Herb & supplement monograph

Strophanthus Drug Interactions, Uses, Safety & More

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

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

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Strophanthus 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 Strophanthus

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

3 major interactions. These combinations can be clinically significant — best avoided, or used only with close professional supervision. Always check with your pharmacist before combining them with Strophanthus.

2,830 drugs
QuinidineCardioquin, Cin-Quin, Duraquin, Lin-Qin, Quinova, Quinaglute, Quinaglute Duratabs +2 more› QuinineQualaquin› Quinine SulfateQuinamm, Quinine Sulfate› Acetaminophen, Caffeine, PyrilamineMidol Max Strength Menstrual› Acetaminophen, Pamabrom, PyrilamineMidol Max Strength PMS, Pamprin, Pamprin ES› AcetazolamideAk-Zol, Diamox› Amiloride, HydrochlorothiazideAmil-Co, Amilzide, Moduret 25, Moduretic› Ammonium ChlorideAmmonium Chloride› ArmodafinilNuvigil› Atenolol, ChlortalidoneAtenixCo, Tenoret 50, Totaretic› Atenolol, ChlorthalidoneTenoretic› Azelastine Hydrochloride, Fluticasone PropionateDymista› Azilsartan, ChlorthalidoneEdarbyclor› Beclometasone DipropionateBecotide› BeclomethasoneBeclovent, Vanceril› Beclomethasone DipropionateQNASL, Qvar› Benazepril, HydrochlorothiazideLotensin HCT› BendroflumethiazideAprinox, Naturetin, Neo-NaClex› Bendroflumethiazide, NadololCorzide› Bendroflumethiazide, PotassiumCentyl K, Neo-NaClex-K› Bendroflumethiazide, Rauwolfia SerpentinaRauzide› BenzthiazideExna› BetamethasoneCelestone, Diprolene AF, Diprosone› Betamethasone DipropionateSernivo› Betamethasone Dipropionate, CalcipotrieneEnstilar, Wynzora› Betamethasone ValerateLuxiq› BisacodylDulcolax, Gentlax› Bisacodyl, DocusateDulcolax Laxative Tabs› Bisoprolol, HydrochlorothiazideZiac› BudesonideEntocort EC, Eohilia, Pulmicort, Tarpeyo, Uceris›
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 Strophanthus 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 Strophanthus affects

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

All 6 drug categories Strophanthus interacts with
QuinidineQuinineCorticosteroidsDigoxin (lanoxin)Diuretic DrugsStimulant Laxatives
Quinidine

Contraindicated; cardiac medications, including quinidine, may increase the risk of cardiac glycoside toxicity; .

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Quinine

Taking quinine with strophanthus may increase the risk of cardiac glycoside toxicity.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Corticosteroids

Use of corticosteroids may cause electrolyte depletion and increase the risk of strophanthus toxicity.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Contraindicated; therapeutic duplication increases risk of cardiac glycoside toxicity.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Diuretic Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use of potassium-depleting diuretics and strophanthus can increase the risk of cardiac glycoside toxicity due to potassium depletion. Some diuretics that can deplete potassium include chlorothiazide (Diuril), chlorthalidone (Thalitone), furosemide (Lasix), hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, Hydrodiuril, Microzide), and others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Stimulant Laxatives

Overuse or misuse of laxatives may cause electrolyte depletion and increase risk of strophanthus toxicity.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Monograph

Strophanthus: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed July 2026 ·
The bottom line

Strophanthus is a plant that contains powerful heart-affecting compounds called cardiac glycosides (the best known is ouabain/g-strophanthin). Because these substances can strongly affect heart rhythm and are toxic in the wrong amount, Strophanthus is not a casual supplement and should never be used without close medical supervision. Reliable modern evidence for its supplement use is limited.

Scientific name
Strophanthus gratus
Family
Apocynaceae
Part used
Seeds (and the seed-derived glycoside ouabain/g-strophanthin)
Common forms
Oral drops/tinctures, capsules, and historically injectable extracts (mostly outside the U.S.)
People commonly use it for
  • Heart failure
  • Angina (chest pain)
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Circulation support
  • Traditional African arrow poison (historical)

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

Safety at a glance
OverallBest avoided

Strophanthus contains potent, potentially toxic cardiac glycosides and should only be used under direct medical supervision.

PregnancyUnsafe

When used orally due to possible uterine stimulating effects; avoid using.

Read the full pregnancy detail
BreastfeedingUnsafe

When used orally; 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

Strophanthus is a group of woody vines and shrubs in the dogbane family (Apocynaceae) that grow in tropical Africa and parts of Asia. The seeds contain strong chemicals called cardiac glycosides. The most famous of these is ouabain, also called g-strophanthin.

Historically, some African communities used Strophanthus seed extracts as an arrow poison for hunting. In the late 1800s and through much of the 1900s, doctors in Europe used purified strophanthin compounds as medicines for heart problems. Today it is far less common, but Strophanthus-based products (especially oral ouabain drops) are still sold in some countries and marketed for heart and circulation support.

