Herb & supplement monograph

Wild Cherry Drug Interactions, Uses, Safety & More

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Wild Cherry 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 Wild Cherry drug interaction appears low for most people. Every interaction on record is rated moderate rather than major, and all of them trace back to a single lab-based finding that has never been confirmed in people.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The one concern worth knowing about involves medications cleared by a liver enzyme called CYP3A4. Lab research suggests wild cherry might slow this enzyme, which could in theory raise blood levels of drugs that depend on it, such as lovastatin, triazolam, and certain antifungal medicines like ketoconazole. This matters most for medicines where small level changes count, including some sedatives and cholesterol drugs. Even so, this effect has not been reported in any human so far.

What the rest of the list means

The long list of interacting medications looks alarming, but it exists only because so many common drugs happen to be processed by this one enzyme. The concern is entirely theoretical at this point, resting on lab research rather than anything observed in people taking wild cherry with their medications.

Check your medications against Wild Cherry

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

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Wild Cherry

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

2,830 drugs
Ado-trastuzumab EmtansineKadcyla
Moderate Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates

In vitro research suggests that wild cherry can inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) enzymes.

Read the full Wild Cherry + Ado-trastuzumab Emtansine interaction Ado-trastuzumab Emtansine drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
AbemaciclibVerzenio
Moderate Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates

In vitro research suggests that wild cherry can inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) enzymes.

Read the full Wild Cherry + Abemaciclib interaction Abemaciclib drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Abiraterone
Moderate Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates

In vitro research suggests that wild cherry can inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) enzymes.

Read the full Wild Cherry + Abiraterone interaction Abiraterone drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Abiraterone AcetateYonsa, Zytiga
Moderate Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates

In vitro research suggests that wild cherry can inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) enzymes.

Read the full Wild Cherry + Abiraterone Acetate interaction Abiraterone Acetate drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
AcalabrutinibCalquence
Moderate Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates

In vitro research suggests that wild cherry can inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) enzymes.

Read the full Wild Cherry + Acalabrutinib interaction Acalabrutinib drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Acetaminophen, Aspirin, CaffeineExcedrin, Excedrin Extra Strength, Excedrin Migraine
Moderate Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates

In vitro research suggests that wild cherry can inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) enzymes.

Read the full Wild Cherry + Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Caffeine interaction
Acetaminophen, Butalbital, CaffeineEsgic, Esgic Plus, Fiogesic, Fioricet, Repan, Tecnal +1 more
Moderate Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates

In vitro research suggests that wild cherry can inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) enzymes.

Read the full Wild Cherry + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine interaction Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, CodeineEsgic with Codeine, Fioricet w/ Codeine
Moderate Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates

In vitro research suggests that wild cherry can inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) enzymes.

Read the full Wild Cherry + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine interaction
Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, PhenylephrineHycomine Compound
Moderate Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates

In vitro research suggests that wild cherry can inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) enzymes.

Read the full Wild Cherry + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, Phenylephrine interaction
Acetaminophen, Caffeine, CodeineGesic C15, Gesic C30, Gesic C8, Lenoltec 1, Lenoltec 2, Lenoltec 3 +1 more
Moderate Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates

In vitro research suggests that wild cherry can inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) enzymes.

Read the full Wild Cherry + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine interaction
Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, SalicylamideCodalan No.1, Codalan No.2, Codalan No.3
Moderate Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates

In vitro research suggests that wild cherry can inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) enzymes.

Read the full Wild Cherry + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, Salicylamide interaction
Acetaminophen, Caffeine, DihydrocodeineDHC Plus, Panlor DC, Panlor SS
Moderate Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates

In vitro research suggests that wild cherry can inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) enzymes.

Read the full Wild Cherry + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Dihydrocodeine interaction
Acetaminophen, Caffeine, IsomethepteneMigralam
Moderate Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates

In vitro research suggests that wild cherry can inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) enzymes.

Read the full Wild Cherry + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Isometheptene interaction
Acetaminophen, Caffeine, PyrilamineMidol Max Strength Menstrual
Moderate Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates

In vitro research suggests that wild cherry can inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) enzymes.

Read the full Wild Cherry + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Pyrilamine interaction
Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Dextromethorphan HbrVicks Formula 44M Cough, Cold & Flu Relief
Moderate Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates

In vitro research suggests that wild cherry can inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) enzymes.

Read the full Wild Cherry + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Dextromethorphan Hbr interaction
Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, PhenylephrineColrex
Moderate Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates

In vitro research suggests that wild cherry can inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) enzymes.

