Herb & supplement monograph

Solomon's Seal Drug Interactions, Uses, Safety & More

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

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

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Solomon's Seal 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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Solomon's Seal 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 Solomon's Seal drug interaction appears low for most people, unless you take medicine for diabetes. None of the listed interactions are rated major, and every one of them centers on the same theme: a possible effect on blood sugar.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The concern that deserves the most attention is with diabetes medications, including insulin and older sulfonylureas such as chlorpropamide. Solomon's Seal may add to the blood-sugar-lowering effect of these drugs, which could push glucose lower than intended. Because blood sugar is a closely monitored target, we think anyone using these medicines alongside Solomon's Seal should keep a closer eye on their readings. That said, this interaction is graded as possible, meaning it comes from limited or preclinical evidence rather than solid human studies.

What the rest of the list means

Although a long list of medications appears here, they nearly all trace back to one theoretical effect on blood sugar rather than dozens of separate problems. No interaction in this profile has been confirmed in well-controlled human studies, so the true clinical impact for most combinations remains unproven. The list reflects caution, not established harm.

Check your medications against Solomon's Seal

Based on HelloPharmacist’s Solomon's Seal interaction data and reviewed under our editorial standards.

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Solomon's Seal

86 medications have a known interaction with Solomon's Seal, 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 Solomon's Seal 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 Solomon's Seal affects

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

All 3 drug categories Solomon's Seal interacts with
Antidiabetes DrugsChlorpropamide (diabinese)Insulin
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use may enhance hypoglycemic drug effects and alter blood glucose control. Monitor blood glucose.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Chlorpropamide (Diabinese)

Concomitant use may cause additive hypoglycemic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Insulin

Insulin dosage adjustments may be necessary, due to the possible hypoglycemic effects of Solomon's seal.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Monograph

Solomon's Seal: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed July 2026 ·
The bottom line

Solomon's Seal is a traditional herb whose root has long been used for joint, tendon, and muscle complaints, but high-quality human studies are largely lacking. There is not enough reliable evidence to confirm it works for any specific condition, so use it cautiously and talk with your pharmacist or doctor first.

Solomon's Seal
Scientific name
Polygonatum multiflorum
Family
Asparagaceae
Part used
Rhizome (root) and sometimes the whole plant
Common forms
Capsules, dried root, teas, tinctures, powders, and topical salves
People commonly use it for
  • Joint and muscle discomfort
  • Tendon and ligament injuries
  • Inflammation
  • Digestive complaints
  • Skin and wound care
  • Dry cough and throat irritation

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

Safety at a glance
OverallUse caution

Limited safety data exists in people, so use carefully and choose reputable products.

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

Solomon's Seal is the common name for plants in the Polygonatum genus, which belong to the asparagus family (Asparagaceae). The plant is known for its arching stems and rows of small, bell-shaped flowers that hang underneath the leaves. It grows in shady, wooded areas across temperate parts of the Northern Hemisphere, including Europe, Asia, and North America.

The part most often used in herbal products is the underground stem, called the rhizome or root. In traditional Western and East Asian herbal practices, the root has been used for hundreds of years for joint problems, injuries to tendons and ligaments, digestive upset, and dry coughs. Today it is sold as capsules, dried root, teas, tinctures, and salves.

It is important to know that traditional use does not prove a remedy works. Solomon's Seal has not been well studied in modern clinical trials.

Uses & effectiveness

Most of what we know about Solomon's Seal comes from traditional use, folk medicine, and a small amount of laboratory or animal research. There is not enough high-quality human evidence to confirm that it works for any specific health condition.

People commonly use it for:

  • Joint, muscle, and connective tissue problems: A popular traditional use is for sore joints, sprains, and tendon or ligament injuries. This use is based on tradition and personal reports, not strong clinical studies.
  • Inflammation: Some laboratory studies suggest certain plant compounds may have anti-inflammatory activity, but this has not been proven in well-designed human trials.
  • Digestive complaints: The root has been used as a soothing remedy for stomach and bowel discomfort.
  • Skin and wound care: Salves and poultices have traditionally been applied to bruises, minor wounds, and irritated skin.
  • Dry cough and sore throat: It has been used as a soothing herb for throat irritation.

Overall, the evidence is preliminary. If you decide to try it, treat it as an unproven traditional remedy rather than a substitute for proven medical care.

How it works

Solomon's Seal root contains several types of natural compounds, including saponins, flavonoids, and polysaccharides. In laboratory and animal studies, these kinds of compounds have shown possible anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity.

Supporters of the herb believe it may help support connective tissue and ease inflammation, but the exact way it might work in the human body is not well understood. Most of the proposed mechanisms come from test-tube or animal research, which does not always carry over to people.

Because the active ingredients and their effects in humans have not been clearly mapped out, any claims about how it works should be viewed as theories rather than established facts.

Safety & precautions

There is very little modern safety data on Solomon's Seal, so it is hard to say exactly how safe it is or what amount is safe. Some species of Polygonatum have been used in foods and traditional medicines, but other related plants and their berries can be toxic if eaten. Plant identification matters, so only use products from trusted sources.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Because there is not enough information to know whether it is safe, it is best to avoid Solomon's Seal if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

People with chronic health conditions, those taking prescription medicines, children, and older adults should talk with a pharmacist or doctor before using it. Do not eat the berries or any part of the wild plant unless you are certain it is a safe, edible species.

Side effects

Side effects of Solomon's Seal have not been carefully studied. When taken by mouth, herbal preparations of the root may cause mild stomach upset, nausea, or digestive discomfort in some people.

