Herb & supplement monograph

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

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Schizonepeta 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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Schizonepeta 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 Schizonepeta drug interaction appears low for most people. None of the listed interactions are rated major, and every one is theoretical, resting on animal research rather than confirmed human findings.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The whole profile centers on how the body clears medications. Animal studies suggest a compound in schizonepeta may slow enzymes that break down certain drugs, which could theoretically raise levels of medicines such as clozapine, theophylline, and some antidepressants and heart-rhythm drugs. The same research suggests it may speed up a different enzyme, which could weaken medicines like lovastatin. These possibilities matter most for drugs with a narrow safety margin, but none have been shown to occur in people.

What the rest of the list means

The list runs to several hundred medications, yet it comes from just a handful of enzyme pathways, and each pathway happens to process many common drugs. That makes the number look far more alarming than the evidence behind it. Every entry is a prediction from lab and animal work, not a documented problem in humans.

Check your medications against Schizonepeta

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

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Schizonepeta

799 medications have a known interaction with Schizonepeta, 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 Schizonepeta using our pharmacist-reviewed interaction data.

AI summaries are generated from our Schizonepeta 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 Schizonepeta 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 Schizonepeta affects

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

All 4 drug categories Schizonepeta interacts with

Cytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) SubstratesCytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) SubstratesCytochrome P450 2e1 (cyp2e1) SubstratesCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates

Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates

Animal research suggests that schizonepetin, a monoterpene constituent of schizonepeta, inhibits cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A2. Theoretically, schizonepeta might increase the effects and side effects of CYP1A2 substrates.
Some substrates of CYP1A2 include clozapine (Clozaril), cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril), fluvoxamine (Luvox), haloperidol (Haldol), imipramine (Tofranil), mexiletine (Mexitil), olanzapine (Zyprexa), pentazocine (Talwin), propranolol (Inderal), tacrine (Cognex), theophylline, zileuton (Zyflo), zolmitriptan (Zomig), and others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Cytochrome P450 2D6 (Cyp2D6) Substrates

Animal research suggests that schizonepetin, a monoterpene constituent of schizonepeta, inhibits cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2D6. Theoretically, schizonepeta might increase the effects and side effects of CYP2D6 substrates.
Some substrates of CYP2D6 include amitriptyline (Elavil), codeine, desipramine (Norpramin), flecainide (Tambocor), haloperidol (Haldol), imipramine (Tofranil), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), ondansetron (Zofran), paroxetine (Paxil), risperidone (Risperdal), tramadol (Ultram), venlafaxine (Effexor), and others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Cytochrome P450 2E1 (Cyp2E1) Substrates

Animal research suggests that schizonepetin, a monoterpene constituent of schizonepeta, inhibits cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2E1. Theoretically, schizonepeta might increase the effects and side effects of CYP2E1 substrates.
Some substrates of CYP2E1 include acetaminophen, chlorzoxazone (Parafon Forte), ethanol, theophylline, and anesthetics such as enflurane (Ethrane), halothane (Fluothane), isoflurane (Forane), and methoxyflurane (Penthrane).

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Animal research suggests that schizonepetin, a monoterpene constituent of schizonepeta, induces cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4. Theoretically, schizonepeta might decrease the effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Some substrates of CYP3A4 include lovastatin (Mevacor), ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox), fexofenadine (Allegra), triazolam (Halcion), and numerous others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Monograph

Schizonepeta: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

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

The bottom line

Schizonepeta is a mint-family herb long used in traditional Chinese medicine, usually as part of combination formulas for colds, fevers, and itchy skin conditions. Modern human evidence is very limited, so its benefits are not well proven. Talk to a pharmacist or doctor before using it, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking other medicines.

Scientific name: Schizonepeta tenuifolia
Family: Lamiaceae
Part used: Dried aerial parts (stems and flower spikes); sometimes the essential oil
Common forms: Dried herb for decoctions (tea), powders, capsules, and as part of traditional herbal formulas

People commonly use it for

Common cold and early-stage fever
Itchy skin rashes and hives
Sore throat
Headache
Measles and other skin eruptions (traditional 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 small amounts in traditional formulas, but high-quality safety data in humans 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

Schizonepeta (Schizonepeta tenuifolia) is a flowering plant in the mint family (Lamiaceae). It is native to parts of East Asia, including China, and has been grown and used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. In Chinese herbal practice it is often called jing jie.

