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Dietary supplement

Huang Bo Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Herbal Terra

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

Huang Bo is a dietary supplement by Herbal Terra with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for digestive complaints and diarrhea, inflammation and joint discomfort, stress and weight management (in combination products).Based on those ingredients, 1,160 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are wildcrafted Huang Bo (Phellodendron chinense) dried bark liquid extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Huang Bo by Herbal Terra

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

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.

Huang Bo by Herbal Terra contains one active ingredient: a liquid extract of wildcrafted Phellodendron chinense dried bark. This is a traditional herbal remedy whose active compound is berberine, an alkaloid that gives the plant its therapeutic properties.

The product also contains menstruum as an inactive ingredient (the liquid carrier used to extract and preserve the herb).

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 Phellodendron product and its label doesn't state a use — see Phellodendron'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 for Huang Bo's effectiveness isn't established in our data. The product is marketed for acne, benign prostatic hyperplasia (an enlarged prostate), diabetes, weight loss, osteoarthritis, and peptic ulcers, but the data we hold shows insufficient reliable evidence to rate it for any of these uses.

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

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Phellodendron

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.

Human safety data for phellodendron are limited, and the product is traditionally used only short-term. The adverse effects reported in clinical trials of combination products containing phellodendron plus magnolia include isolated cases of sexual dysfunction, hand shaking, numbness around the mouth, fatigue, headache, and heartburn—though it's unclear whether phellodendron itself was responsible.

Berberine—the active compound in this product—is likely unsafe during breastfeeding and may pass to infants and cause harm, so avoid use if you're nursing. During pregnancy, the safety data advise against it.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Phellodendron

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 — Phellodendron.
  • 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: 1,161 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 Huang Bo, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you're on blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs (warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel), sedatives or CNS depressants, blood pressure medications, diabetes drugs or metformin, or any medications broken down by your liver—including certain antidepressants, heart medications, and cholesterol drugs. All of these can interact with phellodendron at a Moderate severity level.

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.

Huang Bo is a single-ingredient herbal extract that interacts with a broad range of medications, particularly blood thinners, blood pressure drugs, diabetes treatments, and sedatives. The evidence for what it actually works for isn't established in the data we hold.

If you take any prescription medication, check your exact drugs with the tool on this page before starting, and talk it over with your doctor or pharmacist to see whether it's right for you.

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 Sep 25, 2020.

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 Huang Bo, straight from the product label.

Brand Herbal Terra
Barcode (UPC) 7429524714737
Net contents 4 Fluid Ounce(s); 120 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Sep 25, 2020
DSLD ID 234136
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Sugar 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 Huang Bo by Herbal Terra, 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 mL
Servings per container
120
UPC/BARCODE
7429524714737
IngredientAmount% DV
wildcrafted Huang Bo (Phellodendron chinense) dried bark liquid extract970 mg--

Other ingredients: Menstruum

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

Direction Shake well before use. Adults take up to 30 drops (1 mL, one full squeeze of the dropper bulb) in 3-4 fl. oz of juice or water up to 4 times a day. We recommend to seek expert medical advice before taking this or any other herbal supplements.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

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

Formulation

Manufactured in the USA in an FDA registered facility

Sugar free

Dried herb/menstruum ratio: 1:3 Expertly extracted Laboratory tested 330 mg/1 mL Premium product Super concentrated liquid herbal extract

Non GMO

No artificial ingredients, GMO, gluten, color additives, fillers, preservatives or binders. Natural Gluten Free

Precautions

Caution May have contraindications.

Do not use if you are allergic to any ingredients.

Consult a physician before using during pregnancy, if nursing, or if you are on any medications.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry, dark place.

Formula

Phellodendron chinense

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

Seals/Symbols

Made in USA Made in an FDA registered facility Natural Gluten Free

See for yourself

Huang Bo by Herbal Terra label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Huang Bo by Herbal Terra

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 container120 Amounts shown are per serving.

970 mg per serving

Phellodendron is a traditional Chinese medicine bark (Huang Bai) that contains berberine and other plant compounds with antimicrobial and anti-inflamm...

Wildcrafted Huang Bo (Phellodendron chinense) dried bark liquid extract monograph & interactions

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

Interaction report

Huang Bo by Herbal Terra Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Huang Bo?

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.

