Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 6 of 9 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

VirugoMax Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Ron Teeguarden's Dragon Herbs

VirugoMax label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking VirugoMax against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

VirugoMax is a dietary supplement by Ron Teeguarden's Dragon Herbs with 9 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for colds and flu symptoms, sore throat, fever.Based on those ingredients, 1,517 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Turmeric Tuber Extract, Acorus Rhizome Extract, Rehmannia Root Extract, Raw. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

Jump to a section

Check Your Meds Against VirugoMax by Ron Teeguarden's Dragon Herbs

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with VirugoMax by Ron Teeguarden's Dragon Herbs — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

Pharmacist-reviewed data Checks every ingredient Answer in seconds
Prefer a human? Send your question to our licensed pharmacists — free, answered by email within 24 hours.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of VirugoMax by Ron Teeguarden's Dragon 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

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 11, 2026

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 9 active ingredients.
  • “Proprietary Extract Formula” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (1,500 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

VirugoMax contains nine ingredients total. The active components are Gypsum Extract, Forsythia fruit extract, Anemarrhena Rhizome Extract, a Proprietary Extract Formula (which contains additional component ingredients), Isatis root extract, Rehmannia Root Extract (raw form), Acorus Rhizome Extract, Phragmites Rhizome Extract, and Turmeric Tuber Extract.

The inactive ingredients are Pullulan Polysaccharide (capsule material), Rice Powder, Bamboo Extract Powder, and Rice extract Blend — these are excipients that make up the capsule and its contents.

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
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: immune support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Infection resistance, Antiviral support, Fever management.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Turmeric is rated "Possibly Effective" for Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) (Natural Medicines).

The evidence for this product's ingredients is mixed and mostly limited. Turmeric shows possibly effective evidence for depression, high cholesterol, hay fever, and indigestion.

Isatis root extract shows possibly effective evidence only for psoriasis. For most other uses claimed in traditional medicine — bronchiolitis, bronchitis, asthma, diabetes, and various cancers — the evidence we hold is insufficient to rate these ingredients as effective.

Several ingredients lack any effectiveness data on file.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Forsythia Isatis Rehmannia Calamus Reed Herb Turmeric

How safe is it?

Some data gaps
Safety Information · database check
Some gaps

Safety data exists for these ingredients, but with some important gaps.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 2 of the 6 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 4 of 6.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 6 of 6.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Acorus Rhizome Extract (calamus) is a major safety concern: it is likely unsafe because it may cause cancer, contains a potentially toxic compound called beta-asarone (which the FDA banned from food), and can cause nausea, vomiting, and intestinal paralysis. It should not be used in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Turmeric is generally well tolerated when used as a food, but concentrated supplements can cause constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and rarely liver damage — at least 70 cases of liver injury have been reported with turmeric supplements taken for 2 weeks to 14 months. Forsythia, Rehmannia, Isatis, and Phragmites are traditionally used short-term with limited human safety data and should be avoided in pregnancy and while breastfeeding per the safety information on file.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Forsythia Isatis Rehmannia Calamus Reed Herb Turmeric

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?
  • 4 of the 6 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Turmeric, Calamus, Forsythia, Rehmannia.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; cancer treatments; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 1,518 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 VirugoMax, check your medications against these drug categories: blood pressure drugs (antihypertensive), central nervous system depressants (sedatives, sleep aids, some pain relievers), medications metabolized by liver enzymes CYP2D6 and CYP3A4, blood thinners and antiplatelet drugs (including aspirin), diabetes medications, chemotherapy drugs, tacrolimus, tamoxifen, methotrexate, tramadol, sulfasalazine, and azithromycin. The interaction checker below is essential before you start.

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 for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and some safety-information gaps remain.

VirugoMax is a traditional herbal blend with significant medication interactions and some safety concerns — especially the calamus ingredient, which carries cancer risk. If you take any blood pressure drugs, diabetes medications, blood thinners, sedatives, chemotherapy, or medications metabolized by your liver, check your exact prescriptions with the tool on this page before using it.

Talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, particularly if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or have liver problems.

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

Assessment coverage: 6 of 9 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Dec 13, 2022.

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 VirugoMax, straight from the product label.

Brand Ron Teeguarden's Dragon Herbs
Net contents 60 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Dec 13, 2022
DSLD ID 279262
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten 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 VirugoMax by Ron Teeguarden's Dragon 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:
2 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
3 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
20
IngredientAmount% DV
Gypsum Extract0 NP--
Forsythia fruit extract0 NP--
Anemarrhena Rhizome Extract0 NP--
Proprietary Extract Formula1500 mg--
Isatis root extract0 NP--
Rehmannia Root Extract, Raw0 NP--
Acorus Rhizome Extract0 NP--
Phragmites Rhizome Extract0 NP--
Pogostemon Herb Extract0 NP--
Turmeric Tuber Extract0 NP--

Other ingredients: Pullulan Polysaccharide, Rice, Powder, Bamboo Extract, Powder, Rice extract Blend

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.
FDA Disclaimer Statement

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

Formulation

VirugoMax, is a well-tested herbal formulation with immune supporting activity in humans. In the past decade over 200 million doses of this dietary supplement have been consumed in China. VirugoMax, has no side effects or toxicity.

Pullulan caps - 100% natural, water-soluble polysaccharide produced through a fermentation process; vegetable origin; non-GMO; no starch, preservatives or chemical modifications; gluten free.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Ron Teeguarden's Dragon Herbs Health Deserves Cultivation

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

General Statements

VirugoMax 500 mg each

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: 2-3 capsules, 3 times per day. Take before breakfast and after lunch and dinner over the course of

Formula

Pullulan caps - 100% natural, water-soluble polysaccharide produced through a fermentation process; vegetable origin; non-GMO; no starch, preservatives or chemical modifications; gluten free.

Precautions

Keep out of the reach of children.

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

See for yourself

VirugoMax by Ron Teeguarden's Dragon Herbs label

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

VirugoMax label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in VirugoMax by Ron Teeguarden's Dragon Herbs

These are the 9 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container20 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 Formula

1500 mg per serving

Other (inactive) ingredients: Pullulan Polysaccharide, Rice, Powder, Bamboo Extract, Powder, Rice extract Blend. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

VirugoMax by Ron Teeguarden's Dragon Herbs Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against VirugoMax?

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
1,517Drugs
1,452 Moderate 65 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Turmeric Tuber Extract 1,133
Acorus Rhizome Extract 1,117
Rehmannia Root Extract, Raw 258
Forsythia fruit extract 123

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in VirugoMax interact with 1,517 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

4 of the 9 ingredients in VirugoMax interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Turmeric Tuber Extract Acorus Rhizome Extract Rehmannia Root Extract, Raw Forsythia fruit extract

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in VirugoMax 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.