The dried stems and flower tops are the parts most commonly used. They are usually boiled into a tea (decoction) or combined with other herbs in traditional formulas rather than taken alone. It is also available in modern forms such as powders and capsules.

Traditionally, people have used Schizonepeta for early signs of a cold or flu, for itchy skin conditions, and to help bring out skin eruptions like measles. These are popular and traditional uses, not proof that the herb works.

How it works

Schizonepeta contains essential oils and other plant compounds, including menthone, pulegone, and various flavonoids. These are thought to give the herb its aromatic, warming character in traditional use.

In laboratory and animal studies, extracts of Schizonepeta have shown anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-allergy, and antimicrobial activity. Researchers believe certain compounds may reduce the release of inflammatory and allergy-related chemicals in the body, which could relate to its traditional use for itchy skin.

It is important to remember that these mechanisms come mostly from test-tube and animal research. They help explain how the herb might act, but they do not confirm that it produces these effects at the doses people use.

Effectiveness

Does Schizonepeta work?

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

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 Schizonepeta, 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 Atopic dermatitis (eczema)

Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

A specific combination product (Zemaphyte, Phytopharm Plc) containing schizonepeta has been evaluated for atopic dermatitis. Although some preliminary clinical research shows that taking this combination product for 8 weeks to 12 months reduces skin lesions when compared to baseline, higher quality clinical research has not supported this finding. In one high-quality, randomized, crossover study in Chinese patients aged 8-52 years, taking this combination product daily for 4 weeks, then twice weekly for 4 weeks, did not improve clinical symptoms when compared with placebo. The combination product evaluated in these studies (Zemaphyte, Phytopharm Plc) contains undisclosed quantities of schizonepeta, Ledeboureilla seseloides, Potentilla chinensis, Aebia clematidis, rehmannia, peony, Lophatherum gracile, Dictamnus dasycarpus, tribulus, and licorice.br><nb> More evidence is needed to rate schizonepeta for this use.

Sources Ref 12630

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

Schizonepeta has a long history of traditional use, usually in small amounts within combination formulas, and is generally considered well tolerated when used this way. However, high-quality safety studies in humans are limited, so its full safety profile is not well understood.

People with allergies to plants in the mint family may be more likely to react to it. Anyone with a chronic medical condition, or who is taking prescription medicine, should check with a pharmacist or doctor first.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is not enough reliable information to consider Schizonepeta safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. To be safe, avoid it during these times unless a qualified healthcare provider advises otherwise.

Choose products from reputable manufacturers, since herbal supplements are not tightly regulated and quality can vary.

Side effects

When used in usual traditional amounts, Schizonepeta is generally well tolerated, and serious side effects are not commonly reported.

Possible side effects can include mild stomach upset or allergic reactions, especially in people sensitive to mint-family plants. Signs of an allergic reaction—such as rash, itching, swelling, or trouble breathing—require stopping the product and seeking medical care right away.

Because human safety data are limited, the full range of possible side effects is not fully known. Stop using it and talk to a healthcare provider if you notice any unusual symptoms.

Schizonepeta: Reported Adverse Effects

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

There is currently a limited amount of information available about the adverse effects of schizonepeta. Orally, a specific combination product (Zemaphyte, Phytopharm Plc) containing schizonepeta and numerous other ingredients has been reported to cause nausea, vomiting, colic, dyspepsia, dizziness, headache, and hair loss. However, it is unclear if these effects are due to schizonepeta or the other ingredients.

High doses of schizonepeta may be hepatotoxic due to its pulegone constituent.

Reports by condition

Cluster headache Neurologic/CNS

Orally, a specific combination product (Zemaphyte, Phytopharm Plc) containing schizonepeta and numerous other ingredients has been reported to cause dizziness and headache. However, it is unclear if these effects are due to schizonepeta or the other ingredients.

