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Dietary supplement

Buckthorn Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Pure Herbs

Buckthorn 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 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 is a dietary supplement by Pure Herbs 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 Frangula (Buckthorn) Bark 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 Buckthorn by Pure Herbs

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

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Computed from our clinical databases

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Buckthorn by Pure Herbs

Four independent checks of what is known — a summary of the available information, not a grade of the product itself.

Evidence for Intended Use
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

The stated purpose hasn't been mapped to our evidence data yet.

Why this rating?
  • We haven't mapped this product's purpose to our evidence data yet — it'll be graded on the next content refresh.
Ingredient Transparency
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.
Known Interaction Concern
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.
Safety Information
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.

HelloPharmacist summaryFully disclosed formula with no assessable stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Dec 13, 2022.

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, straight from the product label.

Brand Pure Herbs
Net contents 1 Fluid Ounce(s); 30 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Dec 13, 2022
DSLD ID 278752
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function
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 Buckthorn by Pure Herbs, 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:
2 mL
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 mL
Servings per container
15
IngredientAmount% DV
Frangula (Buckthorn) Bark Extract1973 mg--

Other ingredients: None

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

Directions: For adults, mix 2 mL (abt. 1/2 tsp) of extract in 2 fl. oz (60 mL) water one time daily preferably with a meal.

Shake well before use

Formulation

Beneficial as a gentle bowel cleaner, a dietary source of fiber and to maintain healthy bowel flora.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

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

Precautions

Notice: This product contains Buckthorn. Read and follow directions carefully. Do not use if you have or develop diarrhea, loose stool, or abdominal pain because Buckthorn may worsen these conditions and be harmful to your health. Consult your physician if you have frequent diarrhea or if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or have a medical condition.

Consult your physician if you have frequent diarrhea or if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or have a medical condition.

Keep out of reach of children

Brand IP Statement(s)

Pure Herbs, Ltd. Natural Herbal Extracts

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

General Statements

"No expense has been spared to provide the finest nature has to offer."

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

See for yourself

Buckthorn by Pure Herbs label

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

Buckthorn 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 by Pure Herbs

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

Serving size2 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container15 Amounts shown are per serving.

Frangula (Buckthorn) Bark Extract

Interacts with
122 drugs
1973 mg per serving

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...

Frangula (Buckthorn) Bark Extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: None. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Buckthorn by Pure Herbs Drug Interactions

Buckthorn contains a single active ingredient, and it has known interactions with 122 medications. Here’s the picture, then you can look up your own drug.

Want to check YOUR meds against Buckthorn?

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

Frangula (Buckthorn) Bark Extract 122

Individual Drug Interactions

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

1 of the 1 ingredient in Buckthorn interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Frangula (Buckthorn) Bark Extract

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Buckthorn 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.

Frangula (Buckthorn) Bark Extract5 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
Frangula (Buckthorn) Bark Extract full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

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

Pure Herbs

See all Pure Herbs products
Name
Pure Herbs, Ltd.
City
Sterling Heights
State
MI
Phone Number
(800) 860-4372
Web Address
www.pureherbs.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Buckthorn by Pure Herbs: Common Questions

Does Buckthorn by Pure Herbs interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Buckthorn 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 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.

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

Not sure if Buckthorn 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.

Buckthorn label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Buckthorn’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'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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