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Herbs & Supplements
Swallow-wort
Scientific Name: Pleurisy root
Other Names: Asclepias tuberosa, Butterfly Weed, Canada Root, Flux Root, Orange Milkweed, Orange Swallow-wort, Silkweed, Tuber Root, White Root, Wild Root
What interactions should I watch for?
Pleurisy root has an effect on the heart that is similar to the effect of digoxin, which is used to treat heart conditions. If pleurisy root and digoxin are taken together, heartbeats may become too forceful or too slow, possibly causing dangerous changes in heart rhythm.
Chemicals in pleurisy root may act like the female hormone estrogen in the body. When it is taken at the same time as estrogen replacement therapy or oral contraceptives, pleurisy root may interfere with the way the body uses the estrogen. As a result, estrogens or oral contraceptives may not be as effective, some women may experience increased side effects, and the risk of an unintended pregnancy may be slightly higher.
If pleurisy root is taken at the same time as other herbs that also affect the heart, potentially dangerous changes in heart function may result. Some herbal products with heart effects are:
- European Mistletoe
- Ginger (in large doses)
- Hawthorn
- Motherwort
- Panax Ginseng
- Squill
The possible estrogen-like effects of pleurisy root may increase when it is taken with other potentially estrogenic herbals such as:
- Black Cohosh
- Chaste Tree
- True Licorice
- Red Clover
- Soy
Some interactions between herbal products and medications can be more severe than others. The best way for you to avoid harmful interactions is to tell your doctor and/or pharmacist what medications you are currently taking, including any over-the-counter products, vitamins, and herbals. For specific information on how pleurisy root interacts with drugs, other herbals, and foods and the severity of those interactions, please use our Drug Interactions Checker to check for possible interactions.
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Note: The above information is not intended to replace the advice of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not meant to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
In general, herbal products are not subject to review or approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are not required to be standardized, meaning that the amounts of active ingredients or contaminants they contain may vary between brands or between different batches of the same brand. Not all of the risks, side effects, or interactions associated with the use of herbal products are known because few reliable studies of their use in humans have been done.
This information is provided for your education only. Please share this information with your healthcare provider and be sure that you talk to your doctor and pharmacist about all the prescription and non-prescription medicines you take before you begin to use any herbal product.
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What interactions should I watch for?
