Overview

Ashitaba is a large herb that grows primarily in the central region of Japan. Its root, leaf, and stem are used to make medicine.

Ashitaba is used for persistent heartburn, stomach ulcers, high blood pressure, constipation, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

The fresh leaves and dried powder are used as food and in beverages.

How does it work ?

There is not enough information to know how ashitaba might work. Some chemicals in ashitaba seem to work as antioxidants. Other chemicals might block secretions of stomach acid. But most research has been done on animals or in test tubes, not people.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Insufficient Evidence for

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

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Ashitaba is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth at a dose of up to 1000 mg daily, short-term. There isn't enough reliable information available to know if ashitaba is safe or what the side effects might be when taken for longer than 3 months.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Ashitaba is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth at a dose of up to 1000 mg daily, short-term. There isn't enough reliable information available to know if ashitaba is safe or what the side effects might be when taken for longer than 3 months. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if ashitaba 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

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) substrates) interacts with ASHITABA

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Ashitaba might decrease how quickly the liver breaks down some medications. In theory, using ashitaba along with some medications that are broken down by the liver might increase the effects and side effects of some medications. Before using ashitaba, talk to your healthcare provider if you take any medications that are changed by the liver.

    Some medications changed by the liver include chlorzoxazone (Lorzone) and theophylline (Theo-Dur, others).

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) substrates) interacts with ASHITABA

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Ashitaba might decrease how quickly the liver breaks down some medications. In theory, using ashitaba along with some medications that are broken down by the liver might increase the effects and side effects of some medications. Before using ashitaba, talk to your healthcare provider if you take any medications that are changed by the liver.

    Some medications changed by the liver include amitriptyline (Elavil), haloperidol (Haldol), ondansetron (Zofran), propranolol (Inderal), theophylline (Theo-Dur, others), verapamil (Calan, Isoptin, others), and others.

Dosing

The appropriate dose of ashitaba 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 ashitaba. 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.