Overview

Pinellia ternata is a plant that is native to China, Japan, and Korea. It also grows as a weed in Europe and North America. An underground part called a tuber is used to make medicine.

Pinellia ternata is a common ingredient in Traditional Chinese Medicine, but there is no good scientific evidence to support its use.

Since April 2004, pinellia ternata has been banned in the US because it contains chemicals called ephedrine alkaloids. These chemicals might cause serious side effects such as heart attack, stroke, or seizures. The ban does not apply to traditional Asian medicines containing this ingredient. These products use Pinellia ternata tuber that has been processed to remove sharp crystals that can irritate the mouth, throat, and gut.

How does it work ?

There isn't enough information available to know how Pinellia ternata might work.

There isn't enough information available to know how Pinellia ternata might work.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Insufficient Evidence for

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of Pinellia ternata for these uses.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Pinellia ternata is POSSIBLY UNSAFE for most people when taken by mouth. It contains a stimulant called ephedrine. Ephedrine might cause serious side effects such as heart attack, stroke, or seizures. Because of these safety concerns, this product is banned in the U.S.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Pinellia ternata is POSSIBLY UNSAFE for most people when taken by mouth. It contains a stimulant called ephedrine. Ephedrine might cause serious side effects such as heart attack, stroke, or seizures. Because of these safety concerns, this product is banned in the U.S.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if Pinellia ternata is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Interactions ?

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Sedative medications (Barbiturates) interacts with PINELLIA TERNATA

    Pinellia ternata might cause sleepiness and drowsiness. Medications that cause sleepiness are called sedatives. Taking Pinellia ternata along with sedative medications might cause too much sleepiness.

    Some sedative medications include amobarbital (Amytal), butabarbital (Butisol), mephobarbital (Mebaral), pentobarbital (Nembutal), phenobarbital (Luminal), secobarbital (Seconal), and others.

  • Sedative medications (Benzodiazepines) interacts with PINELLIA TERNATA

    Pinellia ternata might cause sleepiness and drowsiness. Medications that cause sleepiness are called sedatives. Taking Pinellia ternata along with sedative medications might cause too much sleepiness.

    Some of these sedative medications include lorazepam (Ativan), alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), midazolam (Versed), and others.

  • Sedative medications (CNS depressants) interacts with PINELLIA TERNATA

    Pinellia ternata might cause sleepiness and drowsiness. Medications that cause sleepiness are called sedatives. Taking Pinellia ternata along with sedative medications might cause too much sleepiness.

    Some sedative medications include clonazepam (Klonopin), lorazepam (Ativan), phenobarbital (Donnatal), zolpidem (Ambien), and others.

Dosing

The appropriate dose of Pinellia ternata depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for Pinellia ternata. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.