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

Advanced Blood Sugar Support with Pycnogenol Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Dr. Sinatra

Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Advanced Blood Sugar Support with Pycnogenol is a dietary supplement by Dr. Sinatra with 7 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for morning sickness in pregnancy, premenstrual syndrome (pms), preventing or treating b6 deficiency.Based on those ingredients, 907 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Cinnamon powder, Pycnogenol French Maritime Pine extract, Alpha Lipoic Acid. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Advanced Blood Sugar Support with Pycnogenol by Dr. Sinatra

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

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 7 of its 7 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This formula has 7 active ingredients designed to support healthy blood sugar. Vitamin B6 plays a role in nerve and brain function and helps your body use amino acids.

Alpha-lipoic acid is an antioxidant your cells use for energy production. Chromium helps your body control blood sugar by improving how insulin works.

Vitamin B12 supports nerve health and energy metabolism. Benfotiamine is a fat-soluble form of thiamine (vitamin B1) that your body absorbs more easily.

Cinnamon powder is included for its traditional role in blood sugar management. Pycnogenol (French maritime pine extract) is a plant compound with antioxidant properties.

The capsule also contains inactive ingredients: gelatin, magnesium stearate, and silicon dioxide.

Does it work?

Strong 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
Strong

Clinical evidence supports at least one of this product's ingredients for its stated purpose.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: healthy blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity.
  • We looked for evidence on: Chromium deficiency, Type 2 diabetes, Insulin resistance, Prediabetes.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Chromium is rated "Likely Effective" for Chromium deficiency (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Chromium is rated "Possibly Effective" for Diabetes.
  • Also on file: Alpha-lipoic Acid is rated "Possibly Ineffective" for Diabetes.

The evidence varies by ingredient. Vitamin B6 is effective for sideroblastic anemia and B6 deficiency, and likely effective for lowering homocysteine; it's possibly effective for pregnancy-related nausea.

Alpha-lipoic acid is possibly effective for diabetic nerve damage and cholesterol concerns. Chromium is likely effective for chromium deficiency and possibly effective for diabetes, but research suggests it's probably not effective for prediabetes.

Vitamin B12 is effective for B12 deficiency and certain types of anemia, and possibly effective for canker sores. Benfotiamine is possibly effective for diabetic nerve damage.

Cinnamon powder, maritime pine extract, and the other ingredients in this formula all lack strong evidence—their effectiveness ratings are listed as insufficient or not established in the data we hold.

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 7 of the 7 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 7 of 7.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 7 of 7.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Most of these ingredients are generally well tolerated at normal doses. Vitamin B6 is safe in standard amounts, but high doses over time can damage nerves—headache, heartburn, nausea, and in rare cases sensory nerve damage have been reported.

Alpha-lipoic acid is generally well tolerated and may cause headache, nausea, or heartburn; it can lower blood sugar and is best used under medical guidance. Chromium is usually well tolerated at supplement doses, though gastrointestinal upset, headache, and mood changes have been reported.

Vitamin B12 is very safe with no upper limit and is considered safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Benfotiamine is generally well tolerated but long-term safety isn't fully known; it's not recommended in pregnancy or breastfeeding without doctor approval.

Cinnamon powder is safe in food amounts but supplement doses high in coumarin may harm the liver with long-term use; avoid high-dose supplements in pregnancy. Maritime pine extract is generally well tolerated but may cause dizziness, vertigo, or gastrointestinal discomfort; it should be avoided in pregnancy and breastfeeding due to limited safety data.

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?
  • 6 of the 7 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Alpha-lipoic Acid, Vitamin B12, Chromium, Vitamin B6, Cassia Cinnamon, among others.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; cancer treatments; diabetes medications; Parkinson's medications.
  • For scale: 908 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.

Before taking this product, check your medications against these drug types: diabetes medications (Major risk of low blood sugar with multiple ingredients), thyroid hormone replacements like levothyroxine (Moderate), antiseizure drugs like phenytoin and phenobarbital (Moderate), blood thinners and antiplatelet drugs (Moderate), heart rhythm medications like amiodarone (Moderate), and immunosuppressants (Moderate). If you take metformin, vitamin B12 monitoring may be helpful.

