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Dietary supplement

East Star Tincture Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Barlow Herbal

Liquid Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

East Star Tincture is a dietary supplement by Barlow Herbal with 4 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for general energy and vitality, adaptogen for stress, sexual health and libido.Based on those ingredients, 648 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Chaparral, Astragalus, Pau d'Arco. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of East Star Tincture by Barlow Herbal

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

What’s inside

Low disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Low

Most active ingredients don't disclose an individual amount — you can't tell how much of each you're getting.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 0 of its 4 active ingredients.
  • “Proprietary Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label doesn't break down how much of each component you get.

East Star Tincture contains 4 active herbal ingredients in a liquid form preserved with cane alcohol. The blend includes suma, astragalus, chaparral, and pau d'arco — traditional plant extracts combined here as a proprietary blend.

Does it work?

Not established
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 established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: immune support and general wellness.
  • We looked for evidence on: Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI), Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), Chemotherapy-related fatigue, colds and flu, stress adaptation, energy.
  • The closest evidence on file: Astragalus is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Chemotherapy-related fatigue (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Astragalus is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI).

The evidence we hold doesn't establish that this product works for any condition. Astragalus and pau d'arco each carry effectiveness ratings of "Insufficient Reliable Evidence" for the uses we have data on — meaning human studies haven't been strong enough to say one way or the other.

Suma and chaparral have no effectiveness ratings on file. If you're considering this tincture for a specific health goal, your pharmacist or doctor can help you weigh what evidence does exist.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Suma Astragalus Chaparral Pau D'arco

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 4 of the 4 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 4 of 4.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 4 of 4.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Chaparral is the critical safety concern here. It's been linked to serious liver and kidney damage, jaundice, liver failure, and in some cases liver transplant — so much so that it's classified as unsafe for use.

Astragalus is generally well tolerated short-term in healthy adults, though rigorous safety studies are limited. Pau d'arco may cause side effects at higher doses, and the lapachol compound in it can cause anemia, bleeding risk, severe nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea when doses exceed 1.5 grams daily.

Suma has limited safety data; when inhaled as powder it's been known to trigger asthma-like symptoms, though oral use appears well tolerated. None of these ingredients have reliable safety data for pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Chaparral is classified as likely unsafe during pregnancy. Astragalus, pau d'arco, and suma are all advised against in pregnancy and lactation due to insufficient safety information.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before use if you're pregnant, nursing, or planning pregnancy.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Suma Astragalus Chaparral Pau D'arco

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?
  • 3 of the 4 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Pau D'arco, Chaparral, Astragalus.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; diabetes medications; lithium.
  • For scale: 649 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 blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs (like warfarin or aspirin), immunosuppressants, lithium, chemotherapy drugs such as cyclophosphamide, or antidiabetes medications. Also be aware that chaparral theoretically compounds liver damage risk if you're taking other hepatotoxic (liver-damaging) drugs.

Use the search tool on this page to verify your exact prescriptions.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This product carries significant safety and interaction concerns, primarily due to chaparral's documented liver and kidney toxicity. If you take any medications — especially immunosuppressants, lithium, chemotherapy drugs, blood thinners, or diabetes medications — check with your pharmacist before starting.

Given the serious risks, discuss this tincture with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it.

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

Assessment coverage: 4 of 4 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Nov 22, 2024.

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 East Star Tincture, straight from the product label.

Brand Barlow Herbal
Net contents 2 Fluid Ounce(s); 60 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Nov 22, 2024
DSLD ID 320448
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses 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 East Star Tincture by Barlow Herbal, 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:
0.6 mL
Maximum serving Sizes:
0.6 mL
Servings per container
100
IngredientAmount% DV
Proprietary Blend0 NP--
Suma0 NP--
Astragalus0 NP--
Chaparral0 NP--
Pau d'Arco0 NP--

Other ingredients: Cane 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.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Dosage: 12 drops in cold herbal tea or juice, usually just before meals 3 times daily.

Precautions

If pregnant, consult your health professional before using.

