Major interaction on record — check this product against your medications before combining. Based on 5 of 7 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Zhong Gan Ling Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Plum Flower

Zhong Gan Ling label
See full label image
Tablet Or Pill Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Major
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Zhong Gan Ling 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: Major

Zhong Gan Ling is a dietary supplement by Plum Flower with 7 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for alcohol cravings and reduction, menopausal symptoms, heart and blood vessel health.Based on those ingredients, 1,250 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Ilex Pubescens Root Extract, Artemisia annua Herb Extract, Pueraria lobata root extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against Zhong Gan Ling by Plum Flower

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Zhong Gan Ling by Plum Flower — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Zhong Gan Ling by Plum Flower

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

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

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

Zhong Gan Ling contains 7 ingredients, of which five are active extracts: Pueraria lobata (kudzu) root, Gypsum fibrosum mineral, Notopterygium incisum, Isatis indigotica (isatis) root, Ilex pubescens root, Verbena officinalis (verbena) herb, and Artemisia annua (Sweet Annie) herb. The product also contains inactive ingredients — microcrystalline cellulose, sodium starch glyconate, hypromellose, polyethylene glycol, and magnesium stearate — which are binding and capsule materials.

Does it work?

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

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

Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports its ingredients for:

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.
  • Since the label doesn't commit to one use, we graded the ingredients' overall clinical evidence instead.
  • On file: Alcohol use disorder — rated "Possibly Effective" (Kudzu) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) — rated "Possibly Effective" (Sweet Annie) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Psoriasis — rated "Possibly Effective" (Isatis) (Natural Medicines).

The evidence supporting Zhong Gan Ling's effectiveness is mixed and limited. Kudzu is considered possibly effective for alcohol use disorder, but the data on the other ingredients for their traditional uses is not well established.

Isatis is possibly effective for psoriasis, and Sweet Annie is possibly effective for allergic rhinitis (hay fever); however, effectiveness for the product's other proposed uses — back pain, angina, respiratory infections, hepatitis, and others — is either insufficient or not studied in our data. If you're considering this for a specific condition, talk with your pharmacist or doctor about whether the evidence supports its use for your situation.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Kudzu Isatis Yerba Mate Verbena Sweet Annie

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 4 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.

Kudzu, Isatis, and Sweet Annie are generally well tolerated in short-term use, though long-term safety data are limited. Nausea, bloating, and dizziness have been reported with kudzu in clinical trials, but they occurred no more often than placebo; Sweet Annie may cause nausea and vomiting.

A rare but serious concern is liver injury — both kudzu and Sweet Annie carry a theoretical risk of hepatotoxicity, and one case of hepatitis from the Sweet Annie constituent artemisinin has been reported. Verbena in large amounts and combined with other herbs may cause gastrointestinal upset or allergic skin reactions.

Do not use this product during pregnancy or while breastfeeding — safety data are insufficient or unfavorable for both.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Kudzu Isatis Yerba Mate Verbena Sweet Annie

Meds to double-check

Major interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Major identified

At least one ingredient has a documented Major-severity interaction. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 3 of the 5 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Kudzu, Sweet Annie, Yerba Mate.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; diabetes medications; lithium.
  • For scale: 1,251 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 Zhong Gan Ling, check with your pharmacist if you take blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs (warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel), estrogen therapy or tamoxifen, methotrexate, diabetes medications, or any drugs that are metabolized by the liver (CYP3A4 or CYP2B6 pathways — this includes many blood pressure and cholesterol medications). Also flag any medications that stress the liver or contain caffeine.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

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

Zhong Gan Ling is a traditional herbal blend with limited modern evidence and a significant medication interaction profile. If you take any prescription medications — especially blood thinners, estrogen, methotrexate, diabetes drugs, or anything metabolized by your liver — check with your pharmacist before starting.

Avoid it during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

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

Assessment coverage: 5 of 7 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Oct 24, 2023.

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 Zhong Gan Ling, straight from the product label.

