Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Adrenal Energy Formula Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Life Extension

Adrenal Energy Formula label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 9, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Adrenal Energy Formula against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Adrenal Energy Formula is a dietary supplement by Life Extension with 4 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for fatigue and low energy, athletic performance and stamina, respiratory and lung support.Based on those ingredients, 1,547 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Sensoril, BaCognize Ultra, Cordyceps Mycelium Extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

Jump to a section

Check Your Meds Against Adrenal Energy Formula by Life Extension

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Adrenal Energy Formula by Life Extension — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Adrenal Energy Formula by Life Extension

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 11, 2026

What’s inside

Low disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Low

Most active ingredients don't disclose an individual amount — you can't tell how much of each you're getting.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 4 active ingredients.
  • “Proprietary Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (516 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

Adrenal Energy Formula contains four active ingredients. Cordyceps Mycelium Extract is a fungal extract traditionally used to support energy and endurance.

OciBest is a branded extract of holy basil, an herb used in traditional medicine for stress and overall wellness. Sensoril is a branded ashwagandha extract, standardized for its active compounds and studied for mood and stress support.

BaCognize Ultra is a branded bacopa extract, used traditionally to support memory and cognitive function. The product also contains inactive ingredients—cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, maltodextrin, stearic acid, and silica—which serve as fillers and binders in the capsule.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Support energy and stress management.
  • We looked for evidence on: Fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), Athletic performance, Cognitive function — and 3 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Ashwagandha is rated "Possibly Effective" for Anxiety (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Ashwagandha is rated "Possibly Effective" for Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), Stress.
  • Also on file: Cordyceps is rated "Possibly Ineffective" for Athletic performance.

The evidence for these ingredients is mixed. Ashwagandha (Sensoril) is possibly effective for insomnia, anxiety, stress, and generalized anxiety disorder.

For cordyceps, the evidence suggests it is possibly ineffective for athletic performance; the data we hold does not establish its effectiveness for sexual function, arrhythmia, asthma, lung cancer, or COPD. Holy basil (OciBest) and bacopa (BaCognize Ultra) have insufficient evidence in our data to rate their usefulness for any condition.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Cordyceps Ashwagandha Bacopa Holy Basil

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 4 of the 4 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 4 of 4.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 4 of 4.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Cordyceps seems well tolerated for up to a year in studies, though product quality varies. The most common side effects are abdominal discomfort, constipation, and diarrhea—usually uncommon and sometimes reduced by taking it after eating.

A rare case report linked a cordyceps product to liver inflammation (cholestasis hepatitis), though it's unclear whether cordyceps or a contaminant was responsible. Holy basil is generally well tolerated short-term; loose stools and nausea occurred in a small number of trial participants.

Ashwagandha appears well tolerated, though diarrhea, nausea, and gastrointestinal upset can occur—though these are uncommon at typical doses. Rare case reports describe serious liver damage and intracranial bleeding linked to ashwagandha, though other factors may have contributed.

Bacopa is generally well tolerated, with gastrointestinal effects (abdominal cramps, diarrhea, nausea, bloating) reported in 12–30% of users in some studies. Headache, drowsiness, and vivid dreams have also been reported.

During pregnancy, cordyceps and bacopa lack sufficient safety data—the safety data advises against use. Holy basil is possibly unsafe in pregnancy.

Ashwagandha is traditionally thought to risk miscarriage—avoid during pregnancy. None of these ingredients have adequate safety information for breastfeeding, so they should be avoided while nursing.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Cordyceps Ashwagandha Bacopa Holy Basil

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 4 of the 4 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Cordyceps, Bacopa, Ashwagandha, Holy Basil.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 1,548 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Check these medication types before using this product: blood thinners and antiplatelet drugs (bleeding risk from cordyceps and holy basil); diabetes medications (low blood sugar risk from holy basil and ashwagandha); CNS depressants and benzodiazepines (increased sedation from ashwagandha); blood pressure medications (ashwagandha may lower pressure further); immunosuppressants (cordyceps and ashwagandha may interfere); thyroid hormones (ashwagandha may boost effects); and drugs metabolized by liver enzymes CYP1A2, CYP2C19, CYP2C9, or CYP3A4 (bacopa may raise their levels). If you're on any prescription medication, run it through the checker below.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This formula combines four botanical extracts used to support energy and stress resilience. If you take any blood thinners, diabetes medications, blood pressure drugs, sedatives, benzodiazepines, immunosuppressants, or thyroid hormones, you need to check this product with your pharmacist first—the interactions are real and documented.

