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Dietary supplement

W-W Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Pure Herbs

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

W-W is a dietary supplement by Pure Herbs with 5 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for intestinal parasites and worms, digestive complaints, antimicrobial and antifungal support.Based on those ingredients, 787 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Cascara sagrada Bark Extract, Wormwood Aerial Part Extract, Pumpkin extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of W-W by Pure Herbs

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Low disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Low

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

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 0 of its 5 active ingredients.
  • “Proprietary Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (1,900 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

W-W contains five active ingredients in liquid form. The product includes cascara sagrada bark extract (a stimulant laxative), wormwood aerial part extract, black walnut husk extract, pumpkin extract, and male fern root extract.

Each plays a different role — cascara sagrada is meant for bowel function, wormwood and black walnut are used traditionally for digestive support, pumpkin seed extract targets prostate and urinary health, and male fern has been used historically for parasites and other conditions.

Does it work?

Not established
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Not established

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

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: digestive health and occasional constipation relief.
  • We looked for evidence on: Constipation, Dyspepsia, Gastritis, Hemorrhoids, Intestinal parasite infection, Crohn disease — and 4 related terms.
  • The closest evidence on file: Cascara Sagrada is rated "Possibly Ineffective" for Bowel preparation (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Male Fern is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Hemorrhoids, Intestinal parasite infection.
  • Also on file: Wormwood is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Crohn disease, Dyspepsia, Gastritis.

The evidence supporting these ingredients is limited. Pumpkin extract is possibly effective for benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate), but the others lack strong data.

Black walnut husk, cascara sagrada, wormwood, and male fern all have insufficient reliable evidence or are possibly ineffective for their intended uses based on the data we hold. Cascara sagrada is actually rated possibly ineffective for bowel preparation specifically.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Black Walnut Cascara Sagrada Wormwood Pumpkin Male Fern

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.

This product carries real safety red flags, especially with long-term use. Cascara sagrada can cause abdominal cramps and, over time, may damage kidney function or lead to muscle wasting.

Wormwood contains thujone, a neurotoxin that in higher amounts can cause nausea, vomiting, kidney damage, muscle breakdown, and even seizures — chronic exposure has been linked to hallucinations, tremors, and brain damage. Male fern is potentially toxic with a dangerously narrow margin between an active dose and a poisonous one; it can cause diarrhea, tremors, vision loss, muscle weakness, seizures, and death with severe poisoning.

Black walnut hull extract, which is high in tannins, may cause gastrointestinal upset and skin irritation, and daily use of related species has been linked to tongue cancer risk. All ingredients except pumpkin are not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data or potential harm.

Black walnut husk extract should be avoided in pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Cascara sagrada is not recommended during pregnancy or nursing.

Wormwood may stimulate the uterus and is unsafe in pregnancy; avoid while breastfeeding. Male fern is likely unsafe in pregnancy due to toxicity.

Pumpkin as a food is safe during pregnancy and nursing, but concentrated supplements lack safety data — talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using concentrated pumpkin products if you're pregnant or nursing.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Black Walnut Cascara Sagrada Wormwood Pumpkin Male Fern

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 3 of the 5 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Wormwood, Cascara Sagrada, Pumpkin.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; seizure medications; heart-rhythm medications; lithium.
  • For scale: 788 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 you start W-W, check your medications for interactions with cascara sagrada (warfarin and other blood thinners, corticosteroids, diuretics, stimulant laxatives, digoxin, and CYP3A4 substrates), wormwood (anticonvulsants or seizure medications), and pumpkin extract (lithium). No interactions are documented for black walnut husk extract or male fern root extract in our data, but male fern carries severe toxicity risks regardless.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

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

This product combines ingredients with limited evidence and serious safety concerns, especially with long-term use. If you take warfarin, anticonvulsants, lithium, diuretics, corticosteroids, digoxin, or any other prescription medication, check your exact drugs with the tool below before starting.

Pregnant or nursing individuals should avoid it and talk to their pharmacist or doctor beforehand.

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

Assessment coverage: 5 of 5 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Nov 22, 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 W-W, straight from the product label.

Brand Pure Herbs
Net contents 1 Fluid Ounce(s); 30 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Nov 22, 2022
DSLD ID 279982
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for W-W by Pure 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 mL
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 mL
Servings per container
15
IngredientAmount% DV
Proprietary Blend1900 mg--
Black Walnut Husk Extract0 NP--
Cascara sagrada Bark Extract0 NP--
Wormwood Aerial Part Extract0 NP--
Pumpkin extract0 NP--
Male Fern Root Extract0 NP--

Other ingredients: None

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: For adults, mix 2 mL (abt. 1/2 tsp) of extract in 2 fl. oz (60 mL) water one time daily preferably with a meal.