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1,160Drugs
1,160 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Huang Bo 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.

wildcrafted Huang Bo (Phellodendron chinense) dried bark liquid extract14 drug types · 1,160 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, phellodendron might increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Phellodendron contains berberine. In vitro and in vivo research suggest that berberine can inhibit platelet aggregation. Theoretically, phellodendron might also inhibit platelet aggregation.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, phellodendron may increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Phellodendron contains berberine. Clinical research shows that berberine may lower blood glucose levels. Theoretically, phellodendron might also lower blood glucose levels.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, phellodendron might have additive effects with antihypertensive drugs.
Phellodendron contains berberine. Animal research suggests that berberine can have hypotensive effects. Also, a clinical study suggests that taking berberine in combination with amlodipine can lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure when compared with amlodipine alone. Theoretically, phellodendron might also reduce blood pressure.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cns Depressants

Theoretically, phellodendron might increase the sedative effects of CNS depressants.
Phellodendron contains berberine. Animal research suggests that berberine may have sedative effects. Theoretically, phellodendron might also have CNS depressants effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)

Theoretically, phellodendron might increase blood levels of cyclosporine.
Phellodendron contains berberine. Preliminary clinical research shows that berberine can reduce metabolism of cyclosporine and increase serum levels, likely through inhibition of cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4), which metabolizes cyclosporine. Theoretically, phellodendron might also reduce the metabolism of cyclosporine.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2C9 (Cyp2C9) Substrates

Theoretically, phellodendron might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C9.
Phellodendron contains berberine. Preliminary clinical research shows that berberine can inhibit CYP2C9. Theoretically, phellodendron might also inhibit CYP2C9.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2D6 (Cyp2D6) Substrates

Theoretically, phellodendron might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
Phellodendron contains berberine. In vitro research and preliminary clinical evidence show that berberine can inhibit CYP2D6. Theoretically, phellodendron might also inhibit CYP2D6.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, phellodendron might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Phellodendron contains berberine. In vitro research and preliminary clinical research show that berberine moderately inhibits CYP3A4. Theoretically, phellodendron might also inhibit CYP3A4.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Dextromethorphan (Robitussin Dm, Others)

Theoretically, phellodendron may increase serum levels of dextromethorphan.
Phellodendron contains berberine. Preliminary clinical research shows that berberine can inhibit cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) activity and reduce the metabolism of dextromethorphan. Theoretically, phellodendron may also inhibit the metabolism of dextromethorphan.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Losartan (Cozaar)

Theoretically, phellodendron might reduce the therapeutic effects of losartan by decreasing its conversion to its active form.
Phellodendron contains berberine. Preliminary clinical research suggests that berberine can inhibit cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) activity and reduce metabolism of losartan. Theoretically, phellodendron might also inhibit the metabolism of losartan.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Metformin (Glucophage)

Theoretically, phellodendron might increase the therapeutic and adverse effects of metformin.
Phellodendron contains berberine. In vitro and animal studies show that berberine can increase the systemic exposure and half-life of metformin, potentially increasing metformin's effects and side effects. This interaction seems to be most apparent when berberine is administered 2 hours prior to metformin. Taking berberine and metformin at the same time does not appear to increase systemic exposure to metformin. It is unclear if phellodendron might have this same effect.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Midazolam (Versed)

Theoretically, phellodendron might reduce metabolism of midazolam, which might increase the risk of severe adverse effects.
Phellodendron contains berberine. Preliminary clinical research shows that berberine can inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) activity and reduce metabolism of midazolam. Theoretically, phellodendron might also inhibit the metabolism of midazolam.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Pentobarbital (Nembutal)

Theoretically, phellodendron might increase the sedative effect of pentobarbital.
Phellodendron contains berberine. Animal research shows that berberine can prolong pentobarbital-induced sleeping time. Theoretically, phellodendron might increase the sedative effects of pentobarbital.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Tacrolimus (Prograf)

Theoretically, phellodendron might increase blood levels of tacrolimus.
Phellodendron contains berberine. In a 16-year-old patient with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome who was being treated with tacrolimus 6.5 mg twice daily, intake of berberine 200 mg three times daily increased the blood concentration of tacrolimus from 8 to 22 ng/mL. Following a reduction of the tacrolimus dose to 3 mg daily, blood levels of tacrolimus decreased to 12 ng/mL. It is unclear if phellodendron might have this same effect.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Huang Bo, from the product label.

Herbal Terra

See all Herbal Terra products
Name
Herbal Terra
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Huang Bo by Herbal Terra: Common Questions

Does Huang Bo by Herbal Terra interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Huang Bo has a known interaction with 1,160 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Huang Bo 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.
Is Huang Bo safe to take while I'm pregnant?
No. The safety data advise against using this product during pregnancy because berberine—its active ingredient—may not be safe. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about alternatives if you need herbal support.
Can I take this while breastfeeding?
No. Berberine can pass into breast milk and may be harmful to infants, so it's rated likely unsafe during breastfeeding. If you're nursing, skip this product.
What's actually in this product?
It's a liquid extract of Phellodendron chinense bark—a traditional herb whose active compound is berberine. The only other ingredient is menstruum, the liquid used to extract and preserve it.
Does it work for diabetes, acne, or weight loss?
The evidence isn't established in our data for any of those uses. Human safety data are also limited since the herb is traditionally used short-term, so talk with your doctor about whether it's worth trying for your situation.
What side effects should I watch for?
Clinical trials of combination products containing phellodendron reported rare cases of sexual dysfunction, hand shaking, numbness around the mouth, fatigue, headache, and heartburn—though it's unclear if phellodendron alone was responsible. Human safety data are limited overall.
Why does this interact with so many medications?
Berberine, the active compound in phellodendron, affects how your liver processes drugs and can influence blood clotting, blood pressure, and blood sugar. Those effects can add to or change what your medications do, which is why checking your exact prescriptions is important.