Talk with your pharmacist before starting, especially if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or take prescription medications.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 4 of 4 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Apr 24, 2025.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Adrenal Energy Formula, straight from the product label.

Brand Life Extension
Barcode (UPC) 737870163008
Net contents 120 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Apr 24, 2025
DSLD ID 328276
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Adrenal Energy Formula by Life Extension, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
2 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
737870163008
IngredientAmount% DV
Proprietary Blend516 mg--
Cordyceps Mycelium Extract0 NP--
OciBest600 mg--
Sensoril0 NP--
BaCognize Ultra0 NP--

Other ingredients: Cellulose, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Maltodextrin, Stearic Acid, Silica

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
General Statements

Scan for product info

Precautions

Read the entire label and follow the directions carefully prior to use.

Warnings: Keep out of reach of children.

Do not exceed recommended dose. Do not purchase if outer seal is broken or damaged.

When using nutritional supplements, please consult with your physician if you are undergoing treatment for a medical condition or if you are pregnant or lactating.

Warning: Reproductive Harm - www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

To report a serious adverse event or obtain product information, contact 1-866-280-2852.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: take two (2) capsules twice daily, or as recommended by a healthcare practitioner.

Storage

Store tightly closed in a cool, dry place.

Brand IP Statement(s)

BaCognize Ultra is a registered trademark of Verdure Sciences, Inc. OciBest is a registered trademark of Natural Remedies Private Limited Sensoril is protected under US Patent Nos. 6,153,198 and is a registered trademark of Natreon, Inc.

Formulation

Gluten free Non GMO Le certified

Enhances energy, stamina and quality of life

Seals/Symbols

Non GMO Le certified

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Adrenal Energy Formula by Life Extension label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

Adrenal Energy Formula label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Adrenal Energy Formula by Life Extension

These are the 4 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Vegetarian Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container60 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Proprietary Blend

516 mg per serving

OciBest

Interacts with
212 drugs
600 mg per serving Form: Holy Basil Whole Plant Extract

Holy basil (tulsi) is a traditional Ayurvedic herb most often used today for stress and general wellness, but the human evidence is mostly small and p...

OciBest monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Cellulose, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Maltodextrin, Stearic Acid, Silica. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Adrenal Energy Formula by Life Extension Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Adrenal Energy Formula?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

 Go to the checker
1,547Drugs
1,501 Moderate 46 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Sensoril 1,372
BaCognize Ultra 930
Cordyceps Mycelium Extract 249
OciBest 212

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Adrenal Energy Formula interact with 1,547 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

4 of the 4 ingredients in Adrenal Energy Formula interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Sensoril BaCognize Ultra Cordyceps Mycelium Extract OciBest

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Adrenal Energy Formula with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Sensoril10 drug types · 1,372 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking ashwagandha with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
There is preliminary clinical evidence suggesting that ashwagandha might lower blood glucose levels. Theoretically, ashwagandha might have additive effects when used with antidiabetes drugs and increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, taking ashwagandha with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Animal research suggests that ashwagandha might lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Theoretically, ashwagandha might have additive effects when used with antihypertensive drugs and increase the risk of hypotension.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Benzodiazepines

Theoretically, taking ashwagandha might increase the sedative effects of benzodiazepines.
There is preliminary evidence that ashwagandha might have an additive effect with diazepam (Valium) and clonazepam (Klonopin). This may also occur with other benzodiazepines.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cns Depressants

Theoretically, taking ashwagandha might increase the sedative effects of CNS depressants.
Ashwagandha seems to have sedative effects. Theoretically, this may potentiate the effects of barbiturates, other sedatives, and anxiolytics.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Hepatotoxic Drugs

