Bupleurum

Bupleurum/Drug Interactions:

  • Anticoagulants and antiplateletsAnticoagulants and antiplatelets: In a laboratory study, Bupleurum has been associated with inhibition of human platelet activation (36). Theoretically, concurrent use of Bupleurum and anticoagulations or antiplatelets may increase the risk of bleeding.
  • Antidiabetic agentsAntidiabetic agents: Saikosaponins, constituents of Bupleurum, have been shown to increase plasma glucose concentrations in rat studies (33; 34). Theoretically, Bupleurum may alter the effects of antidiabetic agents.
  • Anti-inflammatoriesAnti-inflammatories: In vitro and animal study have suggested that Bupleurum may be helpful for reducing fever (70; 71; 72; 73; 74).
  • AntilipemicagentsAntilipemicagents: Bupleurum has been shown to reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels in animals (27; 39). Theoretically, concurrent use of Bupleurum and antilipemic agents may cause added cholesterol lowering.
  • Antineoplastic agentsAntineoplastic agents: In animal study, Bupleurum demonstrated TNF activity and reduced tumor size (46). In vitro, saikosaponins inhibited human hepatoma cell lines (47) and melanoma cells (48).
  • Antiretroviral agents(Lamivudine [Epivir, 3TC])Antiretroviral agents(Lamivudine [Epivir, 3TC]): Sho-saiko-to, a combination that contains Bupleurum, was found to enhance the anti-HIV-1 activity of lamivudine in vitro (49).
  • CNS depressantsCNS depressants: In theory, the use of Bupleurum in combination with alcohol, sedatives, or other central nervous system depressants may cause additive sedation.
  • CorticosteroidsCorticosteroids: According to lab study, Bupleurum may stimulate adrenal function (35). Theoretically, Bupleurum may alter the effects of corticosteroids.
  • DiureticsDiuretics: According to lab study, due to the possibility of adrenal stimulation (35), Bupleurum may decrease the effects of diuretics.
  • ImmunosuppressantsImmunosuppressants: Based on laboratory studies, saikosaponins found in Bupleurum may stimulate the immune system in lab and in vivo study (37; 38). Immune inhibitory effects have also been noted in lab study (28). Theoretically, Bupleurum may alter the effects of immunosuppressant drugs.
  • SteroidsSteroids: Bupleurum may stimulate adrenal function according to lab study (35). Theoretically, Bupleurum may alter the effects of steroids.

    • Bupleurum/Herb/Supplement Interactions:

  • Anticoagulants and antiplateletsAnticoagulants and antiplatelets: In a laboratory study, Bupleurum has been associated with the inhibition of human platelet activation (36). Theoretically, concurrent use of Bupleurum and anticoagulant or antiplatelet herbs and supplements may increase the risk of bleeding.
  • Anti-inflammatoriesAnti-inflammatories: In vitro and animal study have suggested that Bupleurum may be helpful for reducing fever (70; 71; 72; 73; 74).
  • AntilipemicsAntilipemics: Bupleurum has been shown to reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels in animals (27)(39). Theoretically, concurrent use of Bupleurum and antilipemic herbs and supplements may cause added cholesterol lowering.
  • AntineoplasticsAntineoplastics: In animal study, Bupleurum demonstrated TNF activity and reduced tumor size (46). In vitro, saikosaponins inhibited human hepatoma cell lines (47) and melanoma cells (48).
  • AntioxidantsAntioxidants: Saikosaponins have been found to enhance activity of reactive oxygen species scavengers in lab study (35). In animal study, saikosaponins have been found to enhance superoxide dismutase and glutathione levels (50; 51).
  • AntiviralsAntivirals: Sho-saiko-to, a combination that contains Bupleurum, was found to enhance the anti-HIV-1 activity of an antiviral in vitro (49).
  • DiureticsDiuretics: According to lab study, due to the possibility of adrenal stimulation (35), Bupleurum may decrease the effects of diuretics.
  • HypoglycemicsHypoglycemics: Saikosaponins, constituents of Bupleurum, were shown to increase plasma glucose concentrations in rat studies (33; 34). Theoretically, Bupleurum may alter the effects of hypoglycemic herbs and supplements.
  • ImmunosuppressantsImmunosuppressants: Based on laboratory studies, saikosaponins found in Bupleurum may stimulate the immune system in lab and in vivo study (37; 38). Immune inhibitory effects have also been noted in lab study (28). Theoretically, Bupleurum may alter the effects of immunosuppressant herbs and supplements.
  • SedativesSedatives: In theory, the use of Bupleurum in combination with alcohol, sedatives, or other central nervous system depressants may cause additive sedation.

    • Bupleurum/Lab Interactions:

  • ACTH concentrationsACTH concentrations: Saikosaponins, constituents of Bupleurum, were shown to raise plasma ACTH concentrations in rats pretreated with dexamethasone (33).
  • Coagulation panelCoagulation panel: In a laboratory study, Bupleurum has been associated with inhibition of human platelet activation (36).
  • Liver function testsLiver function tests: Bupleurum has been shown to decrease SGOT and SGPT (52). Saikosaponins, constituents of Bupleurum, were shown to increase activity of liver tyrosine aminotransferase (53).
  • Lipid profileLipid profile: Bupleurum has been shown to reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels in animals (27; 39).
  • Plasma corticosteronePlasma corticosterone: Saikosaponins, constituents of Bupleurum, were shown to raise plasma corticosterone concentrations in rats pretreated with dexamethasone (33).
  • Plasma glucosePlasma glucose: Saikosaponins, constituents of Bupleurum, were shown to increase plasma glucose concentrations in rat studies (33; 34).