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Dietary supplement

Blue Cohosh Root Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Indiana Botanic Gardens, Inc.

Blue Cohosh Root label
See full label image
Liquid Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Blue Cohosh Root against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Blue Cohosh Root is a dietary supplement by Indiana Botanic Gardens, Inc. with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for inducing labor or starting menstruation, menstrual cramps and irregular periods, symptoms of menopause.Based on those ingredients, 259 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Blue Cohosh root (1:1) extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against Blue Cohosh Root by Indiana Botanic Gardens, Inc.

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Blue Cohosh Root by Indiana Botanic Gardens, Inc. — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Blue Cohosh Root by Indiana Botanic Gardens, Inc.

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 16, 2026

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: a blue cohosh root extract in a 1:1 ratio (meaning one part plant to one part liquid). The extract is prepared with vegetable glycerin and purified water as inactive ingredients.

Does it work?

Couldn't assess
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Not assessable

This is a single-ingredient Blue Cohosh product and its label doesn't state a use — see Blue Cohosh's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.

The product facts we have don't include any effectiveness ratings for blue cohosh, so we can't tell you whether it works for its intended purpose based on the data available to us.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Blue Cohosh

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Blue cohosh carries serious safety concerns. Orally, it can cause stomach upset, diarrhea, cramping, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, high blood pressure, and high blood sugar.

The product labeling notes that blue cohosh contains compounds affecting the heart and has been linked to serious adverse events. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, the safety data advises against it.

Blue cohosh may stimulate the uterus and has been linked to serious harm to newborns, including heart attacks, heart failure, and shock following maternal use during pregnancy. There isn't enough safety information to use it while breastfeeding either.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before considering this product if you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Blue Cohosh

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Blue Cohosh.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 259 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before you take this product, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you're on blood pressure medications (like captopril, enalapril, losartan, or valsartan), diabetes medications (including insulin or glimepiride), or using any form of nicotine. Blue cohosh can reduce how well your blood pressure and diabetes drugs work and can intensify nicotine's effects.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no assessable stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Blue cohosh isn't for everyone — it carries real risks, especially if you take blood pressure or diabetes medications or use nicotine. It's also not safe in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

If you're considering it, check with your own doctor or pharmacist first to make sure it won't interfere with your medications or health.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jul 24, 2015.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Blue Cohosh Root, straight from the product label.

Brand Indiana Botanic Gardens, Inc.
Barcode (UPC) 703308200836
Net contents 1 fl. Oz.; 30 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jul 24, 2015
DSLD ID 47416
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Blue Cohosh Root by Indiana Botanic Gardens, Inc., sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
0.5 mL
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 mL
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
703308200836
IngredientAmount% DV
Blue Cohosh root (1:1) extract1000 mg--

Other ingredients: Vegetable Glycerin, purified Water

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement, take 1/2-1 mL (approx. 14-28 drops) 2-3 times daily, in a small amount of water.

Shake well.

Precautions

Warning: If you are taking any medications or are pregnant or nursing do not use prior to consulting a physician.

Use only if seal is unbroken

Keep out of reach of children

Storage

Store in a dry, cool place.

Formulation

Alcohol Free Liquid Extract

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

Seals/Symbols

IBG INDIANA BOTANICAL GARDENS(R)

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Blue Cohosh Root by Indiana Botanic Gardens, Inc. label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

Blue Cohosh Root label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Blue Cohosh Root by Indiana Botanic Gardens, Inc.

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size0.5 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container30 Amounts shown are per serving.

Blue Cohosh root (1:1) extract

Interacts with
259 drugs
1000 mg per serving

Blue cohosh is a traditional herb historically used by Native Americans and midwives to bring on labor or menstruation, but it carries serious safety...

Blue Cohosh root (1:1) extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Vegetable Glycerin, Purified Water. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Blue Cohosh Root by Indiana Botanic Gardens, Inc. Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Blue Cohosh Root?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

 Go to the checker
259Drugs
259 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Blue Cohosh root (1:1) extract 259

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Blue Cohosh Root interact with 259 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 1 ingredient in Blue Cohosh Root interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Blue Cohosh root (1:1) extract

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Blue Cohosh Root with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Blue Cohosh root (1:1) extract3 drug types · 259 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

There is some concern that blue cohosh might increase blood glucose levels. Theoretically, it might decrease the effectiveness of medicines used for diabetes. Some antidiabetes drugs include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), glipizide (Glucotrol), tolbutamide (Orinase), and others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antihypertensive Drugs

Constituents in blue cohosh might increase blood pressure by causing coronary vasoconstriction. Theoretically, concomitant use might decrease the effectiveness of drugs used for angina and high blood pressure; use with caution. Some antihypertensive drugs include captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), losartan (Cozaar), valsartan (Diovan), diltiazem (Cardizem), Amlodipine (Norvasc), hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDiuril), furosemide (Lasix), and many others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Nicotine

Blue cohosh can increase the effects of nicotine.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Blue Cohosh root (1:1) extract full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Blue Cohosh Root, from the product label.

