Alligator Weed Herb — Safety & Interactions
Kong Xin Lian Zi Cao · Herba Alternantherae
Contraindications
- Spleen-Stomach Deficiency Cold — cool nature impairs digestive Yang with prolonged use
- Cold-pattern bleeding without Blood Heat — cooling action inappropriate for cold-deficiency haemorrhage
Cautions
- Standard dose: 15–30 g dried herb in decoction; 30–60 g fresh herb; topical: fresh herb pounded as poultice
- Limited formal clinical safety and pharmacokinetic data; considered safe at traditional doses based on extensive folk use across south China and southeast Asia
- Antidiabetic medications: additive glucose-lowering effect; monitor blood glucose in diabetic patients consuming regularly
Drug Interactions
| Drug Class / Substrate | Mechanism | Severity | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antidiabetic medications — additive hypoglycemic effect via α-glucosidase inhibition; monitor blood glucose | |||
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.