Eating the berries or large amounts of certain plant parts may cause vomiting and other unwanted effects, so they should not be consumed. Allergic reactions are possible with any plant product. Stop using it and seek medical care if you notice a rash, swelling, trouble breathing, or other signs of a reaction.

Solomon's Seal: Reported Adverse Effects

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

A thorough evaluation of safety outcomes has not been conducted. Orally, long-term use of Solomon's seal has been reported to cause gastrointestinal irritation. Use of large doses or overdoses may cause nausea, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal complaints.

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

Orally, Solomon's seal may cause gastrointestinal irritation when used long-term. Use of large doses or overdoses may cause nausea, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal complaints.

  1. 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 standardized, scientifically established dose for Solomon's Seal. Products vary widely in strength and form, so amounts on labels are not based on strong clinical research.

If you choose to use it, follow the directions on the product label and do not exceed the suggested amount. Because doses are not well studied, it is wise to start low. The safest approach is to check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, especially if you take other medicines or have a health condition.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Solomon's Seal & Pregnancy

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Solomon's Seal & 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 2 references that drive our Solomon's Seal 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. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
  2. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
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 Solomon's Seal

22 brands in our database make a supplement containing Solomon's Seal.

Product directory

Supplement products with Solomon's Seal

113 products in our database contain Solomon's Seal. Open any to see its full ingredient list and every drug interaction we check.

Mind Zeal by Bioray Liquid 2 fl. Oz. · 60 mL View ingredients & interactions NDF Calm Vanilla by Bioray Kids Liquid 60 mL · 2 Fluid Ounce(s) View ingredients & interactions NDF Calm Vanilla by Bioray Liquid 4 Fluid Ounce(s) · 120 mL View ingredients & interactions NDF Calm Vanilla by Bioray Kids Liquid 2 Fluid Ounce(s) · 60 mL View ingredients & interactions NDF Calm Vanilla by Bioray Kids Liquid 2 Fluid Ounce(s) · 60 mL View ingredients & interactions NDF Calm Vanilla by Bioray Kids Liquid 4 Fluid Ounce(s) · 120 mL View ingredients & interactions NDF Focus Citrus by Bioray Kids Liquid 2 Fluid Ounce(s) · 60 mL View ingredients & interactions NDF Focus Citrus by Bioray Kids Liquid 4 Fluid Ounce(s) · 120 mL View ingredients & interactions NDF Focus Citrus by Bioray Kids Liquid 4 Fluid Ounce(s) · 120 mL View ingredients & interactions NDF Focus Citrus by Bioray Kids Liquid 2 Fluid Ounce(s) · 60 mL View ingredients & interactions NDF Focus Citrus by Bioray Kids Liquid 118 mL · 4 Fluid Ounce(s) View ingredients & interactions NDF Focus Citrus by Bioray Kids Liquid 60 mL · 2 Fluid Ounce(s) View ingredients & interactions NDF Happy Peach by Bioray Kids Liquid 60 mL · 2 Fluid Ounce(s) View ingredients & interactions NDF Happy Peach by Bioray Kids Liquid 2 Fluid Ounce(s) · 60 mL View ingredients & interactions NDF Happy Peach by Bioray Kids Liquid 4 fl. Oz. · 120 mL View ingredients & interactions Never-Say-Die Powder by Ron Teeguarden's Dragon Herbs Powder 3.5 Ounce(s) · 100 Gram(s) View ingredients & interactions Pearl Shen by Ron Teeguarden's Dragon Herbs Capsule 100 Vegetarian Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Pearl Shen by Ron Teeguarden's Dragon Herbs Capsule 100 Vegetarian Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Premium Liquid B-Complex by Tropical Oasis Liquid 16 Fluid Ounce(s) · 480 Milliliter(s) View ingredients & interactions Primary Detox by Bioray Liquid 60 mL · 2 Fluid Ounce(s) View ingredients & interactions Primary Detox by Bioray Liquid 60 mL · 2 fl. Oz. Bottle(s) View ingredients & interactions Primary Detox by Bioray Adult Daily Liquid 60 mL · 2 Fluid Ounce(s) View ingredients & interactions Qi Drops by Ron Teeguarden's Dragon Herbs Liquid 2 Fluid Ounce(s) · 60 mL View ingredients & interactions Solomon's Seal by Red Moon Herbs Liquid 1 Fluid Ounce(s) · 30 mL View ingredients & interactions
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Solomon's Seal: Common Questions

Does Solomon's Seal interact with prescription medications?
Yes. We list 86 medications with a known interaction with Solomon's Seal. Use the checker above to see how Solomon's Seal interacts with a specific drug.
How are Solomon's Seal 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 Solomon's Seal 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 Solomon's Seal 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 Solomon's Seal used for?
It is a traditional herb most often used for joint, muscle, tendon, and ligament discomfort, as well as for inflammation, digestive upset, and soothing dry coughs. These are traditional uses and are not proven by strong human studies.
Is Solomon's Seal safe to take?
There is limited safety information, so it should be used cautiously and only from reputable sources. Avoid eating the berries or wild plant, and check with your pharmacist or doctor before using it.
Can I take Solomon's Seal while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No reliable safety data exists for these situations, so it is best to avoid Solomon's Seal during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
How is Solomon's Seal usually taken?
It is commonly available as capsules, dried root, teas, tinctures, and topical salves. Because there is no standard dose, follow the product label and ask a healthcare professional for guidance.

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

Keep exploring

Products that contain Solomon's Seal

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

See all 113 products with Solomon's Seal →
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