Sanhuang Herbal Tablets by Classical Remedia Ltd

INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE

• Allergic rhinitis (hay fever). Although there has been interest in using oral Baikal skullcap for allergic rhinitis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of Baikal skullcap for this purpose.
• Anxiety. Although there has been interest in using oral Baikal skullcap for anxiety, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of Baikal skullcap for this purpose.
• Atherosclerosis. Although there has been interest in using oral Baikal skullcap for atherosclerosis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of Baikal skullcap for this purpose.
• Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Although there has been interest in using oral Baikal skullcap for ADHD, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of Baikal skullcap for this purpose.
• Bronchiolitis. Intravenous Baikal skullcap has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that a combination of Baikal skullcap, forsythia, and honeysuckle, known as Shuang Huang Lian in traditional Chinese medicine, given intravenously, with or without antibiotics, decreases the duration of cough by about 1.5-2 days, the duration of wheezing by about 2 days, and the duration of hospitalization by about 2-3 days when compared with antibiotics alone in children with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. Baikal skullcap injection was administered as a 20 mL dose for patients under 6 months, a 40 mL dose for patients 7-36 months, or a 60 mL dose for patients older than 36 months (12613).
• Cancer. Although there has been interest in using oral Baikal skullcap for cancer, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of Baikal skullcap for this purpose.
• Diabetes. It is unclear if oral Baikal skullcap is beneficial in patients with diabetes. Details: A very small clinical trial in patients with uncontrolled diabetes taking metformin 500 mg daily shows that taking Baikal skullcap extract 3.52 grams in three divided doses daily for 8 weeks does not decrease levels of fasting glucose or insulin or improve levels of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) when compared with placebo. However, taking Baikal skullcap reduces blood glucose levels during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at 60 minutes, but not 120 minutes, when compared with placebo (101738). This study may have been inadequately powered to detect a difference between groups.
• Epilepsy. Although there has been interest in using oral Baikal skullcap for epilepsy, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of Baikal skullcap for this purpose.
• Hand, foot, and mouth disease. It is unclear if intravenous Baikal skullcap is beneficial in patients with hand, foot, and mouth disease. Details: Low-quality observational research in children hospitalized with severe hand, foot, and mouth disease has found that children who are given Baikal skullcap intravenously as a Tanreqing injection 0.3-0.5 mL/kg once daily have a shorter duration of fever, oral ulcers, and rash, as well as reduced viral load, when compared with those given ribavirin 10 mg/kg once daily (96281). The validity of these findings is limited by the retrospective nature of the study.
• Headache. Although there has been interest in using oral Baikal skullcap for headache, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of Baikal skullcap for this purpose.
• Hemorrhoids. Although there has been interest in using oral Baikal skullcap for hemorrhoids, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of Baikal skullcap for this purpose.
• Hepatitis. Although there has been interest in using oral Baikal skullcap for hepatitis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of Baikal skullcap for this purpose.
• HIV/AIDS. Although there has been interest in using oral Baikal skullcap for HIV/AIDS, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of Baikal skullcap for this purpose.
• Insomnia. Although there has been interest in using oral Baikal skullcap for insomnia, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of Baikal skullcap for this purpose.
• Osteoarthritis. Oral Baikal skullcap has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that taking a specific product (Limbrel, Primus Pharmaceuticals) that contains flavocoxid, a blend of Baikal skullcap extract and catechu flavonoid extract, 500 mg once or twice daily for up to 12 weeks reduces symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee when compared with baseline. These studies found no significant difference between this combination product and naproxen 440 mg once daily to 500 mg twice daily for reducing symptoms (17030,18012,92776). However, in 2017, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) formally requested the recall of all non-expired lots of this product due to the risk for liver and lung injury (106042). See the Adverse Effects section for more information.
• Peyronie disease. It is unclear if oral Baikal skullcap is beneficial in patients with Peyronie disease. Details: Observational research has found that taking oral Baikal skullcap root extract 150 mL twice daily for 6 months is associated with reduced time to disease stabilization, with an average reduction of 5 months, when compared with no treatment. In addition, 17% of patients taking Baikal skullcap had pain resolution and only 33% required surgical correction, compared with 0% and 58%, respectively, of control patients. In patients requiring surgery, taking Baikal skullcap did not appear to affect resolution; however, the study may have been inadequately powered to detect a difference between groups (105867).
• Prostate cancer. Although there has been interest in using oral Baikal skullcap for prostate cancer, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of Baikal skullcap for this purpose.
• Psoriasis. Although there has been interest in using oral Baikal skullcap for psoriasis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of Baikal skullcap for this purpose.
• Seizures. Although there has been interest in using oral Baikal skullcap for seizures, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of Baikal skullcap for this purpose.
• Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI). Although there has been interest in using oral and intravenous Baikal skullcap for upper respiratory tract infections, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of Baikal skullcap for this purpose. More evidence is needed to rate Baikal skullcap for these uses.

(Read more about BAIKAL SKULLCAP)

