Herb & supplement monograph

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

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Tree Turmeric 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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Tree Turmeric 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 Tree Turmeric drug interaction is moderate for most people, because this supplement can slow how the body clears many common medications. Nearly all listed interactions are rated moderate, and the two major ones, both well documented in humans, involve transplant medicines.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The clearest concerns are the transplant drugs cyclosporine and tacrolimus: human evidence shows tree turmeric can raise their blood levels, and these medicines have a narrow safety margin where small level changes matter. There is also solid human evidence that tree turmeric lowers blood sugar, so people taking diabetes medications could see added glucose-lowering effects. Possible effects on bleeding, blood pressure, and sedation are less well documented but deserve awareness.

What the rest of the list means

The long list of moderate interactions mostly traces back to one mechanism: tree turmeric appears to affect enzymes the body uses to process a wide range of medications. Many of these pairings are theoretical, based on lab, animal, or early human research rather than proven harm in people, so most combinations are unlikely to cause a noticeable problem.

Check your medications against Tree Turmeric

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

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Tree Turmeric

1162 medications have a known interaction with Tree Turmeric, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

2 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 Tree Turmeric.

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

Tell us the medications you take and we’ll check each one against Tree Turmeric using our pharmacist-reviewed interaction data.

AI summaries are generated from our Tree Turmeric 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 Tree Turmeric 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 Tree Turmeric affects

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

All 12 drug categories Tree Turmeric interacts with

Cyclosporine (neoral, Sandimmune)Tacrolimus (prograf)Anticoagulant/antiplatelet DrugsAntidiabetes DrugsAntihypertensive DrugsCns DepressantsCytochrome P450 2c9 (cyp2c9) SubstratesCytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) SubstratesCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) SubstratesDextromethorphan (robitussin Dm, Others)Midazolam (versed)Pentobarbital (nembutal)

Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)

Berberine, a constituent of tree turmeric, can reduce metabolism of cyclosporine and increase serum levels.
Some clinical evidence suggests that berberine inhibits cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4), which metabolizes cyclosporine.

Likelihood Likely Evidence A

Tacrolimus (Prograf)

Berberine, a constituent of tree turmeric, can inhibit metabolism of tacrolimus and increase plasma levels.
Some clinical evidence suggests that berberine inhibits cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4), which metabolizes tacrolimus. In a 16-year-old patient with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome who was being treated with prednisone 40 mg/m2 and tacrolimus 6.5 mg twice daily, concomitant use of berberine, a constituent of tree turmeric, 200 mg three times daily increased plasma levels of tacrolimus from 8 to 22 ng/mL and increased serum creatinine levels from 0.7 to 1.2 mg/dL. Following a reduction of tacrolimus dosing to 3 mg daily, the blood concentration of tacrolimus decreased to 12 ng/mL and the serum concentration of creatinine decreased to 0.9 mg/dL.

Likelihood Likely Evidence D

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, tree turmeric might have additive effects when used with anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs and increase the risk of bleeding.
In vitro and animal research suggest that berberine, a constituent of tree turmeric, can inhibit platelet aggregation.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, tree turmeric, taken alone or in combination with milk thistle, might increase the risk of hypoglycemia in patients taking antidiabetes drugs.
Clinical research shows that taking a product containing tree turmeric and milk thistle extracts can lower blood glucose levels, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and insulin resistance in patients with type 2 diabetes, including those on antidiabetic agents. Additionally, clinical research suggests that berberine, a constituent of tree turmeric, can lower blood glucose levels.