Turmeric Tuber Extract24 drug types · 1,133 drugs

Alkylating Agents

Turmeric has antioxidant effects. Theoretically, this may reduce the activity of chemotherapy drugs that generate free radicals. However, research is conflicting.
In vitro research suggests that curcumin, a constituent of turmeric, inhibits mechlorethamine-induced apoptosis of breast cancer cells by up to 70%. Also, animal research shows that curcumin inhibits cyclophosphamide-induced tumor regression. However, some in vitro research shows that curcumin does not affect the apoptosis capacity of etoposide. Also, other laboratory research suggests that curcumin might augment the cytotoxic effects of alkylating agents. Reasons for the discrepancies may relate to the dose of curcumin and the specific chemotherapeutic agent. Lower doses of curcumin might have antioxidant effects while higher doses might have pro-oxidant effects. More evidence is needed to determine what effect, if any, turmeric might have on alkylating agents.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Amlodipine (Norvasc)

Taking turmeric with amlodipine may increase levels of amlodipine.
Animal research shows that giving amlodipine 1 mg/kg as a single dose following the use of turmeric extract 200 mg/kg daily for 2 weeks increases the maximum concentration and area under the curve by 53% and 56%, respectively, when compared with amlodipine alone. Additional animal research shows that taking amlodipine 1 mg/kg with a curcumin 2 mg/kg pretreatment for 10 days increases the maximum concentration and area under the curve by about 2-fold when compared with amlodipine alone.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Turmeric may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs. However, research is conflicting.
Curcumin, a constituent of turmeric, has demonstrated antiplatelet effects in vitro. Furthermore, two case reports have found that taking turmeric along with warfarin or fluindione was associated with an increased international normalized ratio (INR). However, one clinical study in healthy volunteers shows that taking curcumin 500 mg daily for 3 weeks, alone or with aspirin 100 mg, does not increase antiplatelet effects or bleeding risk. It is possible that the dose of turmeric used in this study was too low to produce a notable effect.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking turmeric with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Animal research and case reports suggest that curcumin, a turmeric constituent, can reduce blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes. Furthermore, clinical research in adults with type 2 diabetes shows that taking curcumin 475 mg daily for 10 days prior to taking glyburide 5 mg decreased postprandial glucose levels for up to 24 hours when compared with glyburide alone, despite the lack of a significant pharmacokinetic interaction. Other clinical studies in patients with diabetes show that taking curcumin daily can reduce blood glucose levels when compared with placebo.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Antitumor Antibiotics

Turmeric has antioxidant effects. Theoretically, this may reduce the activity of chemotherapy drugs that generate free radicals. However, research is conflicting.
In vitro and animal research shows that curcumin, a constituent of turmeric, inhibits doxorubicin-induced apoptosis of breast cancer cells by up to 65%. However, curcumin does not seem to affect the apoptosis capacity of daunorubicin. In fact, some research shows that curcumin might augment the cytotoxic effects of antitumor antibiotics, increasing their effectiveness. Reasons for the discrepancies may relate to the dose of curcumin and the chemotherapeutic agent. Lower doses of curcumin might have antioxidant effects while higher doses might have pro-oxidant effects. More evidence is needed to determine what effects, if any, antioxidants such as turmeric have on antitumor antibiotics.

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

Turmeric might increase or decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
In vitro and animal research show that turmeric and its constituents curcumin and curcuminoids inhibit CYP3A4. Also, 8 case reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) adverse drug reaction database describe increased toxicity in patients taking turmeric and cancer medications that are CYP3A4 substrates, including everolimus, ruxolitinib, ibrutinib, and palbociclib, and bortezomib. In another case report, a transplant patient presented with acute nephrotoxicity and elevated tacrolimus levels after consuming turmeric powder at a dose of 15 or more spoonfuls daily for ten days prior. It was thought that turmeric increased levels of tacrolimus due to CYP3A4 inhibition.
Conversely, other in vitro research suggests that turmeric induces CYP3A4 activity, leading to reduced levels of CYP3A4 substrates. An animal model suggests that induction of CYP3A4 occurs after daily curcumin use for 1 week. However, the induction of CYP3A4 by turmeric has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Hepatotoxic Drugs

Theoretically, turmeric might increase the risk of liver damage when taken with hepatotoxic drugs.
There is concern that turmeric might cause hepatotoxicity, especially when highly bioavailable formulations are used in high doses.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Methotrexate (Trexall, Others)

Theoretically, turmeric might have additive effects when used with hepatotoxic drugs such as methotrexate.
In one case report, a 39-year-old female taking methotrexate, turmeric, and linseed oil developed hepatotoxicity.

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

Theoretically, turmeric might increase blood levels of OATP4C1 substrates.
In vitro research shows that the turmeric constituent curcumin competitively inhibits OATP4C1 transport. This transporter is expressed in the kidney and facilitates the renal excretion of certain drugs. Theoretically, taking turmeric might decrease renal excretion of OATP substrates.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Sulfasalazine (Azulfidine)

Turmeric might increase the effects and adverse effects of sulfasalazine.
Clinical research shows that taking the turmeric constituent, curcumin, can increase blood levels of sulfasalazine by 3.2-fold.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Tacrolimus (Prograf)

Turmeric might increase the effects and adverse effects of tacrolimus.
In one case report, a transplant patient presented with acute nephrotoxicity and elevated tacrolimus levels of 29 ng/mL. The patient previously had tacrolimus levels within the therapeutic range at 9.7 ng/mL. Ten days prior to presenting at the emergency room the patient started consumption of turmeric powder at a dose of 15 or more spoonfuls daily. It was thought that turmeric increased levels of tacrolimus due to cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) inhibition. In vitro and animal research show that turmeric and its constituent curcumin inhibit CYP3A4.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Talinolol

Turmeric may reduce the absorption of talinolol in some situations.
Clinical research shows that taking curcumin for 6 days decreases the bioavailability of talinolol when taken together on the seventh day. The clinical significance of this effect is unclear.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Tamoxifen (Nolvadex)

Theoretically, turmeric might reduce the levels and clinical effects of tamoxifen.
In a small clinical trial in patients with breast cancer taking tamoxifen 20-30 mg daily, adding curcumin 1200 mg plus piperine 10 mg three times daily reduces the 24-hour area under the curve of tamoxifen and the active metabolite endoxifen by 12.8% and 12.4%, respectively, as well as the maximum concentrations of tamoxifen, when compared with tamoxifen alone. However, in the absence of piperine, the area under the curve for endoxifen and the maximum concentration of tamoxifen were not significantly reduced. Effects were most pronounced in patients who were extensive cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2D6 metabolizers.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Topoisomerase I Inhibitors

