. 2002 Sep;176(4):275–279.

Table 2.

Risks and herb-drug interactiosn associated with use of Chinese herbalmedicines

*Medicinal agent*	*Common name*	*Plant species*	*Relevant constituent*	*Risk/interaction*
Ma Huang	Ephedra	Ephedra sinica	Ephedrine, pseudoephedrine	Can exacerbate hypertension, palpitations, and dizziness. May interact withmonoamine oxidaseinhibitors,¹³sympathomimetics, and epinephrine
Du Huo	Pubescent angelica	Angelica pubescens	Effect may be associated with furocoumarins	Potentiallyphotosensitizing¹³
Cao Wu	Aconite	Aconitum carmichaeli, A kuspexoffi	Aconitine	Highly toxic in unprepared form; death can occur as a result of small doses ofunprepared forms
Gau Cao	Licorice	Glycrrhiza glabra	Glycyrrhizin, glycrrhetinic acid	Hypokalemia, sodium retention producing hypertension, edema, and headache withprolonged use or a highdose.¹³ Synergisticeffects with prednisolone,hydrocortisone,¹²and thiazides. May counteract oralcontraceptives¹⁴
Da Huang	Rhubarb		Anthroquinone glycosides, oxalic acid	Irritation of gastrointestinal tract, abdominal cramping, nausea, kidneyirritation; should be avoided in pregnancy
Ren Shen	Ginseng	Panax ginseng	Ginsenosides	Ginseng Abuse Syndrome (controversial syndrome, since may be due toadulterants; syndrome, rarely reported, is considered to include hypertension,anxiety, insomnia); interaction with phenelzine sulfatereported¹²