Background

Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum) is a plant. Its bulb contains chemicals called toxic cardiac glycosides, which can lead to death when consumed.

The cardiac glycosides in star of Bethlehem affect the heart. These chemicals can slow the heart rate down.

People use star of Bethlehem for congestive heart failure (CHF), but there is no good scientific evidence to support this use. Using star of Bethlehem is unsafe.

Safety Safety definitions

When taken by mouth: Star of Bethlehem is likely unsafe. It contains chemicals called toxic cardiac glycosides. Consuming star of Bethlehem can lead to serious side effects, including death.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Star of Bethlehem is likely unsafe when taken by mouth while pregnant or breast-feeding. Consuming star of Bethlehem can lead to serious side effects, including death.

Heart disease: Star of Bethlehem contains chemicals that can interfere with heart disease drugs and make heart disease worse. Avoid use.

Low blood potassium levels: It's unsafe to use star of Bethlehem if you have low potassium levels. Avoid use.

Effectiveness

Dosing & administration

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of star of Bethlehem might be. Star of Bethlehem can also be unsafe. Speak with a healthcare provider before using.

Interactions with pharmaceuticals

Antibiotics (Macrolide antibiotics)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Taking some antibiotics might increase how much star of Bethlehem the body absorbs. This might increase the effects and side effects of star of Bethlehem.

Antibiotics (Tetracycline antibiotics)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Taking some antibiotics might increase how much star of Bethlehem the body absorbs. This might increase the effects and side effects of star of Bethlehem.

Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Digoxin helps the heart beat more strongly. Star of Bethlehem also seems to affect the heart. Taking star of Bethlehem along with digoxin can increase the effects and the risk of side effects of digoxin and star of Bethlehem. Do not take star of Bethlehem if you are taking digoxin without talking to your healthcare professional.

Medications for inflammation (Corticosteroids)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Star of Bethlehem can affect the heart. Some medications for inflammation can decrease potassium in the body. Low potassium levels can also affect the heart. Taking these products together can increase the risk of side effects.

Quinine

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Quinine might increase the amount of star of Bethlehem the body absorbs. Taking quinine along with star of Bethlehem might increase the effects and side effects of star of Bethlehem.

Stimulant laxatives

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Star of Bethlehem can affect the heart. Stimulant laxatives can cause diarrhea and decrease potassium levels. Low potassium levels can also affect the heart. Taking these products together can increase the risk of side effects.

Water pills (Diuretic drugs)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Star of Bethlehem can affect the heart. "Water pills" can decrease potassium levels. Low potassium levels can also affect the heart. Taking these products together can increase the risk of side effects.

Interactions with herbs & supplements

Calcium: Star of Bethlehem can stimulate the heart. Calcium might also affect the heart. Taking star of Bethlehem along with calcium might cause the heart to be too stimulated. Do not take star of Bethlehem along with calcium supplements.
Herbs that contain cardiac glycosides: Star of Bethlehem contains chemicals that can affect the heart. These chemicals are called cardiac glycosides. Using it along with other supplements that also contain cardiac glycosides can increase the risk of heart damage. Examples of supplements that contain cardiac glycosides include black hellebore, foxglove, lily-of-the-valley, oleander, and pleurisy root.
Horsetail: Star of Bethlehem contains chemicals that can affect the heart. Horsetail can decrease potassium levels. Low potassium levels can also affect the heart. Taking these products together can increase the risk of side effects.
Licorice: Star of Bethlehem contains chemicals that can affect the heart. Licorice can decrease potassium levels. Low potassium levels can also affect the heart. Taking these products together can increase the risk of side effects.
Stimulant laxative herbs: Star of Bethlehem contains chemicals that can affect the heart. Stimulant laxatives can decrease potassium levels. Low potassium levels can also affect the heart. Taking these products together can increase the risk of side effects. Examples of supplements with this effect include aloe, alder buckthorn, gossypol, rhubarb, and senna.

Interactions with foods

There are no known interactions with foods.