Turmeric has antioxidant effects. There is some concern that this may reduce the activity of chemotherapy drugs that generate free radicals. However, research is conflicting.
In vitro research shows that curcumin, a constituent of turmeric, inhibits camptothecin-induced apoptosis of breast cancer cells by up to 71%. However, other in vitro research shows that curcumin augments the cytotoxic effects of camptothecin. Reasons for the discrepancies may relate to the dose of curcumin and the chemotherapeutic agents. Lower doses of curcumin might have antioxidant effects while higher doses might have pro-oxidant effects. More evidence is needed to determine what effect, if any, turmeric might have.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Tramadol (Ultram)

Theoretically, turmeric might increase or decrease levels of tramadol.
Animal research suggests that a single dose of curcumin, a constituent of turmeric, may increase tramadol's maximum concentration (Cmax) by inhibiting metabolism, while continued daily use for 7 days may reduce the area under the curve (AUC) due to the induction of drug-metabolizing enzymes such as cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4). However, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Turmeric might increase the risk of bleeding with warfarin.
One case of increased international normalized ratio (INR) has been reported for a patient taking warfarin who began taking turmeric. Prior to taking turmeric, the patient had stable INR measurements. Within a few weeks of starting turmeric supplementation, the patient's INR increased to 10. Additionally, curcumin, the active constituent in turmeric, has demonstrated antiplatelet effects in vitro, which may produce additive effects when taken with warfarin.

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

Theoretically, turmeric might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2. However, research is conflicting.
In vitro and animal research show that the turmeric constituent, curcumin, inhibits CYP1A2. However, other in vitro research suggests that curcumin does not significantly affect CYP1A2.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Docetaxel (Taxotere)

Theoretically, turmeric might increase blood levels of oral docetaxel.
Animal research suggests that the turmeric constituent, curcumin, enhances the oral bioavailability of docetaxel. However, the significance of this interaction is unclear, as this drug is typically administered intravenously in clinical settings.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Estrogens

Theoretically, large amounts of turmeric might interfere with hormone replacement therapy through competition for estrogen receptors.
In vitro research shows that curcumin, a constituent of turmeric, displaces the binding of estrogen to its receptors.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Glyburide (Diabeta, Others)

Theoretically, taking turmeric and glyburide in combination might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Clinical research shows that taking curcumin 475 mg daily for 10 days prior to taking glyburide 5 mg increases blood levels of glyburide by 12% at 2 hours after the dose in patients with type 2 diabetes. While maximal blood concentrations of glyburide were not affected, turmeric modestly decreased postprandial glucose levels for up to 24 hours when compared to glyburide alone, possibly due to the hypoglycemic effect of turmeric demonstrated in animal research.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Losartan (Cozaar)

Theoretically, turmeric might increase the effects of losartan.
Research in hypertensive rats shows that taking turmeric can increase the hypotensive effects of losartan.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Norfloxacin (Noroxin)

Theoretically, turmeric might increase the effects and adverse effects of norfloxacin.
Animal research shows that taking curcumin, a turmeric constituent, can increase blood levels of orally administered norfloxacin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
P-Glycoprotein Substrates

Theoretically, turmeric might increase the absorption of P-glycoprotein substrates.
In vitro and animal research shows that curcuminoids and other constituents found in turmeric can inhibit P-glycoprotein expression and activity.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Paclitaxel (Abraxane, Onxol)

Theoretically, turmeric might alter blood levels of paclitaxel, although any effect may not be clinically relevant.
Clinical research in adults with breast cancer receiving intravenous paclitaxel suggests that taking turmeric may modestly alter paclitaxel pharmacokinetics. Patients received paclitaxel on day 1, followed by either no treatment or turmeric 2 grams daily from days 2-22. Pharmacokinetic modeling suggests that turmeric reduces the maximum concentration and area under the curve of paclitaxel by 12.1% and 7.7%, respectively. However, these changes are not likely to be considered clinically relevant. Conversely, animal research suggests that curcumin, a constituent of turmeric, enhances the oral bioavailability of paclitaxel. However, the significance of this interaction is unclear, as this drug is typically administered intravenously in clinical settings.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Turmeric Tuber Extract full monograph & interactions

Acorus Rhizome Extract10 drug types · 1,117 drugs

Anticholinergic Drugs

Theoretically, concurrent use of anticholinergic drugs and calamus might decrease the effectiveness of the anticholinergic drug.
In vitro evidence shows that calamus can inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE).

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, taking calamus with other antihypertensive medications might increase the risk of hypotension.
Animal research shows that calamus decreases the rate and strength of the heartbeat, which might lower blood pressure. use with caution.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cholinergic Drugs

Theoretically, concurrent use of cholinergic drugs and calamus might have an additive effect and increase the risk of cholinergic effects.
In vitro evidence shows that calamus can inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE).

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cns Depressants

Theoretically, concurrent use of CNS depressants and calamus might have an additive effect and increase the risk of sedative effects.
Animal research shows that calamus is a CNS depressant and increases gamma-aminobutyric acid levels.

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

Theoretically, taking calamus with drugs metabolized by CYP2D6 might increase drug levels and potentially increase the risk of adverse effects.
In vitro research shows that calamus extract inhibits CYP2D6 enzyme.

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

Theoretically, taking calamus with drugs metabolized by CYP3A4 might increase drug levels and potentially increase the risk of adverse effects.
In vitro research shows that calamus extract inhibits CYP3A4 enzyme.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (Maois)

Theoretically, calamus might potentiate the effects and adverse effects of MAOIs.
Some reports suggest that calamus increases the effects of MAOIs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antacids

Theoretically, taking calamus might reduce the effectiveness of antacids.
Some research suggests that calamus lowers gastric pH.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
H2-Blockers

Theoretically, taking calamus might reduce the effectiveness of H2-blockers.
Some research suggests that calamus lowers gastric pH.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Proton Pump Inhibitors (Ppis)

Theoretically, taking calamus might reduce the effectiveness of PPIs.
Some research suggests that calamus lowers gastric pH.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Acorus Rhizome Extract full monograph & interactions

Rehmannia Root Extract, Raw2 drug types · 258 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, rehmannia might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Animal research shows that rehmannia may have hypoglycemic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, rehmannia might increase the risk of hypotension when taken with antihypertensive drugs.
Animal research shows that rehmannia may have hypotensive effects. Laboratory research shows that formulations of dried and processed rehmannia root inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE).

