Herb & supplement monograph

Phlorizin Drug Interactions, Uses, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by ·Updated June 2026
What is this page for?

First and foremost: how Phlorizin interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Phlorizin is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Phlorizin is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

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Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Phlorizin

86 medications have a known interaction with Phlorizin, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

2,830 drugs
AcarboseGlucobay, Prandase, Precose› AcetohexamideDymelor› AlbiglutideTanzeum› AlogliptinNesina› Alogliptin, MetforminKazano› Alogliptin, PioglitazoneOseni› Antidiabetes, Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (dpp-iv) InhibitorGlyxambi› CanagliflozinInvokana› Canagliflozin, MetforminInvokamet› Canagliflozin, Metformin HydrochlorideInvokamet XR› ChlorpropamideChlorpropam, Diabinese› DapagliflozinFarxiga› Dapagliflozin Propanediol, MetforminXigduo XR› Dapagliflozin Propanediol, Saxagliptin HydrochlorideQtern› Dapagliflozin, Metformin Hydrochloride, Saxagliptin HydrochlorideQternmet XR› Dasiglucagon HydrochlorideZegalogue› DulaglutideTrulicity› EmpagliflozinJardiance› Empagliflozin, Linagliptin, Metformin HydrochlorideTrijardy XR› Empagliflozin, MetforminSynjardy› Empagliflozin, Metformin HydrochlorideSynjardy XR› ErtugliflozinSteglatro› Ertugliflozin, Metformin HydrochlorideSegluromet› ExenatideBydureon, Byetta› Exenatide SyntheticBydureon BCISE› GliclazideDiamicron› GlimepirideAmaryl› GlipizideGlucotrol, Glucotrol XL› Glipizide, MetforminMetaglip› GlucagonBaqsimi, Glucagon›
Read The List Like a Pharmacist

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

  • Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
  • Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
  • Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
  • No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

  • Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
  • Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
  • Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
  • Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

  • Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
  • Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Phlorizin combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
  • Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.
The big picture

The kinds of drugs Phlorizin affects

Every type of medication (drug category) Phlorizin is known to interact with. Open any category for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

All 1 drug category Phlorizin interacts with
Antidiabetes Drugs
Antidiabetes Drugs

Phlorizin is a potent, nonselective inhibitor of SGLT1 and SGLT2. It has been shown to reduce blood glucose levels in animal research. Theoretically, phlorizin might have additive effects with antidiabetes drugs and increase the risk of hypoglycemia. However, the likelihood of this effect is unclear due to the poor bioavailability and rapid degradation of phlorizin. Monitor blood glucose levels closely. Dose adjustments might be necessary.
Some antidiabetes drugs include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), and others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Monograph

Phlorizin: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed June 2026 ·
The bottom line

Phlorizin is a natural plant compound (a dihydrochalcone) found in apple tree bark and other plants that has been studied mostly in the laboratory for its effects on blood sugar handling. There is no good human evidence that taking it as a supplement is safe or effective, and it is poorly absorbed when swallowed. Talk with your pharmacist or doctor before using any product containing it.

Part used
Root bark, bark, and leaves of apple trees and related Rosaceae plants
Common forms
Purified compound (research chemical), capsules, powders
People commonly use it for
  • Blood sugar support
  • Diabetes research
  • Antioxidant
  • Weight management interest

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance
OverallLimited data

Human safety data for phlorizin supplements are very limited.

PregnancyInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full pregnancy detail
BreastfeedingInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

Jump to a section

Overview

Phlorizin (also spelled phloridzin) is a natural plant compound known as a dihydrochalcone. It was first isolated from the bark of apple trees in the 1800s, and it is also found in the bark, roots, and leaves of apple, pear, and cherry trees, as well as in small amounts in apples themselves.

Historically, phlorizin was studied by scientists because it caused sugar to appear in the urine. This made it an important tool in early research on the kidneys and on diabetes. Today it is mainly a research compound rather than a common dietary supplement, though some products marketed for blood sugar or general wellness may contain apple bark extracts that include it.

Uses & effectiveness

Phlorizin is best known in scientific research rather than everyday supplement use. Much of what we know comes from laboratory and animal studies, not well-designed human trials.

People are most interested in phlorizin for:

  • Blood sugar and diabetes: In animal studies, phlorizin lowered blood sugar by causing the kidneys to release more sugar into the urine. This research helped inspire a modern class of diabetes drugs, but phlorizin itself is not used as a medicine because it is poorly absorbed and broken down quickly in the gut.
  • Antioxidant effects: Like many plant compounds, it shows antioxidant activity in the lab, but this does not prove a health benefit in people.
  • Weight and metabolism: Some animal research suggests possible effects on metabolism, but human evidence is essentially absent.

