Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 5 of 11 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Tian Ma Gou Teng Teapills Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Plum Flower

Tablet Or Pill Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Tian Ma Gou Teng Teapills is a dietary supplement by Plum Flower with 11 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for anti-aging and longevity, hair graying and hair loss, general tonic for vitality.Based on those ingredients, 1,529 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Polygonum multiflorum extract, Scutellaria baicalensis extract, Poria cocos extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Tian Ma Gou Teng Teapills by Plum Flower

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 11 active ingredients.
  • “Proprietary Extract Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (1,360 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

Tian Ma Gou Teng Teapills contains 11 ingredients in a proprietary extract blend. The active ingredients include Polygonum multiflorum (fo-ti), Eucommia ulmoides, Poria cocos (poria mushroom), Scutellaria baicalensis (Baikal skullcap), Leonurus japonicus (motherwort), Gastrodia elata, Gardenia jasminoides, Haliotis diversicolor, Taxillus chinensis, and Cyathula officinalis.

The inactive ingredients are maltose, microcrystalline cellulose, hydrated magnesium silicate, activated charcoal, and china wax.

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 its ingredients' overall clinical evidence instead.

Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports its ingredients for:

  • Bleeding via Motherwort Possibly Effective
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 ingredients' overall clinical evidence instead.
  • On file: Bleeding — rated "Possibly Effective" (Motherwort) (Natural Medicines).

The evidence supporting these ingredients is limited. For Polygonum multiflorum and Poria cocos, the data we hold rates effectiveness as insufficient to establish whether they work for age-related cognitive decline, hair loss, Alzheimer's disease, osteoporosis, or heart disease.

Scutellaria baicalensis shows insufficient evidence for hay fever, anxiety, atherosclerosis, ADHD, prostate cancer, and headache. Leonurus japonicus is rated possibly effective for bleeding, but insufficient evidence exists for the other conditions listed.

Gardenia jasminoides also carries insufficient evidence ratings for anxiety, dementia, depression, diabetes, high blood pressure, and flu. We have no effectiveness data on file for Eucommia ulmoides, Gastrodia elata, Haliotis diversicolor, Taxillus chinensis, or Cyathula officinalis.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Fo-ti Poria Mushroom Baikal Skullcap Motherwort Gardenia

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 5 of the 5 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 5 of 5.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 5 of 5.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Fo-ti is linked to liver damage — the facts note around 450 documented cases of hepatitis in the medical literature, affecting patients ages 5 to 78 at varying doses and durations. Liver injury can range from full recovery to cirrhosis and death.

The most common side effects from unprocessed fo-ti are abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Motherwort is traditionally thought to stimulate the uterus and should be avoided in pregnancy.

Baikal skullcap is generally well tolerated orally but may cause abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting; rare serious effects include liver damage and hypersensitivity pneumonitis with certain combination products. Poria mushroom is well tolerated in traditional use but carries limited human safety data and rare allergic reactions.

Gardenia has limited safety data; topical exposure can cause allergic contact dermatitis. None of these ingredients have sufficient safety data during pregnancy or breastfeeding — the product should be avoided.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Fo-ti Poria Mushroom Baikal Skullcap Motherwort Gardenia

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?
  • 5 of the 5 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Motherwort, Poria Mushroom, Fo-ti, Baikal Skullcap, Gardenia.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; diabetes medications; heart-rhythm medications; lithium.
  • For scale: 1,530 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, check with us if you're on blood thinners (anticoagulants) or warfarin, any drug metabolized by your liver's CYP enzymes, blood pressure medications, diabetes drugs, lithium, thyroid drugs, stimulant laxatives, diuretics, sedatives, or anticholinergic/cholinergic drugs. No interactions are documented for the ingredients we could not check in our data.

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.

This product is not a good fit if you take blood thinners, heart medications, diabetes drugs, blood pressure drugs, or anything metabolized by your liver. Fo-ti's link to liver injury is a real concern, especially with long-term use.

Talk to your pharmacist or doctor before starting, particularly if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or on any regular medication.

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

Assessment coverage: 5 of 11 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 Tian Ma Gou Teng Teapills, straight from the product label.