POSSIBLY EFFECTIVE

• Canker sores. Some evidence shows that berberine gel applied to canker sores may reduce pain and the size of the sores, but it has not been compared to conventional treatments. Details: Some clinical research shows that applying a gel containing berberine 5 mg/gram four times daily for 5 days can reduce pain by 26% and ulcer size by 30% when compared with placebo in patients with minor recurrent canker sores. Erythema and exudation also appear to be improved (91955).
• Diabetes. Berberine seems to moderately reduce blood glucose in people with type 2 diabetes; it may provide additional benefit when given with conventional medications. Details: Some clinical research shows that taking berberine 500 mg 2-3 times daily for 2-4 months can reduce glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and postprandial glucose (PPG) in subjects with type 2 diabetes when compared with placebo, and may be similarly effective to metformin 500 mg 2-3 times daily or rosiglitazone 4 mg daily (20579,34247,34265,110099). Large meta-analyses show that taking berberine, 0.9-3 grams in 2-3 divided doses daily for 1-11 months, in combination with lifestyle interventions, can reduce FPG by 10-16 mg/dL, PPG by 27-34 mg/dL, and HbA1c by 0.4% to 0.7% when compared with lifestyle interventions alone. Also, taking berberine in combination with oral hypoglycemic drugs appears to lower FPG by 12-19 mg/dL, PPG by 18-24 mg/dL, and HbA1c by 0.6% to 0.9% when compared with hypoglycemic drugs alone (91956,110097). Berberine has also been evaluated in combination with other ingredients. A small clinical study in patients with type 2 diabetes shows that taking berberine 500 mg with Bifidobacterium adolescentis 100 million colony-forming units (CFU) twice daily for 16 weeks reduces FPG by 10 mg/dL, PPG by 28 mg/dL, and HbA1c by 0.22% when compared with placebo (110099). Another clinical study in patients with type 2 diabetes shows that taking berberine 600 mg twice daily with a multi-strain probiotic supplement, containing more than 50 billion CFU, once daily for 12 weeks reduces postprandial cholesterol by 15 mg/dL and postprandial low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol by 9 mg/dL when compared with placebo. Postprandial triglyceride levels were also improved, while postprandial levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol were not affected (110100).
• Helicobacter pylori. Oral berberine, when taken with amoxicillin and a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) with or without clarithromycin, might be as effective as bismuth-containing quadruple therapy (BQT), vonoprazan quadruple therapy, and PPI-based triple therapy for eradication of Helicobacter pylori. Details: Most studies evaluate berberine in combination with an antibiotic and acid blocker for the treatment of H. pylori infection. Open-label clinical studies in patients with treatment-naïve H. pylori infection shows that taking berberine 300-500 mg with amoxicillin 1 gram and an acid reducer such as esomeprazole 20 mg, rabeprazole 10 mg, or vonoprazan 20 mg, with or without clarithromycin 500 mg, 2-3 times daily for 14 days is non-inferior to BQT, vonoprazan quadruple therapy (vonoprazan, amoxicillin, clarithromycin, bismuth), and rabeprazole quadruple therapy (rabeprazole, amoxicillin, clarithromycin, bismuth) for H. pylori eradication and clinical symptom improvement. Eradication rates were around 70% to 91% and 69% to 90% in the berberine- and bismuth-containing groups, respectively. BQT is a guideline-recommended treatment regimen for H. pylori eradication (97234,111697). Also, berberine triple therapy appears to be better tolerated when compared with BQT. Quadruple therapy consisted of amoxicillin, rabeprazole, clarithromycin, and bismuth tartrate (110107). A smaller clinical study in patients with H. pylori-associated duodenal ulcers shows that taking berberine 300 mg three times daily for 6 weeks is more effective for eradicating H. pylori than taking ranitidine 150 mg twice daily, but is less effective for promoting ulcer healing (34319).
• Hyperlipidemia. Clinical research shows that taking berberine orally, alone or in combination with other ingredients, reduces total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides, and increases high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Details: Meta-analyses of clinical research in people with hyperlipidemia show that berberine can reduce total cholesterol by 21-32 mg/dL, triglycerides by up to 34 mg/dL, LDL cholesterol by 18-26 mg/dL, and apolipoprotein B by 0.25 g/L, as well as increase HDL cholesterol by 2-3 mg/dL, when compared with placebo or lifestyle interventions (20579,34228,111363,111700). Meta-analyses also show that berberine alone is similarly effective to statins at lowering lipid levels (100983,111362). Administration of berberine in combination with lipid-lowering drugs such as statins lowers total cholesterol by 10-15 mg/dL, LDL cholesterol by up to 9 mg/dL, and triglycerides by up to 30 mg/dL when compared with lipid-lowering drugs alone (91953,91956,99921,100983,111362). The dosage of berberine used most often in these studies was 500 mg twice daily, or 200-500 mg three times daily for 3-24 months. However, one meta-analysis suggests that berberine's effects on lipid levels may be transient, with significant improvements in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and HDL cholesterol lacking in studies lasting 3 or more months (111362). Berberine has also been studied in combination with other supplements. Taking a combination product containing berberine 500 mg, policosanol 10 mg, and red yeast rice 200 mg daily for up to 12 months reduces total and LDL cholesterol levels when compared with placebo or ezetimibe 10 mg (34262,34283,34301). Taking another combination product (Armolipid Plus, Rottapharm S.p.A.) containing berberine, red yeast rice, policosanol, folic acid, coenzyme Q10, and astaxanthin daily for up to 12 months reduces total cholesterol by 10% to 13% and LDL cholesterol by 14% to 21%, and increases HDL cholesterol by 4% to 5% when compared with baseline or placebo. These effects are comparable to those seen with pravastatin 10 mg daily (89438,92142). It is unclear if the benefits of this combination product are due to berberine, other ingredients, or the combination. It is possible that the majority of the therapeutic effect is due to an ingredient in red yeast rice (monacolin K) that is identical to lovastatin.
• Hypertension. Berberine may have added benefits for reducing blood pressure when used in combination with amlodipine. Details: A meta-analysis shows that taking berberine 0.9 grams daily in combination with amlodipine for 2 months reduces systolic blood pressure by 5 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by 2 mmHg when compared with amlodipine alone (91956).
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Berberine may improve some metabolic characteristics in women with PCOS and insulin resistance. It may also increase live births, although the data are conflicting. Details: Clinical research in patients with PCOS and insulin resistance shows that taking berberine 500-550 mg 2-3 times daily for 3 to 6 months reduces fasting plasma glucose, markers of insulin resistance, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, testosterone levels, body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, acne severity, and markers of inflammation when compared with placebo or baseline. Berberine also seems to increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) levels (34282,91952,111364). Lipid parameters also improved when compared with metformin, as did waist-to-hip ratio, body mass index, and SHBG levels in some, but not all, studies (34282,91952). The effect of berberine on pregnancy and birth rates in women with PCOS is unclear. One clinical study shows that taking berberine 500 mg three times daily for three months prior to controlled ovarian stimulation increases the number of clinical pregnancies and live births by almost two-fold when compared with placebo. These effects are comparable to taking metformin 500 mg three times daily for 3 months (91952). However, other clinical research shows that taking a combination of berberine 1.5 grams daily and letrozole for ovarian stimulation does not increase live birth rates when compared with letrozole alone (97235).

INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE

• Antipsychotic-induced metabolic side effects. It is unclear if oral berberine is beneficial in patients with antipsychotic-induced metabolic side effects. Details: A small clinical study in patients with schizophrenia who developed metabolic syndrome associated with antipsychotic therapy shows that taking berberine 300 mg twice daily for 12 weeks reduces body weight by 1.1 kg, body mass index (BMI) by 0.4 kg/m2, total cholesterol by 22 mg/dL, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol by 20 mg/dL, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) by 0.09% when compared with placebo (110103).
• Atrial fibrillation. Limited research suggests that oral berberine might prevent atrial fibrillation shortly after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Details: A small clinical study in Chinese patients who underwent CABG surgery shows that taking berberine 400 mg three times daily for 7 days reduces the risk of postoperative atrial fibrillation by 50% when compared with placebo (110106).
• Biliary disorders. It is unclear if oral berberine is beneficial in patients with biliary disorders. Details: A small clinical study in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis shows that taking berberine ursodeoxycholate, an ionic salt formulation of berberine and ursodeoxycholic acid, 500-1000 mg twice daily for 6 weeks reduces levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), a marker of cholestasis and bile duct injury, when compared with placebo. ALP levels decreased by at least 50% in 7% and 17% of patients taking 500 mg and 1000 mg, respectively, compared with 0% of patients taking placebo (110105).
• Burns. Topical berberine has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that topical treatment of second degree burns with an ointment containing berberine, beta-sitosterol, sesame oil, and other ingredients, applied every 4 hours for 20 days, is similar to conventional treatment with silver sulfadiazine cream (13526). It is unclear if this benefit is due to berberine, other ingredients, or the combination.
• Cardiovascular disease (CVD). It is unclear if berberine is beneficial in patients with CVD. Details: A meta-analysis of several small clinical studies in patients with atherosclerosis, ischemic stroke, or coronary heart disease shows that taking berberine alone does not improve lipid levels or markers of atherosclerosis but does reduce markers of inflammation when compared with routine therapy or statins. Additionally, the pooled analysis suggests that berberine reduces stroke severity, as measured by the NIH Stroke Scale, in patients with ischemic stroke (111362). This meta-analysis also shows that, when taken with a statin, berberine improves lipid levels, stroke severity, markers of atherosclerosis, and inflammatory markers when compared with statin therapy alone or routine treatment (111362). The validity of these findings is limited by the overall low-quality of the included studies, with unclear blinding and randomization; significant heterogeneity and differences in patient populations, berberine doses, and treatment durations studied; and concerns related to publication bias.
• Cholera. Although taking a single dose of berberine may be modestly beneficial for reducing stool volume, using berberine daily with tetracycline does not seem to provide added benefit. Details: Some preliminary clinical research shows that a single dose of berberine sulfate 400 mg decreases 24-hour stool volume by a small amount in subjects with cholera when compared with placebo (262). However, taking berberine 200-400 mg daily along with tetracycline 500 mg four times daily does not seem to further enhance the effects of tetracycline in treating cholera-induced diarrhea (34305,34306).
• Colorectal adenoma. Berberine may help prevent adenoma recurrence after polypectomy. Details: Preliminary clinical research in Chinese patients with colorectal adenomas who had undergone complete polypectomy shows that taking berberine 0.3 grams twice daily for 2 years reduces the risk of adenoma recurrence by 22% when compared with placebo (103197). A meta-analysis of this trial and two other small clinical studies in Chinese patients with a history of colorectal adenomas shows that taking berberine 0.1 grams three times daily for 18 months or 0.3 grams twice daily for 2 years reduces the risk of adenoma recurrence by 31% and 25% at years 1 and 2, respectively, when compared with placebo (110101). All available research has been conducted in China; it is unclear whether these results can be applied to other geographic locations.
• Congestive heart failure (CHF). Berberine may provide additional benefit to patients with CHF who are taking conventional medications. Details: Preliminary clinical research in patients with CHF secondary to ischemic or idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy shows that adding berberine 1.2-2 grams daily for 8 weeks to conventional medications can reduce the frequency and complexity of premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) and reduce mortality when compared with placebo (13520).
• Coronary heart disease (CHD). Oral berberine has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: Clinical research in statin-intolerant patients with coronary heart disease treated with a percutaneous intervention (PCI) shows that taking a specific combination product (Armolipid Plus, Rottapharm S.p.A.) containing berberine 500 mg, red yeast rice 200 mg, policosanol 10 mg, folic acid 0.2 mg, coenzyme Q10 2 mg, and astaxanthin 0.5 mg daily for 3 months reduces total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides, and increases high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol to a greater extent than ezetimibe 10 mg daily. Combining this specific product with either ezetimibe or a low-dose statin produces additional improvements in all lipid parameters after 3-12 months of treatment when compared with any of the agents alone (97232,97233). It is unclear if the benefits of this combination product are due to berberine, other ingredients, or the combination. Because red yeast rice contains a compound identical to lovastatin (monacolin K), it is likely that the cholesterol-lowering potential of this combination is mainly attributable to the red yeast rice constituent.
• Diarrhea. Limited data suggest that berberine may be helpful for diarrhea caused by bacteria. Details: Some preliminary clinical research shows that a single dose of berberine sulfate 400 mg decreases 24-hour stool volume in subjects with Escherichia coli-induced diarrhea when compared with placebo (262).
• Glaucoma. It is unclear if berberine is beneficial for glaucoma when used as an eye drop. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that using eye drops containing berberine 2.5 mg and tetrahydrozoline 2.5 mg for 3 days does not reduce intraocular pressure in patients with open angle glaucoma when compared with eye drops containing tetrahydrozoline alone (34304).
• Hepatitis B. It is unclear if berberine is beneficial for improving liver function in people with hepatitis B. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that taking berberine 1 gram daily for 2 months decreases blood glucose, triglycerides, and markers of liver damage, including aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), in subjects with type 2 diabetes and hepatitis B when compared with control (34265).
• Hepatitis C. It is unclear if berberine is beneficial for improving liver function in people with this form of hepatitis. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that taking berberine 1 gram daily for 2 months decreases blood glucose, triglycerides, and markers of liver damage, including aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), in subjects with type 2 diabetes and hepatitis C when compared with control (34265).
• Impaired glucose tolerance (prediabetes). Small studies suggest that oral berberine may be beneficial in adults with prediabetes. Details: A very small clinical study in adults with overweight and prediabetes shows that taking berberine aqueous root extract (HIMABERB, Pharma Base S.A.) 500 mg 3 times daily for 12 weeks reduces fasting blood glucose by 15 mg/dL, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) by 0.7%, and 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test by 28 mg/dL and improves fasting insulin levels and measures of insulin resistance when compared with placebo (111699). The validity of these effects is limited by a very small sample size. Another small clinical study in adults with prediabetes shows that taking berberine phospholipids (Berbevis, Indena, SpA, Italy) 550 mg twice daily for 8 weeks reduces fasting blood glucose by 4 mg/dL and improves insulin levels when compared with placebo (111700).
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). One small clinical study suggests that oral berberine may be beneficial in people with diarrhea-predominant IBS. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that taking berberine 400 mg twice daily for 8 weeks in patients with diarrhea-predominant IBS reduces the frequency of diarrhea, abdominal pain, and defecation urgency when compared with placebo. Berberine may also improve overall symptom scores and IBS quality of life (97236).
• Menopausal symptoms. Oral berberine has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that taking a combination of berberine plus soy isoflavones can reduce vasomotor symptoms in menopausal women when compared with taking calcium plus vitamin D (34287). It is not clear if this effect is due to berberine, soy isoflavones, or the combination.
• Metabolic syndrome. Berberine may reduce some of the signs and symptoms of metabolic syndrome, but the evidence is weak. Details: Preliminary clinical research in adults with metabolic syndrome shows that taking berberine hydrochloride 500 mg three times daily before meals for 3 months reduces body mass index (BMI) by 0.6 kg/m2, systolic blood pressure (SBP) by 8 mmHg, triglycerides by 18 mg/dL, and serum glucose levels by 2 mg/dL, and can also improve insulin sensitivity, when compared with baseline (91957). The validity of these findings is limited by the lack of a control group. Other preliminary clinical research shows that taking a combination product (Armolipid Plus, Rottapharm S.p.A.) containing berberine 500 mg, red yeast rice 200 mg, policosanol 10 mg, folic acid 0.2 mg, coenzyme Q10 2 mg, and astaxanthin 0.5 mg daily for 18 weeks improves SBP, left ventricular mass, and flow-mediated dilation in patients with metabolic syndrome when compared with control (34289). It is not clear if this effect is due to berberine, the other ingredients, or the combination.
• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Oral berberine may improve some measures of liver function and blood lipids in people with NAFLD. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that taking berberine 600 mg twice daily for 12 weeks reduces blood lipids and markers of liver damage, including aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), when compared to baseline in patients with NAFLD and type 2 diabetes (34286). Other preliminary clinical research shows that taking berberine 500 mg three times daily for 16 weeks reduces hepatic fat content by 21% when compared with lifestyle modification. Berberine also seems to reduce hepatic fat content, AST, and ALT similarly to pioglitazone 15 mg daily, while reducing body weight, body mass index, and total cholesterol more than pioglitazone (97237).
• Obesity. It is unclear if oral berberine is beneficial in patients with obesity. Details: A meta-analysis of 12 small clinical studies, most in patients with various metabolic conditions, shows that taking berberine 300-1500 mg daily for up to 24 months reduces body weight by around 2 kg, body mass index (BMI) by 0.5 kg/m2, and waist circumference by about 1 cm when compared with a control group (104508). However, most of the studies are small, of varying quality, with significant heterogeneity, and likely inadequately powered to detect significant changes. Additionally, none of the studies required patients to have overweight or obesity for inclusion.
• Radiation-induced diarrhea. One small study suggests that oral berberine may reduce diarrhea associated with radiation-induced intestinal damage. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that taking berberine 300 mg three times daily for 2 weeks can reduce the frequency and severity of radiation-induced intestinal damage and diarrhea in patients receiving abdominal or pelvic radiation therapy when compared with placebo (34263).
• Radiation fibrosis. It is unclear if oral berberine is beneficial for reducing radiation-induced lung damage. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that taking berberine 20 mg/kg once daily for 6 weeks during radiation therapy reduces the incidence of radiation-induced lung injury and improves lung function in patients treated for NSCLC when compared with placebo (34253).
• Stroke. It is unclear if oral berberine is beneficial in adults with acute ischemic stroke. Details: A meta-analysis of several small clinical studies in adults with acute ischemic stroke shows that taking berberine 0.3-1.0 grams daily for up to 6 months in addition to conventional therapy reduces stroke severity, as measured by the NIH Stroke Scale, improves markers of atherosclerosis and inflammation, and reduces triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol when compared with routine therapy as control (111698). The validity of these findings is limited by the overall low quality of the included studies, with unclear blinding and randomization. Other limitations include significant heterogeneity in patient populations, berberine doses, and treatment durations studied.
• Thrombocytopenia. It is unclear if oral berberine is beneficial for improving platelet counts in people with this condition. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that taking berberine bisulfate 5 mg three times daily before meals for 15 days, either alone or with prednisolone, can increase platelet count in patients with primary or secondary thrombocytopenia when compared with baseline (34317).
• Trachoma. It is unclear if berberine is beneficial for trachoma when administered as eye drops. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that berberine ophthalmic solution might be useful for treating trachoma, a common cause of blindness in developing countries. Solutions of 0.2% berberine have been applied three times daily for 3-12 weeks, or solutions of 0.5% three times daily for 1-3 weeks (13523,34303,34310,34313).
• Ulcerative colitis. It is unclear of oral berberine is beneficial for improving symptoms of this condition. Details: Preliminary clinical research in a small number of patients with ulcerative colitis taking mesalamine shows that taking berberine 300 mg three times daily for 3 months does not improve clinical symptoms or markers of inflammation when compared with placebo (103194). However, this study primarily focused on safety outcomes and was inadequately powered to detect differences in efficacy.
• Ventricular arrhythmias. Limited research suggests that oral berberine might lower the frequency of premature ventricular contractions (PVCs). Details: Data from a meta-analysis of 10 small clinical trials, all conducted in China, shows that taking oral berberine, 0.3-0.6 grams 3 or 4 times daily for 7-30 days has a similar efficacy rate to antiarrhythmic drugs, and a lower incidence of adverse effects, in the management of PVCs. A combination of berberine and antiarrhythmic drugs has a higher efficacy rate and similar adverse effect rate, when compared with antiarrhythmic drugs alone (112947). The quality of this evidence is low. More evidence is needed to rate berberine for these uses.

