Herb & supplement monograph

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

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Pagoda Tree 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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Pagoda Tree 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 Pagoda Tree drug interaction appears low for most people. None of the listed interactions are rated major, and while all are rated moderate, they rest on theoretical or limited evidence rather than well-documented human findings.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The interaction that stands out involves caffeine and caffeine-containing medications. Pagoda tree contains genistein, a compound that slowed the body's clearance of caffeine in one small study of healthy women. That study used a high daily dose of genistein for two weeks, and it is not clear whether the smaller amounts found in typical pagoda tree products have the same effect. If it does occur, caffeine could stay in the body longer, which might increase side effects like jitteriness or a racing heart.

What the rest of the list means

A list of medications this long can look worrying, but here it mostly reflects one predicted mechanism: a possible effect on an enzyme the body uses to break down caffeine and related drugs. This concern is largely theoretical, and it has not been confirmed to cause meaningful problems in people taking pagoda tree at usual amounts.

Check your medications against Pagoda Tree

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

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Pagoda Tree

29 medications have a known interaction with Pagoda Tree, 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 Pagoda Tree using our pharmacist-reviewed interaction data.

AI summaries are generated from our Pagoda Tree 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 Pagoda Tree 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 Pagoda Tree affects

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

All 1 drug category Pagoda Tree interacts with

Caffeine

Theoretically, pagoda tree might reduce the clearance of caffeine.
Pagoda tree contains genistein. Taking genistein 1 gram daily for 14 days seems to inhibit caffeine clearance and metabolism in healthy females. This effect has been attributed to inhibition of the cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) enzyme, which is involved in caffeine metabolism. It is unclear if this effect occurs with the lower amounts of genistein found in pagoda tree.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Monograph

Pagoda Tree: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

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

The bottom line

Pagoda Tree (Styphnolobium japonicum, also called the Japanese pagoda tree) is a traditional Asian medicinal plant best known as a natural source of the flavonoid rutin. While it has a long history in traditional Chinese medicine and some lab interest, strong human evidence for most uses is limited. Talk with your pharmacist or doctor before using it, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or take other medicines.

Scientific name: Styphnolobium japonicum
Family: Fabaceae
Part used: Flowers, flower buds, and fruit (pods); sometimes leaves
Common forms: Dried flower buds, teas, powders, capsules, and standardized extracts

People commonly use it for

Supporting blood vessel and capillary health
Bleeding-related complaints (traditional use)
Source of the flavonoid rutin
General antioxidant support
Skin and circulation health (topical/cosmetic use)

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

Safety at a glance

OverallUse caution

Generally used in traditional medicine, but human safety data are limited, so use cautiously.

PregnancyPossibly Unsafe

When the seed is used orally; avoid using. There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of the fruit when used orally during...

Read the full pregnancy detail

BreastfeedingPossibly Unsafe

When the seed is used orally; avoid using. There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of the fruit when used orally during...

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

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Overview

The Pagoda Tree, also called the Japanese pagoda tree or Chinese scholar tree, is a flowering tree in the legume family. Its botanical name is Styphnolobium japonicum (formerly classified as Sophora japonica). Despite the name, it is native to China and has long been planted across East Asia as an ornamental and street tree.

In traditional Chinese medicine, the dried flower buds and fruit (pods) have been used for centuries. The flower buds are especially valued because they are rich in plant compounds called flavonoids, particularly rutin. Today the plant is often grown as a commercial source of rutin used in supplements.

People use Pagoda Tree as teas, powders, dried buds, and capsules. It also appears in some skincare and cosmetic products.

How it works

The main active compounds in Pagoda Tree flower buds are flavonoids, especially rutin and related substances like quercetin and troxerutin. These compounds act as antioxidants, which means they may help protect cells from a type of damage called oxidative stress.

Flavonoids like rutin are also studied for their possible effects on blood vessels, including helping support capillary strength and reducing inflammation. Some lab research suggests they may influence how blood clots and how blood vessels respond to injury.

It is important to know that most of these mechanisms come from test-tube and animal research. How well they apply to people taking Pagoda Tree products is not clear.

Effectiveness

Does Pagoda Tree 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 Pagoda Tree, 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 Hemorrhoids

Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Oral pagoda tree flower has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Menopausal symptoms

Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if oral pagoda tree fruit is beneficial for patients with menopausal symptoms.

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

Pagoda Tree has been consumed in traditional medicine for a long time, which gives some reassurance, but modern safety studies in humans are limited. Quality and strength of products can also vary a lot between brands.