Brand Plum Flower
Barcode (UPC) 739934833360
Net contents 1000 Pill(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Nov 22, 2024
DSLD ID 310592
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
Dietary claims / uses All Other
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Women (not pregnant or lactating)
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 Tian Ma Gou Teng Teapills by Plum Flower, 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:
8 Pill(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
8 Pill(s)
Servings per container
125
UPC/BARCODE
739934833360
IngredientAmount% DV
Proprietary Extract Blend1360 mg--
Polygonum multiflorum extract0 NP--
Eucommia ulmoides extract0 NP--
Poria cocos extract0 NP--
Scutellaria baicalensis extract0 NP--
Leonurus japonicus extract0 NP--
Gastrodia elata extract0 NP--
Gardenia jasminoides extract0 NP--
Haliotis diversicolor extract0 NP--
Taxillus chinensis extract0 NP--
Cyathula officinalis extract0 NP--
Uncaria rhynchophylla extract0 NP--

Other ingredients: Maltose, Microcrystalline Cellulose, hydrated Magnesium Silicate, activated Carbon, China Wax

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 Statements

Economy size

Foci Pharmaceutical 1929

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Take 8 pills 3 times daily or as directed by your health care practitioner

Precautions

Not for use during pregnancy

Keep out of reach of children

Formulation

Plum Flower Guarantee US owned & operated since 1969. Made in China in partnership with the award-winning Lanzhou Foci Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.

Formula

Tian Ma Gou Teng Wan

Seals/Symbols

Sourced sustainably FDA Registered cGMP Compliant Made in a cGMP certified facility Lab Tested Quality Verified Species Verified

See for yourself

Tian Ma Gou Teng Teapills by Plum Flower label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Tian Ma Gou Teng Teapills by Plum Flower

These are the 11 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size8 Pill(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill Servings per container125 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 Extract Blend

1360 mg per serving

Other (inactive) ingredients: Maltose, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Hydrated Magnesium Silicate, Activated Carbon, China Wax. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Tian Ma Gou Teng Teapills by Plum Flower Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Tian Ma Gou Teng Teapills?

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
1,529Drugs
1,484 Moderate 45 Minor

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Tian Ma Gou Teng Teapills 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.

Polygonum multiflorum extract17 drug types · 1,257 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Fo-ti has been linked to cases of acute liver failure which can decrease clotting factor production and increase the effects of anticoagulants. In one case, a patient who had been stable on warfarin presented with acute hepatitis and an INR elevated to 14.98. The patient had been taking fo-ti for 90 days prior to admission. Discontinuation of warfarin and fo-ti lead to a decrease in the INR and full recovery. Theoretically, concomitant use of fo-ti with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs may increase the risk of bleeding in some patients. Until more is known, monitor patients taking fo-ti and drugs that affect bleeding.
Some of these drugs include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), dalteparin (Fragmin), dipyridamole (Persantine), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, ticlopidine (Ticlid), warfarin (Coumadin), and others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, fo-ti might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Fo-ti reportedly has hypoglycemic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Contraceptive Drugs

Theoretically, taking large amounts of fo-ti might interfere with contraceptive drugs due to competition for estrogen receptors.
In vitro research suggests that fo-ti extract has estrogenic activity.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates

Theoretically, fo-ti might increase or decrease the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2.
In vitro research suggests that fo-ti might inhibit CYP1A2. Additionally, in vitro research suggests that the degree of CYP1A2 inhibition depends on the type of fo-ti extract (i.e., the raw plant leads to greater inhibition than extensively processed extracts). However, in an animal study, an aqueous extract of fo-ti inhibited CYP1A2 while an alcoholic extract of fo-ti induced CYP1A2. Induction or inhibition of CYP1A2 by fo-ti has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2B6 (Cyp2B6) Substrates

Theoretically, fo-ti might increase the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP2B6.
Animal research suggests that fo-ti might inhibit CYP2B6. One in vitro study suggests that the degree of CYP2B6 inhibition may depend on the type of fo-ti extract (i.e., the raw plant leads to greater inhibition than extensively processed extracts). However, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2C19 (Cyp2C19) Substrates

Theoretically, fo-ti may increase the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP2C19.
Animal and in vitro research suggests that fo-ti may inhibit CYP2C19. An in vitro study suggests that the degree of CYP2C19 inhibition may depend on the type of fo-ti extract (i.e., the raw plant leads to greater inhibition than extensively processed extracts). However, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2C8 (Cyp2C8) Substrates

Theoretically, fo-ti might increase the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP2C8.
In vitro research suggests that fo-ti might inhibit CYP2C8. However, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

