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Dietary supplement

Arterial Protect Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Life Extension

Capsule Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Arterial Protect is a dietary supplement by Life Extension with 2 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for circulation and vein health, antioxidant support, skin health and aging.Based on those ingredients, 835 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Centellicum Gotu Kola extract, Pycnogenol dried French Maritime Pine extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Arterial Protect 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

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 2 of its 2 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Arterial Protect contains two active ingredients. Pycnogenol is a standardized extract from French Maritime Pine bark, used traditionally for circulation and joint health.

Gotu Kola extract (also called Centellicum) has been used for venous and skin health. The product also contains inactive ingredients—microcrystalline cellulose, cellulose, stearic acid, and silica—which are fillers and binders that hold the capsule together.

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: arterial and circulatory health support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Atherosclerosis, Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), Hypertension, Raynaud syndrome, Varicose veins, Venous insufficiency — and 4 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Gotu Kola is rated "Possibly Effective" for Venous insufficiency (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Maritime Pine is rated "Possibly Effective" for Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).
  • Also on file: Maritime Pine is rated "Possibly Ineffective" for Hyperlipidemia.

Pycnogenol shows possibly effective evidence for osteoarthritis and chronic venous insufficiency (poor circulation in the legs). It was found possibly ineffective for high cholesterol.

Gotu kola is possibly effective for venous insufficiency and burns, but possibly ineffective for cognitive function and radiation dermatitis. For Alzheimer's disease and generalized anxiety, the evidence we hold is insufficient to say one way or the other.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Maritime Pine Gotu Kola

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 2 of the 2 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 2 of 2.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 2 of 2.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Both ingredients are generally well tolerated in short-term studies, though long-term safety isn't fully established. Pycnogenol's most common side effects are stomach upset, dizziness, and vertigo; headache and rare chest pain or heart issues have been reported in isolated cases.

Gotu kola commonly causes stomach irritation and nausea when taken orally. There's concern about liver toxicity with gotu kola—at least four cases have been reported, though causation wasn't confirmed.

The safety data advises against both ingredients during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Maritime Pine Gotu Kola

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?
  • 2 of the 2 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Gotu Kola, Maritime Pine.
  • 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: 836 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 Arterial Protect, double-check if you use blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs (Moderate risk of increased bleeding), diabetes medications (Moderate risk of low blood sugar), immunosuppressants (Moderate risk of reduced effectiveness), CNS depressants like benzodiazepines or sleep aids (Moderate risk of increased drowsiness), or hepatotoxic drugs—medications known to harm the liver (Moderate risk of added liver stress).

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

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

Arterial Protect may appeal to you if you're interested in circulation or joint support and don't take blood thinners, immunosuppressants, or diabetes medications. If you take any prescription drugs—especially sedatives or liver-affecting medications—check with your pharmacist first.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid this product.

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

Assessment coverage: 2 of 2 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Apr 21, 2023.

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 Arterial Protect, straight from the product label.

Brand Life Extension
Barcode (UPC) 737870200437
Net contents 30 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Apr 21, 2023
DSLD ID 293218
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 Arterial Protect 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:
1 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
737870200437
IngredientAmount% DV
Pycnogenol dried French Maritime Pine extract100 mg--
Centellicum Gotu Kola extract257 mg--

Other ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Cellulose, 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

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Read the entire label and follow the directions carefully prior to use. Directions: Take one (1) capsule daily, or as recommended by a health care practitioner.

1 Daily

Storage

Store tightly closed in a cool, dry place.

Precautions

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.

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

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.

Formulation

Gluten free Non GMO LE certified

Endothelial plaque stabilizer

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Brand IP Statement(s)

Pycnogenol and Centellicum are registed trademarks of Horphag Research and the use of this product is protected by international patents.

See for yourself

Arterial Protect by Life Extension label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Arterial Protect by Life Extension

These are the 2 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Vegetarian 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.

100 mg per serving Form: Procyanidins

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

Pycnogenol dried French Maritime Pine extract monograph & interactions

Centellicum Gotu Kola extract

Interacts with
579 drugs
257 mg per serving Form: Triterpenes

Gotu kola is a traditional Ayurvedic and Asian herb that people use for wound healing, circulation, skin problems, and as a calming or memory-supporti...

Centellicum Gotu Kola extract monograph & interactions

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

Interaction report

Arterial Protect by Life Extension Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Arterial Protect?

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.

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835Drugs
835 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Arterial Protect 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.