Read the full Wild Cherry + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, Phenylephrine interaction
Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, DextromethorphanCoricidin II Extra Strength Cold and Flu
Moderate Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates

In vitro research suggests that wild cherry can inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) enzymes.

Read the full Wild Cherry + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan interaction
Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan HydrobromideCoricidin HBP Maximum Strength Flu
Moderate Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates

In vitro research suggests that wild cherry can inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) enzymes.

Read the full Wild Cherry + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide interaction
Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, PhenylpropanolamineMulti Symptom Cold Relief
Moderate Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates

In vitro research suggests that wild cherry can inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) enzymes.

Read the full Wild Cherry + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylpropanolamine interaction
Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, PseudoephedrineChildren's Tylenol Cold Plus Cough, Tylenol Cold Ex Strength
Moderate Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates

In vitro research suggests that wild cherry can inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) enzymes.

Read the full Wild Cherry + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine interaction
Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine, SalicylamideRhinogesic GG
Moderate Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates

In vitro research suggests that wild cherry can inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) enzymes.

Read the full Wild Cherry + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine, Salicylamide interaction
Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, PhenylephrineAlka-Seltzer PLUS, Histex SR, Protid
Moderate Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates

In vitro research suggests that wild cherry can inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) enzymes.

Read the full Wild Cherry + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine interaction
Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine, SalicylamideRhinogesic, Rhinogesic JR
Moderate Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates

In vitro research suggests that wild cherry can inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) enzymes.

Read the full Wild Cherry + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine, Salicylamide interaction
Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, PhenylpropanolamineAlumadrine, Conex, Sinadrin Max Strength, Sinulin
Moderate Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates

In vitro research suggests that wild cherry can inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) enzymes.

Read the full Wild Cherry + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine interaction
Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, OpiumHista-Derfule
Moderate Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates

In vitro research suggests that wild cherry can inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) enzymes.

Read the full Wild Cherry + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, Opium interaction
Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, PhenyltoloxamineNorel Plus
Moderate Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates

In vitro research suggests that wild cherry can inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) enzymes.

Read the full Wild Cherry + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, Phenyltoloxamine interaction
Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, PseudoephedrineAlka-Seltzer PLUS Liquid Gels, Children's Tylenol Cold, Codimal, Comtrex, Extra Strength Tylenol Allergy Sinus, Lorsin +3 more
Moderate Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates

In vitro research suggests that wild cherry can inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) enzymes.

Read the full Wild Cherry + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Pseudoephedrine interaction
Acetaminophen, DextromethorphanTylenol Cough Ex Strength
Moderate Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates

In vitro research suggests that wild cherry can inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) enzymes.

Read the full Wild Cherry + Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan interaction
Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Doxylamine, PseudoephedrineVicks NyQuil
Moderate Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates

In vitro research suggests that wild cherry can inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) enzymes.

Read the full Wild Cherry + Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Doxylamine, Pseudoephedrine interaction
Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, PhenylephrineConar-A
Moderate Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates

In vitro research suggests that wild cherry can inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) enzymes.

Read the full Wild Cherry + Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine interaction
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 Wild Cherry 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 Wild Cherry affects

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

All 1 drug category Wild Cherry interacts with
Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

In vitro research suggests that wild cherry can inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) enzymes. Theoretically, wild cherry might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4. However, so far, this interaction has not been reported in humans.
Some drugs metabolized by CYP3A4 include lovastatin (Mevacor), ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox), fexofenadine (Allegra), triazolam (Halcion), and others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Monograph

Wild Cherry: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

The bottom line

Wild cherry bark is a traditional cough remedy found in many old-fashioned cough syrups and lozenges, but there is little modern scientific evidence proving it works. The bark, leaves, and seeds naturally contain cyanide-producing compounds, so it should be used only in properly prepared products and avoided in large amounts. Talk with a pharmacist or doctor before using it, especially during pregnancy or for children.

Wild Cherry
Scientific name
Prunus serotina
Family
Rosaceae
Part used
Bark (inner and stem bark), and sometimes fruit and leaves
Common forms
Syrup, cough lozenges, tea, tincture, dried bark extract
People commonly use it for
  • Cough
  • Bronchitis and respiratory irritation
  • Sore throat
  • Digestive upset and diarrhea
  • Flavoring agent

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

Safety at a glance
OverallUse caution

Generally considered safe in small amounts in commercial cough products, but the plant contains cyanide-forming compounds and should not be used in large amounts.

PregnancyLikely Unsafe

When used orally because prunasin is potentially teratogenic.

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

Wild cherry (often called black cherry) comes from a tree called Prunus serotina that grows widely across North America. The part most often used for medicine is the bark, though the fruit and leaves are also used at times.