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

Theoretically, fo-ti may increase the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP2C9.
Animal and in vitro research suggests that fo-ti may inhibit CYP2C9. However, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

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

Theoretically, fo-ti may increase the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
Animal research suggests that fo-ti might inhibit CYP2D6. Additionally, an in vitro study suggests that the degree of CYP2D6 inhibition may depend on the type of fo-ti extract (i.e., the raw plant leads to greater inhibition than extensively processed extracts). However, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

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

Theoretically, fo-ti might increase the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
In vitro research suggests that fo-ti might inhibit CYP3A4. One in vitro study suggests that the degree of CYP3A4 inhibition may depend on the type of fo-ti extract (i.e., the raw plant leads to greater inhibition than extensively processed extracts). However, this evidence conflicts with animal research suggesting that fo-ti does not inhibit CYP3A4. This interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Theoretically, fo-ti, particularly raw fo-ti root, might increase the risk of hypokalemia and cardiotoxicity when taken with digoxin.
Raw fo-ti root contains anthraquinone derivatives, which might have stimulant laxative effects. In vitro research shows that fermented and processed fo-ti root have reduced laxative effects compared with raw fo-ti root.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Diuretic Drugs

Theoretically, fo-ti, particularly raw fo-ti root, might increase the risk of hypokalemia when taken with diuretic drugs.
Raw fo-ti root contains anthraquinone derivatives, which might have stimulant laxative effects and compound diuretic-induced potassium loss. In vitro research shows that fermented and processed fo-ti root have reduced laxative effects compared with raw fo-ti root.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Estrogens

Theoretically, taking large amounts of fo-ti might interfere with hormone replacement therapy through competition for estrogen receptors.
In vitro research suggests that fo-ti extract has estrogenic activity.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Hepatotoxic Drugs

Theoretically, fo-ti might increase the risk of liver damage when taken with hepatotoxic drugs.
Fo-ti has been linked to liver damage in many reports.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Stimulant Laxatives

Theoretically, fo-ti, particularly raw fo-ti root, might increase the risk of fluid and electrolyte depletion when taken with stimulant laxatives.
Raw fo-ti root contains anthraquinone derivatives, which might have stimulant laxative effects. However, in vitro research shows that fermented and processed fo-ti root have reduced laxative effects compared with raw fo-ti root.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Sulindac (Clinoril)

Theoretically, fo-ti might increase or decrease the levels and clinical effects of sulindac.
Animal research suggests that the type of fo-ti extract might affect the levels of sulindac differently; the raw plant may increase levels, but processed parts may decrease levels. Induction or inhibition of CYP1A2 by fo-ti has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, fo-ti might increase the effects and adverse effects of warfarin.
Fo-ti may have stimulant laxative effects and cause diarrhea, especially when the raw or unprocessed fo-ti root is used. Diarrhea can increase the effects of warfarin, increase international normalized ratio (INR), and increase the risk of bleeding. Also, fo-ti has been linked to cases of acute liver failure which can decrease clotting factor production and increase the effects of warfarin. In one case, a patient who had been stable on warfarin presented with acute hepatitis and an INR elevated to 14.98. The patient had been taking fo-ti for 90 days prior to admission. Discontinuation of warfarin and fo-ti lead to a decrease in the INR and full recovery.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Scutellaria baicalensis extract12 drug types · 946 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, Baikal skullcap might increase the risk of bleeding when used concomitantly with anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs.
Preliminary clinical research suggests that taking capsules containing a combination of astragalus, goldthread, and Baikal skullcap daily for 4 weeks inhibits platelet aggregation; the effect seems to be similar to that of aspirin 50 mg daily. It is unclear if this effect is due to Baikal skullcap, other ingredients, or the combination.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use of Baikal skullcap with antidiabetes drugs might enhance blood glucose lowering effects.
Baicalein, a constituent of Baikal skullcap, has alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity in vitro. Animal research also suggests that Baikal skullcap enhances the antidiabetic effects of metformin. However, in a small human study, taking Baikal skullcap extract did not enhance the antidiabetic effects of metformin, although it did modestly lower glucose levels during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Until more is known, use cautiously.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use of Baikal skullcap with antihypertensive drugs might have additive effects and increase the risk of hypotension.
Animal research suggests that baicalein, a constituent of Baikal skullcap, might lower blood pressure.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antithyroid Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use of Baikal skullcap and antithyroid drugs may result in additive activity and increase the risk of hypothyroidism.
In an animal hyperthyroid model, Baikal skullcap improved levels of triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). The clinical significance of this effect is unclear.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates

Theoretically, Baikal skullcap may increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2 enzymes.
In vitro evidence suggests that constituents of Baikal skullcap inhibit the activity of CYP1A2. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2C19 (Cyp2C19) Substrates

Theoretically, Baikal skullcap might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C19 enzymes.
In vitro evidence suggest that wogonin, a constituent of Baikal skullcap, modestly inhibits the activity of CYP2C19 enzymes. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Estrogens

Theoretically, concomitant use of large amounts of Baikal skullcap might interfere with hormone replacement therapy, due to competition for estrogen receptors.
In vitro evidence suggests that Baikal skullcap has estrogenic activity.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Lithium

Theoretically, Baikal skullcap might reduce lithium excretion and increase serum levels of lithium.
Baikal skullcap is thought to have diuretic properties, which may reduce lithium excretion. The dose of lithium might need to be decreased.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Alcohol (Ethanol)

Theoretically, Baikal skullcap might potentiate the sedative effects of alcohol.
In vitro and animal research suggests that Baikal skullcap binds to GABA-A receptors and causes sedation. Theoretically, Baikal skullcap might potentiate the sedative effects of alcohol. Preliminary clinical research has not identified clinically relevant sedation after use of Baikal skullcap; however, a thorough evaluation of safety outcomes has not been conducted.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Cns Depressants

Theoretically, Baikal skullcap might cause additive therapeutic and adverse effects when used concomitantly with drugs with sedative properties.
In vitro and animal research suggests that Baikal skullcap binds to GABA-A receptors and causes sedation. Theoretically, Baikal skullcap might cause additive therapeutic and adverse effects when used concomitantly with drugs with sedative properties. Preliminary clinical research has not identified clinically relevant sedation after use of Baikal skullcap; however, a thorough evaluation of safety outcomes has not been conducted.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Organic Anion-Transporting Polypeptide Substrates (Oatp)

Theoretically, Baikal skullcap might alter the levels and clinical effects of OATP substrates.
Some pharmacokinetic research shows that baicalin, a constituent of Baikal skullcap, can decrease plasma levels of rosuvastatin. The mechanism is thought to involve stimulation of the activity of the organic anion-transporting polypeptide 1B1 (OATP1B1), which transports rosuvastatin into the liver. This decreases plasma levels of the drug, but increases levels at the site of action in the liver. The degree to which rosuvastatin levels are affected depends on the OATP1B1 haplotype of the individual. Baikal skullcap might also affect other OATP1B1 substrates.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
P-Glycoprotein Substrates

Theoretically, Baikal skullcap might increase levels of drugs transported by P-glycoprotein.
In vitro and animal research suggests that baicalein, oroxylin A, and wogonin, constituents of Baikal skullcap, can inhibit P-glycoprotein. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Poria cocos extract3 drug types · 417 drugs

Anticholinergic Drugs

Theoretically, poria mushroom might decrease the clinical effects of anticholinergic drugs.
In animal research, poria mushroom essential oil reduces acetylcholinesterase activity. This interaction has not been shown in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cholinergic Drugs

Theoretically, poria mushroom might have additive effects when used with cholinergic drugs.
In animal research, poria mushroom essential oil reduces acetylcholinesterase activity. This interaction has not been shown in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cns Depressants

Theoretically, taking poria mushroom extract may enhance the therapeutic and adverse effects of sedatives.
Animal research shows that poria mushroom extract has sedative properties. This interaction has not been shown in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Leonurus japonicus extract1 drug type · 248 drugs

Cns Depressants

Theoretically, taking motherwort concomitantly with other CNS depressants may increase the risk of sedation.
Motherwort has been reported to cause CNS depression and sedation.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Gardenia jasminoides extract1 drug type · 21 drugs

Stimulant Laxatives

Theoretically, gardenia might increase the effects and adverse effects of stimulant laxatives.
Animal research shows that geniposide, a glucoside found in gardenia fruit, may function as a laxative and cause diarrhea when taken orally.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Tian Ma Gou Teng Teapills, from the product label.