People with bleeding disorders or those scheduled for surgery should be cautious, since flavonoids may affect blood clotting. People with low blood pressure or those taking blood-related medicines should check with a healthcare provider first.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is not enough reliable safety information for either situation. Because of this, it is best to avoid Pagoda Tree during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

Always tell your pharmacist or doctor about any supplement you are taking, especially if you have a chronic condition or take prescription medicines.

Side effects

When used in typical amounts, Pagoda Tree and rutin are generally well tolerated by most people. Reported side effects are usually mild and may include stomach upset, nausea, or headache.

As with any plant product, allergic reactions are possible. Stop using it and seek medical care if you notice rash, itching, swelling, or trouble breathing.

Because high-quality human safety data are limited, the full range of possible side effects is not well known. Start with a low amount and watch how your body responds.

Pagoda Tree: Reported Adverse Effects

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

Orally, pagoda tree flower and fruit seem to be well tolerated. No adverse effects have been reported; however, a thorough evaluation of safety outcomes has not been conducted. The pagoda tree seed is possibly unsafe when consumed long-term.

Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):

Orally: With use of the seed, death and edema.

Reports by condition

Pregnancy-related edema Other

Orally, using pagoda tree seed long-term may cause edema and death.

Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 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.

Adverse-effects data: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

Dosing

There is no well-established standard dose of Pagoda Tree for any health condition. Traditional preparations and modern supplements vary widely in strength and form.

If you choose to use a product, follow the directions on the label and do not exceed the suggested amount. Look for reputable brands that test their products for quality and purity.

Because dosing is not standardized and human data are limited, it is best to check with a pharmacist or doctor before starting, especially if you take other medicines or have a health condition.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Pagoda Tree & Pregnancy

Possibly Unsafe

When the seed is used orally; avoid using. There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of the fruit when used orally during pregnancy or lactation.

Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.

Pagoda Tree & Breastfeeding

Possibly Unsafe

When the seed is used orally; avoid using. There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of the fruit when used orally during pregnancy or lactation.

Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 2 references that drive our Pagoda Tree 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.

Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
Chen, Y., Xiao, C. Q., He, Y. J., Chen, B. L., Wang, G., Zhou, G., Zhang, W., Tan, Z. R., Cao, S., Wang, L. P., and Zhou, H. H. Genistein alters caffeine exposure in healthy female volunteers. Eur.J Clin.Pharmacol. 2011;67(4):347-353. 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 Pagoda Tree

46 brands in our database make a supplement containing Pagoda Tree.

AN American Nutriceuticals 85 products Ancient Nutrition 389 products ANS Performance 12 products Beachbody Ultimate 7 products BPI 61 products Cavalier 10 products Christopher's Original Formulas 140 products Dr. Stan Guberman 9 products Elevation Health 9 products Enzymatic Therapy 675 products GHC Global Healing Center 32 products Global Healing Center 98 products GNC Preventive Nutrition 187 products Guang Ci Tang 121 products Hawaii Pharm 4,726 products Health Concerns 444 products Herbal Terra 3,138 products Hypergenetic Labs 1 product Image Sports 44 products Integrative Therapeutics 941 products Life Time Fitness 40 products Lifeway 6 products Merry Clinic 33 products MoxyVites By NutraFitz 4 products

Product directory

Supplement products with Pagoda Tree

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

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Pagoda Tree: Common Questions

What is Pagoda Tree used for, and does it work?

People use Pagoda Tree 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 Pagoda Tree interact with prescription medications?

Yes. We list 29 medications with a known interaction with Pagoda Tree. Use the checker above to see how Pagoda Tree interacts with a specific drug.

How are Pagoda Tree 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 Pagoda Tree 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 Pagoda Tree 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 Pagoda Tree used for?

It is mainly used in traditional medicine to support blood vessel and capillary health and for bleeding-related complaints, and it serves as a natural source of the flavonoid rutin. However, strong human evidence for these uses is limited.

Is Pagoda Tree safe to take?

It has a long history of traditional use and is generally well tolerated in typical amounts, but human safety studies are limited. Use it cautiously and talk with your pharmacist or doctor first.

Can I use Pagoda Tree during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

No reliable safety information is available for these situations, so it is best to avoid Pagoda Tree if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Is Pagoda Tree the same as rutin?

Not exactly. Pagoda Tree flower buds are a rich natural source of rutin, but the whole-plant extract also contains other compounds. Many supplements use the plant specifically to extract rutin.

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

Keep exploring

Products that contain Pagoda Tree

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

See all 163 products with Pagoda Tree →

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