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Dietary supplement

Bupleurum Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Herbalist & Alchemist

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 Herbalist & Alchemist 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 dried Bupleurum root 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 Bupleurum by Herbalist & Alchemist

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

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Bupleurum by Herbalist & Alchemist

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: dried Bupleurum root extract. Bupleurum is a plant used in traditional herbal medicine, though we don't have established evidence for most of the conditions it's marketed for.

The liquid also contains distilled water and ethyl alcohol as inactive ingredients.

Does it work?

Insufficient 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
Insufficient

There isn't enough reliable clinical evidence to rate this product's ingredients for its stated purpose.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: supports healthy liver function.
  • We looked for evidence on: Hepatitis B, Liver cancer, Liver disease, Cirrhosis, Hepatic dysfunction, Fatty liver disease.
  • The closest evidence on file: Bupleurum is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Liver cancer (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Bupleurum is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Hepatitis B.

The evidence for bupleurum isn't established in the data we hold. The product has been studied for asthma, liver cancer, respiratory tract infections, depression, epilepsy, and hepatitis B, but all of those show insufficient reliable evidence to rate.

That doesn't mean it doesn't work — it means the research either isn't there yet or isn't strong enough to draw a solid conclusion. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about what you're hoping to treat and whether this is the right choice for you.

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 is generally used short-term in herbal formulas, but there's an important caution: it's been linked to rare lung and liver problems, and the quality of products varies. In people taking a specific bupleurum combination (sho-saiko-to), side effects have included nausea, loss of appetite, abdominal fullness, fatigue, tingling (paresthesia), and in rare cases serious lung problems like pneumonitis and pulmonary edema — though it's unclear whether bupleurum alone or other ingredients in the combination caused these.

Because there isn't enough safety data, bupleurum should be avoided during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

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 taking this product, double-check your medications with your doctor or pharmacist if you take blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs (Moderate risk of bleeding), immunosuppressants (Moderate risk the drug won't work as well), or diabetes medications (Moderate risk of lower-than-intended blood sugar control). Altogether, these interactions span 327 individual medications.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

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

Bupleurum is a traditional herbal extract with limited evidence for the conditions it's often marketed for and potential interactions with blood thinners, immune-suppressing drugs, and diabetes medications. If you take any prescription medications — especially blood thinners, immunosuppressants, or diabetes drugs — check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting it.

Pregnant or breastfeeding people should avoid it.

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 May 24, 2018.

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 Herbalist & Alchemist
Barcode (UPC) 667056106645
Net contents 2 fl. Oz.
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD May 24, 2018
DSLD ID 173768
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Kosher, Organic
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 Herbalist & Alchemist, 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:
1 mL
Maximum serving Sizes:
1.5 mL
Servings per container
40
UPC/BARCODE
667056106645
IngredientAmount% DV
dried Bupleurum root extract1.5 mL--

Other ingredients: distilled Water, Ethyl Alcohol

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.
Formula

Bupleurum chinense

OK

General Statements

Supports healthy liver function

Botanical preparation ratio 1:4

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: 20-30 drops (1-1.5 mL) in juice or water. Take 3 times per day. Shake well before using.

Precautions

Contraindications: Do not use if you are taking interfuron.

Keep out of children's reach

FDA Disclaimer Statement

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

General

NO. BUP-2 1741MO

Seals/Symbols

OK

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

See for yourself

Bupleurum by Herbalist & Alchemist 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 Herbalist & Alchemist

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

Serving size1 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container40 Amounts shown are per serving.

Dried Bupleurum root extract

Interacts with
327 drugs
1.5 mL per serving

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...

Dried Bupleurum root extract monograph & interactions

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

Interaction report

Bupleurum by Herbalist & Alchemist 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

dried Bupleurum root extract 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. dried Bupleurum root extract

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.

dried Bupleurum root extract3 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
dried Bupleurum root extract full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

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

Herbalist & Alchemist

See all Herbalist & Alchemist products
Name
Herbalist & Alchemist, Inc.
City
Washington
State
NJ
ZipCode
07882
Phone Number
800-611-8235
Web Address
www.herbalist-alchemist.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Bupleurum by Herbalist & Alchemist: Common Questions

Does Bupleurum by Herbalist & Alchemist 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 this while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No — there isn't enough safety information about bupleurum in pregnancy and lactation, so the data advises against it. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this is right for you if you're pregnant, planning to be, or breastfeeding.
What side effects has bupleurum caused?
In people taking a bupleurum-containing combination product, reported side effects include nausea, loss of appetite, stomach fullness, fatigue, and tingling. Rare but serious lung problems like pneumonitis have also been reported with combination products, though it's unclear whether bupleurum itself or the other ingredients caused them.
Does this actually work for what it claims?
We don't have reliable evidence yet. Bupleurum has been studied for asthma, liver cancer, respiratory infections, depression, epilepsy, and hepatitis B, but the research isn't strong enough to say whether it works for any of these. Ask your doctor whether it's a reasonable choice for what you're treating.
Why is quality variable?
The product facts note that quality varies among bupleurum products, but they don't explain why. That's worth keeping in mind if you're relying on consistent results.
Should I use this long-term?
Bupleurum is generally used short-term in herbal formulas, and because it's been linked to rare lung and liver problems, it's not meant for extended use. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about how long you should take it.

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

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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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