No interactions are documented in our data for benfotiamine.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with clinical evidence supporting its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This product is designed for people concerned about blood sugar management who want a multi-ingredient approach. If you take diabetes medications, thyroid hormone, blood thinners, antiseizure drugs, or heart medications like amiodarone, you need to check your specific medications with the tool on this page before starting.

Talk with your pharmacist or doctor about whether each ingredient makes sense for you, especially if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or have liver or kidney concerns.

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

Assessment coverage: 7 of 7 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Feb 25, 2019.

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 Advanced Blood Sugar Support with Pycnogenol, straight from the product label.

Brand Dr. Sinatra
Barcode (UPC) 678829201481
Net contents 30 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Feb 25, 2019
DSLD ID 199927
Product type Other Combinations
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 Advanced Blood Sugar Support with Pycnogenol by Dr. Sinatra, 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:
1 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
678829201481
IngredientAmount% DV
Vitamin B610 mg500%
Alpha Lipoic Acid50 mg--
Chromium200 mcg167%
Vitamin B12100 mcg1667%
Benfotiamine300 mg--
Cinnamon powder200 mg--
Pycnogenol French Maritime Pine extract50 mg--

Other ingredients: Gelatin, Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide

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.
Formula

Advanced Blood Sugar Support features the powerful antioxidant Pycnogenol to promote healthy blood sugar levels.

General Statements

Unconditionally guaranteed for purity and labeled potency.

Supports healthy blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity

Storage

To preserve quality and freshness, store bottle with cap tightly closed in a cool, dry place.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Pycnogenol is a registered trademark of Horphag Research Ltd, whose use may be protected by one or more patents.

America's #1 integrative cardiologist

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.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Doctor’s Suggested Use: Take 1 capsule daily.

Precautions

Warning: If you are on insulin treatment, or are pregnant or lactating, consult a health care professional before using this product. If you are on oral hypoglycemic agents, this product may require an adjustment in your medication. Always consult a health care professional before making an adjustment.

Keep out of reach of children.

Seals/Symbols

GF Gluten free

Formulation

GF Gluten free

General

SKU: ABS 02 C14000, 2016 R-1

See for yourself

Advanced Blood Sugar Support with Pycnogenol by Dr. Sinatra label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Advanced Blood Sugar Support with Pycnogenol by Dr. Sinatra

These are the 7 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container30 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.

Vitamin B6

Interacts with
210 drugs
10 mg per serving Form: Pyridoxine Hydrochloride

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is an essential water-soluble vitamin that your body needs for metabolism, brain function, and making red blood cells. It is b...

Vitamin B6 monograph & interactions

Alpha Lipoic Acid

Interacts with
263 drugs
50 mg per serving

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is an antioxidant made naturally by the body and found in small amounts in foods. It is most studied for diabetic nerve pain,...

Alpha Lipoic Acid monograph & interactions

Chromium

Interacts with
178 drugs
200 mcg per serving Form: Chromium Polynicotinate

Chromium is an essential trace mineral involved in how the body handles sugar and fat. Some studies suggest it may modestly help blood sugar control i...

Chromium monograph & interactions

Vitamin B12

Interacts with
20 drugs
100 mcg per serving Form: Methylcobalamin

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is an essential nutrient your body needs to make red blood cells, keep nerves healthy, and support DNA. Supplements are very h...

Vitamin B12 monograph & interactions

Benfotiamine

No known
interactions
300 mg per serving

Benfotiamine is a man-made, fat-soluble form of vitamin B1 (thiamine) that the body may absorb more easily than regular thiamine. It is mostly studied...

Benfotiamine monograph & interactions

Cinnamon powder

Interacts with
442 drugs
200 mg per serving

Cassia cinnamon is the common, inexpensive cinnamon used in cooking, and it is also taken as a supplement, most often for blood sugar support. The evi...

