Herb & supplement monograph

Potentilla Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

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

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

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Potentilla 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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Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Potentilla

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

We don’t currently list any known drug interactions for Potentilla. This doesn’t guarantee none exist — always confirm with your pharmacist before combining supplements with your medications.

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 Potentilla combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
  • Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.
Monograph

Potentilla: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed June 2026 ·
The bottom line

Potentilla is a group of tannin-rich plants long used in traditional medicine for diarrhea, mouth sores, and minor inflammation. Modern human evidence is very limited, so it should not replace proven treatments. Talk with your pharmacist or doctor before using it, and avoid it during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Scientific name
Argentina anserina (syn. Potentilla anserina)
Family
Rosaceae
Part used
Roots, leaves, and aerial (above-ground) parts
Common forms
Tea, tincture, capsules, mouth rinse, topical preparations
People commonly use it for
  • Diarrhea and digestive upset
  • Mouth and throat sores
  • Menstrual cramps
  • Mild sore throat
  • Minor wounds and skin irritation

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

Safety at a glance
OverallUse caution

Generally used in small traditional amounts, but human safety data are limited.

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.

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Overview

Potentilla is a genus of flowering plants in the rose family (Rosaceae). The name is used for several related species, including Potentilla erecta (tormentil) and Argentina anserina (silverweed, also called Potentilla anserina). These low-growing perennials have yellow, white, or sometimes reddish flowers and grow widely across temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere.

Different parts of the plant, including the roots, leaves, and above-ground portions, have been used in traditional herbal medicine for centuries. People most often take it as a tea, tincture, or mouth rinse. The plant is rich in tannins, which give it an astringent, drying quality that explains many of its traditional uses.

How it works

The main active compounds in Potentilla are tannins, a group of plant chemicals known for their astringent (tissue-tightening) properties. The plant also contains flavonoids and other polyphenols that may have antioxidant effects.

Tannins can bind to proteins on the surface of tissues and may reduce minor inflammation and fluid loss, which is the proposed reason for traditional use in diarrhea and mouth irritation. Laboratory studies have also explored possible antimicrobial activity. It is important to know that most of these mechanisms come from test-tube and animal research, and they do not prove that the herb works in people.

Effectiveness

Does Potentilla work?

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

Evidence overview · 6 uses evaluated
6 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 Potentilla, current evidence isn’t strong enough to rate any specific use. The conditions it has been studied for are listed below.

Also studied for 6 conditions — evidence insufficient to rate
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Diarrhea
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral potentilla for diarrhea, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of potentilla for this condition.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Dysmenorrhea
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral potentilla for dysmenorrhea, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of potentilla for this condition.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Hemorrhoids
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using topical potentilla for hemorrhoids, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of potentilla for this condition.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Pharyngitis
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using topical potentilla for pharyngitis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of potentilla for this condition.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral potentilla for PMS, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of potentilla for this condition.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Wound healing
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using topical potentilla for wound healing, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of potentilla for this condition.

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

When used in small amounts as a traditional tea or rinse, Potentilla is generally considered to have a low risk of serious harm, but reliable safety data are limited. Because it is high in tannins, large amounts or long-term use may cause stomach upset.

People with sensitive stomachs, kidney problems, or a history of allergic reactions to plants in the rose family should be cautious. Pregnant and breastfeeding people should avoid Potentilla because there is not enough information to confirm it is safe. Do not give it to infants or young children without medical advice.

Because supplement quality varies, choose products from reputable companies and always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, especially if you have a health condition or take other medicines.

Side effects

Potentilla is not well studied, so the full range of side effects is not known. The most likely problems are related to its tannin content, including:

  • Stomach upset, nausea, or constipation, especially with strong or frequent use
  • Mouth dryness with rinses and gargles

Allergic reactions are possible in sensitive people. Stop using it and seek medical care if you notice a rash, swelling, or trouble breathing.

Dosing

There is no well-established standardized dose for Potentilla. Traditional preparations include teas made from the dried root or leaves, tinctures, and mouth rinses, but the right amount varies by product and species.

Because reliable dosing studies are lacking, the safest approach is to follow the directions on the product label and not exceed them. Ask your pharmacist or doctor for guidance, particularly if you plan to use it for more than a short time.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Potentilla & Pregnancy

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Potentilla & 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 1 sources that drive our Potentilla monograph — publicly available pages from reputable medical and government organizations. Every link was verified to work before publishing.

  1. Herbs at a Glance — NIH NCCIH Source
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.

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Potentilla: Common Questions

What is Potentilla used for, and does it work?
People use Potentilla 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 Potentilla interact with prescription medications?
We do not currently list any known drug interactions for Potentilla. This does not guarantee that none exist, so always confirm with your pharmacist before combining it with your medications.
How are Potentilla 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 Potentilla 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 Potentilla 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 Potentilla used for?
It is traditionally used for diarrhea, mouth and throat irritation, menstrual cramps, and minor skin problems, mostly because of its astringent, tannin-rich nature. Strong human evidence for these uses is limited.
Is Potentilla safe to take?
In small traditional amounts it is generally considered low-risk, but reliable safety data are limited. Use the smallest effective amount, follow the label, and check with your pharmacist or doctor first.
Can I use Potentilla while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. There is not enough information to confirm it is safe, so it is best avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
How is Potentilla usually taken?
It is most often taken as a tea or tincture, or used as a mouth rinse or gargle. Topical preparations are also used for minor skin irritation.

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

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