(Read more about BERBERINE)

POSSIBLY EFFECTIVE

• Menopausal symptoms. Oral rhubarb root extract seems to help improve symptoms of menopause. Details: Clinical research in perimenopausal and postmenopausal patients shows that taking a specific dry extract of rhubarb root (ERr 731, Estroease, Lupin Pharmaceuticals) 4 mg orally daily for 3-27 months improves symptoms of menopause by 46% to 83% compared to an improvement of less than 20% with placebo. About 83% of females taking the rhubarb extract report overall clinical improvement, with specific improvements in anxiety, hot flushes, sweating, sleep, mood, quality of life, fatigue, sexual problems, urinary tract problems, vaginal dryness, and joint and muscle issues (92294,92295,92296,92297,92298,108960).
• Pancreatitis. Oral or rectal rhubarb might improve symptoms and duration of hospital stay in individuals with acute pancreatitis. It is unclear if oral rhubarb helps to prevent pancreatitis in individuals undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Details: Meta-analyses of clinical research in adults with acute pancreatitis in China shows that administering rhubarb 10-90 grams daily via gastric tube or rectal enema for 3-14 days, in combination with somatostatin, octreotide, or ulinastatin, reduces the risk for complications such as sepsis or kidney failure by 45%, duration of abdominal pain by 1.3-2 days, and duration of hospital stay by 6.7-6.9 days when compared with taking these medications alone (97922,100964). However, the included studies were of low methodological quality. Additionally, somatostatin and octreotide are not recommended for the treatment of acute pancreatitis by the American College of Gastroenterology or the American Gastroenterological Association (101001,100965). A separate meta-analysis and individual clinical studies show that administering rhubarb 6-20 grams 1-3 times daily for 5-14 days, usually via nasojejunal tube with early enteral nutrition, reduces the duration of hospital stay and improves abdominal symptoms when compared with enteral nutrition alone (92301,103475). The meta-analysis shows that administering rhubarb reduces hospital stay by 4.5 days and intensive care unit stay by 2.8 days. The use of rhubarb also reduced the duration of severe abdominal pain, abdominal distention, and abnormal bowel sounds by 1-2 days. However, there was no effect on mortality rate, infection rate, or the incidence of multiple organ dysfunction (103475). Rhubarb has also been studied for the prevention of pancreatitis in patients undergoing a specific procedure called endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Preliminary clinical research in patients at high risk for post-ERCP complications shows that drinking a raw rhubarb solution after the procedure reduces the incidence of post-ERCP pancreatitis by 74% and post-ERCP hyperamylasemia by 81% when compared to standard care. However, this study was of low methodological quality, and the rhubarb solution preparation and dose were not reported (97920).

INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE

• Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). It is unclear if oral rhubarb reduces ARDS. Details: A small clinical study in patients with ARDS shows that administering rhubarb leachate 10 grams in 30 mL water via nasogastric tube three times daily for 7 days, in addition to standard treatment, modestly improves oxygenation and reduces indices of pulmonary vascular permeability when compared with standard treatment (97921).
• Appendicitis. Oral rhubarb has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients for use in pediatric appendiceal abscess; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: A large observational study in children 3-14 years old with appendiceal abscess also receiving intravenous antibiotics suggests that taking a rhubarb peony decoction twice daily for 7-14 days is associated with a higher clinical cure rate of 93% when compared with 81% in the control group, but does not improve length of stay, post-operative complications, or recurrence rate (112380). However, it is unclear if the effects are from rhubarb, other ingredients, or the combination.
• Canker sores. Topical rhubarb has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: A small open-label clinical study in adults with mild canker sores shows that topical application of a specific combination product (Pyralvex Soluté, Laboratoires Norgine Pharma) containing rhubarb extract 5% and salicylic acid reduces the time to symptom resolution by about 3 days when compared to using a water control (97919).
• Chronic kidney disease (CKD). It is unclear if oral rhubarb prevents the progression of CKD or improves markers of kidney function. Details: A meta-analysis of results from two low-quality clinical studies shows that taking rhubarb 1-7.7 grams daily for up to 48 months as part of traditional Chinese medicine does not delay the onset of kidney failure when compared with standard treatment (92302). However, these results were calculated using regression analysis rather than long-term follow-up, which limits the validity of these findings. Another meta-analysis of clinical research shows that rhubarb may improve serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen in patients with CKD when compared with no treatment (92302). However, rhubarb does not appear to improve blood urea nitrogen when compared with captopril (71329). The validity of the research to date is limited by the low to very low methodological quality of the studies and the high risk of bias. Additionally, all of the studies were conducted in China; it is unclear if these findings are applicable to other populations.
• Constipation. It is unclear if rhubarb is beneficial for constipation. Details: A small clinical study in middle-aged adults with constipation shows that taking rhubarb extract 12.5 mg or 25 mg based on rhein content (Gutisrheum, Laboratories Ortis) at bedtime for 1 month improves stool frequency and consistency when compared with placebo (112381). The validity of these findings is limited by patient-reported outcomes. A clinical study in patients with chronic constipation, defined as having a bowel movement no more than twice per week, shows that a specific combination product (Nucarb; Wilshire Laboratories Ltd) containing rhubarb extract 250 mg, activated charcoal 180 mg, calcium sennosides 50 mg, peppermint oil 0.5 mg, fennel oil 0.5 mg, and sulfur 50 mg, taken as two tablets at bedtime for one week, followed by 1 tablet at bedtime for 1 week, reduces passing gas, abdominal pain, and sensation of bloating by 81%, 73%, and 72% respectively, when compared with baseline. Sensation of straining, severity of constipation, and feeling of incomplete evacuation were reduced by 69%, 67%, and 54% respectively, when compared with baseline (108853). The validity of these findings is limited by the lack of a comparator group, and it is unclear whether the effects are due to rhubarb, the combination, or other ingredients.
• Dysmenorrhea. It is unclear if oral rhubarb reduces dysmenorrhea. Details: Preliminary clinical research in young adults with dysmenorrhea shows that taking rhubarb root and rhizome powder 2520 mg daily, beginning 2 days before menstruation and continuing for 5 days, repeated for three consecutive cycles, has similar efficacy to mefenamic acid 500 mg three times daily in reducing pain and improving quality of life. Those receiving either treatment experienced an overall improvement of greater than 80%, which is attributed to a reduction in pain, fatigue, headache, and gastrointestinal symptoms (92300).
• Gastrointestinal bleeding. It is unclear if spraying rhubarb powder with a gastroscope reduces gastrointestinal bleeding. Details: In patients with acute gastrointestinal bleeding, a meta-analysis of mainly preliminary clinical research shows that spraying rhubarb powder under a gastroscope has a small to moderate hemostatic effect over 24-72 hours when compared with norepinephrine. The risk of re-bleeding over 48 hours was also reduced by about 58% (103474).
• Herpes labialis (cold sores). Topical rhubarb has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: Clinical research shows that applying a cream containing rhubarb and sage to cold sores is similarly effective to acyclovir (Zovirax) cream. Acyclovir cream heals lesions in about 6.3 days; the rhubarb and sage cream heals lesions in about 7.2 days (10437). It is not clear if these improvements are due to the treatments used or to the natural resolution of the cold sores. Additionally, it is unclear if the benefit is due to rhubarb, other ingredients, or the combination.
• Hypercholesterolemia. It is unclear if oral rhubarb helps to lower cholesterol levels. Details: A very small clinical study including 10 males with hypercholesterolemia shows that eating ground rhubarb stalk fiber 27 grams daily for 4 weeks reduces total cholesterol by 8% and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol by 9%, but does not affect high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels, when compared to baseline (71363). The validity of these findings is limited by the very small study size and the lack of a comparator group.
• Malignant pleural effusions. Topical rhubarb powder has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: A small clinical study in patients living in China with advanced malignant cancer and malignant pleural effusions shows that applying a combination product (Hehuang Company) containing rhubarb powder 100 grams and mirabilite 400 grams to the chest wall for 8 hours daily for 28 days as an adjunct to standard therapy leads to partial or complete reduction of effusion in 67% of participants, compared with 55% of those receiving placebo and standard therapy (105961).
• Nasopharyngeal cancer. Oral rhubarb has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: Preliminary clinical research in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma shows that taking a specific combination product (Shenlong) containing rhubarb and other herbs along with radiation therapy does not improve tumor remission or survival when compared to radiation therapy alone (71380).
• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Oral rhubarb has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: Preliminary clinical research in patients with NAFLD shows that taking 3-5 tablets of a specific Chinese herbal medicine (Danning Pian) containing rhubarb, giant knotweed, dried green orange peel, and dried ripe orange peel three times daily for 3 month improves lipids, liver function, and clinical symptoms (71315). It is not clear if this effect is due to rhubarb, the other ingredients, or the combination.
• Obesity. It is unclear if oral rhubarb is beneficial for weight loss. Details: A small clinical study in overweight and obese females shows that taking rhubarb with ginger, astragalus, red sage, and turmeric does not reduce body weight when compared with placebo (20346).
• Organophosphorus pesticide poisoning. It is unclear if giving rhubarb by gastric tube, nasal feeding, or enema is beneficial for organophosphorus pesticide poisoning. Details: A meta-analysis of low-quality clinical research in patients with acute organophosphorus pesticide poisoning shows that taking crude rhubarb 9-120 grams daily via gastric tube, nasal feeding, or retention enema, in conjunction with standard treatment, decreases the incidence of intermediate syndrome by 78% and organ dysfunction syndrome by 66% when compared to standard treatment alone. Rhubarb also reduces the duration of hospital stay by 2.8 days, but with no change in mortality rate, when compared to standard treatment alone. Standard treatment in these studies included atropine, pralidoxime, ventilation, diuresis, other supportive measures, and/or mannitol (92303).
• Sepsis. It is unclear if oral rhubarb is beneficial for sepsis. Details: A meta-analysis of low-quality clinical research in patients with sepsis or systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) shows that taking rhubarb powder in conjunction with conventional therapy reduces the incidence of gastrointestinal dysfunction, but does not reduce mortality rate, when compared to conventional therapy alone (92305).
• Stroke. Oral rhubarb has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: A meta-analysis of clinical research in patients with acute ischemic stroke shows that taking traditional Chinese medicine containing rhubarb root and rhizome in conjunction with traditional Western medicine for up to 30 days enhances overall clinical improvement by 27% when compared with traditional Western medicine alone. However, the validity of this outcome is limited by small sample size, the variability in the Chinese medicine formulas used, and the high risk for bias of the included studies (92299). More evidence is needed to rate rhubarb for these uses.

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POSSIBLY SAFE ...when used orally and appropriately, short-term. Oral Baikal skullcap 0.5-3.52 grams daily has been used with apparent safety for up to 8 weeks (92776,101738,101739,110023). However, a high quality assessment of safety has not been conducted. A specific product (Limbrel, Primus Pharmaceuticals) containing flavocoxid, a mixture of Baikal skullcap flavonoid extract and catechu extract, has been associated with an increased risk for liver and lung injury. In 2017, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) formally requested the recall of all non-expired lots of this product (106042). It is unclear if these effects were due to Baikal skullcap, catechu, or the combination. There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of Baikal skullcap when used intravenously or topically.

PREGNANCY AND LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

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POSSIBLY SAFE ...when used orally and appropriately. Berberine has been used safely in doses up to 1.5 grams daily for 6 months (262,13520,20579) (34317,34228,34247,34253,34262,34263,34265,34267,34277,34282), (34283,34286,34287,34289,34293,34301,34305,34306,34319,34325)(99920,99921,103194) or up to 1 gram daily for 24 months (99921,103197). ...when used topically. Berberine ointment has been applied with apparent safety for up to 20 days (13526).

CHILDREN: LIKELY UNSAFE
when used orally in newborns. Berberine can cause kernicterus, particularly in preterm neonates with hyperbilirubinemia (2589). It is unclear if berberine is safe in older children.

PREGNANCY: LIKELY UNSAFE
when used orally. Berberine is thought to cross the placenta and may cause harm to the fetus. Kernicterus has developed in newborn infants exposed to berberine (2589). Also, berberine may stimulate uterine contractions (91951).

LACTATION: LIKELY UNSAFE
when used orally. Berberine can be transferred to the infant through breast milk (2589).

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LIKELY SAFE ...when the stalk is used in amounts commonly found in foods and when the root is used as a food flavoring. Rhubarb has Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status in the US (4912).

