Herb & supplement monograph

Rabdosia Rubescens Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

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

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

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Rabdosia Rubescens 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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Rabdosia Rubescens Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

From the HelloPharmacist Editorial Team · Updated August 2026

Based on the available evidence, the overall risk of a clinically significant Rabdosia Rubescens drug interaction appears low for most people. None of the listed interactions are rated major, and every one rests on lab or animal research rather than confirmed effects in humans.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The combinations most worth watching involve medications with a narrow margin for error. Lab studies suggest Rabdosia rubescens may raise blood levels of certain chemotherapy drugs such as doxorubicin and paclitaxel, along with some antifungals and protease inhibitors, by blocking a transporter the body uses to move these medicines. It may also speed up an enzyme that clears many other drugs, which could lower their levels and make them work less well. Neither effect has been shown to happen in people, but with cancer or HIV treatment, even a modest change could matter.

What the rest of the list means

Although the number of listed medications runs into the hundreds, that reflects how many drugs share these clearance pathways, not hundreds of proven problems. Nearly all of the concern is theoretical, based on how this herb behaved in test-tube and animal studies, and none of these predicted effects has been reported in humans so far.

Check your medications against Rabdosia Rubescens

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

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Rabdosia Rubescens

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

2,830 drugs
Ado-trastuzumab EmtansineKadcyla› AbemaciclibVerzenio› Abiraterone› Abiraterone AcetateYonsa, Zytiga› AcalabrutinibCalquence› Acetaminophen, Aspirin, CaffeineExcedrin, Excedrin Extra Strength, Excedrin Migraine› Acetaminophen, Butalbital, CaffeineEsgic, Esgic Plus, Fiogesic, Fioricet, Repan, Tecnal +1 more› Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, CodeineEsgic with Codeine, Fioricet w/ Codeine› Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, PhenylephrineHycomine Compound› Acetaminophen, Caffeine, CodeineGesic C15, Gesic C30, Gesic C8, Lenoltec 1, Lenoltec 2, Lenoltec 3 +1 more› Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, SalicylamideCodalan No.1, Codalan No.2, Codalan No.3› Acetaminophen, Caffeine, DihydrocodeineDHC Plus, Panlor DC, Panlor SS› Acetaminophen, Caffeine, IsomethepteneMigralam› Acetaminophen, Caffeine, PyrilamineMidol Max Strength Menstrual› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Dextromethorphan HbrVicks Formula 44M Cough, Cold & Flu Relief› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, PhenylephrineColrex› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, DextromethorphanCoricidin II Extra Strength Cold and Flu› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan HydrobromideCoricidin HBP Maximum Strength Flu› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, PhenylpropanolamineMulti Symptom Cold Relief› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, PseudoephedrineChildren's Tylenol Cold Plus Cough, Tylenol Cold Ex Strength› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine, SalicylamideRhinogesic GG› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, PhenylephrineAlka-Seltzer PLUS, Histex SR, Protid› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine, SalicylamideRhinogesic, Rhinogesic JR› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, PhenylpropanolamineAlumadrine, Conex, Sinadrin Max Strength, Sinulin› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, OpiumHista-Derfule› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, PhenyltoloxamineNorel Plus› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, PseudoephedrineAlka-Seltzer PLUS Liquid Gels, Children's Tylenol Cold, Codimal, Comtrex, Extra Strength Tylenol Allergy Sinus, Lorsin +3 more› Acetaminophen, DextromethorphanTylenol Cough Ex Strength› Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Doxylamine, PseudoephedrineVicks NyQuil› Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, PhenylephrineConar-A›
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 Rabdosia Rubescens 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 Rabdosia Rubescens affects

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

All 3 drug categories Rabdosia Rubescens interacts with
Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) SubstratesP-glycoprotein SubstratesCytochrome P450 2c9 (cyp2c9) Substrates
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

