Background

Bridelia is the name for a group of plants in the same family. The leaf, stem bark, and root of some of these plants are used to make medicine.

Bridelia leaf, stem bark, or root is used for many conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support its use.

Safety Safety definitions

When taken by mouth: There isn't enough reliable information to know if Bridelia is safe or what the side effects might be.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if Bridelia is safe or what the side effects might be.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Bridelia is LIKELY UNSAFE when used during pregnancy. There is concern that Bridelia might stimulate the uterus and cause labor. Avoid using.

There isn't enough reliable information to know if Bridelia is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Bleeding disorders: Bridelia might slow blood clotting. This might increase the risk of bleeding or bruising in people with bleeding disorders.

Hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids: Bridelia might have the same effects as the female hormone estrogen. If you have any condition that might be made worse by exposure to estrogen, don't use Bridelia.

Low blood pressure: Bridelia might decrease blood pressure. Don't take Bridelia if you already have low blood pressure.

Surgery: Bridelia might slow blood clotting. In theory, Bridelia might cause extra bleeding or affect blood pressure control during and after surgery. Stop using it at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Effectiveness

Dosing & administration

The appropriate dose of Bridelia 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 Bridelia. 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.

Interactions with pharmaceuticals

Estrogens

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Bridelia might have some of the same effects as estrogen. However, Bridelia is not as strong as estrogen pills. Taking Bridelia along with estrogen pills might decrease the effects of estrogen pills.

Some estrogen pills include conjugated equine estrogens (Premarin), ethinyl estradiol, estradiol, and others.

Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Bridelia might lower blood pressure. Taking Bridelia along with medications for high blood pressure might cause your blood pressure to go too low.

Some medications for high blood pressure include captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), losartan (Cozaar), valsartan (Diovan), diltiazem (Cardizem), Amlodipine (Norvasc), hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDiuril), furosemide (Lasix), and many others.

Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Bridelia might slow blood clotting. Taking Bridelia along with medications that also slow clotting might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding.

Some medications that slow blood clotting include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, others), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, warfarin (Coumadin), and others.

Interactions with herbs & supplements

Herbs and supplements that might lower blood pressure: Bridelia might lower blood pressure. Using it along with other herbs or supplements that might lower blood pressure could lead to blood pressure that is too low. Some of these products include andrographis, casein peptides, cat's claw, coenzyme Q-10, fish oil, L-arginine, lycium, stinging nettle, theanine, and others.
Herbs and supplements that might slow blood clotting: Bridelia might slow blood clotting. Using it with other herbs or supplements that have this same effect might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding in some people. These herbs include angelica, clove, danshen, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, Panax ginseng, horse chestnut, red clover, turmeric, and others.

Interactions with foods

There are no known interactions with foods.

Action

Bridelia might reduce swelling, lessen pain, and lower fevers. Bridelia might also prevent the growth of organisms that cause infections.