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Dietary supplement

Bupleurum Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Hawaii Pharm

Bupleurum label
See full label image
Liquid Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 23, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Bupleurum 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

Bupleurum is a dietary supplement by Hawaii Pharm with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for liver and digestive support, cold, flu, and fever, inflammation.Based on those ingredients, 327 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Bupleurum Root Extract, Dry. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against Bupleurum by Hawaii Pharm

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

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Bupleurum 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 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: bupleurum root extract in dry form. Bupleurum is a plant used in herbal medicine; the extract concentrates its active compounds, called saikosaponins.

The liquid is made with alcohol, water, and glycerin 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 Bupleurum product and its label doesn't state a use — see Bupleurum'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 evidence we hold doesn't establish that bupleurum works reliably for any condition — it's rated as having insufficient reliable evidence for asthma, liver cancer, respiratory tract infections, depression, epilepsy, and hepatitis B. That means the data supporting its use isn't yet solid enough to back a claim.

If you're thinking about bupleurum for a specific reason, talk it over with your doctor or pharmacist about what the current research actually shows.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Bupleurum

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.

Bupleurum has been linked to rare but serious lung and liver problems, and product quality varies — so caution is warranted, especially if you use it long-term. Some people taking bupleurum-containing combination products have reported nausea, loss of appetite, belly fullness, fatigue, and tingling (paresthesia), though it's unclear whether bupleurum itself or other ingredients caused these.

More concerning, combination products with bupleurum have been associated with pneumonia-type lung inflammation (pneumonitis, eosinophilic pneumonia, and pulmonary edema), particularly when used with interferon-alpha — again, it's not certain whether bupleurum is the culprit. Bupleurum is best avoided during pregnancy and while breastfeeding because there isn't enough safety information to know either way.

If you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Bupleurum

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 — Bupleurum.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 327 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 bupleurum product, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you're on blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs (warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel, etc.) — Moderate risk of increased bleeding. Also flag any diabetes medications and any drugs that suppress your immune system, as bupleurum may reduce their effectiveness.

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.

Bupleurum Root Extract might appeal to someone looking for herbal support, but the evidence it actually works for common conditions isn't reliable yet. If you take blood thinners, diabetes drugs, or immunosuppressants, this product is a real concern — check with your own doctor or pharmacist first.

Rare lung and liver issues have been reported, and safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding isn't established, so those are conversations to have with your healthcare provider.

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 Nov 22, 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 Bupleurum, straight from the product label.

Brand Hawaii Pharm
Barcode (UPC) 840253609496
Net contents 4 Fluid Ounce(s); 120 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Nov 22, 2023
DSLD ID 301313
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 Bupleurum 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
840253609496
IngredientAmount% DV
Bupleurum Root Extract, Dry983 mg--

Other ingredients: Alcohol, Water, Glycerin

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.

Organic Alcohol Based 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

Bupleurum chinese

Organic Alcohol Based

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

Organic Alcohol Based

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

Bupleurum by Hawaii Pharm label

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

Bupleurum 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 Bupleurum 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.

Bupleurum Root Extract, Dry

Interacts with
327 drugs
983 mg per serving Form: Bupleurum chinese Root Extract, Dry

Bupleurum (Chai Hu) is a root used in traditional Chinese medicine, usually as part of multi-herb formulas, for liver, digestive, and fever-related co...

Bupleurum Root Extract, Dry monograph & interactions

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

Interaction report

Bupleurum by Hawaii Pharm Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Bupleurum?

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
327Drugs
327 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Bupleurum Root Extract, Dry 327

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Bupleurum interact with 327 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 1 ingredient in Bupleurum interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Bupleurum Root Extract, Dry

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Bupleurum 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.

Bupleurum Root Extract, Dry3 drug types · 327 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, bupleurum might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
In vitro research suggests that saikosaponins, constituents of bupleurum, can inhibit platelet aggregation.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, bupleurum might decrease the effects of antidiabetes drugs.
Animal research suggests that saikosaponins, constituents of bupleurum, can increase blood glucose.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, bupleurum might decrease the effects of immunosuppressants.
In vitro and animal research suggests that bupleurum might stimulate immune function.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Bupleurum Root Extract, Dry full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Bupleurum, 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

Bupleurum by Hawaii Pharm: Common Questions

Does Bupleurum by Hawaii Pharm interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Bupleurum has a known interaction with 327 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Bupleurum 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 bupleurum while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No — there isn't enough safety data, so it's best avoided during pregnancy and while nursing. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice if you're considering it in either situation.
Does bupleurum actually work for anything?
The evidence we hold doesn't establish reliable effectiveness for any condition — asthma, liver cancer, respiratory infections, depression, epilepsy, and hepatitis B are all rated as having insufficient reliable evidence. More research is needed.
What side effects have been reported?
People taking bupleurum-containing combination products have reported nausea, loss of appetite, belly fullness, fatigue, and tingling. More seriously, rare lung and liver problems — including pneumonia-like inflammation — have been linked to these products, though it's unclear if bupleurum is directly responsible or if other ingredients played a role.
Why is quality listed as variable?
Bupleurum products aren't all made the same way, and testing standards vary — this means you might not be getting the same strength or purity from one brand or batch to another.

