What should not be consumed with Hongguoshen (Red Fruit Ginseng)?
Generally, Hong Guo Shen (Red Fruit Ginseng) should not be taken with foods such as radish, tea, grapes, black beans, and Veratrum, or with medications such as Chloramphenicol Tablets, Cyclosporine Soft Capsules, Glibenclamide Tablets, Aminophylline Tablets, and Isoniazid Tablets. If in doubt, it is recommended to consult a physician. Detailed explanations are as follows:
I. Foods
1. Radish
Radish has the effect of dispersing qi, while Hong Guo Shen mainly functions to replenish qi. When consumed together, their effects may counteract each other, thus reducing the nourishing benefits of Hong Guo Shen.
2. Tea
The tannic acid in tea may adsorb and neutralize the active ingredients in Hong Guo Shen, weakening its medicinal effects. Additionally, tea may form indigestible precipitates, increasing the burden on the gastrointestinal tract.
3. Grapes
Some components in grapes may interact with Hong Guo Shen, causing collagen proteins in Hong Guo Shen to coagulate and contract, thereby affecting nutrient absorption.
4. Black Beans
Black beans have a strong detoxifying effect, which may neutralize the medicinal properties of Hong Guo Shen and affect its nourishing effects. Therefore, it is not recommended to consume Hong Guo Shen together with black beans.
5. Veratrum
In traditional Chinese medicine theory, Veratrum and Hong Guo Shen have contraindications when used together. Consuming them simultaneously may cause adverse reactions or reduce drug efficacy. Therefore, Veratrum should be avoided during the use of Hong Guo Shen.
II. Medications
1. Chloramphenicol Tablets
Components in Hong Guo Shen may interfere with the metabolic enzyme system of chloramphenicol in the liver, increasing the blood concentration of chloramphenicol. Excessively high blood levels of chloramphenicol can increase its toxicity, potentially leading to bone marrow suppression and adverse reactions such as reduced white blood cell and platelet counts.
2. Cyclosporine Soft Capsules
Hong Guo Shen may alter the intestinal absorption or hepatic metabolism of cyclosporine. If the blood concentration of cyclosporine abnormally increases, it may elevate the risk of adverse reactions such as nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity.
3. Glibenclamide Tablets
Hong Guo Shen may contain components that regulate blood glucose levels, which could synergize with the hypoglycemic effects of glibenclamide, leading to excessive lowering of blood sugar and causing hypoglycemic symptoms such as dizziness, palpitations, sweating, and tremors.
4. Aminophylline Tablets
Some components in Hong Guo Shen may affect the liver enzyme activity responsible for metabolizing aminophylline, resulting in either increased or decreased blood concentrations of aminophylline. Excessively high blood levels may lead to aminophylline poisoning, causing symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.
5. Isoniazid Tablets
Hong Guo Shen may interfere with the acetylation metabolic process of isoniazid in the body, affecting its metabolism and altering its effective concentration. If the concentration of isoniazid becomes too high, it may increase the risk of adverse reactions such as peripheral neuritis.
In daily life, it is recommended to develop healthy lifestyle habits, such as drinking plenty of water and avoiding spicy foods, to promote overall health.