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Rehmannia Root Extract, Raw full monograph & interactions

Forsythia fruit extract2 drug types · 123 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, taking forsythia with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs might increase the risk of bleeding due to decreased platelet aggregation. Forsythia might reduce platelet aggregation by inhibiting platelet activating factor. Some of these drugs include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, ticlopidine (Ticlid), warfarin (Coumadin), and others.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Azithromycin (Zithromax)

Theoretically, taking forsythia with azithromycin might increase the risk of adverse effects. Animal research in rats shows that taking a single dose of forsythia with azithromycin decreases the clearance and increases the area under the curve of both forsythiaside, a constituent of forsythia, and azithromycin. The mechanism of this interaction is not well understood.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Forsythia fruit extract full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

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

Ron Teeguarden's Dragon Herbs

See all Ron Teeguarden's Dragon Herbs products
Name
Ron Teeguarden's Dragon Herbs
City
Los Angeles
State
CA
ZipCode
90036
Phone Number
(888) 558-6642
Web Address
www.dragonherbs.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

VirugoMax by Ron Teeguarden's Dragon Herbs: Common Questions

Does VirugoMax by Ron Teeguarden's Dragon Herbs interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, VirugoMax has a known interaction with 1,517 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
VirugoMax contains 9 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 VirugoMax safe to take while I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. The safety data advises against it: Acorus Rhizome Extract (calamus) is likely unsafe in pregnancy and breastfeeding, and Forsythia, Rehmannia, Isatis, and Phragmites all lack enough safety information and should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about your specific situation.
What is calamus (Acorus Rhizome Extract), and why is it in this product if it's unsafe?
Calamus is a traditional herbal ingredient used in some Asian formulations. However, it contains beta-asarone, a compound the FDA banned from food because of cancer risk, and it can cause serious side effects like nausea, vomiting, and intestinal paralysis. It's included because VirugoMax is based on traditional herbal medicine, but the safety concerns are real and documented.
Does turmeric in this product cause liver damage?
Turmeric as a food is generally safe, but concentrated turmeric supplements have been linked to at least 70 cases of liver injury when taken for 2 weeks to 14 months. Most cases resolved when the supplement stopped. If you have liver problems or take other medications, talk to your pharmacist before using VirugoMax.
What does this product actually treat?
The evidence is limited. Turmeric in this product shows possibly effective evidence for depression, high cholesterol, hay fever, and indigestion. Isatis root extract shows possibly effective evidence only for psoriasis. For other uses — bronchiolitis, bronchitis, asthma, diabetes — the evidence we hold is insufficient to say whether it works.
Can I take VirugoMax if I'm on a blood thinner or aspirin?
Forsythia in this product may increase bleeding risk when taken with blood thinners and antiplatelet drugs like aspirin, clopidogrel, heparin, and others. You need to check your exact medications using the interaction tool on this page, then talk with your pharmacist before starting.
What ingredients couldn't you check for interactions?
We hold no data for Gypsum Extract, Anemarrhena Rhizome Extract, or Pogostemon Herb Extract, so we could not assess whether they interact with medications. That doesn't mean they're safe — it just means the information isn't available to us.

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

Not sure if VirugoMax 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.

VirugoMax label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind VirugoMax’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Forsythia

Interacts with 123 drugs

Forsythia is a traditional Chinese herb, used mainly for cold and flu symptoms and as part of multi-herb formulas. Most evidence comes from laboratory, animal, and traditional use rather tha...

Read the full Forsythia monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Isatis

Isatis is a plant long used in traditional Chinese medicine, mainly for sore throats, fevers, and colds. Modern evidence in people is very limited, so its benefits are not well proven. Talk...

Read the full Isatis monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Rehmannia

Interacts with 258 drugs

Rehmannia is a root used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine, often to 'tonify' the kidneys and support energy or blood health. Human evidence for most modern uses is limited, so i...

Read the full Rehmannia monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Calamus

Interacts with 1,117 drugs

Calamus is a swamp plant with a long history in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine, mostly for digestive and nervous-system complaints. However, it contains beta-asarone, a compound...

Read the full Calamus monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Reed Herb

Reed herb (Phragmites australis) is a tall grass whose stems and roots have long been used in traditional medicine, especially for digestive complaints, fever, and as a mild diuretic. Modern...

Read the full Reed Herb monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Turmeric

Interacts with 1,133 drugs

Turmeric is a popular spice whose main active compounds, curcuminoids, are studied mostly for inflammation and joint pain. Some research is promising, but quality is mixed and curcumin is po...

Read the full Turmeric monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

VirugoMax'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 126 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.

Forsythia 3 references
  1. Kong XT, Fang HT, Jiang GQ, et al. Treatment of acute bronchiolitis with Chinese herbs. Arch Dis Child 1993;68:468-71. PubMed
  2. Iwakami S, Wu JB, Ebizuka Y, Sankawa U. Platelet activating factor (PAF) antagonists contained in medicinal plants: lignans and sesquiterpenes. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) 1992;40:1196-8. PubMed
  3. Li XG, Ni J, Shen S, Wang XP, Tian JC. Pharmacokinetic interaction of Forsythia suspensa extract and azithromycin injection after single and co-intravenous administration in rats. Chin J Nat Med 2020;18(3):234-240. PubMed

See these in context on the Forsythia monograph →

Isatis 3 references
  1. Herbs at a Glance — NIH NCCIH Source
  2. Herbs and Supplements — MedlinePlus Source
  3. About Herbs, Botanicals & Other Products — Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Source

See these in context on the Isatis monograph →

Rehmannia 3 references
  1. Zhang R, Zhou J, Jia Z, et al. Hypoglycemic effect of Rehmannia glutinosa oligosaccharide in hyperglycemic and alloxan-induced diabetic rats and its mechanism. J Ethnopharmacol 2004;90:39-43. PubMed
  2. Zhang RX, Li MX, Jia ZP. Rehmannia glutinosa: review of botany, chemistry and pharmacology. J Ethnopharmacol 2008;117(2):199-214. PubMed
  3. Chao CH, Hsu JL, Chen MF, et al. Anti-hypertensive effects of Radix Rehmanniae and its active ingredients. Nat Prod Res. 2020;34(11):1547-1552.

