Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 1 of 3 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Oregon Grape Root Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Gaia Herbs

Liquid Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Oregon Grape Root is a dietary supplement by Gaia Herbs with 3 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for psoriasis (topical), eczema and other skin conditions, digestive upset.Based on those ingredients, 1,218 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Oregon Grape root extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Oregon Grape Root by Gaia Herbs

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 3 active ingredients.

Gaia Herbs Oregon Grape Root is a liquid extract containing 3 ingredients: Oregon grape root extract (the active component), water, and 55–65% pure grain alcohol as a preservative. The Oregon grape extract is where the active compounds — chiefly berberine — come from.

There are no other inactive ingredients listed.

Does it work?

Moderate 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

This product doesn't appear to be marketed for a specific use, so we graded Oregon Grape's overall clinical evidence instead.

Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports Oregon Grape for:

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.
  • Since the label doesn't commit to one use, we graded the ingredient's overall clinical evidence instead.
  • On file: Psoriasis — rated "Possibly Effective" (Natural Medicines).

The evidence we hold shows Oregon grape is possibly effective for psoriasis. For other uses — atopic dermatitis (eczema), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and peptic ulcers — the reliable evidence isn't established enough in our data to rate it one way or the other.

If you're considering this product for a specific condition, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about what the current research supports.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Oregon Grape

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.

Topical Oregon grape is generally well tolerated, but this is a liquid taken by mouth, and oral use is less well studied — approach it carefully. Oregon grape should not be used in pregnancy or while breastfeeding; the safety data advises against it because berberine-containing plants are traditionally avoided during pregnancy and berberine may pass into breast milk.

Topically, Oregon grape may cause itching, burning, and skin irritation in some people, though this product is meant for oral use.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Oregon Grape

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 — Oregon Grape.
  • 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: 1,219 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 Oregon Grape Root, check whether you use any Moderate-severity interacting medications: blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs (including warfarin and aspirin), blood pressure-lowering medications, diabetes medications, CNS depressants (sedatives, sleep aids, anxiety medications), or any drug your liver breaks down through the CYP2D6, CYP2C9, or CYP3A4 pathways — or cyclosporine. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you're unsure.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with some supporting evidence behind its ingredients' uses. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Oregon Grape Root by Gaia Herbs is possibly effective for psoriasis, but it has Moderate-severity interactions with many medications — particularly blood thinners, blood pressure drugs, diabetes medications, and medications your liver breaks down in certain ways. If you take any prescription drugs, check them against this product's interactions before you start, or talk it over with your doctor or pharmacist.

It's not safe to use in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

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

Assessment coverage: 1 of 3 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Dec 21, 2012.

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 Oregon Grape Root, straight from the product label.

Brand Gaia Herbs
Barcode (UPC) 751063308403
Net contents 1 fl. Oz.; 30 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Dec 21, 2012
DSLD ID 16339
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other
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 Oregon Grape Root by Gaia 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:
1 mL
Maximum serving Sizes:
1.33 mL
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
751063308403
IngredientAmount% DV
Water0 NP--
Oregon Grape root extract0 NP--
55-65% Pure Grain Alcohol0 NP--

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.
General

[03] 1093-0510

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use Take 30-40 drops of extract in a small amount of water 3 times daily between meals. Shake well before using.

Precautions

Not to be used during pregnancy or lactation. If you have a medical condition or take pharmaceutical drugs, please consult with your doctor before use.

Keep away from children.

Use only as directed on label. Safety sealed for your protection.

General Statements

Liquid Herbal Extract

500 mg/ml herb equivalency

FDA Statement of Identity

DIETARY SUPPLEMENT

See for yourself

Oregon Grape Root by Gaia Herbs label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Oregon Grape Root by Gaia Herbs

These are the 3 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container30 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.

Water

0 NP per serving

Oregon Grape root extract

Interacts with
1,218 drugs
0 NP per serving

Oregon grape is a shrub whose root contains berberine and related compounds. The strongest (though still modest) evidence is for topical creams that m...

Oregon Grape root extract monograph & interactions

55-65% Pure Grain Alcohol

0 NP per serving
Interaction report

Oregon Grape Root by Gaia Herbs Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Oregon Grape Root?

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
1,218Drugs
1,218 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Oregon Grape Root 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.

Oregon Grape root extract9 drug types · 1,218 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, Oregon grape might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
In vitro and in vivo research suggests that berberine, a constituent of Oregon grape, can inhibit platelet aggregation.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, Oregon grape might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Clinical research suggests that berberine, a constituent of Oregon grape, can lower blood glucose levels.

