All-Grass of Diluteyellow Crotalaria — Safety & Interactions
Huang Hua Di Ding · Herba Crotalariae Albidae
Contraindicated / High risk. Use only under practitioner supervision.
Contraindications
- Pre-existing liver disease or elevated liver enzymes — pyrrolizidine alkaloids are directly hepatotoxic
- Pregnancy — pyrrolizidine alkaloids are fetotoxic; contraindicated throughout all trimesters
- Paediatric use — immature hepatic metabolism increases PA toxicity risk
- Concurrent hepatotoxic drug therapy — additive liver damage risk
Cautions
- Limit duration of use; pyrrolizidine alkaloids accumulate and cause cumulative hepatotoxicity
- Use with caution in renal impairment — nephrotoxic potential reported for pyrrolizidine class
- Monitor for signs of pulmonary hypertension with extended use; monocrotaline-type PAs implicated in vascular toxicity
- Cool thermal nature — use cautiously in cold-deficiency patterns, chronic diarrhea, or poor digestion
Drug Interactions
| Drug Class / Substrate | Mechanism | Severity | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CYP3A4 and CYP2A6 substrates and inhibitors | Pyrrolizidine alkaloids are metabolised via CYP3A4 and CYP2A6 to hepatotoxic pyrrole intermediates; CYP inhibitors may reduce detoxification and increase toxicity; CYP inducers may accelerate formation of toxic pyrroles | High | PMC6032134 — Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids: Chemistry, Pharmacology, Toxicology and Food Safety |
| Hepatotoxic drugs (methotrexate, isoniazid, valproate, statins) | Additive hepatotoxic effect; simultaneous use of PA-containing herbs and hepatotoxic pharmaceuticals significantly raises risk of sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS/VOD) | High | PMC8508847 — Metabolic Toxification of 1,2-Unsaturated Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids Causes Human Hepatic Sinusoidal Obstruction Syndrome |
Pregnancy
Not recommended during pregnancy. Consult a qualified practitioner before any use.
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal medicines, especially if you take prescription medications.