Plum Flower

Name
Mayway Herbs
City
Oakland
State
CA
Web Address
plumflowerherbs.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Tian Ma Gou Teng Teapills by Plum Flower: Common Questions

Does Tian Ma Gou Teng Teapills by Plum Flower interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Tian Ma Gou Teng Teapills has a known interaction with 1,529 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Tian Ma Gou Teng Teapills contains 11 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 it safe to take this while I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
The safety data aren't there for pregnancy or breastfeeding. Fo-ti and motherwort are rated unsafe or likely unsafe in pregnancy, and the others don't have enough information to say either way. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before use.
What's fo-ti, and why is there so much talk about liver problems?
Fo-ti is Polygonum multiflorum, a traditional Chinese herb in this blend. About 450 cases of hepatitis linked to fo-ti have been documented in medical literature — some people have developed serious liver damage from it. That's why it needs careful use and professional guidance.
Can I take this with my blood thinner or heart medication?
No — not without checking first. Fo-ti has been shown to increase the effects of warfarin dangerously, and it may interfere with other blood thinners and heart drugs like digoxin. Use the medication checker on this page with your exact prescriptions.
What side effects might I notice?
The most common are diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting — especially from the unprocessed fo-ti in the blend. Rare but serious effects include liver damage. Stop and talk to a pharmacist if you develop stomach pain, yellowing skin, dark urine, or unusual bruising.
Does this product have any fillers or ingredients I should know about?
Yes — the blend contains inactive ingredients: maltose, microcrystalline cellulose, hydrated magnesium silicate, activated charcoal, and china wax.
Will this help with memory or brain fog?
The evidence we hold rates it insufficient to say whether it works for those uses. Traditional Chinese medicine uses these herbs for cognitive support, but human studies backing that up are limited.

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.

Tian Ma Gou Teng Teapills label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Tian Ma Gou Teng Teapills’s Ingredients

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

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Tian Ma Gou Teng Teapills'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 76 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.

Fo-ti 28 references
  1. Foster S, Tyler VE. Tyler's Honest Herbal: A Sensible Guide to the Use of Herbs and Related Remedies. 3rd ed., Binghamton, NY: Haworth Herbal Press, 1993.
  2. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
  3. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
  4. Covington TR, et al. Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs. 11th ed. Washington, DC: American Pharmaceutical Association, 1996.
  5. Park GJ, Mann SP, Ngu MC. Acute hepatitis induced by Shou-Wu-Pian, a herbal product derived from Polygonum multiflorum. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2001;16:115-7.
  6. But PP, Tomlinson B, Lee KL. Hepatitis related to the Chinese medicine Shou-wu-pian manufactured from Polygonum multiflorum. Vet Hum Toxicol 1996;38:280-2.
  7. Oerter Klein KO, Janfaza M, Wong JA, Chang RJ. Estrogen bioactivity in Fo-Ti and other herbs used for their estrogen-like effects as determined by a recombinant cell bioassay. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2003;88:4077-9.. PubMed
  8. Unger M, Frank A. Simultaneous determination of the inhibitory potency of herbal extracts on the activity of six major cytochrome P450 enzymes using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry and automated online extraction. Rapid Commun Mass Spectrom 2004;1 PubMed
  9. UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency. Polygonum multiflorum and liver reactions. April 2006. Available at: www.mhra.gov.uk/home/idcplg?IdcService= SS_GET_PAGE&useSecondary=true&ssDocName= CON2023590&ssTargetNodeId= 833 (Accessed 10 May 2
  10. Panis B, Wong DR, Hooymans PM, De Smet PA, Rosias PP. Recurrent toxic hepatitis in a Caucasian girl related to the use of Shou-Wu-Pian, a Chinese herbal preparation. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2005;41:256-8. PubMed
  11. Mazzanti G, Battinelli L, Daniele C, et al. New case of acute hepatitis following the consumption of Shou Wu Pian, a Chinese herbal product derived from Polygonum multiflorum. Ann Intern Med 2004;140:E589-90.
  12. Cardenas A, Restrepo JC, Sierra F, Correa G. Acute hepatitis due to shen-min: a herbal product derived from Polygonum multiflorum. J Clin Gastroenterol 2006;40:629-32. PubMed
  13. Zhang CZ, Wang SX, Zhang Y, et al. In vitro estrogenic activities of Chinese medicinal plants traditionally used for the management of menopausal symptoms. J Ethnopharmacol 2005;98:295-300. PubMed
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Poria Mushroom 3 references
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Motherwort 6 references
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Gardenia 5 references
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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.

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