Uses & effectiveness

People have used Strophanthus and its glycosides mainly for heart-related problems, such as heart failure and angina (chest pain). Older medical use focused on injected strophanthin to strengthen the heartbeat in serious heart disease.

The modern evidence for Strophanthus as a supplement is limited and not well established. Some small or older studies and reports suggested possible benefit for angina or heart failure symptoms when taken by mouth, but these studies are generally low quality and not confirmed by large, modern, high-quality trials. Many heart experts do not consider it a proven treatment.

Because well-controlled evidence is weak, Strophanthus should not be relied on in place of proven heart medicines. Anyone with a heart condition needs care from a qualified clinician.

How it works

The active compounds in Strophanthus are cardiac glycosides, mainly ouabain (g-strophanthin) and related substances. These work in a way similar to digoxin, a well-known heart drug from the foxglove plant.

Cardiac glycosides block a pump in cells called the sodium-potassium pump. This can change how much calcium is inside heart muscle cells, which in turn can affect how strongly and how regularly the heart beats. Some researchers have also proposed that ouabain acts as a natural signaling molecule in the body, but this is still an area of study.

Much of the detailed understanding comes from laboratory and animal research, and the way oral Strophanthus is absorbed in humans is debated.

Safety & precautions

Strophanthus is not a gentle herb. Its cardiac glycosides are powerful and can be dangerous, especially in higher amounts. The difference between an active dose and a toxic dose can be small, and signs of toxicity can affect the heart, stomach, and nervous system.

People who should be especially careful—or should avoid it entirely—include anyone with heart rhythm problems, kidney disease, low or high potassium levels, or other heart conditions. It should never be combined with other heart medicines without a doctor's guidance.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Avoid Strophanthus. There is not enough safety information, and its strong heart effects make it a poor choice during these times. Always talk to a pharmacist or doctor before using any Strophanthus product.

Side effects

Possible side effects come mainly from its heart-affecting glycosides and may include:

  • Nausea, vomiting, or stomach upset
  • Dizziness or weakness
  • Headache
  • Changes in heart rate or palpitations

More serious effects can include dangerous, irregular heart rhythms, very slow or very fast heartbeat, and signs of glycoside poisoning such as confusion or visual disturbances. Overdose can be life-threatening. Seek emergency care if you have fainting, severe palpitations, or an irregular heartbeat after using a Strophanthus product.

Strophanthus: Reported Adverse Effects

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

Orally, side effects include nausea, vomiting, headache, stupor, disturbance of color vision, and cardiac arrhythmias, particularly during overdose.

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

Orally, side effects include cardiac arrhythmias.

  1. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
Cluster headache Neurologic/CNS

Orally, side effects include headache, stupor, and disturbance of color vision.

  1. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
Nausea and vomiting Gastrointestinal

Orally, side effects include nausea and vomiting.

  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 well-established, standardized supplement dose for Strophanthus, and the strength of products can vary a lot. Because the active glycosides are potent and potentially toxic, picking a dose on your own is not safe.

If a product is used, follow the exact directions on the label and use it only under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. We deliberately do not list specific milligram amounts here. Talk to a pharmacist or doctor before starting, and never increase the dose on your own.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Strophanthus & Pregnancy

Unsafe

When used orally due to possible uterine stimulating effects; avoid using.

  1. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.

Strophanthus & Breastfeeding

Unsafe

When used orally; avoid using.

  1. Tyler VE, Brady LR, Robbers JE. Pharmacognosy. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Lea & Febiger, 1988.
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 4 references that drive our Strophanthus 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. Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Trans. S. Klein. Boston, MA: American Botanical Council, 1998.
  2. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
  3. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
  4. Tyler VE, Brady LR, Robbers JE. Pharmacognosy. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Lea & Febiger, 1988.
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

Strophanthus: Common Questions

Does Strophanthus interact with prescription medications?
Yes. We list 123 medications with a known interaction with Strophanthus, including 3 rated major. Use the checker above to see how Strophanthus interacts with a specific drug.
How are Strophanthus 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 Strophanthus 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 Strophanthus 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 Strophanthus used for?
It has mainly been used for heart-related problems such as heart failure and angina, and historically as an arrow poison. Modern evidence for supplement use is limited and not well proven.
Is Strophanthus safe to take?
It contains powerful, potentially toxic heart chemicals (cardiac glycosides), so it is not a casual supplement. It should only be used with close medical supervision, if at all.
Can I take Strophanthus during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
No. Because of its strong effects on the heart and lack of safety data, it should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
How is Strophanthus different from digoxin?
Both come from plants and contain cardiac glycosides that work in a similar way on the heart. Digoxin is a carefully dosed prescription drug, while Strophanthus products are not standardized and are much harder to use safely.

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

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