See these in context on the Rehmannia monograph →

Calamus 13 references
  1. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
  2. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
  3. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publ, 1997.
  4. Shoba, F. G. and Thomas, M. Study of antidiarrhoeal activity of four medicinal plants in castor-oil induced diarrhoea. J Ethnopharmacol 2001;76(1):73-76. PubMed
  5. Koo, B. S., Park, K. S., Ha, J. H., Park, J. H., Lim, J. C., and Lee, D. U. Inhibitory effects of the fragrance inhalation of essential oil from Acorus gramineus on central nervous system. Biol Pharm.Bull. 2003;26(7):978-982. PubMed
  6. Oh, M. H., Houghton, P. J., Whang, W. K., and Cho, J. H. Screening of Korean herbal medicines used to improve cognitive function for anti-cholinesterase activity. Phytomedicine 2004;11(6):544-548. PubMed
  7. Panchal, G. M., Venkatakrishna-Bhatt, H., Doctor, R. B., and Vajpayee, S. Pharmacology of Acorus calamus L. Indian J Exp.Biol 1989;27(6):561-567.
  8. Vargas, C. P., Wolf, L. R., Gamm, S. R., and Koontz, K. Getting to the root (Acorus calamus) of the problem. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 1998;36(3):259-260.
  9. Pandit S, Mukherjee PK, Ponnusankar S, Venkatesh M, Srikanth N. Metabolism mediated interaction of a-asarone and Acorus calamus with CYP3A4 and CYP2D6. Fitoterapia 2011;82(3):369-74.
  10. Sharma V, Singh I, Chaudhary P. Acorus calamus (The Healing Plant): a review on its medicinal potential, micropropagation and conservation. Nat Prod Res. 2014;28(18):1454-66.
  11. Björnstad K, Helander A, Hultén P, Beck O. Bioanalytical investigation of asarone in connection with Acorus calamus oil intoxications. J Anal Toxicol 2009;33(9):604-9. PubMed
  12. Federal Register. Volume 33, Page 6967. U.S. Government Publishing Office. http://api.fdsys.gov/link?collection=fr&volume=33&page=6967. Accessed May 23, 2018.
  13. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 189 - Substances Prohibited From Use in Human Food. Available at: https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=259fa8a1284cad42676075c8425c7333&mc=true&node=pt21.3.189&rgn=div5.

See these in context on the Calamus monograph →

Reed Herb 2 references
  1. Herbs at a Glance — NIH NCCIH Source
  2. Herbs and Supplements — MedlinePlus Source