In vitro research shows that oridonin, a constituent of Rabdosia rubescens, induces cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) enzyme. Also, in an animal model, oridonin induces a gene homologous to CYP3A4. So far, this interaction has not been reported in humans. However, watch for a decrease in the levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4 in patients taking Rabdosia rubescens. Some drugs metabolized by CYP3A4 that might be affected are some benzodiazepines such as alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), midazolam (Versed), triazolam (Halcion); calcium channel blockers such as amlodipine (Norvasc), diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor, others), felodipine (Plendil), verapamil (Calan, Verelan, others); cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune); some HIV antivirals such as indinavir (Crixivan), ritonavir (Norvir), saquinavir (Fortovase, Invirase); some HMG CoA reductase inhibitors such as atorvastatin (Lipitor), lovastatin (Mevacor); some macrolide antibiotics such as erythromycin and clarithromycin (Biaxin); quinidine; and many others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
P-Glycoprotein Substrates

Rabdosia rubescens might increase levels of p-glycoprotein substrates. In vitro research shows that Rabdosia rubescens extract inhibits p-glycoprotein levels and activity. Drugs that might be affected include some chemotherapeutic agents (doxorubicin, etoposide, paclitaxel, vinblastine, vincristine, vindesine), antifungals (ketoconazole, itraconazole), protease inhibitors (amprenavir, indinavir, nelfinavir, saquinavir), H2 antagonists (cimetidine, ranitidine), some calcium channel blockers (diltiazem, verapamil), digoxin, corticosteroids, erythromycin, cisapride (Propulsid), fexofenadine (Allegra), cyclosporine, loperamide (Imodium), quinidine, and others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2C9 (Cyp2C9) Substrates

In vitro research shows that oridonin, a constituent of Rabdosia rubescens, induces cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) enzyme. So far, this interaction has not been reported in humans. However, watch for a decrease in the levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C9 in patients taking Rabdosia rubescens. Some drugs metabolized by CYP2C9 include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as diclofenac (Cataflam, Voltaren), ibuprofen (Motrin), meloxicam (Mobic), and piroxicam (Feldene); celecoxib (Celebrex); amitriptyline (Elavil); warfarin (Coumadin); glipizide (Glucotrol); losartan (Cozaar); and others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Monograph

Rabdosia Rubescens: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed July 2026 ·
The bottom line

Rabdosia rubescens is a Chinese herb traditionally used for sore throats, inflammation, and infections, and its compound oridonin has drawn lab interest for possible anticancer effects. However, strong human evidence is lacking for any use, and safety has not been well studied, so talk with your pharmacist or doctor before trying it.

Rabdosia Rubescens
Scientific name
Rabdosia rubescens
Family
Lamiaceae
Part used
Aerial parts (leaves and stems)
Common forms
Capsules, tablets, powders, teas, and liquid extracts
People commonly use it for
  • Sore throat and respiratory complaints
  • Inflammation
  • Antimicrobial support
  • Digestive complaints
  • Traditional cancer support

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

Safety at a glance
OverallUse caution

Human safety data are limited, so use carefully and under professional guidance.

PregnancyBest avoided

Not enough safety information exists, so it is best avoided during pregnancy.

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

Rabdosia rubescens is a perennial herb in the mint family that grows in the moist, shaded mountain areas of China. It is known by several names, including Bing Ling Cao and Dong Ling Cao. The above-ground parts of the plant — the leaves and stems — are the parts most often used.

In traditional Chinese medicine, the herb has long been used for sore throats, coughs, colds, fever, and inflammation. More recently, it has gained attention because a natural compound in the plant, called oridonin, has been studied in the laboratory for possible effects on cancer cells. Today it is sold as capsules, teas, powders, and liquid extracts.

How it works

The most studied compounds in Rabdosia rubescens are diterpenoids, especially oridonin and ponicidin. In laboratory studies, these compounds appear to slow the growth of certain cancer cells and may encourage damaged cells to self-destruct (a process called apoptosis). They also show anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity in test-tube research.

