Herb & supplement monograph

Pata De Vaca Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

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

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

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Pata De Vaca 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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Pata De Vaca 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 Pata De Vaca drug interaction appears low for most people, though people taking diabetes medications should be more careful. Every listed interaction is rated moderate rather than major, and all of them rest on the same single, largely theoretical concern.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The only interaction in this profile involves diabetes medications. Animal research suggests pata de vaca might lower blood sugar, which in theory could add to the effect of these drugs and raise the risk of low blood sugar. That said, early human research did not find that pata de vaca actually reduces blood glucose, so the concern remains unproven. Because blood sugar control is closely monitored and matters a great deal, anyone using glucose-lowering treatment should still use this supplement cautiously.

What the rest of the list means

Although the number of listed medications looks large, they all trace back to this one blood sugar question. The concern comes from animal studies, and the human evidence so far has not shown a meaningful effect, so most of these combinations are flagged out of caution rather than proven harm.

Check your medications against Pata De Vaca

Based on HelloPharmacist’s Pata De Vaca interaction data and reviewed under our editorial standards.

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Pata De Vaca

86 medications have a known interaction with Pata De Vaca, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

2,830 drugs
AcarboseGlucobay, Prandase, Precose› AcetohexamideDymelor› AlbiglutideTanzeum› AlogliptinNesina› Alogliptin, MetforminKazano› Alogliptin, PioglitazoneOseni› Antidiabetes, Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (dpp-iv) InhibitorGlyxambi› CanagliflozinInvokana› Canagliflozin, MetforminInvokamet› Canagliflozin, Metformin HydrochlorideInvokamet XR› ChlorpropamideChlorpropam, Diabinese› DapagliflozinFarxiga› Dapagliflozin Propanediol, MetforminXigduo XR› Dapagliflozin Propanediol, Saxagliptin HydrochlorideQtern› Dapagliflozin, Metformin Hydrochloride, Saxagliptin HydrochlorideQternmet XR› Dasiglucagon HydrochlorideZegalogue› DulaglutideTrulicity› EmpagliflozinJardiance› Empagliflozin, Linagliptin, Metformin HydrochlorideTrijardy XR› Empagliflozin, MetforminSynjardy› Empagliflozin, Metformin HydrochlorideSynjardy XR› ErtugliflozinSteglatro› Ertugliflozin, Metformin HydrochlorideSegluromet› ExenatideBydureon, Byetta› Exenatide SyntheticBydureon BCISE› GliclazideDiamicron› GlimepirideAmaryl› GlipizideGlucotrol, Glucotrol XL› Glipizide, MetforminMetaglip› GlucagonBaqsimi, Glucagon›
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 Pata De Vaca 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 Pata De Vaca affects

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

All 1 drug category Pata De Vaca interacts with
Antidiabetes Drugs
Antidiabetes Drugs

Animal research suggests that pata de vaca may have hypoglycemic effects. However, preliminary clinical research shows that pata de vaca does not reduce blood glucose levels. Until more is known, use with caution. Theoretically, concomitant use of pata de vaca with antidiabetes drugs might affect glucose control and increase the risk of hypoglycemia. Dose adjustments to diabetes medications might be necessary. Some antidiabetes drugs include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, metformin (Glucophage), pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), and others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Monograph

Pata De Vaca: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed June 2026 ·
The bottom line

Pata de Vaca is a South American plant whose leaves are traditionally brewed as a tea to help support blood sugar, earning it the nickname 'vegetable insulin.' Human evidence is very limited, so it should not replace prescribed diabetes treatment. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor before using it, especially if you take blood-sugar medications.

Scientific name
Bauhinia forficata
Family
Fabaceae
Part used
Leaves
Common forms
Tea (infusion), capsules, dried leaf, liquid extract
People commonly use it for
  • Blood sugar support
  • Diabetes (traditional use)
  • Diuretic
  • Kidney and urinary health
  • General tonic

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

Safety at a glance
OverallUse caution

Limited human safety data, so use carefully and under professional guidance.

PregnancyInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

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

Pata de Vaca means 'cow's hoof' in Spanish and Portuguese, a name that comes from the shape of its split, two-lobed leaves. It usually refers to Bauhinia forficata, a small tree or shrub native to South America, especially Brazil. Related Bauhinia species grow in other tropical regions and may also be sold under this name.

The leaves are the main part used. They are most often dried and brewed as a tea, but you can also find them in capsules, powders, and liquid extracts. In traditional South American herbal medicine, Pata de Vaca has long been used as a remedy for high blood sugar, which is why it is sometimes called 'vegetable insulin.'

How it works

The leaves contain plant compounds such as flavonoids (including kaempferol-type glycosides) and other antioxidants. Researchers think these compounds may influence how the body handles glucose, which is the basis for the 'vegetable insulin' nickname.

In laboratory and animal studies, extracts have shown possible effects on blood sugar and signs of antioxidant activity. However, these mechanisms are mostly proposed from early research, and it is not clear that they produce meaningful effects in people at the amounts found in teas or supplements.