Cinnamon powder monograph & interactions

Pycnogenol French Maritime Pine extract

Interacts with
327 drugs
50 mg per serving

Maritime pine bark extract (often sold as Pycnogenol) is a plant-based antioxidant most studied for circulation, vein, and skin health. Some research...

Pycnogenol French Maritime Pine extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Gelatin, Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Advanced Blood Sugar Support with Pycnogenol by Dr. Sinatra Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Advanced Blood Sugar Support with Pycnogenol?

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
907Drugs
874 Moderate 33 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Chromium 178

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Advanced Blood Sugar Support with Pycnogenol 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.

Cinnamon powder2 drug types · 442 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, cassia cinnamon may have additive effects with antidiabetes drugs.
Cassia cinnamon may lower blood glucose levels, and have additive effects in patients treated with antidiabetic agents. Dose adjustments to diabetes medications might be necessary.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Hepatotoxic Drugs

Theoretically, large doses of cassia cinnamon might cause additive effects when used with hepatotoxic drugs.
There is some concern that ingesting large amounts of cassia cinnamon for an extended duration might cause hepatotoxicity in some people. Cassia cinnamon contains coumarin, which can cause hepatotoxicity in animal models. In humans, very high doses of coumarin from 50-7000 mg/day can result in hepatotoxicity that resolves when coumarin use is discontinued. Lower amounts might also cause liver problems in sensitive people, such as those with liver disease or those taking potentially hepatotoxic agents.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Pycnogenol French Maritime Pine extract3 drug types · 327 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, maritime pine bark extract might increase the risk of bleeding when used with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs.
Clinical research suggests that maritime pine bark extract inhibits platelet aggregation. However, the clinical significance of this effect is unclear.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, maritime pine bark extract might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when used with antidiabetes drugs.
One clinical study shows that maritime pine bark extract decreases blood sugar in patients with diabetes being treated with antidiabetes agents. Monitor blood glucose levels closely. Dose adjustments might be necessary.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, maritime pine bark extract might decrease the effectiveness of immunosuppressant therapy.
In vitro and animal research suggests that maritime pine bark extract has immunostimulant activity. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Alpha Lipoic Acid5 drug types · 263 drugs

Alkylating Agents

Theoretically, the antioxidant effects of alpha-lipoic acid might alter the effectiveness of alkylating agents.
The use of antioxidants like alpha-lipoic acid during chemotherapy is controversial. There are concerns that antioxidants could reduce the activity of chemotherapy drugs that generate free radicals. However, some researchers theorize that antioxidants might make chemotherapy more effective by reducing oxidative stress that might interfere with apoptosis (cell death) of cancer cells. More evidence is needed to determine what effect, if any, antioxidants such as alpha-lipoic acid have on chemotherapy. Advise patients to consult their oncologist before using alpha-lipoic acid.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, alpha-lipoic acid may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
In vitro, alpha-lipoic acid inhibits platelet aggregation.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antitumor Antibiotics

Theoretically, the antioxidant effects of alpha-lipoic acid might alter the effectiveness of antitumor antibiotics.
The use of antioxidants like alpha-lipoic acid during chemotherapy is controversial. There are concerns that antioxidants could reduce the activity of antitumor antibiotic drugs, which work by generating free radicals. However, some researchers theorize that antioxidants might make chemotherapy more effective by reducing oxidative stress that might interfere with apoptosis (cell death) of cancer cells. More evidence is needed to determine what effect, if any, antioxidants such as alpha-lipoic acid have on chemotherapy involving antitumor antibiotics. Advise patients to consult their oncologist before using alpha-lipoic acid.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Thyroid Hormone

Theoretically, alpha-lipoic acid might decrease the effects of thyroid hormone drugs.
Animal research suggests that co-administration of thyroxine with alpha-lipoic acid reduces conversion into the active T3 form.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking alpha-lipoic acid with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Although some small clinical studies have suggested that alpha-lipoic acid can lower blood glucose levels, larger clinical studies in patients with diabetes have shown no clinically meaningful effect. Additionally, co-administration of single doses of alpha-lipoic acid and glyburide or acarbose did not cause detectable drug interactions in healthy volunteers.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B

