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Dietary supplement

Yellow Root Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Herbalist & Alchemist

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

Yellow Root is a dietary supplement by Herbalist & Alchemist with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for digestive upset and diarrhea, mouth sores and sore throat, inflammation.Based on those ingredients, 643 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are dried Yellow Root root extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Yellow Root by Herbalist & Alchemist

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

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Yellow Root is a single-ingredient liquid supplement containing dried goldthread root extract. Goldthread has been used traditionally, and its active constituent berberine is what drives both its effects and its interactions with medications.

Does it work?

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

We hold no graded evidence for this product's ingredients for its stated purpose.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: supports healthy digestive and liver function.
  • We looked for evidence on: Digestive health, Liver support, Gastrointestinal function.
  • Our graded evidence for these ingredients doesn't cover that particular purpose.

We don't have effectiveness ratings on file for goldthread or this product, so we can't tell you what the research shows about whether it works.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Goldthread

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 0 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Human safety data for goldthread are limited, and product quality varies between manufacturers. The ingredient is generally tolerated short-term by some adults, but long-term safety isn't well established.

Berberine, the active component, may harm the fetus, so goldthread should be avoided during pregnancy. It can also pass into breast milk and may cause harm to infants, so avoid it while breastfeeding.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Goldthread

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

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

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Goldthread.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: immunosuppressants / transplant drugs.
  • For scale: 644 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.

Check cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune) first — berberine may raise its levels significantly. Also double-check any medications metabolized by the liver enzyme CYP3A4, which includes statins and many others, as berberine may inhibit that enzyme and increase their levels.

Use the search tool on this page to look up your exact medications.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no assessable stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and some safety-information gaps remain.

If you take any medications — especially cyclosporine, statins, or other drugs metabolized by CYP3A4 — check them against this product before you start. Pregnant or breastfeeding?

Skip this one. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor about whether Yellow Root is right for you.

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

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jan 7, 2019.

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 Yellow Root, straight from the product label.

Brand Herbalist & Alchemist
Barcode (UPC) 667056131166
Net contents 2 fl. Oz.; 60 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jan 7, 2019
DSLD ID 180761
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Kosher
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 Yellow Root by Herbalist & Alchemist, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 mL
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 mL
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
667056131166
IngredientAmount% DV
dried Yellow Root root extract2 mL--

Other ingredients: Ethyl Alcohol, distilled Water

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.
Formula

Xanthoriza simplicissima

OK

General Statements

Supports healthy digestive and liver function

Botanical preparation ratio 1:4

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use: 20-40 drops (1-2 mL) in juice or water. Take 3 times per day. Shake well before using.

Precautions

Contraindications: Do not use during pregnancy.

Keep out of children's reach

FDA Disclaimer Statement

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

General

NO. YLR-2 R1728MO

OK

See for yourself

Yellow Root by Herbalist & Alchemist label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Yellow Root by Herbalist & Alchemist

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container30 Amounts shown are per serving.

Dried Yellow Root root extract

Interacts with
643 drugs
2 mL per serving

Goldthread is a traditional Chinese and East Asian herb whose root is rich in berberine, a compound being studied for blood sugar, cholesterol, and an...

Dried Yellow Root root extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Ethyl Alcohol, Distilled Water. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Yellow Root by Herbalist & Alchemist Drug Interactions

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643Drugs
643 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Yellow Root with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

dried Yellow Root root extract2 drug types · 643 drugs

Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)

Berberine, a constituent of goldthread, can reduce metabolism of cyclosporine and increase serum levels. It might inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4), which metabolizes cyclosporine.

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

There's very preliminary evidence that berberine, a constituent of goldthread, might inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) enzyme. So far, this interaction has not been reported in humans. However, watch for an increase in the levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4 in patients taking goldthread. Some drugs metabolized by CYP3A4 include lovastatin (Mevacor), clarithromycin (Biaxin), indinavir (Crixivan), sildenafil (Viagra), triazolam (Halcion), and numerous others. Use goldthread cautiously or avoid in patients taking these drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

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

Herbalist & Alchemist

See all Herbalist & Alchemist products
Name
Herbalist & Alchemist, Inc.
City
Washington
State
NJ
ZipCode
07882
Phone Number
800-611-8235
Web Address
www.herbalist-alchemist.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Yellow Root by Herbalist & Alchemist: Common Questions

Does Yellow Root by Herbalist & Alchemist interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Yellow Root has a known interaction with 643 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Yellow Root contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take Yellow Root if I'm pregnant?
No. Berberine, the active ingredient in goldthread, may harm the fetus. The safety data advises against it during pregnancy.
Is it safe while breastfeeding?
No. Berberine passes into breast milk and may cause harm to infants. Avoid goldthread while breastfeeding.
What's goldthread, and why is it in this product?
Goldthread is the plant whose root is extracted for this liquid supplement. Its active compound is berberine, which has been used traditionally and is what gives the product its effects.
What if I take cyclosporine — can I use this?
Berberine can reduce your body's ability to clear cyclosporine and raise its levels in your blood. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor before starting Yellow Root; you may need monitoring or a dose adjustment.
Why does the interaction list mention so many medications?
Berberine may slow the liver enzyme CYP3A4, which breaks down a large class of drugs — including statins, some blood pressure medications, antihistamines, and many others. That's why the total is high. Search your specific medications on this page to see if you're affected.

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.

Yellow Root label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Yellow Root's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 3 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.

Goldthread 3 references
  1. Chan E. Displacement of bilirubin from albumin by berberine. Biol Neonate 1993;63:201-8. PubMed
  2. Wu X, Li Q, Xin H, Yu A, Zhong M. Effects of berberine on the blood concentration of cyclosporin A in renal transplanted recipients: clinical and pharmacokinetic study. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2005;61:567-72. PubMed
  3. Chuang CH, Doyle P, Wang JD, et al. Herbal medicines used during the first trimester and major congenital malformations: an analysis of data from a pregnancy cohort study. Drug Saf 2006;29:537-48. PubMed

See these in context on the Goldthread 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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