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Dietary supplement

Buckthorn Alcohol Free Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Hawaii Pharm

Buckthorn Alcohol Free 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 Buckthorn Alcohol Free 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

Buckthorn Alcohol Free is a dietary supplement by Hawaii Pharm with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for constipation, bowel cleansing before procedures, occasional irregularity.Based on those ingredients, 122 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Buckthorn. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against Buckthorn Alcohol Free by Hawaii Pharm

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Buckthorn Alcohol Free by Hawaii Pharm — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Buckthorn Alcohol Free by Hawaii Pharm

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 11, 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: alder buckthorn, a plant-based stimulant laxative. It works by speeding up bowel movement to relieve constipation.

The formula is alcohol-free and uses glycerin and water as inactive ingredients.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
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
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: digestive regularity and bowel health.
  • We looked for evidence on: Constipation, bowel cleansing, occasional irregularity.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Alder Buckthorn is rated "Possibly Effective" for Constipation (Natural Medicines).

Alder buckthorn is rated possibly effective for constipation. It can provide short-term relief, but the data we hold doesn't establish whether it works for other uses.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Alder Buckthorn

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.

Alder buckthorn is generally well tolerated when the properly aged bark is used for no more than 8 to 10 days. The main concern is long-term use — chronic use for 9 months or longer is linked to damage to the bowel lining and a condition called pseudomelanosis coli (dark pigmentation of the colon).

There is some data linking this condition to increased colorectal cancer risk, though the evidence is mixed. Short-term side effects include cramp-like discomfort.

Longer-term or repeated use carries a risk of protein and blood in the urine. The safety data advises against use during pregnancy and lactation — active compounds can pass into breast milk, and stimulant laxatives are not recommended in pregnancy.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Alder Buckthorn

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 — Alder Buckthorn.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; heart-rhythm medications.
  • For scale: 122 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.

Check your medications against this product if you take warfarin or other blood thinners, diuretic drugs (water pills), corticosteroids, digoxin or other heart medications, or any other stimulant laxatives. All carry Moderate interaction risk with alder buckthorn.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Alder buckthorn can help relieve constipation in the short term, but it's meant for occasional use only — no more than 8 to 10 days. If you take warfarin, digoxin, diuretics, or corticosteroids, talk to your pharmacist before using it.

Don't use it regularly or long-term, and avoid it if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.

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 Aug 23, 2023.

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 Buckthorn Alcohol Free, straight from the product label.

Brand Hawaii Pharm
Barcode (UPC) 840253609168
Net contents 4 Fluid Ounce(s); 120 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Aug 23, 2023
DSLD ID 300450
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free
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 Buckthorn Alcohol Free by Hawaii Pharm, 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:
0.7 mL
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 mL
Servings per container
120
UPC/BARCODE
840253609168
IngredientAmount% DV
Buckthorn1156 mg--

Other ingredients: Glycerin, 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.
Brand IP Statement(s)

Hawaii Pharm Herbal Extract Highest quality since 2008

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use: Shake well before using. For adults add about 20-30 drops (0.7-1 mL, one full squeeze of the dropper bulb) to some juice or water, up to 4 times a day.

Precautions

Warning: We recommend to seek expert medical advice before taking.

Do not use if you are allergic to any ingredients.

Consult your physician before giving to children under 18, during pregnancy, if nursing or taking medications.

Consult your physician before giving to children under 18, during pregnancy, if nursing or taking medications.

May affect the ability to drive and operate machinery. May have contraindications, can cause side effects and adverse reactions. Do not use if seal is broken or missing.

Keep out of the reach of children!

Storage

Store in a cool dry place.

Seals/Symbols

cGMP Made in compliance with cGMP 21 CFR 111 in an FDA registered and inspected facility.

C2H5OH Alcohol free USA Made in United States of America

FDA Disclaimer Statement

This product has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

General Statements

Scan this QR-code to get 15% discount on your next purchase. Limited time deal.

Formula

Frangula alnus

Formulation

Only natural ingredients Purity is laboratory tested and verified

All the raw materials are gluten-free by their nature No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives

Not tested on animals

C2H5OH Alcohol free

Made in USA, Hawaii

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

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

See for yourself

Buckthorn Alcohol Free by Hawaii Pharm label

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

Buckthorn Alcohol Free 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 Buckthorn Alcohol Free by Hawaii Pharm

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

Serving size0.7 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container120 Amounts shown are per serving.

Buckthorn

Interacts with
122 drugs
1156 mg per serving Form: Frangula alnus Bark Extract, Dry

Alder buckthorn bark is a stimulant laxative traditionally used for short-term relief of constipation. It can work, but it carries real risks with pro...

Buckthorn monograph & interactions

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

Interaction report

Buckthorn Alcohol Free by Hawaii Pharm Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Buckthorn Alcohol Free?

