Herb & supplement monograph

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

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Winter Cherry 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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Winter 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 Winter Cherry drug interaction appears low for most people. None of the listed interactions are rated major, and every concern so far comes from animal or lab research rather than confirmed effects in humans.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The combination most worth watching is Winter Cherry with diabetes medications such as glimepiride, glyburide, or insulin, since animal studies suggest the herb may lower blood sugar and could theoretically add to their effect. Winter Cherry may also affect an enzyme the body uses to clear certain medicines, including acetaminophen, theophylline, and some inhaled anesthetics, which could in theory raise their levels. Neither effect has been demonstrated in people, so these are precautions rather than proven problems.

What the rest of the list means

The long list of interacting medications looks more alarming than it is. Most entries trace back to just two theoretical mechanisms, a possible blood sugar effect seen only in animals and a lab-based prediction about how the body processes certain drugs. Neither has been shown to cause meaningful changes in humans so far.

Check your medications against Winter Cherry

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

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Winter Cherry

156 medications have a known interaction with Winter Cherry, 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 Winter Cherry using our pharmacist-reviewed interaction data.

AI summaries are generated from our Winter Cherry 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 Winter 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 Winter Cherry affects

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

All 2 drug categories Winter Cherry interacts with

Antidiabetes DrugsCytochrome P450 2e1 (cyp2e1) Substrates

Antidiabetes Drugs

In animal diabetic models, winter cherry extract decreases blood glucose. This effect has not been shown in humans. Theoretically, winter cherry might have additive effects with antidiabetes drugs and increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Some antidiabetes drugs include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (Diabeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), and others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Cytochrome P450 2E1 (Cyp2E1) Substrates

In vitro, winter cherry extract inhibited levels of cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1). Theoretically, winter cherry might inhibit the metabolism and increase the effects and side effects of CYP2E1 substrates.
Some drugs metabolized by CYP2E1 include acetaminophen, chlorzoxazone (Parafon Forte), ethanol, theophylline, and anesthetics such as enflurane (Ethrane), halothane (Fluothane), isoflurane (Forane), methoxyflurane (Penthrane).

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Monograph

Winter Cherry: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

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

The bottom line

Winter Cherry is another name for ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), an herb long used in Ayurvedic medicine, most often for stress, sleep, and energy. Some small studies suggest it may help with stress and anxiety, but the evidence is still limited and not definitive. It is generally well tolerated short-term, but pregnant women should avoid it, and anyone with a health condition should check with a pharmacist or doctor first.

Scientific name: Withania somnifera
Family: Solanaceae
Part used: Root, and sometimes leaves and berries
Common forms: Capsules, tablets, powder (churna), root extract, tea, tinctures

People commonly use it for

Stress and anxiety
Fatigue and low energy
Sleep support
General vitality and tonic
Athletic performance

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

Safety at a glance

OverallUse caution

Often well tolerated for short-term use, but quality of products and long-term safety are not well established.

PregnancyBest avoided

Traditionally avoided in pregnancy because of possible effects on the uterus; do not use.

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

Winter Cherry is a common name for the herb Withania somnifera, which is much better known today as ashwagandha. It is a small shrub in the nightshade family that grows in dry regions of India, the Middle East, and parts of Africa. The plant produces small orange-red berries that look a bit like a cherry, which is where the name "winter cherry" comes from.

The part most often used is the root, which is dried and ground into a powder or made into an extract. In Ayurvedic (traditional Indian) medicine, it has been used for hundreds of years as a "rasayana," or rejuvenating tonic. Today it is sold widely as a dietary supplement in capsules, powders, and teas.

People most commonly take Winter Cherry to help with stress, anxiety, tiredness, and sleep, and as a general wellness booster.

How it works

Winter Cherry contains natural compounds called withanolides, which are thought to be the main active ingredients. Laboratory and animal studies suggest these compounds may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

The herb is often described as an adaptogen, meaning it is believed to help the body handle stress. One proposed way it may do this is by lowering levels of cortisol, a hormone the body releases during stress. It may also affect chemical messengers in the brain, such as GABA, that play a role in calming and sleep.