Dyspepsia Gastrointestinal

Orally, a specific combination product (Zemaphyte, Phytopharm Plc) containing schizonepeta and numerous other ingredients has been reported to cause nausea, vomiting, colic, and dyspepsia. However, it is unclear if these effects are due to schizonepeta or the other ingredients.

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 Schizonepeta. In traditional Chinese medicine it is typically used as a dried herb in a decoction, often combined with other herbs, and amounts are tailored by a trained practitioner.

For commercial supplements, follow the directions on the product label. Do not assume that more is better, and avoid using it for long periods without guidance.

Before starting Schizonepeta, especially if you take other medicines or have a health condition, check with a pharmacist or doctor to make sure it is appropriate for you.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Schizonepeta & Pregnancy

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Schizonepeta & Breastfeeding

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 4 references that drive our Schizonepeta 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.

Fung D, Lau CB. Schizonepeta tenuifolia: chemistry, pharmacology, and clinical applications. J Clin Pharmacol 2002;42:30-6. PubMed
Zhou S, Koh HL, Gao Y, et al. Herbal bioactivation: the good, the bad and the ugly. Life Sci 2004;74:935-68. PubMed
Fung AY, Look PC, Chong LY, et al. A controlled trial of traditional Chinese herbal medicine in Chinese patients with recalcitrant atopic dermatitis. Int J Dermatol 1999;38:387-92 . PubMed
Bao B, Geng T, Cao Y, et al. Effects of schizonepetin on activity of mRNA expression of cytochrome P450 enzymes in rats. Int J Mol Sci. 2012;13(12):17006-18.

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 Schizonepeta

41 brands in our database make a supplement containing Schizonepeta.

21st Century 798 products Airborne 104 products Airborne Everyday 1 product Airborne Kids 1 product Airborne Original 14 products Airborne Plus 6 products BIOVEA 1,494 products Bremenn Clinical 1 product Equate 143 products Farlong 12 products GinSen 1 product Guang Ci Tang 121 products Hawaii Pharm 4,726 products Health Concerns 444 products Herbal Terra 3,138 products L.A. Naturals 201 products Magnum Nutraceuticals 25 products Merry Clinic 33 products Metagenics 1,072 products Nature's Sunshine 1,360 products New Sun 518 products Novex Biotech 26 products Nu Century Herbs 2 products OHCO Oriental Herb Company 1 product

Product directory

Supplement products with Schizonepeta

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

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Schizonepeta: Common Questions

What is Schizonepeta used for, and does it work?

People use Schizonepeta 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 Schizonepeta interact with prescription medications?

Yes. We list 799 medications with a known interaction with Schizonepeta. Use the checker above to see how Schizonepeta interacts with a specific drug.

How are Schizonepeta 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 Schizonepeta 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 Schizonepeta 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 Schizonepeta used for?

It is a traditional Chinese herb used mainly for early colds, mild fevers, sore throat, headache, and itchy skin conditions like hives. These are traditional uses and are not strongly backed by human studies.

Is Schizonepeta safe to take?

It has been used safely in small traditional amounts for a long time, but modern human safety studies are limited. It is best used under the guidance of a pharmacist, doctor, or trained herbal practitioner.

Can I take Schizonepeta while pregnant or breastfeeding?

There is not enough reliable information to consider it safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so it is best to avoid it during these times unless your healthcare provider says otherwise.

How is Schizonepeta usually taken?

Traditionally it is boiled into a tea with other herbs, but it is also sold as powders and capsules. Because there is no standard dose, follow the product label and ask a pharmacist if you are unsure.

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

Keep exploring

Products that contain Schizonepeta

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

See all 285 products with Schizonepeta →

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Schizonepeta Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Your Choice:

Schizonepeta Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

Drugs that interact with Schizonepeta

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

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

Where This Data Comes From

The kinds of drugs Schizonepeta affects

Schizonepeta: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Overview

How it works

Does Schizonepeta work?

Safety & precautions

Side effects

Schizonepeta: Reported Adverse Effects

Dosing

Schizonepeta & Pregnancy

Schizonepeta & Breastfeeding

References & further reading

Brands that make products with Schizonepeta

Supplement products with Schizonepeta

Schizonepeta: Common Questions

Related supplements & herbs

Products that contain Schizonepeta

Have a question about Schizonepeta?