Likelihood Possible Evidence A
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, Oregon grape might increase the risk of hypotension when taken with antihypertensive drugs.
Animal research suggests that berberine, a constituent of Oregon grape, can have hypotensive effects. Also, an analysis of clinical evidence suggests that taking berberine in combination with amlodipine (Norvasc) can lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure when compared with taking amlodipine alone.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cns Depressants

Theoretically, Oregon grape might increase the sedative effects of CNS depressants.
Animal research suggests that berberine, a constituent of Oregon grape, can have sedative effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)

Theoretically, Oregon grape might increase the effects and adverse effects of cyclosporine.
Berberine, a constituent of Oregon grape, can reduce metabolism of cyclosporine and increase serum levels. It might inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4), which metabolizes cyclosporine.

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

Theoretically, Oregon grape might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C9.
Preliminary clinical evidence suggests that berberine, a constituent of Oregon grape, can inhibit cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9).

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

Theoretically, Oregon grape might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
In vitro research and preliminary clinical evidence suggest that berberine, a constituent of Oregon grape, can inhibit cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6).

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

Theoretically, Oregon grape might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
In vitro research and preliminary clinical evidence suggest that berberine, a constituent of Oregon grape, moderately inhibits cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4).

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
P-Glycoprotein Substrates

Theoretically, Oregon grape might increase serum levels of drugs that are P-glycoprotein (P-gp) substrates.
In vitro research suggests that Oregon grape extracts inhibit P-gp efflux.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Oregon Grape Root, from the product label.

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Oregon Grape Root by Gaia Herbs: Common Questions

Does Oregon Grape Root by Gaia Herbs interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Oregon Grape Root has a known interaction with 1,218 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Oregon Grape Root contains 3 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.
Is Oregon grape safe to use if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. Oregon grape is rated likely unsafe in pregnancy and while breastfeeding because berberine-containing plants are traditionally avoided during pregnancy, and berberine may pass into breast milk. Do not use this product if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing.
Can I use this if I take blood thinners like warfarin?
Not without checking with your doctor or pharmacist first. Oregon grape may increase bleeding risk when combined with blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs. Talk it over before starting.
What is Oregon grape actually used for?
Oregon grape is possibly effective for psoriasis. For eczema, GERD, and peptic ulcers, the evidence in our data isn't strong enough to confirm whether it helps or not. Your doctor can advise you on whether it's worth trying for your situation.
Does this interact with my diabetes medication?
Possibly. Oregon grape may increase the risk of low blood sugar when taken with diabetes drugs because berberine can lower blood glucose levels. If you take diabetes medication, check with your doctor or pharmacist before adding this product.
What side effects might I experience?
Oral use of Oregon grape is less well studied than topical use. Topically, it may cause itching, burning, and skin irritation in some people. For this liquid product, adverse effects data is limited, so talk with your pharmacist if you develop any unusual symptoms.
Does this product contain any fillers?
No inactive fillers or binders are listed. It contains Oregon grape root extract, water, and grain alcohol — that's it.

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

Not sure if Oregon Grape Root is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

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.

Oregon Grape Root label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Oregon Grape Root'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 21 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.

Oregon Grape 21 references
  1. Wiesenauer M, Lydtke R. Mahonia aquifolium in patients with Psoriasis vulgaris; an intraindividual study. Phytomedicine 1996;3:231-5.
  2. Chan E. Displacement of bilirubin from albumin by berberine. Biol Neonate 1993;63:201-8. PubMed
  3. Janbaz KH, Gilani AH. Studies on preventive and curative effects of berberine on chemical-induced hepatotoxicity in rodents. Fitoterapia 2000;71:25-33.. PubMed
  4. 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
  5. Gulliver WP, Donsky HJ. A report on three recent clinical trials using Mahonia aquifolium 10% topical cream and a review of the worldwide clinical experience with Mahonia aquifolium for the treatment of plaque psoriasis. Am J Ther 2005;12:398-406. PubMed
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. 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.
  11. 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
  12. Sabir M and Bhide NK. Study of some pharmacological actions of berberine. Ind J Physiol & Pharmac 1971;15(3):111-132.
  13. Tripathi YB and Shukla SD. Berberis artistata inhibits PAF induced aggregation of rabbit platelets. Phytotherapy Research 1996;10:628-630.
  14. Yin, J., Xing, H., and Ye, J. Efficacy of berberine in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Metabolism 2008;57(5):712-717. PubMed
  15. 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
  16. 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
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. 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
  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. Fan Y, Zhou Z, Zhang L. Effect of Oregon grape root extracts on P-glycoprotein mediated transport in in vitro cell lines. J Pharm Pharm Sci 2024;26:11927. PubMed

See these in context on the Oregon Grape 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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