Shake well before use

Formulation

Beneficial for digestive health, occasional constipation and maintaining general overall health.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Precautions

Notice: This product contains Cascara Sagrada. Read and follow directions carefully. Do not use if you have or develop diarrhea, loose stool, or abdominal pain because Cascara Sagrada may worsen these conditions and be harmful to your health. Consult your physician if you have frequent diarrhea or if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or have a medical condition.

Consult your physician if you have frequent diarrhea or if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or have a medical condition.

Keep out of reach of children

Contains: Walnuts

Brand IP Statement(s)

Pure Herbs, Ltd. Natural Herbal Extracts

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

General Statements

"No expense has been spared to provide the finest nature has to offer."

See for yourself

W-W by Pure Herbs label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in W-W by Pure Herbs

These are the 5 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container15 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.

Other (inactive) ingredients: None. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

W-W by Pure Herbs Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against W-W?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

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787Drugs
172 Moderate 615 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in W-W 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.

Cascara sagrada Bark Extract6 drug types · 745 drugs

Corticosteroids

Theoretically, cascara sagrada might increase the risk of hypokalemia when taken with corticosteroids.
Cascara sagrada has stimulant laxative effects, and long-term use has been associated with hypokalemia.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Theoretically, cascara sagrada might cause hypokalemia, potentially increasing the risk of digoxin toxicity.
Cascara sagrada has stimulant laxative effects, and long-term use has been associated with hypokalemia.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Diuretic Drugs

Theoretically, cascara sagrada might increase the risk of hypokalemia when taken with diuretic drugs.
Cascara sagrada has stimulant laxative effects, and long-term use has been associated with hypokalemia.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Stimulant Laxatives

Theoretically, cascara sagrada might have additive adverse effects when taken with stimulant laxatives.
Cascara sagrada has stimulant laxative effects and might compound fluid and electrolyte losses when taken with stimulant laxatives.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, cascara sagrada might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with warfarin.
Cascara sagrada has stimulant laxative effects. In some people, cascara sagrada can cause diarrhea. Diarrhea can increase the effects of warfarin, increase international normalized ratio (INR), and increase the risk of bleeding.

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

Theoretically, cascara sagrada might decrease the effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
In vitro research suggests that cascara sagrada can induce CYP3A4 enzymes, albeit to a much lower degree than rifampin, a known CYP3A4 inducer.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Wormwood Aerial Part Extract1 drug type · 50 drugs

Anticonvulsants

Theoretically, taking wormwood might interfere with the effects of anticonvulsant drugs.
Thujone, a constituent of wormwood, has convulsant effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Pumpkin extract1 drug type · 1 drug

Lithium

Pumpkin might reduce excretion and increase levels of lithium.
Pumpkin is thought to have diuretic properties. Theoretically, this might reduce excretion and increase levels of lithium. The dose of lithium might need to be decreased.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for W-W, from the product label.

Pure Herbs

See all Pure Herbs products
Name
Pure Herbs, Ltd.
City
Sterling Heights
State
MI
Phone Number
(800) 860-4372
Web Address
www.pureherbs.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

W-W by Pure Herbs: Common Questions

Does W-W by Pure Herbs interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, W-W has a known interaction with 787 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
W-W contains 5 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take W-W if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
The safety data advises against this product during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Black walnut, cascara sagrada, and wormwood should be avoided when pregnant or nursing — wormwood may stimulate the uterus, and cascara sagrada is a strong laxative. Male fern is considered likely unsafe in pregnancy. Pumpkin as food is fine, but concentrated supplements lack enough data. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice.
What are the most common side effects?
The most common side effects from ingredients in this product are gastrointestinal — abdominal cramps and discomfort, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Black walnut hull and wormwood oil can also cause these. Male fern may cause tremors, headaches, and dizziness. Long-term use of cascara sagrada carries risks of more serious effects like kidney damage and muscle loss.
Is this product safe to use long-term?
No. Cascara sagrada is recommended only for short-term use — long-term use has been linked to kidney problems, loss of muscle mass, and abnormal urine findings. Wormwood contains thujone, a neurotoxin that can be harmful in higher amounts or with chronic use. Male fern has a narrow margin between an active and a toxic dose. This is not a product for everyday, ongoing use.
What is this product supposed to do?
W-W combines ingredients traditionally used for digestion and bowel function — cascara sagrada is a laxative, wormwood and black walnut are used for digestive support, pumpkin extract targets prostate and urinary health, and male fern has been used for parasites. However, the evidence supporting these uses is weak or absent.
Can I take W-W with my blood thinner?
That depends on which blood thinner. If you take warfarin (Coumadin), do not start this product without checking with your pharmacist or doctor — cascara sagrada in this formula can increase your bleeding risk. If you take a different blood thinner, use the search tool below to check your exact medication before starting.
What makes male fern root extract risky?
Male fern is potentially toxic with very little room between a dose that might work and one that causes poisoning. Common side effects include diarrhea, tremors, headaches, and vision problems. Serious effects — seizures, muscle weakness, coma, and even death — can occur with higher doses. It should be avoided unless prescribed and monitored by a healthcare provider.