See these in context on the Reed Herb monograph →

Turmeric 102 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. Sharma RA, McLelland HR, Hill KA, et al. Pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic study of oral Curcuma extract in patients with colorectal cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2001;7:1894-900..
  3. Shah BH, Nawaz Z, Pertani SA. Inhibitory effect of curcumin, a food spice from turmeric, on platelet-activating factor- and arachidonic acid-mediated platelet aggregation through inhibition of thromboxane formation and Ca2+ signaling. Biochem Pharmacol 1 PubMed
  4. Hata M, Sasaki E, Ota M, et al . Allergic contact dermatitis from curcumin (turmeric). Contact Dermatitis 1997;36:107-8. PubMed
  5. Kuttan R, Sudheeran PC, Josph CD. Turmeric and curcumin as topical agents in cancer therapy. Tumori 1987;73:29-31.. PubMed
  6. Thapliyal R, Deshpande SS, Maru GB. Mechanism(s) of turmeric-mediated protective effects against benzo(a)pyrene-derived DNA adducts. Cancer Lett 2002;175:79-88. PubMed
  7. Lee SW, Nah SS, Byon JS, et al. Transient complete atrioventricular block associated with curcumin intake. Int J Cardiol 2011;150:e50-2. PubMed
  8. Kuptniratsaikul V, Thanakhumtorn S, Chinswangwatanakul P, et al. Efficacy and safety of Curcuma domestica extracts in patients with knee osteoarthritis. J Altern Complement Med 2009;15:891-7.
  9. Carroll RE, Benya RV, Turgeon DK, et al. Phase IIa clinical trial of curcumin for the prevention of colorectal neoplasia. Cancer Prev Res (Phila) 2011;4:354-64. PubMed
  10. Junyaprasert, V. B., Soonthornchareonnon, N., Thongpraditchote, S., Murakami, T., and Takano, M. Inhibitory effect of Thai plant extracts on P-glycoprotein mediated efflux. Phytother.Res 2006;20(1):79-81. PubMed
  11. Ampasavate, C., Sotanaphun, U., Phattanawasin, P., and Piyapolrungroj, N. Effects of Curcuma spp. on P-glycoprotein function. Phytomedicine. 2010;17(7):506-512. PubMed
  12. Hou, X. L., Takahashi, K., Tanaka, K., Tougou, K., Qiu, F., Komatsu, K., Takahashi, K., and Azuma, J. Curcuma drugs and curcumin regulate the expression and function of P-gp in Caco-2 cells in completely opposite ways. Int.J Pharm 6-24-2008;358(1-2):224-2 PubMed
  13. Choi, B. H., Kim, C. G., Lim, Y., Shin, S. Y., and Lee, Y. H. Curcumin down-regulates the multidrug-resistance mdr1b gene by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/NF kappa B pathway. Cancer Lett. 1-18-2008;259(1):111-118.
  14. Zhang, W., Tan, T. M., and Lim, L. Y. Impact of curcumin-induced changes in P-glycoprotein and CYP3A expression on the pharmacokinetics of peroral celiprolol and midazolam in rats. Drug Metab Dispos. 2007;35(1):110-115. PubMed
  15. Limtrakul, P., Chearwae, W., Shukla, S., Phisalphong, C., and Ambudkar, S. V. Modulation of function of three ABC drug transporters, P-glycoprotein (ABCB1), mitoxantrone resistance protein (ABCG2) and multidrug resistance protein 1 (ABCC1) by tetrahydrocu
  16. Holland, M. L., Panetta, J. A., Hoskins, J. M., Bebawy, M., Roufogalis, B. D., Allen, J. D., and Arnold, J. C. The effects of cannabinoids on P-glycoprotein transport and expression in multidrug resistant cells. Biochem.Pharmacol 4-14-2006;71(8):1146-1154 PubMed
  17. Tang, X. Q., Bi, H., Feng, J. Q., and Cao, J. G. Effect of curcumin on multidrug resistance in resistant human gastric carcinoma cell line SGC7901/VCR. Acta Pharmacol Sin. 2005;26(8):1009-1016. PubMed
  18. Nabekura, T., Kamiyama, S., and Kitagawa, S. Effects of dietary chemopreventive phytochemicals on P-glycoprotein function. Biochem.Biophys.Res Commun. 2-18-2005;327(3):866-870. PubMed
  19. Romiti, N., Tongiani, R., Cervelli, F., and Chieli, E. Effects of curcumin on P-glycoprotein in primary cultures of rat hepatocytes. Life Sci. 1998;62(25):2349-2358. PubMed
  20. Yue, G. G., Cheng, S. W., Yu, H., Xu, Z. S., Lee, J. K., Hon, P. M., Lee, M. Y., Kennelly, E. J., Deng, G., Yeung, S. K., Cassileth, B. R., Fung, K. P., Leung, P. C., and Lau, C. B. The role of turmerones on curcumin transportation and P-glycoprotein acti
  21. Shenouda, N. S., Zhou, C., Browning, J. D., Ansell, P. J., Sakla, M. S., Lubahn, D. B., and MacDonald, R. S. Phytoestrogens in common herbs regulate prostate cancer cell growth in vitro. Nutr.Cancer 2004;49(2):200-208. PubMed
  22. Appiah-Opong, R., Commandeur, J. N., Vugt-Lussenburg, B., and Vermeulen, N. P. Inhibition of human recombinant cytochrome P450s by curcumin and curcumin decomposition products. Toxicology 6-3-2007;235(1-2):83-91. PubMed
  23. Hou, X. L., Takahashi, K., Kinoshita, N., Qiu, F., Tanaka, K., Komatsu, K., Takahashi, K., and Azuma, J. Possible inhibitory mechanism of Curcuma drugs on CYP3A4 in 1alpha,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 treated Caco-2 cells. Int.J Pharm 6-7-2007;337(1-2):169-177.
  24. Valentine, S. P., Le Nedelec, M. J., Menzies, A. R., Scandlyn, M. J., Goodin, M. G., and Rosengren, R. J. Curcumin modulates drug metabolizing enzymes in the female Swiss Webster mouse. Life Sci. 4-11-2006;78(20):2391-2398. PubMed
  25. Price, R. J., Scott, M. P., Giddings, A. M., Walters, D. G., Stierum, R. H., Meredith, C., and Lake, B. G. Effect of butylated hydroxytoluene, curcumin, propyl gallate and thiabendazole on cytochrome P450 forms in cultured human hepatocytes. Xenobiotica 2 PubMed
  26. Ganta, S., Devalapally, H., and Amiji, M. Curcumin enhances oral bioavailability and anti-tumor therapeutic efficacy of paclitaxel upon administration in nanoemulsion formulation. J Pharm Sci 2010;99(11):4630-4641. PubMed
  27. Lamb, S. R. and Wilkinson, S. M. Contact allergy to tetrahydrocurcumin. Contact Dermatitis 2003;48(4):227. PubMed
  28. Joshi, J., Ghaisas, S., Vaidya, A., Vaidya, R., Kamat, D. V., Bhagwat, A. N., and Bhide, S. Early human safety study of turmeric oil (Curcuma longa oil) administered orally in healthy volunteers. J Assoc.Physicians India 2003;51:1055-1060.
  29. Mahesh, T., Balasubashini, M. S., and Menon, V. P. Effect of photo-irradiated curcumin treatment against oxidative stress in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. J Med.Food 2005;8(2):251-255. PubMed
  30. Thompson, D. A. and Tan, B. B. Tetrahydracurcumin-related allergic contact dermatitis. Contact Dermatitis 2006;55(4):254-255. PubMed
  31. Patumraj, S., Wongeakin, N., Sridulyakul, P., Jariyapongskul, A., Futrakul, N., and Bunnag, S. Combined effects of curcumin and vitamin C to protect endothelial dysfunction in the iris tissue of STZ-induced diabetic rats. Clin Hemorheol.Microcirc. 2006;3
  32. Liddle, M., Hull, C., Liu, C., and Powell, D. Contact urticaria from curcumin. Dermatitis 2006;17(4):196-197. PubMed
  33. Juan, H., Terhaag, B., Cong, Z., Bi-Kui, Z., Rong-Hua, Z., Feng, W., Fen-Li, S., Juan, S., Jing, T., and Wen-Xing, P. Unexpected effect of concomitantly administered curcumin on the pharmacokinetics of talinolol in healthy Chinese volunteers. Eur.J Clin PubMed
  34. Murugan, P. and Pari, L. Influence of tetrahydrocurcumin on erythrocyte membrane bound enzymes and antioxidant status in experimental type 2 diabetic rats. J Ethnopharmacol. 9-25-2007;113(3):479-486. PubMed
  35. Seo, K. I., Choi, M. S., Jung, U. J., Kim, H. J., Yeo, J., Jeon, S. M., and Lee, M. K. Effect of curcumin supplementation on blood glucose, plasma insulin, and glucose homeostasis related enzyme activities in diabetic db/db mice. Mol.Nutr.Food Res 2008;5