POSSIBLY SAFE ...when the root or rhizome is used orally and appropriately in medicinal amounts for up to 2 years (92294,92295,92297). ...when the stalk is used orally and appropriately in medicinal amounts for up to 4 weeks (71351,71363,97920). ...when used topically and appropriately (10437,97919).

POSSIBLY UNSAFE ...when the leaf is used orally. Rhubarb leaf contains oxalic acid and soluble oxalate, which can cause abdominal pain, burning of the mouth and throat, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, seizures, and death (17).

PREGNANCY AND LACTATION: POSSIBLY UNSAFE
when used in medicinal amounts, rhubarb root is a stimulant laxative; avoid using (12).

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ALCOHOL (Ethanol) Interaction Rating = Minor Be watchful with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Unlikely •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, Baikal skullcap might potentiate the sedative effects of alcohol.  Details In vitro and animal research suggests that Baikal skullcap binds to GABA-A receptors and causes sedation. Theoretically, Baikal skullcap might potentiate the sedative effects of alcohol (6290,6291,33477). Preliminary clinical research has not identified clinically relevant sedation after use of Baikal skullcap; however, a thorough evaluation of safety outcomes has not been conducted.

ANTICOAGULANT/ANTIPLATELET DRUGS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = High •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, Baikal skullcap might increase the risk of bleeding when used concomitantly with anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs.  Details Preliminary clinical research suggests that taking capsules containing a combination of astragalus, goldthread, and Baikal skullcap daily for 4 weeks inhibits platelet aggregation; the effect seems to be similar to that of aspirin 50 mg daily (33075). It is unclear if this effect is due to Baikal skullcap, other ingredients, or the combination.

ANTIDIABETES DRUGS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = B Theoretically, concomitant use of Baikal skullcap with antidiabetes drugs might enhance blood glucose lowering effects.  Details Baicalein, a constituent of Baikal skullcap, has alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity in vitro (6292). Animal research also suggests that Baikal skullcap enhances the antidiabetic effects of metformin (33408). However, in a small human study, taking Baikal skullcap extract did not enhance the antidiabetic effects of metformin, although it did modestly lower glucose levels during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) (101738). Until more is known, use cautiously.

ANTIHYPERTENSIVE DRUGS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, concomitant use of Baikal skullcap with antihypertensive drugs might have additive effects and increase the risk of hypotension.  Details Animal research suggests that baicalein, a constituent of Baikal skullcap, might lower blood pressure (33374).

ANTITHYROID DRUGS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, concomitant use of Baikal skullcap and antithyroid drugs may result in additive activity and increase the risk of hypothyroidism.  Details In an animal hyperthyroid model, Baikal skullcap improved levels of triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) (101736). The clinical significance of this effect is unclear.

CNS DEPRESSANTS Interaction Rating = Minor Be watchful with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Unlikely •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, Baikal skullcap might cause additive therapeutic and adverse effects when used concomitantly with drugs with sedative properties.  Details In vitro and animal research suggests that Baikal skullcap binds to GABA-A receptors and causes sedation. Theoretically, Baikal skullcap might cause additive therapeutic and adverse effects when used concomitantly with drugs with sedative properties (6290,6291,33477). Preliminary clinical research has not identified clinically relevant sedation after use of Baikal skullcap; however, a thorough evaluation of safety outcomes has not been conducted.

CYTOCHROME P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) SUBSTRATES Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, Baikal skullcap may increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2 enzymes.  Details In vitro evidence suggests that constituents of Baikal skullcap inhibit the activity of CYP1A2 (33346,33484). This effect has not been reported in humans.

CYTOCHROME P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) SUBSTRATES Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, Baikal skullcap might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C19 enzymes.  Details In vitro evidence suggest that wogonin, a constituent of Baikal skullcap, modestly inhibits the activity of CYP2C19 enzymes (33484). This effect has not been reported in humans.

ESTROGENS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, concomitant use of large amounts of Baikal skullcap might interfere with hormone replacement therapy, due to competition for estrogen receptors.  Details In vitro evidence suggests that Baikal skullcap has estrogenic activity (16061).

LITHIUM Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, Baikal skullcap might reduce lithium excretion and increase serum levels of lithium.  Details Baikal skullcap is thought to have diuretic properties, which may reduce lithium excretion (5541). The dose of lithium might need to be decreased.

ORGANIC ANION-TRANSPORTING POLYPEPTIDE SUBSTRATES (OATP) Interaction Rating = Minor Be watchful with this combination. Severity = Mild •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = B Theoretically, Baikal skullcap might alter the levels and clinical effects of OATP substrates.  Details Some pharmacokinetic research shows that baicalin, a constituent of Baikal skullcap, can decrease plasma levels of rosuvastatin. The mechanism is thought to involve stimulation of the activity of the organic anion-transporting polypeptide 1B1 (OATP1B1), which transports rosuvastatin into the liver. This decreases plasma levels of the drug, but increases levels at the site of action in the liver. The degree to which rosuvastatin levels are affected depends on the OATP1B1 haplotype of the individual (16395). Baikal skullcap might also affect other OATP1B1 substrates (16396,16397,16398).

P-GLYCOPROTEIN SUBSTRATES Interaction Rating = Minor Be watchful with this combination. Severity = Mild •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, Baikal skullcap might increase levels of drugs transported by P-glycoprotein.  Details In vitro and animal research suggests that baicalein, oroxylin A, and wogonin, constituents of Baikal skullcap, can inhibit P-glycoprotein (33372,33395,33440,33462). This effect has not been reported in humans.

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ANTICOAGULANT/ANTIPLATELET DRUGS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = High •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, berberine might increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.  Details In vitro and in vivo research suggest that berberine can inhibit platelet aggregation (33660,33694). Theoretically, berberine might have additive effects when used with anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs and increase the risk of bleeding.

ANTIDIABETES DRUGS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, berberine may increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.  Details Clinical research shows that berberine may lower blood glucose levels (20579,34247,34265,34282,111363). Theoretically, berberine might have additive effects with antidiabetes drugs and increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

ANTIHYPERTENSIVE DRUGS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, berberine might have additive effects with antihypertensive drugs.  Details Animal research suggests that berberine can have hypotensive effects (33692,34308). Also, a clinical study suggests that taking berberine in combination with amlodipine can lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure when compared with amlodipine alone (91956).

CNS DEPRESSANTS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = High •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, berberine might increase the sedative effects of CNS depressants.  Details Animal research suggests that berberine may have sedative effects (13519,33650,33664,33692). Theoretically, use of berberine along with CNS depressants might produce additive therapeutic and adverse effects.

CYCLOSPORINE (Neoral, Sandimmune) Interaction Rating = Major Do not take this combination. Severity = High •  Occurrence = Probable •  Level of Evidence = A Berberine can increase serum levels of cyclosporine.  Details Berberine can reduce metabolism and increase serum levels of cyclosporine. Berberine might inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4), which metabolizes cyclosporine (13524,21112,34239).

CYTOCHROME P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) SUBSTRATES Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = B Theoretically, berberine might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C9.  Details Preliminary clinical research shows that berberine can inhibit CYP2C9 (34279). Theoretically, taking berberine with drugs metabolized by CYP2C9 might increase drug levels and increase the risk of adverse effects.

CYTOCHROME P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) SUBSTRATES Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = B Theoretically, berberine might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.  Details In vitro research and preliminary clinical evidence show that berberine can inhibit CYP2D6 (21117,34279,34297). Theoretically, use of berberine with drugs metabolized by CYP2D6 might increase drug levels and increase the risk of adverse effects.