For many years, wild cherry bark was a popular ingredient in homemade and store-bought cough syrups and lozenges. It has a strong cherry-like flavor and is still used today to flavor some foods, drinks, and medicines. People have traditionally taken it to soothe coughs, calm the throat, and ease minor digestive complaints.

Uses & effectiveness

Wild cherry bark has a long history as a folk remedy, mostly for coughs and respiratory irritation. It was thought to quiet a dry, nagging cough and to soothe the throat. It has also been used traditionally for bronchitis, colds, and minor digestive problems such as diarrhea and upset stomach.

It is important to be honest here: there is very little modern scientific evidence from human studies showing that wild cherry actually treats any of these conditions. Most of its reputation comes from traditional use, not from well-designed clinical trials. Where it appears in cough products today, it often acts mainly as a flavoring or a soothing agent rather than a proven medicine.

How it works

Wild cherry bark contains natural compounds called cyanogenic glycosides (such as prunasin). When these break down in the body, they release small amounts of hydrogen cyanide. In tiny doses, this is thought to have a mild calming effect on the cough reflex, which is the traditional reason it was added to cough syrups.

The bark also contains tannins and other plant chemicals that may have a mild astringent (drying) effect, which is the proposed reason for its traditional use in diarrhea. These ideas are based largely on traditional use and basic laboratory understanding, not on strong human research. The same cyanide-forming compounds that may calm a cough are also what make large amounts of the plant potentially dangerous.

Safety & precautions

Used in small amounts in properly made commercial cough products, wild cherry is generally considered reasonably safe for short-term use in adults. However, the bark, leaves, and seeds (pits) contain cyanide-producing compounds, so larger amounts or improperly prepared products can be harmful.

Be especially careful to keep wild cherry plants, twigs, leaves, and cherry pits away from children and pets, since swallowing them can cause cyanide poisoning. Do not make your own strong preparations at home unless guided by a qualified professional.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is not enough reliable safety information, and the plant naturally contains cyanide-forming compounds. To be safe, avoid wild cherry if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. When in doubt, check with your pharmacist or doctor before using any herbal product.

Side effects

When used briefly and in small amounts, side effects are usually mild and may include stomach upset or drowsiness. Some people may have an allergic reaction.

The main serious concern is cyanide poisoning from taking too much, or from eating the leaves, bark, twigs, or cherry pits. Warning signs of cyanide poisoning can include difficulty breathing, headache, dizziness, confusion, a fast then slow heartbeat, and convulsions. This is a medical emergency. If you suspect poisoning, seek emergency care or call a poison control center right away.

Wild Cherry: Reported Adverse Effects

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

Reports by condition
Cluster headache Neurologic/CNS

Orally, large amounts of wild cherry can lead to cyanide toxicity, which can be fatal. A case of accidental poisoning has been reported for a 56-year old women who consumed approximately 300 grams of wild cherries that had been steeped in alcohol the evening before symptom onset. The patient presented to the hospital the following day with symptoms including headache, nausea, vomiting, confusion, and severe dyspnea. Eventually the patient became comatose and hypotonic. After regaining consciousness the following day, the patient continued to experience severe sinus bradycardia, as well as disorientation, hallucinations, delusions, and agitation. After about 3 weeks, the patient began to experience blurred vision and tingling sensation of the lower limbs. The symptoms were eventually attributed to cyanide intoxication; the wild cherries the patient had consumed contained 4.7-15 mg/kg cyanide.

  1. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
  2. Pentore, R., Venneri, A., and Nichelli, P. Accidental choke-cherry poisoning: early symptoms and neurological sequelae of an unusual case of cyanide intoxication. Ital.J Neurol.Sci. 1996;17(3):233-235.
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 wild cherry. Amounts vary widely between different syrups, lozenges, teas, and tinctures.

The safest approach is to follow the directions on the product label and not to exceed them. Avoid making concentrated homemade preparations from the bark, leaves, or pits. Before using wild cherry, especially for a child or for an ongoing cough, check with your pharmacist or doctor.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Wild Cherry & Pregnancy

Likely Unsafe

When used orally because prunasin is potentially teratogenic.