Keep out of reach of children.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

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

Formulation

Special Formula

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

General Statements

Made with Love

Formula

Contains: Pau d' Arco, Chinese astragalus, chaparral, suma root and cane alcohol.

See for yourself

East Star Tincture by Barlow Herbal label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in East Star Tincture by Barlow Herbal

These are the 4 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size0.6 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container100 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Proprietary Blend

0 NP per serving

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

Interaction report

East Star Tincture by Barlow Herbal Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against East Star Tincture?

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Go to the checker
648Drugs
648 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Chaparral 370

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in East Star Tincture with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Chaparral1 drug type · 370 drugs

Hepatotoxic Drugs

Theoretically, chaparral might have additive adverse effects on the liver when used with hepatotoxic drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Astragalus4 drug types · 208 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking astragalus with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Clinical research in humans shows that astragalus might have hypoglycemic effects. Theoretically, taking astragalus, especially in combination with other hypoglycemic agents, might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Likelihood Probable Evidence A
Cyclophosphamide

Theoretically, astragalus might interfere with cyclophosphamide therapy.
Evidence regarding the effect of astragalus on immunosuppression caused by cyclophosphamide is conflicting. Some animal research suggests that astragalus reverses cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression. However, other animal research shows no effect.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, astragalus might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Astragalus seems to stimulate immune function. Theoretically, taking astragalus might decrease the effects of immunosuppressive therapy.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Lithium

Theoretically, astragalus might increase levels and adverse effects of lithium.
Animal research suggests that astragalus has diuretic properties. Theoretically, due to this diuretic effect, astragalus might reduce excretion and increase levels of lithium.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D

Pau d'Arco1 drug type · 122 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, pau d'arco might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
In vitro research shows that pau d'arco reduces platelet aggregation and may interfere with vitamin K. One clinical study shows that taking the lapachol constituent of pau d'arco in doses above 1.5 grams daily increases the risk of bleeding. The effects of whole pau d'arco or pau d'arco extract in humans are unclear.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for East Star Tincture, from the product label.

Barlow Herbal

See all Barlow Herbal products
Name
Barlow Herbal Specialties, LLC
City
Sandy
State
Utah
ZipCode
84091
Phone Number
866-688-6757
Web Address
BarlowHerbal.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

East Star Tincture by Barlow Herbal: Common Questions

Does East Star Tincture by Barlow Herbal interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, East Star Tincture has a known interaction with 648 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
East Star Tincture contains 4 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is 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 data for any of the four ingredients during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Chaparral is classified as likely unsafe in pregnancy. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this product is right for you.
What is astragalus, and what's it supposed to do?
Astragalus is a traditional plant root used in supplements. We don't have established effectiveness data in our records for what it's meant to treat — the evidence is rated insufficient to say whether it works for those purposes.
Is chaparral safe?
No. Chaparral has been linked to serious liver and kidney damage, including liver failure and transplant in some cases. It's classified as unsafe for use, and the facts say any potential benefits don't outweigh the toxicity risk.
What if I'm only taking it occasionally or at a low dose?
The safety and interaction risks aren't dose-dependent for all ingredients — chaparral's liver toxicity, for example, is a fundamental concern regardless of dose. Pau d'arco's bleeding and gastrointestinal side effects show up above 1.5 grams daily. Either way, talk with your pharmacist about your specific dose and how often you'd use it.
Does this tincture have any side effects I should know about?
Pau d'arco at higher doses may cause anemia, bleeding, severe nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Astragalus has rarely been associated with dizziness. Suma seems well tolerated orally but can trigger asthma-like symptoms if inhaled as powder. Chaparral's side effects are far more serious and include liver failure symptoms like jaundice, fatigue, dark urine, and abdominal pain.
Why does this product have so many drug interactions?
The 630 interactions come from the individual active ingredients — chiefly astragalus (which affects immune function and blood sugar), pau d'arco (which affects clotting), and chaparral (which damages the liver). Altogether they can affect a broad range of medications because those drugs are prescribed so widely.

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

Not sure if East Star Tincture 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.

East Star Tincture label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

East Star Tincture'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 38 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.

