Frangula spp.

Buckthorn/Drug Interactions:

  • AntihypertensivesAntihypertensives: According to in vitro study, the buckthorn constituent emodin may exert vasorelaxant effects and lower blood pressure (15). Theoretically, concurrent use of chrysin and antihypertensive agents may have additive blood pressure-lowering effects and increase the risk of hypotension.
  • AntineoplasticsAntineoplastics: In vitro, an anthracenone extracted from buckthorn increased cytotoxicity toward malignant cells (9; 12).
  • CalciumCalcium: Hypocalcemia has been shown to occur in cases of cascara (Rhamnus purshiana) intoxication (23).
  • LaxativesLaxatives: In human studies, buckthorn used as part of a combination therapy with other herbal products reduced symptoms of constipation and intestinal blockage (obstipation) (2; 1). Buckthorn is part of Hoxsey formula, which is used as a laxative (24).
  • Renally eliminated agentsRenally eliminated agents: Theoretically, buckthorn may interact with renally eliminated agents.

    • Buckthorn/Herb/Supplement Interactions:

  • CalciumCalcium: Hypocalcemia has been shown to occur in cases of cascara (Rhamnus purshiana) intoxication (23).
  • FiberFiber: In human research, buckthorn was a stimulant laxative and is often used with fiber to reduce the occurrence of constipation (2).
  • HypotensivesHypotensives: According to in vitro research, the buckthorn constituent emodin may exert vasorelaxant effects and lower blood pressure (15). Theoretically, concurrent use of chrysin and antihypertensive agents may have additive blood pressure-lowering effects and increase the risk of hypotension.
  • LaxativesLaxatives: In human research, buckthorn as part of a combination therapy with other herbal products reduced symptoms of constipation and intestinal blockage (obstipation) (2; 1). Buckthorn is part of Hoxsey formula, which is used as a laxative (24).
  • Renally eliminated agentsRenally eliminated agents: Theoretically, buckthorn may interact with renally eliminated agents.

    • Buckthorn/Food Interactions:

  • FiberFiber: Buckthorn is a stimulant laxative and is often used with fiber to reduce the occurrence of constipation (2).

    • Buckthorn/Lab Interactions:

  • Blood pressureBlood pressure: In vitro research revealed a possible vasorelaxant effect attributed to the buckthorn constituent emodin (15).
  • Colorimetric testsColorimetric tests: Theoretically, buckthorn may discolor urine (pink, red, purple, orange, rust), interfering with diagnostic tests that depend on a color change, due to its anthraquinone content.
  • Serum calciumSerum calcium: Hypocalcemia has been shown to occur in cases of cascara (Rhamnus purshiana) intoxication (23).
  • Serum potassiumSerum potassium: Overuse of buckthorn as a purgative may lead to potassium depletion (25).