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

Wild Cherry & 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 4 references that drive our Wild Cherry 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.
  3. Budzinski JW, Foster BC, Vandenhoek S, Arnason JT. An in vitro evaluation of human cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibition by selected commercial herbal extracts and tinctures. Phytomedicine 2000;7:273-82. PubMed
  4. Pentore, R., Venneri, A., and Nichelli, P. Accidental choke-cherry poisoning: early symptoms and neurological sequelae of an unusual case of cyanide intoxication. Ital.J Neurol.Sci. 1996;17(3):233-235. PubMed
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

Product directory

Supplement products with Wild Cherry

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

Loquat Respiratory Syrup by Planetary Herbals Liquid 8 fl. Oz. · 236.56 mL View ingredients & interactions Loquat Respiratory Syrup For Kids by Planetary Herbals Liquid 4 fl. Oz. · 118.28 mL View ingredients & interactions Loquat Respiratory Syrup For Kids by Planetary Herbals Liquid 8 Fluid Ounce(s) · 236.56 Milliliter(s) View ingredients & interactions Lung, Bronchial & Sinus Health by Natural Factors Tablet Or Pill 90 Tablet(s) View ingredients & interactions Lung, Bronchial & Sinus Health by Natural Factors Tablet Or Pill 45 Tablet(s) View ingredients & interactions Mangosteen Elixir by California Academy of Health Liquid 32 Ounce(s) · 946 mL · 908 Gram(s) View ingredients & interactions MaxHealth by Taylor MD Formulations Capsule 60 Liquid Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Maximum Nutrition Berry by GNC Ultra Mega Green Powder 38 oz. · 2.38 lb · 1080 Gram(s) View ingredients & interactions Mega+ Multivitamin by Feel Great Vitamin Co. Tablet Or Pill 90 Tablet(s) View ingredients & interactions Melatonin Liquid 1 mg Natural Black Cherry Flavor by Vitamin World Liquid 2 fl. Oz. · 59 mL View ingredients & interactions Melatonin Liquid Natural Black Cherry Flavor by Puritan's Pride Liquid 2 fl. Oz. · 59 mL View ingredients & interactions Men's Multivitamins & Minerals by Rise-N-Shine Tablet Or Pill 30 Tablet(s) View ingredients & interactions Motion Potion by Remedys Nutrition Capsule 60 Vcap(s) View ingredients & interactions Motion Potion 2000 mg by Remedys Nutrition Capsule 60 Vcap(s) View ingredients & interactions Mullein Lung Complex 1,000 mg by Planetary Herbals Tablet Or Pill 90 Tablet(s) View ingredients & interactions Mullein Lung Complex 1,000 mg by Planetary Herbals Tablet Or Pill 15 Tablet(s) View ingredients & interactions Mullein Lung Complex 850 mg by Planetary Herbals Tablet Or Pill 90 Tablet(s) View ingredients & interactions Multi by Amvilab Tablet Or Pill 90 Tablet(s) View ingredients & interactions Multi RX by IronMagLabs Tablet Or Pill 90 Tablet(s) View ingredients & interactions Muscle Recovery by Signature Supplements Capsule 100 Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions NOVA Complete Natural Black Cherry Flavor by NuMedica Powder 7.69 Ounce(s) · 218.04 Gram(s) View ingredients & interactions Old Indian Syrup for Kids Wild Cherry Flavor by Planetary Herbals Liquid 4 fl. Oz. · 118.28 mL View ingredients & interactions Old Indian Syrup for Kids Wild Cherry Flavor by Planetary Herbals Liquid 8 fl. Oz. · 236.56 mL View ingredients & interactions Old Indian Wild Cherry Bark Syrup by Planetary Herbals Liquid 4 fl. Oz. · 118.28 mL View ingredients & interactions
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Wild Cherry: Common Questions

Does Wild Cherry interact with prescription medications?
Yes. We list 643 medications with a known interaction with Wild Cherry. Use the checker above to see how Wild Cherry interacts with a specific drug.
How are Wild Cherry 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 Wild Cherry 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 Wild Cherry 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 Wild Cherry used for?
It is most often used as a traditional remedy for coughs and throat irritation, and is a common flavoring in older cough syrups and lozenges. It has also been used for bronchitis, colds, and minor digestive upset, though good scientific proof is lacking.
Is Wild Cherry safe to take?
In small amounts in properly made cough products, it is generally considered reasonably safe for short-term use in adults. However, the bark, leaves, and cherry pits contain cyanide-forming compounds, so large or homemade amounts can be dangerous, especially for children.
Can I take Wild Cherry while pregnant or breastfeeding?
It is best to avoid it. There is not enough safety information, and the plant contains cyanide-producing compounds, so the cautious choice is to skip it during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Is Wild Cherry the same as the cherries I eat?
No. Wild Cherry refers to the bark and parts of the Prunus serotina tree used medicinally, not the sweet cherries sold as fruit. The bark, leaves, and pits contain compounds that can release cyanide and should not be eaten.

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

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