Indiana Botanic Gardens, Inc.

See all Indiana Botanic Gardens, Inc. products
Phone Number
1-800-644-8327
Web Address
www.botanicchoice.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Blue Cohosh Root by Indiana Botanic Gardens, Inc.: Common Questions

Does Blue Cohosh Root by Indiana Botanic Gardens, Inc. interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Blue Cohosh Root has a known interaction with 259 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Blue Cohosh Root contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take blue cohosh if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. The safety data advises against it in both pregnancy and breastfeeding. Blue cohosh may stimulate the uterus and has been linked to serious harm to newborns, including heart attack and heart failure. It's also unsafe while breastfeeding due to insufficient safety information. Talk with your doctor before considering it.
What side effects can blue cohosh cause?
Orally, it can cause stomach upset, diarrhea, cramping, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, high blood pressure, and high blood sugar. The product also contains compounds that affect the heart and has been linked to serious adverse events.
What if I take blood pressure medication?
Blue cohosh may raise your blood pressure by tightening blood vessels in the heart, which could make your blood pressure medications less effective. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting it.
Can blue cohosh affect my diabetes medication?
Yes — blue cohosh may raise blood sugar levels, potentially reducing how well your diabetes medicines work. If you take insulin or any diabetes pills, discuss this product with your doctor or pharmacist first.
What if I use nicotine patches or gum?
Blue cohosh can increase the effects of nicotine, making it stronger. If you're using any form of nicotine, check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product.

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

Not sure if Blue Cohosh Root is safe with your meds?

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Blue Cohosh Root label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Blue Cohosh Root’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Blue Cohosh

Interacts with 259 drugs

Blue cohosh is a traditional herb historically used by Native Americans and midwives to bring on labor or menstruation, but it carries serious safety concerns, especially for the heart and d...

Read the full Blue Cohosh monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Blue Cohosh Root's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 16 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Blue Cohosh 16 references
  1. Jones TK, Lawson BM. Profound neonatal congestive heart failure caused by maternal consumption of blue cohosh herbal medication. J Pediatr 1998;132:550-2. PubMed
  2. McFarlin BL, Gibson MH, O'Rear J, Harman P. A national survey of herbal preparation use by nurse-midwives for labor stimulation. Review of the literature and recommendations for practice. J Nurse Midwifery 1999;44:205-16. PubMed
  3. Wright IM. Neonatal effects of maternal consumption of blue cohosh. J Pediatr 1999;134:384-5. DOI
  4. Edmunds J. Blue cohosh and newborn myocardial infarction? Midwifery Today Int Midwife 1999;52:34-5.
  5. Fetrow CW, Avila JR. Professional's Handbook of Complementary & Alternative Medicines. 1st ed. Springhouse, PA: Springhouse Corp., 1999.
  6. Irikura B, Kennelly E. American Health Consultants. Blue Cohosh: a word of caution. 1999. Available at: http://www.ahcmedia.com/articles/50424-blue-cohosh-a-word-of-caution.
  7. Gunn TR, Wright IM. The use of black and blue cohosh in labour. N Z Med J 1996;109:410-1.
  8. Baillie N, Rasmussen P. Black and blue cohosh in labour. N Z Med J 1997;110:20-1.
  9. Finkel RS, Zarlengo KM. Blue cohosh and perinatal stroke. N Engl J Med 2004;351:302-3. PubMed
  10. Kennelly, E. J., Flynn, T. J., Mazzola, E. P., Roach, J. A., McCloud, T. G., Danford, D. E., and Betz, J. M. Detecting potential teratogenic alkaloids from blue cohosh rhizomes using an in vitro rat embryo culture. J.Nat.Prod. 1999;62(10):1385-1389. PubMed
  11. Rao, R. B. and Hoffman, R. S. Nicotinic toxicity from tincture of blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides) used as an abortifacient. Vet.Hum.Toxicol. 2002;44(4):221-222.
  12. Gunn, T. R. and Wright, I. M. The use of black and blue cohosh in labour. N.Z Med J 10-25-1996;109(1032):410-411.
  13. Scott, C. C. and Chen, K. K. The pharmacological action of N-methylcytisine. The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapuetics 1943;79:334-339. DOI
  14. Low, D. T. Blue cohosh and neonatal myocardial toxicity. Journal of the American Herbalists Guild 2001;2(2):9-10.
  15. Dugoua JJ, Perri D, Seely D, et al. Safety and efficacy of blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides) during pregnancy and lactation. Can J Clin Pharmacol. 2008;15(1):e66-73.
  16. Sirtori CR, Triolo M, Bosisio R, et al. Hypocholesterolaemic effects of lupin protein and pea protein/fibre combinations in moderately hypercholesterolaemic individuals. Br J Nutr 2012;107:1176-83. PubMed

See these in context on the Blue Cohosh monograph →

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

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