CYTOCHROME P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) SUBSTRATES Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = A Theoretically, berberine might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.  Details In vitro research and preliminary clinical research show that berberine moderately inhibits CYP3A4 (13524,21114,34279,34297). Theoretically, use of berberine with drugs metabolized by CYP3A4 might increase drug levels and increase the risk of adverse effects.

DEXTROMETHORPHAN (Robitussin DM, others) Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = B Theoretically, berberine may increase serum levels of dextromethorphan.  Details Preliminary clinical research shows that berberine can inhibit cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) activity and reduce the metabolism of dextromethorphan (34279). This may increase the effects and side effects of dextromethorphan.

LOSARTAN (Cozaar) Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = B Berberine might reduce the therapeutic effects of losartan by decreasing its conversion to its active form.  Details Preliminary clinical research suggests that berberine can inhibit cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) activity and reduce metabolism of losartan (34279).

METFORMIN (Glucophage) Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, berberine might increase the therapeutic and adverse effects of metformin.  Details In vitro and animal studies show that berberine can increase the systemic exposure and half-life of metformin, potentially increasing metformin's effects and side effects. This interaction seems to be most apparent when berberine is administered 2 hours prior to metformin. Taking berberine and metformin at the same time does not appear to increase systemic exposure to metformin (103195).

MIDAZOLAM (Versed) Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = High •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = B Berberine can reduce metabolism of midazolam, which might increase the risk of severe adverse effects.  Details Preliminary clinical research shows that berberine can inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) activity and reduce metabolism of midazolam (34279).

PENTOBARBITAL (Nembutal) Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = High •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Berberine might increase the sedative effect of pentobarbital.  Details Evidence from animal research shows that berberine can prolong pentobarbital-induced sleeping time (13519). Theoretically, combining berberine and pentobarbital might increase the sedative effects of pentobarbital.

TACROLIMUS (Prograf) Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = High •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Berberine has been associated with increased blood levels of tacrolimus.  Details In a 16-year-old patient with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome who was being treated with tacrolimus 6.5 mg twice daily, intake of berberine 200 mg three times daily increased the blood concentration of tacrolimus from 8 to 22 ng/mL. Following a reduction of the tacrolimus dose to 3 mg daily, blood levels of tacrolimus decreased to 12 ng/mL (91954).

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CORTICOSTEROIDS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, frequent and high doses of rhubarb might increase the risk of hypokalemia when taken with corticosteroids.  Details Rhubarb has stimulant laxative effects. Overuse of rhubarb might compound corticosteroid-induced potassium loss (2,12).

CYCLOSPORINE (Neoral, Sandimmune) Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = High •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, taking rhubarb with cyclosporine might reduce cyclosporine levels.  Details Animal research shows that co-administration of rhubarb decoction 0.25 or 1 gram/kg with cyclosporine 2.5 mg/kg, decreases cyclosporine maximum plasma concentration and overall exposure levels when compared with taking cyclosporine alone. The authors theorize that rhubarb might reduce cyclosporine bioavailability by inducing of P-glycoprotein and/or cytochrome P450 3A4 (92304). However, since rhubarb was administered as a single oral dose and enzyme induction usually occurs after multiple doses, it is possible that cyclosporine absorption was actually reduced via rhubarb's stimulant laxative effects (12). Also, the composition of the rhubarb decoction was not described.

DIGOXIN (Lanoxin) Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = High •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, overuse of rhubarb might increase the risk of adverse effects when taken with digoxin.  Details Rhubarb has stimulant laxative effects. Overuse of rhubarb might cause potassium depletion, increasing the risk of digoxin toxicity (12,19).

DIURETIC DRUGS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = High •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, frequent and high doses of rhubarb might increase the risk of hypokalemia.  Details Rhubarb has stimulant laxative effects. Overuse of rhubarb might cause potassium depletion and compound diuretic-induced potassium loss (12,19).

HEPATOTOXIC DRUGS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = High •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, concomitant use of rhubarb with potentially hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of developing liver damage.  Details Some animal research suggests that anthraquinones in rhubarb might have hepatotoxic effects (105960). Also, rhubarb use has been linked to at least 24 cases of liver injury, although details on the dose of rhubarb and duration of use in these cases is unclear (100963).

NEPHROTOXIC DRUGS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = High •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, long-term use of anthraquinones from rhubarb might increase the risk of nephrotoxicity when used with nephrotoxic drugs.  Details The anthraquinone constituents of rhubarb have been shown to induce nephrotoxicity in animal research (71322). Additionally, in a case report, a 23-year old female presented with kidney failure after taking 6 tablets of a proprietary slimming agent (found to contain the anthraquinones emodin and aloe-emodin from rhubarb) daily for 6 weeks and then adding diclofenac 25 mg 4 times daily for 2 days. The authors postulate that the anthraquinone constituents of rhubarb contributed to the renal dysfunction, and the addition of diclofenac, a nephrotoxic drug, led to renal failure (15257). Until more is known, advise patients to avoid taking rhubarb if they are taking other potentially nephrotoxic drugs.

STIMULANT LAXATIVES Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = High •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, rhubarb might increase the risk for fluid and electrolyte loss when taken with other stimulant laxatives.  Details Rhubarb has stimulant laxative effects (12). Concomitant use with stimulant laxatives might compound fluid and electrolyte loss (24427).

WARFARIN (Coumadin) Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = High •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, excessive use of rhubarb might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with warfarin.  Details Rhubarb has stimulant laxative effects and can cause diarrhea (12,19). Diarrhea can increase the effects of warfarin, increase international normalized ratio (INR), and increase the risk of bleeding. Advise patients who take warfarin not to take excessive amounts of rhubarb.

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General ...Orally, Baikal skullcap seems to be well-tolerated. There is currently a limited amount of information on the adverse effects of intravenous and topical Baikal skullcap.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, erythema, nausea, pruritus, and vomiting.
Intravenously: Skin reactions.
Topically: Dermatitis.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
Orally: Hepatotoxicity and hypersensitivity pneumonitis have been reported with a specific combination product (Limbrel, Primus Pharmaceuticals) containing extracts of Baikal skullcap and catechu.

Cardiovascular ...Orally, in a small clinical study evaluating the safety of baicalein, a constituent of Baikal skullcap, in healthy adults, elevated triglyceride levels occurred in 1 of 10 patients who received 400 mg every 8 hours and 2 of 10 patients treated with 600 mg every 8 hours, compared with 0 of 10 patients who received 200 mg every 8 hours and 0 of 6 patients who received placebo. Triglyceride elevations were considered mild and resolved after discontinuation (110023).

Dermatologic ...Orally, taking Baikal skullcap may cause erythema and pruritus (105867). Intravenously, Baikal skullcap as part of a Tanreqing injection has been associated with reports of skin reactions in some pediatric patients (96281).
Topically, several cases of allergic contact dermatitis have been reported after applying sunscreen containing Baikal skullcap extract (105869,105870). Allergic contact dermatitis has also been reported after applying a facial cream (Resveratrol BE, Skinceuticals) containing Baikal skullcap root extract 0.5% and resveratrol 1%. Patch testing identified a positive reaction to both ingredients (110024). Baikal skullcap-induced dermatitis appears to respond to treatment with a topical corticosteroid and calcineurin inhibitor (105870).

Gastrointestinal ...Orally, use of Baikal skullcap has been associated with epigastric pain, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting (101738,105867).