Theoretically, taking ashwagandha with hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver damage.
Ashwagandha has been linked to cases of acute hepatitis, liver failure, hepatic encephalopathy, autoimmune hepatitis, the need for liver transplantation, and death due to liver failure.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, taking ashwagandha might decrease the effects of immunosuppressants.
Ashwagandha has demonstrated immunostimulant effects in humans. Animal research has shown that ashwagandha can attenuate the immunosuppression caused by cyclophosphamide.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Thyroid Hormone

Ashwagandha might increase the effects and adverse effects of thyroid hormone.
Concomitant use of ashwagandha with thyroid hormones may cause additive therapeutic and adverse effects. Preliminary clinical research and animal studies suggest that ashwagandha boosts thyroid hormone synthesis and secretion. In one clinical study, ashwagandha increased triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) levels by 41.5% and 19.6%, respectively, and reduced serum TSH levels by 17.4% from baseline in adults with subclinical hypothyroidism.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates

Theoretically, ashwagandha might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP1A2 substrates.
In vitro research shows that ashwagandha extract induces CYP1A2 enzymes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, ashwagandha might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
In vitro research shows that ashwagandha extract induces CYP3A4 enzymes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Serotonergic Drugs

Some animal studies have reported that ashwagandha can enhance serotonergic transmission by altering certain serotonin (5-HT) receptors. However, there is no evidence to suggest that ashwagandha increases the risk of serotonin-related effects, and there have been no published case reports of serotonin syndrome when combined with other serotonergic drugs. Nevertheless, due to the lack of extensive studies on the matter and the fact that ashwagandha appears to affect serotonergic pathways, it would be prudent to exercise caution when combining it with drugs that affect serotonin. [References: - Effects of Withania somnifera (Ashwaga ndha) on Stress and the Stress-Related Neuropsychiatric Disorders Anxiety, Depression, and Insomnia. Curr Neuropharmacol. 2021 Sep 14; 19: 1468–1495. - A Prospective, Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Safety and Efficacy of a High-Concentration Full-Spectrum Extract of Ashwagandha Root in Reducing Stress and Anxiety in Adults. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3573577/]

Likelihood Possible Evidence C
Sensoril full monograph & interactions

BaCognize Ultra8 drug types · 930 drugs

Anticholinergic Drugs

Theoretically, concurrent use might decrease the effectiveness of both agents.
Bacopa seems to inhibit acetylcholinesterase and might increase acetylcholine levels, which could counteract the effects of anticholinergic drugs. Similarly, anticholinergic drugs might counteract the cholinergic effects of bacopa.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cevimeline (Evoxac)

Theoretically, bacopa might increase the effects and adverse effects of cevimeline.
In one case, a 58-year-old female taking cevimeline long-term for Sjogren syndrome experienced hyperhidrosis, malaise, nausea, and tachycardia shortly after taking a single dose of bacopa. Symptoms resolved after two days. Cevimeline is metabolized by cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2D6 and CYP3A4, and researchers theorize that bacopa may have inhibited these isoenzymes. However, it is unclear if bacopa causes clinically significant inhibition of either CYP2D6 or CYP3A4.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cholinergic Drugs

Theoretically, concurrent use of bacopa with other cholinergic drugs might have additive effects.
Bacopa seems to inhibit acetylcholinesterase and might increase acetylcholine levels. Theoretically, this could result in additive cholinergic effects when used with cholinergic drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates

Theoretically, bacopa might increase the levels and adverse effects of CYP1A2 substrates.
Research on the effects of bacopa extracts on CYP1A2 enzymes is conflicting. Some in vitro evidence shows that bacopa extract can moderately and non-competitively inhibit CYP1A2, while other in vitro evidence suggests that any effect is unlikely to be clinically significant.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2C19 (Cyp2C19) Substrates

Theoretically, bacopa might increase the levels and adverse effects of CYP2C19 substrates.
In vitro evidence suggests that bacopa extract can moderately and non-competitively inhibit CYP2C19 enzymes. It is not known whether this is clinically significant.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2C9 (Cyp2C9) Substrates