Vitamin B65 drug types · 210 drugs

Amiodarone (Cordarone)

Theoretically, vitamin B6 might increase the photosensitivity caused by amiodarone.
Despite initial case reports suggesting that pyridoxine may have a protective effect against amiodarone-induced photosensitivity, preliminary clinical research suggests that pyridoxine may actually exacerbate this adverse effect.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, vitamin B6 may have additive effects when used with antihypertensive drugs.
Research in hypertensive rats shows that vitamin B6 can decrease systolic blood pressure. Similarly, clinical research in patients with hypertension shows that taking high doses of vitamin B6 may reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure, possibly by reducing plasma levels of epinephrine and norepinephrine.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Phenobarbital (Luminal)

High doses of vitamin B6 may reduce the levels and clinical effects of phenobarbital.
Preliminary clinical evidence suggests that vitamin B6 200 mg daily can reduce plasma levels of phenobarbital, possibly by increasing metabolism. It is not known whether lower doses have any effect. Advise people taking phenobarbital to avoid high doses of vitamin B6.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Phenytoin (Dilantin)

High doses of vitamin B6 may reduce the levels and clinical effects of phenytoin.
Preliminary clinical evidence suggests that vitamin B6 200 mg daily can reduce plasma levels of phenytoin, possibly by increasing metabolism. It is not known whether lower doses have any effect. Advise people taking phenytoin to avoid high doses of vitamin B6.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Levodopa

Vitamin B6 may increase the metabolism of levodopa when taken alone, but not when taken in conjunction with carbidopa.
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) enhances the metabolism of levodopa, reducing its clinical effects. However, this interaction does not occur when carbidopa is used concurrently with levodopa (Sinemet). Therefore, it is not likely to be a problem in most people.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D

Chromium5 drug types · 178 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, chromium may have additive effects with antidiabetic agents and increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Some research shows that taking chromium might lower blood glucose levels, especially in patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence A
Insulin

Theoretically, concomitant use of chromium and insulin might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
In clinical research, chromium has been shown to increase insulin sensitivity,

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Others)

Chromium might bind levothyroxine in the intestinal tract and decrease levothyroxine absorption.
Clinical research in healthy volunteers shows that taking chromium picolinate 1000 mcg with levothyroxine 1 mg decreases serum levels of levothyroxine by 17% when compared to taking levothyroxine alone. Advise patients to take levothyroxine at least 30 minutes before or 3-4 hours after taking chromium.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Aspirin

Theoretically, aspirin might increase chromium absorption.
Animal research suggests that aspirin may increase chromium absorption and chromium levels in the blood.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (Nsaids)

NSAIDs might increase chromium levels in the body.
Drugs that are prostaglandin inhibitors, such as NSAIDs, seem to increase chromium absorption and retention.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Vitamin B121 drug type · 20 drugs

Metformin (Glucophage)

Metformin, a common medication used to manage type 2 diabetes, has been associated with lower vitamin B12 levels in some individuals. Prolonged use of metformin can interfere with the absorption of B12 in the digestive system, potentially leading to a deficiency in this essential vitamin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence A
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Advanced Blood Sugar Support with Pycnogenol, from the product label.

