Indian Iphigenia Bulb — Safety & Interactions

Cao Bei Mu · Bulbus Iphigeniae Indicae

Contraindications

  • Pregnancy
  • Weak patients without phlegm, toxin, nodules, or fixed masses
  • Spleen and Stomach deficiency with loose stools or poor appetite

Cautions

  • Cao Bei Mu is a toxic regional bulb and should not be equated with the gentle, food-grade, or moistening fritillarys sold as Chuan Bei Mu or Bai He.
  • Reported toxicity concern centers on colchicine-type alkaloids, which can irritate the GI tract and in excess injure neuromuscular, marrow, hepatic, or renal function.
  • Alias confusion is common in regional markets; distinguish this herb from the separate Shan Ci Gu / Cremastra-Pleione entry and from non-toxic edible lily bulbs.
  • MSK page not found - interaction guidance is inferred from colchicine pharmacology and related toxic-bulb literature rather than a dedicated clinical monograph.

Drug Interactions

Drug Class / Substrate Mechanism Severity Source
High Colchicine pharmacology literature applied to Iphigenia indica alkaloid risk
High Colchicine pharmacology literature applied to Iphigenia indica alkaloid risk
Moderate Colchicine pharmacology literature applied to Iphigenia indica alkaloid risk

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.