Likelihood Probable Evidence A

Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, taking tree turmeric along with antihypertensive drugs might have additive effects and increase the risk of hypotension.
Animal research suggests that berberine, a constituent of tree turmeric, can have hypotensive effects. Also, a meta-analysis of clinical research suggests that taking berberine in combination with amlodipine (Norvasc) can lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure when compared with taking amlodipine alone.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Cns Depressants

Theoretically, use of tree turmeric along with CNS depressants might increase the risk of additive therapeutic and adverse effects.
Animal research suggests that berberine, a constituent of tree turmeric, can have sedative effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Cytochrome P450 2C9 (Cyp2C9) Substrates

Theoretically, tree turmeric might increase the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP2C9.
Preliminary clinical evidence suggests that berberine, a constituent of tree turmeric, can inhibit CYP2C9.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B

Cytochrome P450 2D6 (Cyp2D6) Substrates

Theoretically, tree turmeric might increase the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
In vitro research and preliminary clinical evidence suggest that berberine, a constituent of tree turmeric, can inhibit CYP2D6.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B

Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, tree turmeric might increase the levels and clinical effects of drugs that are substrates of CYP3A4.
In vitro research and preliminary clinical evidence suggest that berberine, a constituent of tree turmeric, moderately inhibits CYP3A4.

Likelihood Probable Evidence A

Dextromethorphan (Robitussin Dm, Others)

Theoretically, tree turmeric might increase levels of dextromethorphan and potentially increase the risk of adverse effects including drowsiness, confusion, and irritability.
Preliminary clinical research suggests that berberine, a constituent of tree turmeric, can inhibit cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) activity and reduce the metabolism of dextromethorphan.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B

Midazolam (Versed)

Theoretically, tree turmeric might increase levels of midazolam and potentially increase the risk of adverse effects including sedation and respiratory depression.
Preliminary clinical evidence suggests that berberine, a constituent of tree turmeric, can inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) activity and reduce metabolism of midazolam.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B

Pentobarbital (Nembutal)

Theoretically, tree turmeric might increase the sedative effects of pentobarbital.
Animal research suggests that berberine, a constituent of tree turmeric, can prolong pentobarbital-induced sleeping time.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Monograph

Tree Turmeric: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

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

The bottom line

Tree turmeric (Berberis aristata) is a shrub used in traditional Indian (Ayurvedic) medicine, valued mainly for its berberine content. Early research suggests possible benefits for blood sugar and cholesterol, but high-quality human evidence is limited. Talk with your pharmacist or doctor before using it, and avoid it during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Scientific name: Berberis aristata
Family: Berberidaceae
Part used: Root, stem, and bark
Common forms: Capsules, tablets, powder, extracts, and traditional decoctions

People commonly use it for

Blood sugar support
High cholesterol
Digestive complaints
Skin and eye conditions
Antimicrobial uses
Liver support

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

Safety at a glance

OverallUse caution

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

PregnancyLikely Unsafe

When used orally. The berberine constituent of tree turmeric is thought to cross the placenta and may cause harm to the fetus. Kernicterus has develop...

Read the full pregnancy detail

BreastfeedingLikely Unsafe

When used orally. The berberine constituent of tree turmeric and other harmful constituents can be transferred to the infant through breast milk.

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

Tree turmeric comes from Berberis aristata, a thorny shrub that grows in the Himalayan region of India, Nepal, and nearby areas. Despite its name, it is not the same plant as the common turmeric used in cooking. Its yellow-colored roots and stems have long been used in Ayurvedic and other traditional medicine systems.

The plant is best known as a natural source of berberine, a yellow plant compound found in its bark and roots. People traditionally use tree turmeric for blood sugar, cholesterol, digestion, skin problems, and eye and infection-related conditions. Today it is sold as capsules, powders, and extracts, often marketed for its berberine content.

How it works

The main active compound in tree turmeric is berberine, an alkaloid that gives the plant its yellow color. Laboratory and animal studies suggest berberine may affect how the body handles sugar and fats, partly by activating an enzyme called AMPK that helps regulate metabolism.

Berberine has also shown antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity in lab tests, which may explain its traditional use for infections and skin problems. It is important to remember that most of these mechanisms come from test-tube and animal research, and they do not prove the same effects happen in people.

Effectiveness

Does Tree Turmeric work?

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

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 Tree Turmeric, 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 Burns