Overall, there is insufficient human evidence to recommend phlorizin for any health condition.

How it works

Phlorizin's most studied action is blocking proteins called sodium-glucose co-transporters (SGLTs). These transporters help the body absorb sugar in the intestines and reabsorb sugar in the kidneys. By blocking them, phlorizin causes more sugar to leave the body in the urine, which can lower blood sugar.

This discovery was important because it inspired the development of modern prescription diabetes medicines that block one of these transporters more selectively. Phlorizin itself is not a good drug, partly because the gut breaks it down into another compound (phloretin) and it is poorly absorbed when swallowed.

Most of this information comes from laboratory and animal research, not from studies in humans taking supplements.

Safety & precautions

The safety of phlorizin as a dietary supplement in humans is not well established. Most data come from animals and from its use as a research tool.

Because phlorizin increases sugar loss in the urine, in theory it could affect blood sugar levels. People with diabetes, kidney problems, or those taking blood-sugar-lowering medicines should be especially cautious and talk to a healthcare provider first.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is no reliable safety information, so phlorizin should be avoided during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

Always tell your pharmacist or doctor about any supplement you are considering, especially if you have a medical condition or take other medicines.

Side effects

Because phlorizin is rarely used as a standalone supplement, its side effect profile in people is not well known.

Based on how it works, possible effects could include increased sugar in the urine, increased urination, and effects on blood sugar. Sugar in the urine may theoretically raise the risk of urinary or genital infections, as is seen with related diabetes medicines. Digestive upset is also possible with many plant extracts.

If you notice any unusual or concerning symptoms after taking a product containing phlorizin, stop using it and contact a healthcare professional.

Dosing

There is no established or standardized dose of phlorizin for supplement use in humans. It has mainly been used in research settings at carefully controlled amounts, not as a routine oral supplement.

If you choose to use a product that contains phlorizin or apple bark extract, follow the directions on the product label and do not exceed the recommended amount. Because quality and content of supplements vary, it is wise to check with your pharmacist before starting.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Phlorizin & Pregnancy

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Phlorizin & Breastfeeding

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 1 references that drive our Phlorizin monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

  1. Chao EC, Henry RR. SGLT2 inhibition--a novel strategy for diabetes treatment. Nat Rev Drug Discov. 2010;9(7):551-9. PubMed
Keep reading

This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

Brand directory

Brands that make products with Phlorizin

2 brands in our database make a supplement containing Phlorizin.

Product directory

Supplement products with Phlorizin

6 products in our database contain Phlorizin. Open any to see its full ingredient list and every drug interaction we check.

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Phlorizin: Common Questions

Does Phlorizin interact with prescription medications?
Yes. We list 86 medications with a known interaction with Phlorizin. Use the checker above to see how Phlorizin interacts with a specific drug.
How are Phlorizin interactions rated?
Each interaction is graded major, moderate, or minor based on how clinically significant it is and the strength of the evidence behind it. Major interactions are the most serious and are best avoided, or used only under close professional supervision.
Is it safe to take Phlorizin with my medications?
It depends on the specific medication. Some combinations are fine, while others call for monitoring, timing changes, or should be avoided. Check your exact drug above and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing anything.
Where does this Phlorizin interaction information come from?
Our interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database — an evidence-graded reference for vitamins, herbs, and supplements — and is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists, who may add clinical context.
What is Phlorizin used for?
Phlorizin is mainly a research compound studied for its effects on blood sugar. People may be interested in it for blood sugar support or antioxidant effects, but there is not enough human evidence to confirm any benefit.
Is Phlorizin the same as a diabetes drug?
No. Phlorizin helped inspire a modern class of diabetes medicines that block sugar reabsorption in the kidney, but Phlorizin itself is not a prescription drug and is poorly absorbed when swallowed.
Is Phlorizin safe to take?
Its safety as a supplement in humans is not well studied. Talk with your pharmacist or doctor before using any product that contains it, especially if you have diabetes or kidney issues.
Can I take Phlorizin if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
No reliable safety information exists, so it is best to avoid Phlorizin during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Keep exploring

Products that contain Phlorizin

A rotating sample of real supplements in our database that list Phlorizin — open any to see its full ingredients and every drug interaction we check.

See all 6 products with Phlorizin →
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