  36. Weisberg, S. P., Leibel, R., and Tortoriello, D. V. Dietary curcumin significantly improves obesity-associated inflammation and diabetes in mouse models of diabesity. Endocrinology 2008;149(7):3549-3558. PubMed
  37. Jain, S. K., Rains, J., Croad, J., Larson, B., and Jones, K. Curcumin supplementation lowers TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-8, and MCP-1 secretion in high glucose-treated cultured monocytes and blood levels of TNF-alpha, IL-6, MCP-1, glucose, and glycosylated hemog
  38. Yu, Y., Hu, S. K., and Yan, H. [The study of insulin resistance and leptin resistance on the model of simplicity obesity rats by curcumin]. Zhonghua Yu Fang Yi.Xue.Za Zhi. 2008;42(11):818-822.
  39. Pavithra, B. H., Prakash, N., and Jayakumar, K. Modification of pharmacokinetics of norfloxacin following oral administration of curcumin in rabbits. J Vet.Sci. 2009;10(4):293-297. PubMed
  40. Yan, Y. D., Kim, D. H., Sung, J. H., Yong, C. S., and Choi, H. G. Enhanced oral bioavailability of docetaxel in rats by four consecutive days of pre-treatment with curcumin. Int J Pharm 10-31-2010;399(1-2):116-120. PubMed
  41. Epelbaum, R., Schaffer, M., Vizel, B., Badmaev, V., and Bar-Sela, G. Curcumin and gemcitabine in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. Nutr Cancer 2010;62(8):1137-1141. PubMed
  42. Madkor, H. R., Mansour, S. W., and Ramadan, G. Modulatory effects of garlic, ginger, turmeric and their mixture on hyperglycaemia, dyslipidaemia and oxidative stress in streptozotocin-nicotinamide diabetic rats. Br J Nutr 2011;105(8):1210-1217. PubMed
  43. Pungcharoenkul, K. and Thongnopnua, P. Effect of different curcuminoid supplement dosages on total in vivo antioxidant capacity and cholesterol levels of healthy human subjects. Phytother Res 2011;25(11):1721-1726.
  44. Kusuhara, H., Furuie, H., Inano, A., Sunagawa, A., Yamada, S., Wu, C., Fukizawa, S., Morimoto, N., Ieiri, I., Morishita, M., Sumita, K., Mayahara, H., Fujita, T., Maeda, K., and Sugiyama, Y. Pharmacokinetic interaction study of sulphasalazine in healthy
  45. Mohammadi, A., Sahebkar, A., Iranshahi, M., Amini, M., Khojasteh, R., Ghayour-Mobarhan, M., and Ferns, G. A. Effects of supplementation with curcuminoids on dyslipidemia in obese patients: a randomized crossover trial. Phytother Res 2013;27(3):374-379. PubMed
  46. Chuengsamarn, S., Rattanamongkolgul, S., Luechapudiporn, R., Phisalaphong, C., and Jirawatnotai, S. Curcumin extract for prevention of type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care 2012;35(11):2121-2127. PubMed
  47. Goh, C. L. and Ng, S. K. Allergic contact dermatitis to Curcuma longa (turmeric). Contact Dermatitis 1987;17(3):186. PubMed
  48. Srivastava, R., Puri, V., Srimal, R. C., and Dhawan, B. N. Effect of curcumin on platelet aggregation and vascular prostacyclin synthesis. Arzneimittelforschung. 1986;36(4):715-717.
  49. Srinivasan, M. Effect of curcumin on blood sugar as seen in a diabetic subject. Indian J Med Sci 1972;26(4):269-270.
  50. Srivastava, K. C., Bordia, A., and Verma, S. K. Curcumin, a major component of food spice turmeric (Curcuma longa) inhibits aggregation and alters eicosanoid metabolism in human blood platelets. Prostaglandins Leukot.Essent.Fatty Acids 1995;52(4):223-227 PubMed
  51. Oetari, S., Sudibyo, M., Commandeur, J. N., Samhoedi, R., and Vermeulen, N. P. Effects of curcumin on cytochrome P450 and glutathione S-transferase activities in rat liver. Biochem Pharmacol 1-12-1996;51(1):39-45. PubMed
  52. Kiec-Swierczynska, M. and Krecisz, B. Occupational allergic contact dermatitis due to curcumin food colour in a pasta factory worker. Contact Dermatitis 1998;39(1):30-31. PubMed
  53. Van Dau N, Ngoc Ham N, Huy Khac D, and et al. The effects of a traditional drug, tumeric (Curcuma longa), and placebo on the healing of duodenal ulcer. Phytomed 1998;5(1):29-34.
  54. Daveluy A, Géniaux H, Thibaud L, Mallaret M, Miremont-Salamé G, Haramburu F. Probable interaction between an oral vitamin K antagonist and turmeric (Curcuma longa). Therapie. 2014 Nov-Dec;69(6):519-20. PubMed
  55. Kuptniratsaikul V, Dajpratham P, Taechaarpornkul W, Buntragulpoontawee M, Lukkanapichonchut P, Chootip C, Saengsuwan J, Tantayakom K, Laongpech S. Efficacy and safety of Curcuma domestica extracts compared with ibuprofen in patients with knee osteoarthrit
  56. Madhu K, Chanda K, Saji MJ. Safety and efficacy of Curcuma longa extract in the treatment of painful knee osteoarthritis: a randomized placebo-controlled trial. Inflammopharmacology 2013;21(2):129-36. PubMed
  57. Mali AM, Behal R, Gilda SS. Comparative evaluation of 0.1% turmeric mouthwash with 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate in prevention of plaque and gingivitis: A clinical and microbiological study. J Indian Soc Periodontol 2012;16(3):386-91. PubMed
  58. Sanmukhani J, Satodia V, Trivedi J, Patel T, Tiwari D, Panchal B, Goel A, Tripathi CB. Efficacy and safety of curcumin in major depressive disorder: a randomized controlled trial. Phytother Res 2014;28(4):579-85. PubMed
  59. Nayeri A, Wu S, Adams E, et al. Acute Calcineurin Inhibitor Nephrotoxicity Secondary to Turmeric Intake: A Case Report. Transplant Proc. 2017;49(1):198-200. PubMed
  60. Mitchell TM. Correspondence re: Somasundaram et al., Dietary curcumin inhibits chemotherapy-induced apoptosis in models of human breast cancer. Cancer Res. 2003;63(16):5165-6; author reply 5166-7.
  61. Somasundaram S, Edmund NA, Moore DT, Small GW, Shi YY, Orlowski RZ. Dietary curcumin inhibits chemotherapy-induced apoptosis in models of human breast cancer. Cancer Res. 2002;62(13):3868-75.
  62. Haroyan A, Mukuchyan V, Mkrtchyan N, et al. Efficacy and safety of curcumin and its combination with boswellic acid in osteoarthritis: a comparative, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2018;18(1):7. PubMed
  63. Al-Karawi D, Al Mamoori DA, Tayyar Y. The role of curcumin administration in patients with major depressive disorder: Mini meta-analysis of clinical trials. Phytother Res. 2016;30(2):175-83. PubMed
  64. Neerati P, Devde R, Gangi AK. Evaluation of the effect of curcumin capsules on glyburide therapy in patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus. Phytother Res. 2014;28(12):1796-800. PubMed
  65. Simental-Mendía LE, Pirro M, Gotto AM Jr, et al. Lipid-modifying activity of curcuminoids: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2017:1-10. PubMed
  66. Fung FY, Wong WH, Ang SK, et al. A randomized, double-blind, placebo- controlled study on the anti-haemostatic effects of Curcuma longa, Angelica sinensis and Panax ginseng. Phytomedicine. 2017;32:88-96. PubMed
  67. Small GW, Siddarth P, Li Z, et al. Memory and brain amyloid and tau effects of a bioavailable form of curcumin in non-demented adults: A double-blind, placebo-controlled 18-month trial. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2018;26(3):266-277.
  68. Cruz-Correa M, Hylind LM, Marrero JH, et al. Efficacy and safety of curcumin in treatment of intestinal adenomas in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis. Gastroenterology. 2018 May 23. Pii:S0016-5085(18)34564-5. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed
  69. Rahmani S, Asgary S, Askari G, et al. Treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease with curcumin: a randomized placebo-controlled trial. Phytother Res. 2016 Sep;30(9):1540-8. PubMed
  70. Lopez-Villafuerte L, CLores KH. Contact dermatitis caused by turmeric in a massage oil. Contact Dermatitis. 2016 Jul;75(1):52-3. PubMed