It is important to understand that these effects are mostly seen in cells and animals, not in well-designed human trials. What happens in a lab dish does not always translate to a benefit in people, so these mechanisms remain largely theoretical for now.

Effectiveness

Does Rabdosia Rubescens 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 Rabdosia Rubescens, 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 Gingivitis
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Preliminary clinical research shows that taking Rabdosia rubescens as drop pill 960 mg or as tablet 1000 mg three times daily for 5 days reduces overall symptoms, including red and painful gums and gingival bleeding, by about 55% compared with baseline. The total efficacy rate for the drop pill was 92.5%, which was more effective than 80% with the tablet. Efficacy was based on at least some evidence of symptom improvement. Bad breath, dry mouth, and thirst were also improved compared with baseline.

Sources Ref 100068

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

The safety of Rabdosia rubescens has not been carefully studied in people, so its long-term safety is largely unknown. Supplement products are not tightly regulated, and quality, strength, and purity can vary between brands.

People with existing medical conditions, those taking prescription medicines, and anyone preparing for surgery should talk with a pharmacist or doctor before using it. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid this herb because there is no reliable safety information for them or their babies. It is also best avoided in children unless directed by a healthcare provider.

Side effects

Because Rabdosia rubescens has not been well studied in humans, its full side effect profile is not known. Reported or possible effects include stomach upset, nausea, and digestive discomfort.

As with any herbal product, allergic reactions are possible. Stop using it and seek medical care if you notice a rash, swelling, trouble breathing, or other signs of an allergic reaction. If you experience any unexpected or troubling symptoms, stop the supplement and contact your healthcare provider.

Dosing

There is no well-established, standardized dose for Rabdosia rubescens. Studies have used different forms and amounts, so there is no agreed-upon safe and effective dose for any condition.

If you choose to use it, follow the directions on the product label and do not exceed the recommended amount. Because products vary widely, it is a good idea to check with a pharmacist or doctor first, and to choose products from reputable manufacturers that test for quality and purity.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Rabdosia Rubescens & 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 3 references that drive our Rabdosia Rubescens 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. Chen S, Liu J, Zhang H. Efficacy of rabdosia rubescens in the treatment of gingivitis. J Huazhong Univ Sci Technolog Med Sci. 2009;29(5):659-63. PubMed
  2. Zhang YW, Zheng XW, Liu YJ, et al. Effect of oridonin on cytochrome P450 expression and activities in HepaRG Cell. Pharmacology. 2018;101(5-6):246-254. PubMed
  3. Li F, Fan J, Wu Z, et al. Reversal effects of Rabdosia rubescens extract on multidrug resistance of MCF-7/Adr cells in vitro. Pharm Biol. 2013;51(9):1196-203.
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

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Rabdosia Rubescens: Common Questions

What is Rabdosia Rubescens used for, and does it work?
People use Rabdosia Rubescens 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 Rabdosia Rubescens interact with prescription medications?
Yes. We list 784 medications with a known interaction with Rabdosia Rubescens. Use the checker above to see how Rabdosia Rubescens interacts with a specific drug.
How are Rabdosia Rubescens 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 Rabdosia Rubescens 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 Rabdosia Rubescens 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 Rabdosia Rubescens used for?
It is traditionally used for sore throats, coughs, colds, fever, and inflammation. It has also been studied in the lab for possible anticancer effects, though strong human evidence is lacking.
Does Rabdosia Rubescens cure cancer?
No. While a compound in the plant called oridonin has shown effects on cancer cells in laboratory studies, there is not enough reliable human evidence to support it as a cancer treatment. It should never replace standard cancer care.
Is Rabdosia Rubescens safe to take?
Its safety in people has not been well studied. It may cause stomach upset and other unknown effects, so it is best used cautiously and after talking with your pharmacist or doctor.
Can I take it while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. There is not enough safety information, so pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid Rabdosia Rubescens.

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

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