Theoretically, bacopa might increase the levels and adverse effects of CYP2C9 substrates.
Research on the effect of bacopa extracts on CYP2C9 enzymes is conflicting. Some in vitro evidence suggests that bacopa extract can moderately and non-competitively inhibit CYP2C9, while other in vitro evidence suggests that any effect is unlikely to be clinically significant.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, bacopa might increase the levels and adverse effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Research on the effects of bacopa extracts on CYP3A4 enzymes is conflicting. Some in vitro evidence suggests that bacopa extract can moderately and competitively inhibit CYP3A4, while other in vitro evidence suggests that any effect is unlikely to be clinically significant.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Thyroid Hormone

Theoretically, bacopa might have additive effects when used with thyroid hormone.
Animal research suggests that bacopa increases thyroxine (T4) levels in mice by about 40%.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
BaCognize Ultra full monograph & interactions

Cordyceps Mycelium Extract3 drug types · 249 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, cordyceps may increase the risk of bleeding when used with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs.
In vitro and animal research suggests that cordyceps extract inhibits platelet aggregation and function. However, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, concurrent use of cordyceps might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Animal and in vitro research suggests that cordyceps stimulates the immune system. However, limited clinical research suggests that taking cordyceps may lower the necessary therapeutic dose of the immunosuppressant cyclosporine, which suggests that cordyceps may have an immunosuppressive effect.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Testosterone

Theoretically, concurrent use of cordyceps and testosterone might have additive effects.
Animal research suggests that cordyceps can increase testosterone levels. The clinical significance of this finding is unclear.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cordyceps Mycelium Extract full monograph & interactions

OciBest3 drug types · 212 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, holy basil seed oil might increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Animal research shows that holy basil seed oil can prolong bleeding time, possibly due to inhibition of platelet aggregation. However, it is not known if this occurs in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, holy basil might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Small clinical studies show that taking holy basil can decrease fasting blood glucose and other measures of glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Pentobarbital (Nembutal)

Theoretically, holy basil seed oil might increase the sedative effects of pentobarbital.
Animal research shows that holy basil seed oil increases pentobarbitone-induced sleeping time. However, it is not known if this occurs in humans or if this applies to other barbiturates or sedatives.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
OciBest full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Adrenal Energy Formula, from the product label.

Life Extension

See all Life Extension products
Name
Quality Supplements and Vitamins, Inc.
City
Ft. Lauderdale
State
FL
ZipCode
33309
Phone Number
1-866-280-2852
Web Address
LifeExtension.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Adrenal Energy Formula by Life Extension: Common Questions

Does Adrenal Energy Formula by Life Extension interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Adrenal Energy Formula has a known interaction with 1,547 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Adrenal Energy Formula contains 4 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Is cordyceps safe to take long-term?
In studies, cordyceps appears well tolerated for up to a year, but the evidence on long-term safety is limited. Most side effects—like stomach discomfort, constipation, or diarrhea—are uncommon and may improve if you take it after eating. A rare case linked a cordyceps product to liver inflammation; talk with your pharmacist if you have liver concerns.
Can I take this while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. The safety data advises against cordyceps and bacopa in pregnancy due to insufficient information. Holy basil is possibly unsafe in pregnancy. Ashwagandha is traditionally thought to risk miscarriage. None of these have adequate safety data for breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about alternatives if you're pregnant or nursing.
What is ashwagandha (Sensoril) supposed to do?
Ashwagandha is possibly effective for insomnia, anxiety, stress, and generalized anxiety disorder based on the evidence we hold. It's not established for other uses in our data.
Does bacopa really help with memory or brain function?
The evidence in our data doesn't establish whether bacopa helps with Alzheimer disease, ADHD, cognitive function, or cognitive impairment. We have insufficient evidence to rate it for these uses.
What are the most common side effects?
Stomach issues are most common: abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, nausea, and cramping appear across most of the ingredients. Holy basil may cause loose stools. Bacopa side effects included gastrointestinal symptoms in 12–30% of study participants. Headache and drowsiness have also been reported.
Why does this product interact with so many medications?
Bacopa can slow how your liver breaks down several types of medications, which can raise their levels and side effects. Ashwagandha may lower blood pressure, blood sugar, and immune suppression while affecting liver enzymes—combining any of these with matching medications creates a risk. Cordyceps and holy basil affect bleeding and immune function. These are theoretical risks in most cases, but real enough to check with your pharmacist.