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

Not sure if Bupleurum is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

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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.

Bupleurum label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Bupleurum’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Bupleurum

Interacts with 327 drugs

Bupleurum (Chai Hu) is a root used in traditional Chinese medicine, usually as part of multi-herb formulas, for liver, digestive, and fever-related complaints. High-quality human evidence fo...

Read the full Bupleurum monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Bupleurum'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 17 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.

Bupleurum 17 references
  1. Kobashi Y, Nakajima M, Niki Y, Matsushima T. [A case of acute eosinophilic pneumonia due to Sho-saiko-to]. Nippon Kyobu Shikkan Gakkai Zasshi 1997;35:1372-7.
  2. Wada Y, Kubo M. [Acute lymphoblastic leukemia complicated by type C hepatitis during treatment and further by acute interstitial pneumonia due to sho-saiko-to in 7-year-old]. Arerugi 1997;46:1148-55.
  3. Sato A, Toyoshima M, Kondo A, et al. [Pneumonitis induced by the herbal medicine Sho-saiko-to in Japan]. Nippon Kyobu Shikkan Gakkai Zasshi 1997;35:391-5.
  4. Daibo A, Yoshida Y, Kitazawa S, et al. [A case of pneumonitis and hepatic injury caused by a herbal drug (sho-saiko-to)]. Nippon Kyobu Shikkan Gakkai Zasshi 1992;30:1583-8.
  5. Sugiyama H, Nagai M, Kotajima F, et al. [A case of interstitial pneumonia with chronic hepatitis C following interferon-alfa and sho-saiko-to therapy]. Arerugi 1995;44:711-4.
  6. Ishizaki T, Sasaki F, Ameshima S, et al. Pneumonitis during interferon and/or herbal drug therapy in patients with chronic active hepatitis. Eur Respir J 1996;9:2691-6. PubMed
  7. Nakagawa A, Yamaguchi T, Takao T, Amano H. [Five cases of drug induced pneumonitis due to Sho-saiko-to or interferon-alpha or both]. Nippon Kyobu Shikkan Gakkai Zasshi 1995;33:1361-6.
  8. Miyazaki E, Ando M, Ih K, et al. [Pulmonary edema associated with the Chinese medicine shosaikoto]. Nihon Kokyuki Gakkai Zasshi 1998;36:776-80.
  9. Matsumoto T, Yamada H. Regulation of immune complexes binding of macrophages by pectic polysaccharide from Bupleurum falcatum L.: pharmacological evidence for the requirement of intracellular calcium/calmodulin on Fc receptor up-regulation by bupleuran 2
  10. Hattori T, Ito M, Suzuki Y. [Studies on antinephritic effects of plant components in rats (1). Effects of saikosaponins original-type anti-GBM nephritis in rats and its mechanisms]. Nippon Yakurigaku Zasshi 1991;97:13-21. PubMed
  11. Chang WC, Hsu FL. Inhibition of platelet activation and endothelial cell injury by flavan-3-ol and saikosaponin compounds. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 1991;44:51-6. PubMed
  12. Kato M, Pu MY, Isobe K, et al. Characterization of the immunoregulatory action of saikosaponin-d. Cell Immunol 1994;159:15-25. PubMed
  13. Ushio Y, Oda Y, Abe H. Effect of saikosaponin on the immune responses in mice. Int J Immunopharmacol 1991;13:501-8. PubMed
  14. Hirayama, C., Okumura, M., Tanikawa, K., and et al. A multicenter randomized controlled clinical trial of Shosaiko-to in chronic active hepatitis. Gastroenterol Jpn 1989;24(6):715-719. PubMed
  15. Hiai S, Yokoyama H, Nagasawa T, and et al. Stimulation of the pituitary-adrenocortical axis by saikosaponin of Bupleuri radix. Chemical and Pharmaceutical Bulletin (Tokyo) 1981;29(2):495-499. PubMed
  16. Yokoyama H, Hiai S, and Oura H. Chemical structures and corticosterone secretion-inducing activities of saikosaponins. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) 1981;29(2):500-504. PubMed
  17. Sugiyama H, Nagai M, Kotajima F, and et al. [A case of interstitial pneumonia with chronic hepatitis C following interferon-alfa and sho-saiko-to therapy]. Arerugi 1995;44(7):711-714.

See these in context on the Bupleurum 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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