Effectiveness

Does Pata De Vaca work?

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

Evidence overview · 1 use evaluated
1 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 Pata De Vaca, current evidence isn’t strong enough to rate any specific use. The conditions it has been studied for are listed below.

Also studied for 1 condition — evidence insufficient to rate
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Diabetes
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if oral pata de vaca is beneficial for diabetes.

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

There is not much formal safety information for Pata de Vaca, so a cautious approach is best. The biggest concern is its possible blood-sugar-lowering effect. If you have diabetes or low blood sugar, monitor closely and watch for signs of hypoglycemia such as shakiness, sweating, confusion, or dizziness.

People with kidney disease should be careful because of its traditional diuretic use. Pregnant and breastfeeding people should avoid it, since there is not enough information to consider it safe. Also be aware that products labeled 'Pata de Vaca' may contain different Bauhinia species or be poorly standardized.

Always tell your pharmacist or doctor about any herbal product you are taking, especially before surgery or if you manage a chronic condition.

Side effects

Reported side effects are not well documented. As with many herbal teas, possible effects include stomach upset, nausea, or diarrhea. Because it may lower blood sugar, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) is a theoretical concern, particularly when combined with other blood-sugar-lowering treatments.

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

Dosing

There is no established standardized dose for Pata de Vaca. Traditional use is mostly as a leaf tea, but the strength of teas and supplements varies widely between products.

If you choose to use it, follow the directions on the product label and start low. Because reliable dosing has not been confirmed by research, check with your pharmacist or doctor first, especially if you have diabetes or take any medicines that affect blood sugar.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Pata De Vaca & Pregnancy

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Pata De Vaca & 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 8 references that drive our Pata De Vaca 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. Russo EM, Reichelt AA, De Sa JR, et al. Clinical trial of Myrcia uniflora and Bauhinia forficata leaf extracts in normal and diabetic patients. Braz J Med Biol Res 1990;23(1):11-20.
  2. da Cunha AM, Menon S, Menon R, et al. Hypoglycemic activity of dried extracts of Bauhinia forficata Link. Phytomedicine 2010;17(1):37-41. PubMed
  3. Lino Cde S, Diogenes JP, Pereira BA, et al. Antidiabetic activity of Bauhinia forficata extracts in alloxan-diabetic rats. Biol Pharm Bull 2004;27(1):125-7. PubMed
  4. Silva FR, Szpoganicz B, Pizzolatti MG, et al. Acute effect of Bauhinia forficata on serum glucose levels in normal and alloxan-induced diabetic rats. J Ethnopharmacol 2002;83(1-2):33-7. PubMed
  5. Pepato MT, Keller EH, Baviera AM, et al. Anti-diabetic activity of Bauhinia forficata decoction in streptozotocin-diabetic rats. J Ethnopharmacol 2002;81(2):191-7. PubMed
  6. Jorge AP, Horst H, de Sousa E, et al. Insulinomimetic effects of kaempferitrin on glycaemia and on 14C-glucose uptake in rat soleus muscle. Chem Biol Interact 2004;149(2-3):89-96. PubMed
  7. de Sousa E, Zanatta L, Seifriz I, et al. Hypoglycemic effect and antioxidant potential of kaempferol-3,7-O-(alpha)-dirhamnoside from Bauhinia forficata leaves. J Nat Prod 2004;67(5):829-32.
  8. Vasconcelos F, Sampaio SV, Garofalo MA, et al. Insulin-like effects of Bauhinia forficata aqueous extract upon Tityus serrulatus scorpion envenoming. J Ethnopharmacol 2004;95(2-3):385-92. PubMed
Keep reading

This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

Brand directory

Brands that make products with Pata De Vaca

3 brands in our database make a supplement containing Pata De Vaca.

Product directory

Supplement products with Pata De Vaca

7 products in our database contain Pata De Vaca. Open any to see its full ingredient list and every drug interaction we check.

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Pata De Vaca: Common Questions

What is Pata De Vaca used for, and does it work?
People use Pata De Vaca 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 Pata De Vaca interact with prescription medications?
Yes. We list 86 medications with a known interaction with Pata De Vaca. Use the checker above to see how Pata De Vaca interacts with a specific drug.
How are Pata De Vaca 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 Pata De Vaca 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 Pata De Vaca 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 Pata De Vaca used for?
It is most commonly used in traditional South American medicine to support healthy blood sugar, which is why it is nicknamed 'vegetable insulin.' It is also used as a diuretic and for urinary health, though strong human evidence is lacking.
Can Pata De Vaca replace my diabetes medication?
No. The evidence in people is limited, and it has not been proven to control diabetes. Never stop or change your prescribed medication without talking to your doctor.
Is Pata De Vaca safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
There is not enough safety information, so it is best to avoid it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
How is Pata De Vaca usually taken?
Most commonly as a tea made from the dried leaves, but it is also sold in capsules, powders, and liquid extracts. Follow the product label and ask your pharmacist for guidance.

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

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Products that contain Pata De Vaca

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