See all 43 products with Khella →

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