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.

Huang Bo label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Huang Bo'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 22 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.

Phellodendron 22 references
  1. Chan E. Displacement of bilirubin from albumin by berberine. Biol Neonate 1993;63:201-8. PubMed
  2. Janbaz KH, Gilani AH. Studies on preventive and curative effects of berberine on chemical-induced hepatotoxicity in rodents. Fitoterapia 2000;71:25-33.. PubMed
  3. Wu X, Li Q, Xin H, Yu A, Zhong M. Effects of berberine on the blood concentration of cyclosporin A in renal transplanted recipients: clinical and pharmacokinetic study. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2005;61:567-72. PubMed
  4. Garrison R, Chambliss WG. Effect of a proprietary Magnolia and Phellodendron extract on weight management: a pilot, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Altern Ther Health Med 2006;12:50-4.
  5. Zhang Y, Li X, Zou D, et al. Treatment of type 2 diabetes and dyslipidemia with the natural plant alkaloid berberine. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2008;93:2559-65. PubMed
  6. Budzinski JW, Foster BC, Vandenhoek S, Arnason JT. An in vitro evaluation of human cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibition by selected commercial herbal extracts and tinctures. Phytomedicine 2000;7:273-82. PubMed
  7. Chatterjee P, Franklin MR. Human cytochrome p450 inhibition and metabolic-intermediate complex formation by goldenseal extract and its methylenedioxyphenyl components. Drug Metab Dispos 2003;31:1391-7. PubMed
  8. Shanbhag, S. M., Kulkarni, H. J., and Gaitonde, B. B. Pharmacological actions of berberine on the central nervous system. Jpn.J Pharmacol 1970;20(4):482-487. PubMed
  9. Wu, J. F. and Liu, T. P. [Effects of berberine on platelet aggregation and plasma levels of TXB2 and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha in rats with reversible middle cerebral artery occlusion]. Yao Xue.Xue.Bao. 1995;30(2):98-102.
  10. Peng, W. H., Hsieh, M. T., and Wu, C. R. Effect of long-term administration of berberine on scopolamine-induced amnesia in rats. Jpn J Pharmacol 1997;74(3):261-266. DOI
  11. Sabir M and Bhide NK. Study of some pharmacological actions of berberine. Ind J Physiol & Pharmac 1971;15(3):111-132.
  12. Tripathi YB and Shukla SD. Berberis artistata inhibits PAF induced aggregation of rabbit platelets. Phytotherapy Research 1996;10:628-630.
  13. Yin, J., Xing, H., and Ye, J. Efficacy of berberine in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Metabolism 2008;57(5):712-717. PubMed
  14. Zhang, H., Wei, J., Xue, R., Wu, J. D., Zhao, W., Wang, Z. Z., Wang, S. K., Zhou, Z. X., Song, D. Q., Wang, Y. M., Pan, H. N., Kong, W. J., and Jiang, J. D. Berberine lowers blood glucose in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients through increasing insulin re
  15. Guo, Y., Chen, Y., Tan, Z. R., Klaassen, C. D., and Zhou, H. H. Repeated administration of berberine inhibits cytochromes P450 in humans. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2012;68(2):213-217. PubMed
  16. Wei, W., Zhao, H., Wang, A., Sui, M., Liang, K., Deng, H., Ma, Y., Zhang, Y., Zhang, H., and Guan, Y. A clinical study on the short-term effect of berberine in comparison to metformin on the metabolic characteristics of women with polycystic ovary syndro
  17. Hermann, R. and von, Richter O. Clinical evidence of herbal drugs as perpetrators of pharmacokinetic drug interactions. Planta Med 2012;78(13):1458-1477. PubMed
  18. Chun YT, Yip TT, Lau KL, and et al. A biochemical study on the hypotensive effect of berberine in rats. Gen Pharmac 1979;10:177-182. PubMed
  19. Hou Q, Han W, Fu X. Pharmacokinetic interaction between tacrolimus and berberine in a child with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2013;69(10):1861-2. PubMed
  20. Lan J, Zhao Y, Dong F, et al. Meta-analysis of the effect and safety of berberine in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, hyperlipemia and hypertension. J Ethnopharmacol. 2015;161:69-81. PubMed
  21. Kalman DS, Feldman S, Feldman R, et al. Effect of a proprietary magnolia and phellodendron extract on stress levels in healthy women: a pilot, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Nutr J 2008;7:11.
  22. Lyu Y, Zhang Y, Yang M, et al. Pharmacokinetic interactions between metformin and berberine in rats: Role of oral administration sequences and microbiota. Life Sci. 2019;235:116818. PubMed

See these in context on the Phellodendron 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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