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
122Drugs
122 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Buckthorn 122

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Buckthorn Alcohol Free interact with 122 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 1 ingredient in Buckthorn Alcohol Free interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Buckthorn

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Buckthorn Alcohol Free 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.

Buckthorn5 drug types · 122 drugs

Corticosteroids

Alder buckthorn has stimulant laxative effects. Theoretically, concomitant use of corticosteroids with alder buckthorn can increase the risk of potassium depletion.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Alder buckthorn has stimulant laxative effects. Theoretically, potassium depletion associated with alder buckthorn might increase the risk of digoxin toxicity.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Diuretic Drugs

Alder buckthorn has stimulant laxative effects. Theoretically, overuse of alder buckthorn might compound diuretic-induced potassium loss. There is some concern that people taking alder buckthorn along with potassium depleting diuretics might have an increased risk for hypokalemia.
Some diuretics that can deplete potassium include chlorothiazide (Diuril), chlorthalidone (Thalitone), furosemide (Lasix), and hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, HydroDIURIL, Microzide), and others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Stimulant Laxatives

Alder buckthorn has stimulant laxative effects. Concomitant use with stimulant laxative medications might compound fluid and electrolyte loss.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Alder buckthorn has stimulant laxative effects. In some people alder buckthorn can cause diarrhea. Diarrhea can increase the effects of warfarin, increase international normalized ratio (INR), and increase the risk of bleeding. Advise patients who take warfarin not to take excessive amounts of alder buckthorn.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Buckthorn full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Buckthorn Alcohol Free, from the product label.

Hawaii Pharm

See all Hawaii Pharm products
Name
Hawaii Pharm LLC
Street Address
510 Sumner St. Ste. 613
City
Honolulu
State
HI
ZipCode
96817
Phone Number
888-854-2924
Web Address
www.hawaiipharm.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Buckthorn Alcohol Free by Hawaii Pharm: Common Questions

Does Buckthorn Alcohol Free by Hawaii Pharm interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Buckthorn Alcohol Free has a known interaction with 122 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Buckthorn Alcohol Free 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.
How long can I safely take this?
Alder buckthorn is meant for short-term use only — no more than 8 to 10 days. Using it longer or regularly can damage your bowel lining and cause a condition called pseudomelanosis coli, which some research links to higher colorectal cancer risk.
Can I take this while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. Stimulant laxatives like this are not recommended during pregnancy. If you're breastfeeding, the active compounds can pass into your milk, so it's best avoided. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about safer constipation relief during these times.
What side effects should I watch for?
Short-term use may cause cramp-like discomfort. With longer-term use, you can develop protein or blood in your urine, bowel damage, and dark pigmentation in your colon.
I take a water pill for blood pressure — can I use this?
Not without checking first. Alder buckthorn's laxative effect can compound the potassium loss your water pill already causes, which can be dangerous. Talk to your pharmacist before using this product.
Does this work for diarrhea or other digestive issues?
The data we have shows alder buckthorn is possibly effective for constipation only. We don't have evidence for other digestive uses.

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

Not sure if Buckthorn Alcohol Free is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

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.

Buckthorn Alcohol Free label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Buckthorn Alcohol Free’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Alder Buckthorn

Interacts with 122 drugs

Alder buckthorn bark is a stimulant laxative traditionally used for short-term relief of constipation. It can work, but it carries real risks with prolonged use, including bowel damage, and...

Read the full Alder Buckthorn monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Buckthorn Alcohol Free'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 10 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.

Alder Buckthorn 10 references
  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. Tyler VE. Herbs of Choice. Binghamton, NY: Pharmaceutical Products Press, 1994.
  3. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
  4. Schulz V, Hansel R, Tyler VE. Rational Phytotherapy: A Physician's Guide to Herbal Medicine. Terry C. Telger, transl. 3rd ed. Berlin, GER: Springer, 1998.
  5. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
  6. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
  7. Nusko G, Schneider B, Schneider I, et al. Anthranoid laxative use is not a risk factor for colorectal neoplasia: results of a prospective case control study. Gut 2000;46:651-5. PubMed
  8. Siegers, C. P., Hertzberg-Lottin, E., Otte, M., and Schneider, B. Anthranoid laxative abuse--a risk for colorectal cancer? Gut 1993;34(8):1099-1101. PubMed
  9. van Gorkom, B. A., de Vries, E. G., Karrenbeld, A., and Kleibeuker, J. H. Review article: anthranoid laxatives and their potential carcinogenic effects. Aliment.Pharmacol Ther 1999;13(4):443-452. PubMed
  10. Willems, M., van Buuren, H. R., and de, Krijger R. Anthranoid self-medication causing rapid development of melanosis coli. Neth.J Med 2003;61(1):22-24.

See these in context on the Alder Buckthorn 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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