Brand Plum Flower
Barcode (UPC) 739934939628
Net contents 100 Tablet(s); 1.06 Ounce(s); 30 Gram(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Oct 24, 2023
DSLD ID 298538
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
Dietary claims / uses All Other
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Women (not pregnant or lactating)
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Zhong Gan Ling by Plum Flower, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
5 Tablet(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
5 Tablet(s)
Servings per container
20
UPC/BARCODE
739934939628
IngredientAmount% DV
Proprietary Blend Extract1500 mg--
Pueraria lobata root extract0 NP--
Gypsum fibrosum Mineral Extract0 NP--
Notopterygium incisum Extract0 NP--
Isatis indigotica Root Extract0 NP--
Ilex Pubescens Root Extract0 NP--
Verbena officinalis Herb Extract0 NP--
Artemisia annua Herb Extract0 NP--

Other ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Sodium Starch Glyconate, Hypromellose, Polyethylene Glycol, Magnesium Stearate

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.
Formulation

GMP quality

US owned & operated since 1969. Made in China

Plum flower quality guarantee No pharmaceuticals or dyes Unsulfured, preservative-free herbs when available Microbial and heavy metal tested

Produced at a good manufacturing practices (GMP) certified factory

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Take 5 tablets 3 times daily or as directed by your health care practitioner

Precautions

Not for use during pregnancy

Keep out of reach of children

Formula

Scientifically authenticated herbs

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

See for yourself

Zhong Gan Ling by Plum Flower label

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

Zhong Gan Ling 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 Zhong Gan Ling by Plum Flower

These are the 7 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size5 Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill 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 Blend Extract

1500 mg per serving

Other (inactive) ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Sodium Starch Glyconate, Hypromellose, Polyethylene Glycol, Magnesium Stearate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Zhong Gan Ling by Plum Flower Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Zhong Gan Ling?

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
1,250Drugs
8 Major 1,157 Moderate 85 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Ilex Pubescens Root Extract 1,086
Artemisia annua Herb Extract 889
Pueraria lobata root extract 584

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Zhong Gan Ling interact with 1,250 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

3 of the 7 ingredients in Zhong Gan Ling interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Ilex Pubescens Root Extract Artemisia annua Herb Extract Pueraria lobata root extract

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Zhong Gan Ling 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.

Ilex Pubescens Root Extract43 drug types · 1,086 drugs

Ephedrine

Theoretically, the caffeine in yerba mate might increase the risk for stimulant adverse effects when used concomitantly with ephedrine.
Use of ephedrine with caffeine can increase the risk of stimulatory adverse effects. There is evidence that using ephedrine with caffeine might increase the risk of serious life-threatening or debilitating adverse effects such as hypertension, myocardial infarction, stroke, seizures, and death.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Adenosine (Adenocard)

Theoretically, the caffeine in yerba mate might decrease the vasodilatory effects of adenosine and interfere with its use prior to stress testing.
Yerba mate contains caffeine. Some evidence shows that caffeine is a competitive inhibitor of adenosine and can reduce the vasodilatory effects of adenosine in humans. However, other research shows that caffeine does not seem to affect supplemental adenosine because high interstitial levels of adenosine overcome the antagonistic effects of caffeine. Still, some researchers recommend that methylxanthines, such as caffeine, as well as methylxanthine-containing products, should be stopped 24 hours prior to pharmacological stress tests. However, methylxanthines appear more likely to interfere with dipyridamole (Persantine) than adenosine-induced stress testing.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, the caffeine in yerba mate may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Yerba mate contains caffeine. Caffeine is reported to have antiplatelet activity. Theoretically, it might increase the risk of bleeding when used concomitantly with these agents; however, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Benzodiazepines

Theoretically, the caffeine in yerba mate might reduce the efficacy of benzodiazepines.
Yerba mate contains caffeine. Caffeine can antagonize the anxiolytic effects of benzodiazepines.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Beta-Adrenergic Agonists

Theoretically, the caffeine in yerba mate might increase the cardiac inotropic effects of beta-agonists, especially if taken in large amounts.
Yerba mate contains caffeine. Caffeine can increase cardiac inotropic effects of beta-agonists.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)

Theoretically, the caffeine in yerba mate might reduce the effects of carbamazepine and increase the risk for convulsions.
Yerba mate contains caffeine. Animal research suggests that caffeine can lower the anticonvulsant effects of carbamazepine and can induce seizures when taken in doses above 400 mg/kg. Human research has shown that taking caffeine 300 mg in three divided doses along with carbamazepine 200 mg reduces the bioavailability of carbamazepine by 32% and prolongs the plasma half-life of carbamazepine two-fold in healthy individuals.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Cimetidine (Tagamet)

Theoretically, cimetidine might increase the levels and adverse effects of the caffeine contained in yerba mate.
Yerba mate contains caffeine. Cimetidine decreases caffeine clearance by 31% to 42%.