  71. Lukefahr AL, McEvoy S, Alfafara C, Funk JL. Drug-induced autoimmune hepatitis associated with turmeric dietary supplement use. BMJ Case Rep. 2018. pii: bcr-2018-224611. PubMed
  72. Medsafe Safety Communication- Turmeric/Curcumin Interaction with Warfarin. April 30, 2018. Accessed at: https://medsafe.govt.nz/safety/EWS/2018/Turmeric.asp.
  73. Imam Z, Khasawneh M, Jomaa D, Iftikhar H, Sayedahmad Z. Drug induced liver injury attributed to a curcumin supplement. Case Rep Gastrointest Med 2019 Oct 20;2019:6029403. doi: 10.1155/2019/6029403. PubMed
  74. Chand S, Hair C, Beswick L. A rare case of turmeric-induced hepatotoxicity. Intern Med J. 2020;50(2):258-259. PubMed
  75. Jiang N, Zhang M, Meng X, Sun B. Effects of Curcumin on the Pharmacokinetics of Amlodipine in Rats and Its Potential Mechanism. Pharm Biol. 2020;58(1):465-468. PubMed
  76. Lee BS, Bhatia T, Chaya CT, Wen R, Taira MT, Lim BS. Autoimmune Hepatitis Associated With Turmeric Consumption. ACG Case Rep J. 2020;7(3):e00320. PubMed
  77. Lombardi N, Crescioli G, Maggini V, et al. Acute liver injury following turmeric use in Tuscany: an analysis of the Italian Phytovigilance database and systematic review of case reports. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2020. PubMed
  78. Suhail FK, Masood U, Sharma A, John S, Dhamoon A. Turmeric supplement induced hepatotoxicity: a rare complication of a poorly regulated substance. Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2020;58(3):216-217. PubMed
  79. Nakagawa Y, Mukai S, Yamada S, et al. The efficacy and safety of highly-bioavailable curcumin for treating knee osteoarthritis: a 6-month open-labeled prospective study. Clin Med Insights Arthritis Musculoskelet Disord. 2020;13:1179544120948471. PubMed
  80. Shafabakhsh R, Asemi Z, Reiner Z, Soleimani A, Aghadavod E, Bahmani F. The effects of nano-curcumin on metabolic status in patients with diabetes on hemodialysis, a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial. Iran J Kidney Dis. 2020;14(4):290-9.
  81. Allegri P, Rosa R, Masala A, et al. Clinical effectiveness of a new oral curcumin formulation in acute non-infectious uveitic macular edema: a 12-month observational study. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2022;26(1):46-53.
  82. Tsai IC, Hsu CW, Chang CH, Tseng PT, Chang KV. The effect of curcumin differs on individual cognitive domains across different patient populations: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021;14(12):1235. PubMed
  83. Alam MA, Bin Jardan YA, Raish M, Al-Mohizea AM, Ahad A, Al-Jenoobi FI. Herb-drug interaction: Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of anti-hypertensive drug amlodipine besylate in presence of lepidium sativum and curcuma longa. Xenobiotica 2022;1-9.
  84. Sohal A, Alhankawi D, Sandhu S, Chintanaboina J. Turmeric-induced hepatotoxicity: Report of 2 cases. Int Med Case Rep J 2021;14:849-852. PubMed
  85. Hussaarts KGAM, Hurkmans DP, Oomen-de Hoop E, et al. Impact of curcumin (with or without piperine) on the pharmacokinetics of tamoxifen. Cancers (Basel). 2019;11(3):403. PubMed
  86. Kalluru H, Mallayasamy SR, Kondaveeti SS, Chandrasekhar V, Kalachaveedu M. Effect of turmeric supplementation on the pharmacokinetics of paclitaxel in breast cancer patients: A study with population pharmacokinetics approach. Phytother Res 2022;36(4):1761 PubMed
  87. 109288 Halegoua-DeMarzio D, Navarro V, Ahmad J, et al. Liver injury associated with turmeric-A growing problem: Ten cases from the drug-induced liver injury network [DILIN]. Am J Med. 2022:S0002-9343(22)00740-9. PubMed
  88. Arzallus T, Izagirre A, Castiella A, Torrente S, Garmendia M, Zapata EM. Drug induced autoimmune hepatitis after turmeric intake. Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023. PubMed
  89. Gilad O, Rosner G, Ivancovsky-Wajcman D, et al. Efficacy of wholistic turmeric supplement on adenomatous polyps in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis-A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study. Genes (Basel) 2022;13(12):2182. PubMed
  90. Ahad A, Raish M, Abdelrahman IA, et al. Changes in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of losartan in experimental diseased rats treated with Curcuma longa and Lepidium sativum. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022;16(1):33. PubMed
  91. Haron MH, Dale O, Martin K, et al. Evaluation of the Herb-Drug Interaction Potential of Commonly Used Botanicals on the US Market with Regard to PXR- and AhR-Mediated Influences on CYP3A4 and CYP1A2. J Diet Suppl 2022. PubMed
  92. Pochet S, Lechon AS, Lescrainier C, et al. Herb-anticancer drug interactions in real life based on VigiBase, the WHO global database. Sci Rep 2022;12(1):14178. PubMed
  93. Kou H, Huang L, Jin M, He Q, Zhang R, Ma J. Effect of curcumin on rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Immunol 2023;14:1121655. PubMed
  94. Qiu L, Gao C, Wang H, et al. Effects of dietary polyphenol curcumin supplementation on metabolic, inflammatory, and oxidative stress indices in patients with metabolic syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Front PubMed
  95. Sato T, Yagi A, Yamauchi M, et al. The use of an antioxidant enables accurate evaluation of the interaction of curcumin on organic anion-transporting polypeptides 4C1 by preventing auto-oxidation. Int J Mol Sci 2024;25(2):991. PubMed
  96. Washington O, Robinson E, Simh D, et al. Oxalate nephropathy and chronic turmeric supplementation: a case report. J Bras Nefrol 2024;46(1):99-106. PubMed
  97. Munshi R, Karande-Patil S, Kumbhar D, Deshmukh A, Hingorani L. A randomized, controlled, comparative, proof-of-concept study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Nisha-Amalaki capsules in prediabetic patients for preventing progression to diabetes. J Ay PubMed
  98. Sharifi Razavi A, Mohajerani F, Niksolat F, Karimi N. Efficacy of topical curcumin on mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome: a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Pain Med 2024;25(5):327-333. PubMed
  99. Yaikwawong M, Jansarikit L, Jirawatnotai S, Chuengsamarn S. Curcumin Reduces Depression in Obese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Nutrients 2024;16(15):2414. PubMed
  100. Tehrani SD, Hosseini A, Shahzamani M, et al. Evaluation of the effectiveness of curcumin and piperine co-supplementation on inflammatory factors, cardiac biomarkers, atrial fibrillation, and clinical outcomes after coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Cl PubMed
  101. Yaikwawong M, Jansarikit L, Jirawatnotai S, Chuengsamarn S. The Effect of Curcumin on Reducing Atherogenic Risks in Obese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Nutrients 2024;16(15):2441. PubMed
  102. Dibaei M, Hosseini A, Lavasani H, Kiani-Dehkordi B, Rouini M. Assessment of metabolic interaction between curcumin and tramadol using the isolated perfused rat liver. Heliyon 2024;10(15):e35070. PubMed

See these in context on the Turmeric 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

Keep exploring
Supplement interaction checker › Check any supplement or product against your medications Drug–drug interactions › Check two or more of your medications against each other Browse medications A–Z › Every drug we've checked against herbs & supplements NDC & pricing lookup › Find a drug’s NDCs, packaging and costs Ask a pharmacist › Free, personal answer from our licensed team