Dr. Sinatra

See all Dr. Sinatra products
Name
Healthy Directions
City
Bethesda
State
MD
ZipCode
20817
Web Address
healthydirections.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Advanced Blood Sugar Support with Pycnogenol by Dr. Sinatra: Common Questions

Does Advanced Blood Sugar Support with Pycnogenol by Dr. Sinatra interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Advanced Blood Sugar Support with Pycnogenol has a known interaction with 907 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Advanced Blood Sugar Support with Pycnogenol contains 7 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.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
It depends on the ingredient. Vitamin B6 is often used for morning sickness but only under a doctor's guidance. Vitamin B12 is needed in pregnancy and considered safe at recommended amounts—follow your provider's advice. Benfotiamine, cinnamon powder (at high supplement doses), and maritime pine extract don't have enough safety data—talk with your doctor before using them if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.
Will this lower my blood sugar too much?
Several ingredients—alpha-lipoic acid, chromium, cinnamon, and maritime pine—may lower blood glucose levels. If you're on diabetes medications, the combination could increase your risk of low blood sugar. Your doctor or pharmacist may need to monitor your blood sugar closely or adjust your medication doses.
What's benfotiamine and how is it different from regular B1?
Benfotiamine is a fat-soluble form of thiamine (vitamin B1) that your body absorbs more readily than standard B1. It's possibly effective for diabetic nerve damage. Long-term safety isn't fully established, and there's limited safety data during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Can I take this with my blood thinner?
No, not without checking with your pharmacist first. Alpha-lipoic acid and maritime pine extract both carry a Moderate risk of increasing bleeding when used with blood thinners like warfarin or antiplatelet drugs like aspirin. Your doctor may need to monitor you more closely or adjust your dosing.
Is there a maximum safe dose, or can I take more for better results?
Vitamin B6 at high doses (over 1000 mg daily) can cause nerve damage with long-term use; normal supplement doses are safer. Cinnamon powder at very high doses for extended periods may harm your liver because of its coumarin content. It's best to stick to the recommended dose and talk with your pharmacist if you're considering more.
Will this help my blood sugar?
The evidence is mixed. Alpha-lipoic acid is possibly effective for diabetic nerve damage, and chromium is possibly effective for diabetes itself. Cinnamon and maritime pine extract lack established evidence in our data. If blood sugar control is your goal, talk with your doctor about whether this fits your overall treatment plan.

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

Not sure if Advanced Blood Sugar Support with Pycnogenol is safe with your meds?

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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.

Advanced Blood Sugar Support with Pycnogenol label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Advanced Blood Sugar Support with Pycnogenol’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Vitamin B6

Interacts with 210 drugs

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is an essential water-soluble vitamin that your body needs for metabolism, brain function, and making red blood cells. It is best known for helping with pregnancy-rel...

Read the full Vitamin B6 monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Alpha-lipoic Acid

Interacts with 263 drugs

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is an antioxidant made naturally by the body and found in small amounts in foods. It is most studied for diabetic nerve pain, where some evidence suggests it may help...

Read the full Alpha-lipoic Acid monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Chromium

Interacts with 178 drugs

Chromium is an essential trace mineral involved in how the body handles sugar and fat. Some studies suggest it may modestly help blood sugar control in certain people with type 2 diabetes, b...

Read the full Chromium monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Vitamin B12

Interacts with 20 drugs

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is an essential nutrient your body needs to make red blood cells, keep nerves healthy, and support DNA. Supplements are very helpful for people who are deficient — su...

Read the full Vitamin B12 monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Benfotiamine

Benfotiamine is a man-made, fat-soluble form of vitamin B1 (thiamine) that the body may absorb more easily than regular thiamine. It is mostly studied for diabetic nerve problems, but the ev...

Read the full Benfotiamine monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Cassia Cinnamon

Interacts with 442 drugs

Cassia cinnamon is the common, inexpensive cinnamon used in cooking, and it is also taken as a supplement, most often for blood sugar support. The evidence for its health benefits is mixed a...

Read the full Cassia Cinnamon monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Maritime Pine

Interacts with 327 drugs

Maritime pine bark extract (often sold as Pycnogenol) is a plant-based antioxidant most studied for circulation, vein, and skin health. Some research is promising, but many studies are small...

Read the full Maritime Pine monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Advanced Blood Sugar Support with Pycnogenol'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 198 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.