It is important to know that many of these mechanisms come from laboratory and animal research, and it is not always clear how strongly they apply to people taking the supplement.

Effectiveness

Does Winter Cherry 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 Winter Cherry, 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 Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Preliminary clinical research in men aged 40-75 years with untreated, symptomatic BPH shows that taking a mixture of alcoholic extracts of winter cherry fruit, sweet violet flowers, and Echium amoenum flowers orally, 1 mL twice daily for 2 weeks, reduces prostate volume and symptoms of BPH when compared with placebo. Prostate volume decreased by about 17% in the extract group while it increased by about 3% in the placebo group. The overall IPSS improved by about 51% in the extract group and by only about 25% in the placebo group. It is not clear if these benefits are due to winter cherry, other ingredients, or the combination.

Sources Ref 95930

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

For most healthy adults, Winter Cherry appears to be reasonably well tolerated when taken by mouth for a short time (a few weeks to a few months). However, its long-term safety has not been well studied.

Pregnancy: Avoid it. The herb has traditionally been considered able to affect the uterus, and it could pose a risk of miscarriage. Breastfeeding: Avoid it because there is not enough information about whether it is safe.

Use extra caution and talk to a doctor first if you have a thyroid condition, an autoimmune disease (such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis), diabetes, or liver problems. There have been rare reports of liver injury linked to ashwagandha products. Because the herb may have a calming effect, stop using it before any planned surgery.

As with all supplements, product quality can vary. Choose products from reputable brands, and check with a pharmacist or doctor before starting.

Side effects

When side effects happen, they are usually mild. The most commonly reported ones include upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea, and drowsiness. Some people notice a calming or sedating effect.

Less commonly, it may affect thyroid hormone levels. Rare but serious cases of liver injury have been reported. Stop taking it and contact a healthcare provider if you notice yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, severe stomach pain, unusual tiredness, or signs of an allergic reaction such as rash, swelling, or trouble breathing.

Dosing

There is no official standardized dose for Winter Cherry, and products vary widely in strength and how they are made (for example, different root extracts standardized to different amounts of withanolides).

Because of this, the best advice is to follow the directions on the product label and not exceed the recommended amount. It is often used for a limited period rather than indefinitely. A pharmacist or doctor can help you choose a reputable product and decide whether it is appropriate for you.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Winter 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 2 references that drive our Winter 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.

Beiraghdar F, Einollahi B, Ghadyani A, et al. A two-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of Viola odorata, Echium amoenum and Physalis alkekengi mixture in symptomatic benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) men. Pharm Biol 2017;55(1):1800-5.
Hu XF, Zhang Q, Zhang PP, et al. Evaluation of in vitro/in vivo anti-diabetic effects and identification of compounds from Physalis alkekengi. Fitoterapia. 2018;127:129-137. 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.

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Winter Cherry: Common Questions

What is Winter Cherry used for, and does it work?

People use Winter Cherry 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 Winter Cherry interact with prescription medications?

Yes. We list 156 medications with a known interaction with Winter Cherry. Use the checker above to see how Winter Cherry interacts with a specific drug.

How are Winter 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 Winter 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 Winter 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.

Is Winter Cherry the same as ashwagandha?

Yes. "Winter Cherry" is a common name for Withania somnifera, the plant most people now call ashwagandha. They are the same herb.

What do people use Winter Cherry for?

It is most often used for stress, anxiety, fatigue, and sleep, and as a general wellness tonic. The evidence is strongest (though still limited) for stress and anxiety.

Is Winter Cherry safe to take?

It is generally well tolerated by healthy adults for short-term use, but long-term safety is not well known and rare liver problems have been reported. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor before starting, especially if you have a health condition.

Can I take Winter Cherry while pregnant or breastfeeding?

No. It should be avoided during pregnancy because it may affect the uterus, and it is also best avoided while breastfeeding due to a lack of safety information.

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

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