Likelihood Likely Evidence B
Clozapine (Clozaril)

Theoretically, the caffeine in yerba mate might increase the levels and adverse effects of clozapine and acutely exacerbate psychotic symptoms.
Yerba mate contains caffeine. Caffeine might increase the effects and toxicity of clozapine. Caffeine doses of 400-1000 mg per day inhibit clozapine metabolism. Clozapine is metabolized by cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2). Although researchers speculate that caffeine might inhibit CYP1A2, there is no reliable evidence that caffeine affects CYP1A2. There is also speculation that genetic factors might make some patients more sensitive to an interaction between clozapine and caffeine.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Dipyridamole (Persantine)

Theoretically, the caffeine in yerba mate might decrease the vasodilatory effects of dipyridamole and interfere with its use prior to stress testing.
Yerba mate contains caffeine. Caffeine inhibits dipyridamole-induced vasodilation. Still, some researchers recommend that methylxanthines, such as caffeine, as well as methylxanthine-containing products, should be stopped 24 hours prior to pharmacological stress. Methylxanthines appear more likely to interfere with dipyridamole (Persantine) than adenosine-induced stress testing.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Disulfiram (Antabuse)

Theoretically, disulfiram might increase the levels and adverse effects of the caffeine in yerba mate.
Yerba mate contains caffeine. Disulfiram decreases the rate of caffeine clearance.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Diuretic Drugs

Theoretically, the caffeine in yerba mate might increase the risk of hypokalemia when used concomitantly with other diuretics.
Yerba mate contains caffeine. Caffeine, especially in excessive amounts, can reduce potassium levels due to stimulation of the sodium-potassium pump. Diuretics can also cause lower potassium levels.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Estrogens

Theoretically, estrogens might increase the levels and adverse effects of the caffeine in yerba mate.
Yerba mate contains caffeine. Estrogen inhibits caffeine metabolism.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Ethosuximide (Zarontin)

Theoretically, the caffeine in yerba mate might reduce the effects of ethosuximide and increase the risk for convulsion.
Yerba mate contains caffeine. Animal research shows that caffeine 92.4 mg/kg can decrease the anticonvulsant activity of ethosuximide. However, this effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Felbamate (Felbatol)

Theoretically, the caffeine in yerba mate might reduce the effects of felbamate and increase the risk for convulsion.
Yerba mate contains caffeine. Animal research shows that a high dose of caffeine 161.7 mg/kg can decreases the anticonvulsant activity of felbamate. However, this effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Flutamide (Eulexin)

Theoretically, the caffeine in yerba mate might increase the levels and adverse effects of flutamide.
Yerba mate contains caffeine. In vitro evidence suggests that caffeine can inhibit the metabolism of flutamide. However, this effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Fluvoxamine (Luvox)

Theoretically, fluvoxamine might increase the levels and adverse effects of the caffeine in yerba mate.
Yerba mate contains caffeine. Fluvoxamine reduces caffeine metabolism.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Lithium

Theoretically, abrupt withdrawal of the caffeine in yerba mate might increase serum lithium levels.
Yerba mate contains caffeine, which has diuretic activity. When abruptly discontinued, it might alter the clearance of lithium. There are two case reports of lithium tremor that worsened upon abrupt coffee withdrawal.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Midazolam (Versed)

Theoretically, use of yerba mate with midazolam might increase midazolam metabolite levels and adverse effects.
In vitro research shows that yerba mate extract containing 6.75% chlorogenic acid significantly inhibits the metabolism of midazolam via inhibition of cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4).

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (Maois)

Theoretically, the caffeine in yerba mate might increase risk of a hypertensive crisis when used concomitantly with MAOIs.
Yerba mate contains caffeine. Caffeine has been shown to inhibit monoamine oxidase (MAO) A and B in laboratory studies. Concomitant intake of large amounts of caffeine with MAOIs might precipitate a hypertensive crisis. In a case report, a patient that consumed 10-12 cups of caffeinated coffee and took the MAOI tranylcypromine presented with severe hypertension. Hypertension was resolved after the patient switched to drinking decaffeinated coffee.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Nicotine