Vitamin B6 32 references
  1. Hansten PD, Horn JR. Drug Interactions Analysis and Management. Vancouver, WA: Applied Therapeutics Inc., 1997 and updates.
  2. Yates AA, Schlicker SA, Suitor CW. Dietary reference intakes: The new basis for recommendations for calcium and related nutrients, B vitamins, and choline. J Am Diet Assoc 1998;98:699-706. PubMed
  3. Geerling BJ, Dagnelie PC, Badart-Smook A, et al. Diet as a risk factor for the development of ulcerative colitis. Am J Gastroenterol 2000;95:1008-13. PubMed
  4. South M. Neonatal seizures after pyridoxine use -- reply. Lancet 1999;354:2083. PubMed
  5. Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin B12, Pantothenic Acid, Biotin, and Choline (2000). Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2000. Available at: http://b
  6. Baxter P, Aicardi J. Neonatal seizures after pyridoxine use. Lancet 1999;354:2082-3. PubMed
  7. Bendich A, Cohen M. Vitamin B6 safety issues. Ann N Y Acad Sci 1990;585:321-30.
  8. Schaumburg H, Kaplan J, Windebank A. Sensory neuropathy from pyridoxine abuse. A new megavitamin syndrome. N Engl J Med 1983;309:445-8. PubMed
  9. Gordon N. Pyridoxine dependency: an update. Dev Med Child Neurol 1997;39:63-5. PubMed
  10. Lewis PJ. Pain in the hand and wrist. Pyridoxine supplements may help patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. BMJ 1995;310:1534. PubMed
  11. Kaufman G. Pyridoxine against amiodarone-induced photosensitivity (letter). Lancet 1984;1:51-2. PubMed
  12. Mulrow JP, Mulrow CD, McKenna WJ. Pyridoxine and amiodarone-induced photosensitivity. Ann Intern Med 1985;103:68-9. PubMed
  13. Kawada A, Kashima A, Shiraishi H, et al. Pyridoxine-induced photosensitivity and hypophosphatasia. Dermatology 2000;201:356-60.. PubMed
  14. Vasile A, Goldberg R, Kornberg B. Pyridoxine toxicity: report of a case. J Am Osteopath Assoc 1984;83:790-1. DOI
  15. Hansson O, Sillanpaa M. Pyridoxine and serum concentration of phenytoin and phenobarbitone. Lancet 1976;1:256. DOI
  16. Jansen T, Romiti R, Kreuter A, Altmeyer P. Rosacea fulminans triggered by high-dose vitamins B6 and B12. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2001;15:484-5..
  17. Chittumma P, Kaewkiattikun K, Wiriyasiriwach B. Comparison of the effectiveness of ginger and vitamin B6 for treatment of nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy: a randomized double-blind controlled trial. J Med Assoc Thai 2007;90:15-20.
  18. Hatzitolios, A., Iliadis, F., Katsiki, N., and Baltatzi, M. Is the anti-hypertensive effect of dietary supplements via aldehydes reduction evidence based? A systematic review. Clin Exp.Hypertens. 2008;30(7):628-639. PubMed
  19. Vasdev, S., Ford, C. A., Parai, S., Longerich, L., and Gadag, V. Dietary vitamin B6 supplementation attenuates hypertension in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Mol.Cell Biochem. 1999;200(1-2):155-162.
  20. de, Vogel S., Dindore, V., van, Engeland M., Goldbohm, R. A., van den Brandt, P. A., and Weijenberg, M. P. Dietary folate, methionine, riboflavin, and vitamin B-6 and risk of sporadic colorectal cancer. J Nutr 2008;138(12):2372-2378. PubMed
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Benfotiamine 1 reference
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Maritime Pine 14 references
  1. Rice-Evans CA, Packer L, eds. Flavonoids in Health and Disease. Manhattan, NY: Marcel Dekker, Inc., 1998.
  2. Liu FJ, Zhang YX, Lau BH. Pycnogenol enhances immune and haemopoietic functions in senescence-accelerated mice. Cell Mol Life Sci 1998;54:1168-72. PubMed
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See these in context on the Maritime Pine monograph →

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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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