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

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Adrenal Energy Formula label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Adrenal Energy Formula’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Cordyceps

Interacts with 249 drugs

Cordyceps is a fungus used in traditional Chinese medicine for energy, exercise performance, and lung and immune support. Human research is limited and mostly low quality, so its benefits ar...

Read the full Cordyceps monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Ashwagandha

Interacts with 1,372 drugs

Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic herb most often taken to help with stress, anxiety, and sleep, and some small studies suggest it may help, though the evidence is still limited. It is generally w...

Read the full Ashwagandha monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Bacopa

Interacts with 930 drugs

Bacopa is an Ayurvedic herb most often used for memory and thinking. Some small studies suggest it may modestly help memory when taken regularly for several weeks, but the evidence is limite...

Read the full Bacopa monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Holy Basil

Interacts with 212 drugs

Holy basil (tulsi) is a traditional Ayurvedic herb most often used today for stress and general wellness, but the human evidence is mostly small and preliminary. It is generally well tolerat...

Read the full Holy Basil monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Adrenal Energy Formula's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 66 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Cordyceps 14 references
  1. Zhu JS, Halpern GM, Jones K. The scientific rediscovery of an ancient Chinese herbal medicine: Cordyceps sinensis: part I. J Altern Complement Med 1998;4:289-303.
  2. Zhu JS, Halpern GM, Jones K. The scientific rediscovery of a precious ancient Chinese herbal regimen: Cordyceps sinensis: part II. J Altern Complement Med 1998;4:429-57.
  3. Chen YJ, Shiao MS, Lee SS, Wang SY. Effect of Cordyceps sinensis on the proliferation and differentiation of human leukemic U937 cells. Life Sci 1997;60:2349-59. PubMed
  4. Zhao Y. [Inhibitory effects of alcoholic extract of Cordyceps sinensis on abdominal aortic thrombus formation in rabbits]. Chung Hua I Hsueh Tsa Chih (Taipei) 1991;71:612-5, 42.
  5. Chen GZ, Chen GL, Sun T, et al. Effects of Cordyceps sinensis on murine T lymphocyte subsets. Chin Med J (English) 1991;104:4-8.
  6. Zhu XY, Yu HY. [Immunosuppressive effect of cultured Cordyceps sinensis on cellular immune response]. Chung Hsi I Chieh Ho Tsa Chih 1990;10:485-7, 454.
  7. Hsu, C. C., Huang, Y. L., Tsai, S. J., Sheu, C. C., and Huang, B. M. In vivo and in vitro stimulatory effects of Cordyceps sinensis on testosterone production in mouse Leydig cells. Life Sci 9-5-2003;73(16):2127-2136. PubMed
  8. Ikumoto, T., Sasaki, S., Namba, H., Toyama, R., Moritoki, H., and Mouri, T. [Physiologically active compounds in the extracts from tochukaso and cultured mycelia of Cordyceps and Isaria]. Yakugaku Zasshi 1991;111(9):504-509. PubMed
  9. Wu, T. N., Yang, K. C., Wang, C. M., Lai, J. S., Ko, K. N., Chang, P. Y., and Liou, S. H. Lead poisoning caused by contaminated Cordyceps, a Chinese herbal medicine: two case reports. Sci.Total Environ. 4-5-1996;182(1-3):193-195. PubMed
  10. Hong T, Zhang M, Fan J. Cordyceps sinensis (a traditional Chinese medicine) for kidney transplant recipients (Review). Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015;(10):CD009698. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD009698.pub2.
  11. Zhang HW, Lin ZX, Tung YS, Kwan TH, Mok CK, Leung C, Chan LS. Cordyceps sinensis (a traditional Chinese medicine) for treating chronic kidney disease (Review). Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2014;(12):CD008353. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD008353.pub2. PubMed
  12. Bee Yean O, Zoriah A. Efficacy of Cordyceps sinensis as an adjunctive treatment in hemodialysis patients: a systematic review and Meta-analysis. J Tradit Chin Med. 2019;39(1):1-14.
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Ashwagandha 32 references
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Bacopa 12 references
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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.

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