Hepatic ...A specific combination product (Limbrel, Primus Pharmaceuticals) containing flavocoxid, a mixture of Baikal skullcap flavonoid extract and catechu extract, has been linked to several reports of acute liver damage. There have been at least five published reports of liver damage associated with this product. In all cases, the patients were females aged 54-68 years taking doses of 250-500 mg twice daily for 1-3 months. Signs and symptoms included jaundice, pruritus, abdominal pain, fever, rash, and elevated serum bilirubin and liver transaminase levels. All patients fully recovered and levels normalized within 3 months after discontinuation (18009,96282). In addition to these published case reports, approximately 30 liver-related adverse events have been reported to the manufacturer of this product (18009). The mechanism of hepatotoxicity is unclear (18009,18010); it is estimated that the incidence of hepatotoxicity with this product is around 1 in 10,000, although the actual incidence is unknown (18010). In 2017, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) formally requested the recall of all non-expired lots of this product due to the risk for liver and lung injury (106042). It is unclear if these effects were due to Baikal skullcap, catechu, or the combination.
Hepatotoxicity has also been reported in two patients taking a specific dietary supplement (Move Free Advanced, Reckitt Benckiser) containing Baikal skullcap, black catechu, glucosamine, chondroitin, and hyaluronic acid (33460) and in a patient taking Baikal skullcap, elderflower, horseradish, and white willow (101737). The investigators determined that the hepatotoxicity was likely caused by Baikal skullcap in these cases (33460,101737). Additionally, cases of liver injury are reported in 4 of 37 patients taking various Kampo formulations containing Baikal skullcap and other herbs daily. Patients presented with elevated liver function tests 7 to 38 days after consumption (112179). It is unclear if this adverse effect is from Baikal skullcap, other ingredients, or the combination.
In a small study evaluating the safety of baicalein, a constituent of Baikal skullcap, in healthy adults, liver transaminase elevations occurred in 2 of 10 patients who received 400 mg every 8 hours for 6 days, compared with 0 of 6 patients who received placebo. No patients receiving either 200 mg or 600 mg every 8 hours experienced liver transaminase elevations. The elevations were considered mild and resolved after discontinuation (110023).

Pulmonary/Respiratory ...A specific combination product (Limbrel, Primus Pharmaceuticals) containing flavocoxid, a mixture of Baikal skullcap flavonoid extract and catechu extract, has been linked to several reports of hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Symptoms include fever, chills, headache, cough, chronic bronchitis, shortness of breath, weight loss, and fatigue. In 2017, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) formally requested the recall of all non-expired lots of this product due to the risk for liver and lung injury (106042). It is unclear if these effects were due to Baikal skullcap, catechu, or the combination.

Renal ...Orally, in a small clinical study evaluating the safety of baicalein, a constituent of Baikal skullcap, in healthy adults, proteinuria of undefined severity occurred in 1 of 10 patients who received 200 mg every 8 hours for 6 days, 3 of 10 patients who received 400 mg every 8 hours for 6 days, and 5 of 10 patients who received 600 mg every 8 hours for 6 days, compared with 1 of 6 patients who received placebo. The proteinuria was considered mild and resolved after discontinuation (110023).

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General ...Orally, berberine is generally well tolerated.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Abdominal pain and distension, constipation, diarrhea, flatulence, nausea, vomiting.
Intravenously: Facial flushing, painful swelling at the injection site.
Serious Adverse Events (Rare):
Intravenously: Ventricular tachycardia consistent with torsades de pointes.

Cardiovascular ...In four of 12 patients with refractory congestive heart failure, intravenous infusion of berberine at a rate of 0. 2 mg/kg per minute caused ventricular tachycardia consistent with torsades de pointes (33642).

Dermatologic ...When administered intravenously, berberine can cause painful swelling at the injection site or facial flushing (34330). In three of 12 people injected subcutaneously with berberine, permanent hyperpigmentation at the injection site occurred (33698).
Orally, berberine may cause rash, but this event appears to be rare (34285,110106).

Endocrine ...Orally, berberine may cause hypoglycemia (111363).

Gastrointestinal ...Orally, berberine may cause diarrhea, constipation, flatulence, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, abdominal distention, and bitter taste (33648,33689,34245,34247,34285,91953,99920,99921,103194,103197)(110106,111363,111699).

Hepatic ...Orally, berberine may occasionally cause an increase in transaminases (99921,103194). However, meta-analyses have found no significant effect of berberine on alanine aminotransferase (ALT) or aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (104508,111363).

Musculoskeletal ...Reports of mild muscle pain and muscle weakness have been reported following the use of a combination product containing berberine, policosanol, red yeast rice, folic acid, coenzyme Q10, and astaxanthin (34283). It is unclear if these effects are due to berberine or other constituents.

Neurologic/CNS ...Orally, berberine may cause headache (33648,99921).

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General ...Orally, rhubarb root and stalk are well tolerated when used in food amounts and seem to be well tolerated when used in medicinal amounts. Rhubarb leaf contains oxalic acid and can be toxic. Topically, rhubarb seems to be well tolerated.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Cramps, diarrhea, gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, vomiting.
Topically: Rash.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
Orally: Anaphylaxis.

Cardiovascular ...Orally, chronic use or abuse of rhubarb can cause arrhythmias (12).

Dermatologic ...Orally, rhubarb taken alone or in combination with other ingredients has been reported to cause rash (71315,71342). Topically, short term application of a specific product (Pyralvex) containing rhubarb, salicylic acid, and ethanol to the gums has been reported to cause slight burning and dark discoloration of the gums in approximately 1% of patients (71369). It is unclear if this effect is due to rhubarb, other ingredients, or the combination.

Endocrine ...Orally, chronic use or abuse of rhubarb can cause electrolyte loss (especially potassium), hyperaldosteronism, albuminuria, and edema (12).

Gastrointestinal ...Orally, rhubarb can cause cramp-like or spasmodic gastrointestinal discomfort, watery diarrhea, and uterine contractions (18). Rhubarb, alone or in combination with other ingredients, has also been reported to cause bloating, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach upset or pain in clinical studies. Diarrhea is more common with a starting dose of at least 3 grams of extract (71315,71329,71339,71340,71341,71342,71373,92300). Chronic use or abuse of rhubarb can cause inhibition of gastric motility and pseudomelanosis coli (pigment spots in the intestinal mucosa) (12,6138).
Although some research suggests that rhubarb and other anthranoid laxatives might increase the risk of colorectal cancer due to pseudomelanosis coli (30743), more recent research suggests that this condition is harmless, typically reversed with rhubarb discontinuation, and not associated with an increased risk for colorectal adenoma or carcinoma (6138).

Hematologic ...Orally, chronic use or abuse of rhubarb can cause hematuria (12).

Hepatic ...Orally, chronic use of anthraquinone-containing products, such as rhubarb, has been associated with hepatotoxicity (15257). Use of rhubarb specifically has been linked to at least 24 reports of liver injury, although details on the dose of rhubarb and duration of use in these cases are not clear (100963). In one clinical study, rhubarb, taken in combination with other ingredients, has been reported to cause mild to moderate elevations of serum alanine aminotransferase (71315).

Immunologic ...Orally, rhubarb has rarely been reported to cause anaphylaxis (18).

Musculoskeletal ...Orally, chronic use or abuse of rhubarb can cause accelerated bone deterioration and muscular weakness (12).

Renal ...Orally, chronic use or abuse of rhubarb can cause electrolyte loss (especially potassium), albuminuria, hematuria, dehydration, and nephropathies (12). There is one case report of renal failure in a patient who took a product containing rhubarb for six weeks. The patient presented with renal failure two days after starting diclofenac, which is known to have nephrotoxic effects. It is hypothesized that the combination of diclofenac with the anthraquinone constituents of rhubarb precipitated renal dysfunction (15257).

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