Suma 3 references
  1. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
  2. Foster S, Tyler VE. Tyler's Honest Herbal, 4th ed., Binghamton, NY: Haworth Herbal Press, 1999. DOI
  3. Subiza, J., Subiza, J. L., Escribano, P. M., Hinojosa, M., Garcia, R., Jerez, M., and Subiza, E. Occupational asthma caused by Brazil ginseng dust. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1991;88(5):731-736. PubMed

See these in context on the Suma monograph →

Astragalus 13 references
  1. Upton R, ed. Astragalus Root: Analytical, quality control, and therapeutic monograph. Santa Cruz, CA: American Herbal Pharmacopoeia. 1999:1-25.
  2. Khoo KS, Ang PT. Extract of astragalus membranaceus and ligustrum lucidum does not prevent cyclophosphamide-induced myelosuppression. Singapore Med J 1995;36:387-90.
  3. Chu DT, Wong WL, Mavligit GM. Immunotherapy with Chinese medicinal herbs. II. Reversal of cyclophosphamide-induced immune suppression by administration of fractionated Astragalus membranaceus in vivo. J Clin Lab Immunol 1988;25:125-9.
  4. Sun Y, Hersh EM, Lee SL, et al. Preliminary observations on the effects of the Chinese medicinal herbs Astragalus membranaceus and Ligustrum lucidum on lymphocyte blastogenic responses. J Biol Response Mod 1983;2:227-37..
  5. Ma J, Peng A, Lin S. Mechanisms of the therapeutic effect of astragalus membranaceus on sodium and water retention in experimental heart failure. Chin Med J (Engl) 1998;111:17-23.
  6. Matkovic Z, Zivkovic V, Korica M, et al. Efficacy and safety of Astragalus membranaceus in the treatment of patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis. Phytother Res 2010;24:175-81.
  7. Zhang, J. G., Yang, N., He, H., Wei, G. H., Gao, D. S., Wang, X. L., Wang, X. Z., and Song, G. Y. [Effect of Astragalus injection on plasma levels of apoptosis-related factors in aged patients with chronic heart failure.]. Chin J Integr.Med 2005;11(3):18 PubMed
  8. Chen, H. W., Lin, I. H., Chen, Y. J., Chang, K. H., Wu, M. H., Su, W. H., Huang, G. C., and Lai, Y. L. A novel infusible botanically-derived drug, PG2, for cancer-related fatigue: a phase II double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled study. Clin Invest PubMed
  9. Tian H, Lu J, He H, et al.The effect of Astragalus as an adjuvant treatment in type 2 diabetes mellitus: A (preliminary) meta-analysis. J Ethnopharmacol. 2016;191:206-215. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2016.05.062. PubMed
  10. Hong KF, Liu PY, Zhang W, Gui DK, Xu YH. The Efficacy and Safety of Astragalus as an Adjuvant Treatment for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Integr Complement Med 2023. PubMed
  11. Chan KW, Kwong ASK, Tsui PN, et al. Add-on astragalus in type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease: A multi-center, assessor-blind, randomized controlled trial. Phytomedicine 2024;130:155457. PubMed
  12. Han X, Yu T, Chen X, Du Z, Yu M, Xiong J. Effect of Astragalus membranaceus on left ventricular remodeling in HFrEF: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Pharmacol 2024;15:1345797. PubMed
  13. Jing P, Hongzheng H, Zhenqi WU, Meijuan Z, Zuojing LI, Gang C. Long-term efficacy and safety of Huangqi ()-based Traditional Chinese Medicine in diabetic peripheral neuropathy: a Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Tradit Chin Med 2024;44(2):