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.

W-W label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind W-W’s Ingredients

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

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

W-W'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 30 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.

Black Walnut 3 references
  1. Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Trans. S. Klein. Boston, MA: American Botanical Council, 1998.
  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. Food and Drug Administration. Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 (FALCPA); Public Law 108-282, Title II. Accessed on May 19, 2021. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/food/food-allergensgluten-free-guidance-documents-regulatory-infor

See these in context on the Black Walnut monograph →

Cascara Sagrada 9 references
  1. Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Trans. S. Klein. Boston, MA: American Botanical Council, 1998.
  2. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
  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. Nusko G, Schneider B, Schneider I, et al. Anthranoid laxative use is not a risk factor for colorectal neoplasia: results of a prospective case control study. Gut 2000;46:651-5. PubMed
  6. Nadir A, Reddy D, Van Thiel DH. Cascara-sagrada induced intrahepatic cholestasis causing portal hypertension: case report and review of herbal hepatotoxicity. Am J Gastroenterol 2000;95:3634-7. PubMed
  7. Nakasone ES, Tokeshi J. A serendipitous find: a case of cholangiocarcinoma identified incidentally after acute liver injury due to cascara sagrada ingestion. Hawaii J Med Public Health 2015;74(6):200-2.
  8. Cirillo C, Capasso R. Constipation and botanical medicines: an overview. Phytother Res 2015;29(10):1488-93. PubMed
  9. Mazzari ALDA, Lacerda MG, Milton FA, et al. In vitro effects of European and Latin-American medicinal plants in CYP3A4 gene expression, glutathione levels, and P-glycoprotein activity. Front Pharmacol 2022;13:826395. PubMed

See these in context on the Cascara Sagrada monograph →

Wormwood 10 references
  1. Weisbord SD, Soule JB, Kimmel PL. Poison on line-acute renal failure caused by oil of wormwood purchased through the internet. N Engl J Med 1997;337:825-7. PubMed
  2. Gambelunghe C, Melai P. Absinthe: enjoying a new popularity among young people? Forensic Sci Int 2002;130:183-6.
  3. Hold KM, Sirisoma NS, Casida JE. Detoxification of alpha- and beta-Thujones (the active ingredients of absinthe): site specificity and species differences in cytochrome P450 oxidation in vitro and in vivo. Chem Res Toxicol 2001;14:589-95.
  4. Lachenmeier DW, Walch SG, Padosch SA, Kroner LU. Absinthe--a review. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2006;46:365-77.
  5. Padosch SA, Lachenmeier DW, Kroner LU. Absinthism: a fictitious 19th century syndrome with present impact. Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy 2006;1:14. PubMed
  6. Lachenmeier DW, Emmert J, Kuballa T, Sartor G. Thujone--cause of absinthism? Forensic Sci Int 2006;158:1-8. PubMed
  7. Dettling, A., Grass, H., Schuff, A., Skopp, G., Strohbeck-Kuehner, P., and Haffner, H. T. Absinthe: attention performance and mood under the influence of thujone. J Stud.Alcohol 2004;65(5):573-581. PubMed
  8. Benezet-Mazuecos, J. and de la Fuente, A. Electrocardiographic findings after acute absinthe intoxication. Int J Cardiol. 11-10-2006;113(2):e48-e50. PubMed
  9. El Makrini NI, Hassam B. Artemisia absinthium: burning plant! Pan Afr Med J. 2016 Jan 22;23:10. PubMed
  10. Kocaoglu C, Ozel A. Persistent metabolic acidosis and severe diarrhoea due to Artemisia absinthium poisoning. J Pak Med Assoc. 2014 Sep;64(9):1081-3.

See these in context on the Wormwood monograph →

Pumpkin 5 references
  1. Marks L, Partin AW, Epstein JI, et al. Effects of a saw palmetto herbal blend in men with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia. J Urol 2000;163:1451-6. DOI
  2. Cho YH, Lee SY, Jeong DW, et al. Effect of pumpkin seed oil on hair growth in men with androgenetic alopecia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2014;2014:549721. PubMed
  3. Vahlensieck W, Theurer C, Pfitzer E, Patz B, Banik N, Engelmann U. Effects of pumpkin seed in men with lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia in the one-year, randomized, placebo-controlled GRANU study. Urol Int 2015;94(3):286-95 PubMed
  4. Assouly P. Hair loss associated with cucurbit poisoning. JAMA Dermatol. 2018 May 1;154(5):617-618. PubMed
  5. Gawryjolek J, Ludwig H, Zbikowska-Götz M, Bartuzi Z, Krogulska A. Anaphylaxis after consumption of pumpkin seeds in a 2-y-old child tolerant to its pulp: A case study. Nutrition 2021;89:111272. PubMed

See these in context on the Pumpkin monograph →

Male Fern 3 references
  1. The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
  2. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1996.
  3. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.

See these in context on the Male Fern monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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