Theoretically, the caffeine in yerba mate might increase risk of hypertension when used concomitantly with nicotine.
Yerba mate contains caffeine. Concomitant use of caffeine and nicotine has been shown to have additive cardiovascular effects, including increased heart rate and blood pressure. Blood pressure was increased by 10.8/12.4 mmHg when the agents were used concomitantly.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Pentobarbital (Nembutal)

Theoretically, the caffeine in yerba mate might decrease the effects of pentobarbital.
The caffeine in yerba mate might negate the hypnotic effects of pentobarbital.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Phenobarbital (Luminal)

Theoretically, the caffeine in yerba mate might reduce the effects of phenobarbital and increase the risk for convulsions.
Yerba mate contains caffeine. Animal research suggests that caffeine can decrease the anticonvulsant activity of phenobarbital. However, the exact mechanism of this interaction is unclear.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Phenylpropanolamine

Theoretically, phenylpropanolamine might increase the risk of hypertension as well as the levels and adverse effects of the caffeine in yerba mate.
Yerba mate contains caffeine. Concomitant use of phenylpropanolamine and caffeine might cause an additive increase in blood pressure. Phenylpropanolamine also seems to increase caffeine serum levels.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Phenytoin (Dilantin)

Theoretically, the caffeine in yerba mate might reduce the effects of phenytoin and increase the risk for convulsions.
Yerba mate contains caffeine. Animal research suggests that caffeine can decrease the anticonvulsant activity of phenytoin. The effect does not seem to be related to the seizure threshold-lowering effects of caffeine. However, the exact mechanism of this interaction is unclear.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Pioglitazone (Actos)

Theoretically, the caffeine in yerba mate might increase the levels and clinical effects of pioglitazone.
Yerba mate contains caffeine. Animal research suggests that caffeine can modestly increase the maximum concentration, area under the curve, and half-life of pioglitazone, and also reduce its clearance. This increased the antidiabetic effects of pioglitazone. However, the exact mechanism of this interaction is unclear.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Ilex Pubescens Root Extract full monograph & all 43 interactions

Artemisia annua Herb Extract3 drug types · 889 drugs

Cytochrome P450 2B6 (Cyp2B6) Substrates

Sweet Annie may alter plasma levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP2B6.
In vitro research shows that the Sweet Annie constituent artemisinin induces CYP2B6, possibly increasing CYP2B6 activity by 1.6-fold. However, Sweet Annie extract seems to inhibit the activity of CYP2B6 in vitro, suggesting that other constituents of Sweet Annie play a role in its effects on the overall activity of this enzyme. More information is needed to determine whether taking Sweet Annie extract affects the metabolism of CYP2B6 substrates.

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

Sweet Annie may alter plasma levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
In vitro research shows that the Sweet Annie constituent artemisinin induces CYP3A4, possibly increasing CYP3A4 activity by 1.9-fold. However, Sweet Annie extract seems to inhibit the activity of CYP3A4 in vitro, suggesting that other constituents of Sweet Annie play a role in its effects on the overall activity of this enzyme. More information is needed to determine whether taking Sweet Annie extract affects the metabolism of CYP3A4 substrates.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Hepatotoxic Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use might have additive adverse hepatotoxic effects.
There is some concern that Sweet Annie can adversely affect the liver.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Artemisia annua Herb Extract full monograph & interactions

Pueraria lobata root extract7 drug types · 584 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, kudzu may increase the risk of bleeding if used with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs.
Kudzu isoflavones are reported to have antiplatelet activity.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Caffeine

Theoretically, taking kudzu with caffeine might increase levels of caffeine.
In healthy males injected with the kudzu constituent puerarin, caffeine clearance and metabolism is inhibited. This effect has been attributed to inhibition of cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) enzyme, which is involved in caffeine metabolism. It is unclear if taking kudzu orally would have this same effect.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Estrogens

Theoretically, kudzu might alter the effects of estrogen therapy.
Some research suggests that kudzu has estrogenic effects. This may enhance or inhibit the effects of estrogen therapy.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Hepatotoxic Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use might have additive hepatotoxic effects.
There is some concern that kudzu can adversely affect the liver.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Methotrexate (Trexall, Others)

Theoretically, taking kudzu with methotrexate might increase the risk of methotrexate toxicity.
Preclinical research suggests that kudzu extract greatly reduces the elimination and increases the toxicity of methotrexate. Kudzu might inhibit organic anion transporters (OATs) that are responsible for hepatobiliary and renal excretion of anions, similar to the interaction between methotrexate and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Tamoxifen (Nolvadex)

Theoretically, kudzu might interfere with tamoxifen activity.
Some research suggests that kudzu may have estrogenic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking kudzu with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Kudzu might lower blood glucose levels and have additive effects in patients treated with antidiabetic agents. The dose of diabetes medications might need to be adjusted.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Pueraria lobata root extract full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Zhong Gan Ling, from the product label.