See these in context on the Astragalus monograph →

Chaparral 16 references
  1. Smith BC, Desmond PV. Acute hepatitis induced by ingestion of the herbal medication chaparral. Aust N Z J Med 1993;23:526.. PubMed
  2. Gordon DW, Rosenthal G, Hart J, et al. Chaparral ingestion: the broadening spectrum of liver injury caused by herbal medications. JAMA 1995;273:489-90.
  3. Batchelor WB, Heathcote J, Wanless IR. Chaparral-induced hepatic injury. Am J Gastroenterol 1995;90:831-3.
  4. Katz M, Saibil F. Herbal hepatitis: subacute hepatic necrosis secondary to chaparral leaf. J Clin Gastroenterol 1990;12:203-6.
  5. Klepser TB, Klepser ME. Unsafe and potentially safe herbal therapies. Am J Health Syst Pharm 1999;56:125-38. PubMed
  6. Sheikh NM, Philen RM, Love LA. Chaparral-associated hepatotoxicity. Arch Intern Med 1997;157:913-9. DOI
  7. Heron S, Yarnell E. The safety of low-dose Larrea tridentata (DC) Coville (creosote bush or chaparral): a retrospective clinical study. J Altern Complement Med 2001;7:175-85..
  8. Chaparral-induced toxic hepatitis-California and Texas, 1992. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 1992;41:812-4.. DOI
  9. Estes JD, Stolpman D, Olyaei A, et al. High prevalence of potentially hepatotoxic herbal supplement use in patients with fulminant hepatic failure. Arch Surg 2003;138:852-8.. PubMed
  10. Lambert JD, Zhao D, Meyers RO, et al. Nordihydroguaiaretic acid: hepatotoxicity and detoxification in the mouse. Toxicon 2002;40:1701-8.. PubMed
  11. Shasky DR. Contact dermatitis from Larrea tridentata (creosote bush). J Am Acad Dermatol 1986;15:302.. PubMed
  12. Smith AY, Feddersen RM, Gardner KD Jr, Davis CJ Jr. Cystic renal cell carcinoma and acquired renal cystic disease associated with consumption of chaparral tea: a case report. J Urol 1994;152:2089-91.. PubMed
  13. Kauma, H., Koskela, R., Makisalo, H., Autio-Harmainen, H., Lehtola, J., and Hockerstedt, K. Toxic acute hepatitis and hepatic fibrosis after consumption of chaparral tablets. Scand.J Gastroenterol. 2004;39(11):1168-1171. PubMed
  14. Leonforte, J. F. Contact dermatitis from Larrea (creosote bush). J Am Acad.Dermatol. 1986;14(2 Pt 1):202-207. PubMed
  15. Alderman, S., Kailas, S., Goldfarb, S., Singaram, C., and Malone, D. G. Cholestatic hepatitis after ingestion of chaparral leaf: confirmation by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and liver biopsy. J Clin.Gastroenterol. 1994;19(3):242-247.
  16. Clark, F. Chaparral-induced toxic hepatitis: California and Texas, 1992. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 1992;41:812-814. DOI

See these in context on the Chaparral monograph →

Pau D'arco 6 references
  1. Gómez Castellanos JR, Prieto JM, Heinrich M. Red Lapacho (Tabebuia impetiginosa)--a global ethnopharmacological commodity? J Ethnopharmacol 2009;121:1-13. PubMed
  2. Guerra, Mde O., Mazoni, A. S., Brandao, M. A., and Peters, V. M. Toxicology of Lapachol in rats: embryolethality. Braz.J Biol. 2001;61(1):171-174. PubMed
  3. Felicio, A. C., Chang, C. V., Brandao, M. A., Peters, V. M., and Guerra, Mde O. Fetal growth in rats treated with lapachol. Contraception 2002;66(4):289-293. PubMed
  4. Son, D. J., Lim, Y., Park, Y. H., Chang, S. K., Yun, Y. P., Hong, J. T., Takeoka, G. R., Lee, K. G., Lee, S. E., Kim, M. R., Kim, J. H., and Park, B. S. Inhibitory effects of Tabebuia impetiginosa inner bark extract on platelet aggregation and vascular s
  5. Block JB, Serpick AA, Miller W, Wiernik PH. Early clinical studies with lapachol (NSC-11905). Cancer Chemother Rep 2. 1974;4(4):27-8.
  6. Algranti E, Mendonça EM, Ali SA, Kokron CM, Raile V. Occupational asthma caused by Ipe (Tabebuia spp) dust. J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol 2005;15(1):81-3.

See these in context on the Pau D'arco 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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