Check before you startThis one has documented interactions with medication classes where the consequences are serious. If you take any prescription medicine, run it past a pharmacist before starting.
How long to take it
Under medical supervision only, given the interaction profile.
Who it's actually for
Mild to moderate depression — but only after a full medication review.
Safe upper limit
UnverifiedNo formal limit; 300 mg extract three times daily in trials
It induces liver enzymes that clear a huge range of drugs, silently reducing their effectiveness. Contraceptive failure and transplant rejection have both been documented.
No source attached yet. Treat this as a starting point, not a citation, until reviewed.
Interactions to know about
- Antidepressants — SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, tricyclics
- Hormonal contraception — Combined pill, mini pill, implant, hormonal IUD
- Blood thinners / antiplatelets — Warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban, clopidogrel, aspirin
- Immunosuppressants — Ciclosporin, tacrolimus, azathioprine, biologics, steroids
- HIV antiretrovirals — Protease inhibitors, NNRTIs, integrase inhibitors
- Chemotherapy / cancer treatment — Any active oncology treatment
- Any other prescription medicine — Catches broad enzyme and absorption effects
- Statins — Atorvastatin, simvastatin, rosuvastatin
Other supplements:
Run your full list through the interaction check.
Practical notes
- It can make hormonal contraception fail. This is not theoretical.
- Never combine with antidepressants — serotonin syndrome is a medical emergency.
- Tell every prescriber you see that you take it.