Plum Flower

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

Zhong Gan Ling by Plum Flower: Common Questions

Does Zhong Gan Ling by Plum Flower interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Zhong Gan Ling has a known interaction with 1,250 medications, including 8 rated major. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Zhong Gan Ling contains 7 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.
What is kudzu supposed to do in this product?
Kudzu is used in traditional medicine and has the most research of the ingredients here. It's possibly effective for alcohol use disorder, but evidence for other conditions is lacking or not yet established in our data.
Can I take this if I'm on birth control?
No. Kudzu in this product has theoretically estrogenic effects, meaning it might interfere with how estrogen therapy works. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before using it if you take any estrogen-based medication, including hormonal birth control.
Is this safe to use long-term?
Long-term safety isn't well established. While short-term use appears tolerated in studies, the data we hold don't support extended use, and there's a theoretical concern about liver stress with two of the ingredients. Talk with your pharmacist about how long you plan to use it.
What side effects might I notice?
Nausea, bloating, and dizziness have been reported in trials with kudzu, though no more often than placebo. Sweet Annie may cause nausea and vomiting. In medicinal amounts, verbena can cause gastrointestinal upset or allergic skin reactions. Rare but serious liver injury is a theoretical concern.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. The safety data are either insufficient or advise against use during both pregnancy and breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor before considering any herbal supplement in these situations.
Will this affect my diabetes medication?
Possibly. Kudzu may lower blood sugar levels and have additive effects with antidiabetes drugs, raising the risk of low blood sugar. Your doctor may need to adjust your medication dose. Check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting this product.

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.

Zhong Gan Ling label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Zhong Gan Ling’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Kudzu

Interacts with 584 drugs

Kudzu is a fast-growing vine whose root has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine and is now studied mostly for reducing alcohol intake. Early research is promising for cutting back...

Read the full Kudzu 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

Yerba Mate

Interacts with 1,086 drugs

Yerba mate is a caffeine-containing herbal beverage from South America that is widely enjoyed for its stimulating, coffee-like effects. While it is rich in antioxidants and is being studied...

Read the full Yerba Mate monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Verbena

Verbena (Verbena officinalis), also called vervain, is a traditional herb people use for relaxation, sleep, and minor digestive complaints. Solid human research is limited, so its benefits r...

Read the full Verbena monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Sweet Annie

Interacts with 889 drugs

Sweet Annie (Artemisia annua) is the source of artemisinin, a compound used in prescription antimalarial drugs. While the purified drug is well studied for malaria, the herb itself as a supp...

Read the full Sweet Annie monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Zhong Gan Ling'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 164 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.

Kudzu 21 references
  1. Woo J, Lau E, Ho SC, et al. Comparison of Pueraria lobata with hormone replacement therapy in treating the adverse health consequences of menopause. Menopause 2003;10:352-61. PubMed
  2. Akita H, Sowa J, Makiura M, et al. Maculopapular drug eruption due to the Japanese herbal medicine Kakkonto (kudzu or arrowroot decoction). Contact Dermatitis 2003;48:348-9. PubMed
  3. Luo ZR, Zheng B. [Effect of Puerarin on platelet activating factors CD63 and CD62P, plasminogen activator inhibitor and C-reactive protein in patients with unstable angia pectoris]. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi 2001;21:31-3 .
  4. Lee KT, Sohn IC, Kim DH, et al. Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of tectorigenin and kaikasaponin III in the streptozotocin-lnduced diabetic rat and their antioxidant activity in vitro. Arch Pharm Res 2000;23:461-6.
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See these in context on the Kudzu 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 →

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See these in context on the Yerba Mate monograph →

Verbena 6 references
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See these in context on the Verbena monograph →

Sweet Annie 11 references
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  3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Hepatitis temporally associated with an herbal supplement containing artemisinin-Washington, 2008. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2009;58:854-8.
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See these in context on the Sweet Annie 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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