Centellicum Gotu Kola extract2 drug types · 579 drugs

Cns Depressants

Theoretically, taking gotu kola might increase the sedative effects of CNS depressants.
In vitro research suggests that gotu kola may have sedative effects via binding of GABA receptors.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Hepatotoxic Drugs

Theoretically, taking gotu kola with hepatotoxic drugs might have additive adverse effects.
There are at least four case reports of hepatotoxicity associated with the use of gotu kola. However, more information is needed to determine if gotu kola was the causative factor in these cases.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Pycnogenol dried 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
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Arterial Protect, 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

Arterial Protect by Life Extension: Common Questions

Does Arterial Protect by Life Extension interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Arterial Protect has a known interaction with 835 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Arterial Protect contains 2 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.
What is Pycnogenol and what is it used for?
Pycnogenol is a standardized extract from French Maritime Pine bark. It shows possibly effective evidence for osteoarthritis and chronic venous insufficiency—poor circulation in the legs. The mechanism isn't fully clear, but research suggests it may affect how blood vessels and platelets (clotting cells) work.
What is gotu kola and does it really work?
Gotu kola is a traditional herb extract used for venous insufficiency and burns—both are rated possibly effective based on our data. For cognitive function and anxiety, we don't have enough evidence to confirm it works. It's generally well tolerated, though stomach upset can occur.
Can I take this if I'm on aspirin or a blood thinner?
No—don't start this without talking to your pharmacist or doctor first. Pycnogenol may increase bleeding risk when combined with blood thinners or aspirin. Your healthcare provider needs to review this combination.
What are the most common side effects?
The most common side effects from Pycnogenol are stomach upset, dizziness, and vertigo. Gotu kola usually causes stomach irritation and nausea. Both are generally well tolerated, but long-term safety data is limited.
Is this safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
No. The safety data advises against both ingredients during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. If you're pregnant or nursing, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about whether this product is appropriate for you.
Can this product affect my diabetes medication?
Yes—Pycnogenol may lower blood sugar, so taking it with diabetes drugs could increase the risk of low blood sugar. If you use diabetes medication, your blood glucose needs close monitoring and your dose may need adjustment. Check with your pharmacist before starting.

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

Not sure if Arterial Protect 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.

Arterial Protect label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Arterial Protect'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 32 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.

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
  3. Putter M, Grotemeyer KH, Wurthwein G, et al. Inhibition of smoking-induced platelet aggregation by aspirin and pycnogenol. Thromb Res 1999;95:155-61. PubMed
  4. Kohama T, Inoue M. Pycnogenol alleviates pain associated with pregnancy. Phytother Res 2006;20:232-4.
  5. Liu X, Zhou HJ, Rohdewald P. French maritime pine bark extract pycnogenol dose-dependently lowers glucose in type 2 diabetic patients (letter). Diabetes Care 2004;27:839. PubMed
  6. Liu X, Wei J, Tan F, et al. Antidiabetic effect of Pycnogenol French maritime pine bark extract in patients with diabetes type II. Life Sci 2004;75:2505-13. PubMed
  7. Wilson D, Evans M, Guthrie N et al. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled exploratory study to evaluate the potential of pycnogenol for improving allergic rhinitis symptoms. Phytother Res 2010;24:1115-9.
  8. Araghi-Niknam, M., Hosseini, S., Larson, D., Rohdewald, P., and Watson, R. R. Pine bark extract reduces platelet aggregation. Integr.Med. 3-21-2000;2(2):73-77. PubMed
  9. Trebaticka, J., Kopasova, S., Hradecna, Z., Cinovsky, K., Skodacek, I., Suba, J., Muchova, J., Zitnanova, I., Waczulikova, I., Rohdewald, P., and Durackova, Z. Treatment of ADHD with French maritime pine bark extract, Pycnogenol. Eur.Child Adolesc.Psychi PubMed
  10. Suzuki, N., Uebaba, K., Kohama, T., Moniwa, N., Kanayama, N., and Koike, K. French maritime pine bark extract significantly lowers the requirement for analgesic medication in dysmenorrhea: a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
  11. Cisar, P., Jany, R., Waczulikova, I., Sumegova, K., Muchova, J., Vojtassak, J., Durackova, Z., Lisy, M., and Rohdewald, P. Effect of pine bark extract (Pycnogenol) on symptoms of knee osteoarthritis. Phytother.Res. 2008;22(8):1087-1092.
  12. Enseleit, F., Sudano, I., Periat, D., Winnik, S., Wolfrum, M., Flammer, A. J., Frohlich, G. M., Kaiser, P., Hirt, A., Haile, S. R., Krasniqi, N., Matter, C. M., Uhlenhut, K., Hogger, P., Neidhart, M., Luscher, T. F., Ruschitzka, F., and Noll, G. Effects
  13. Schoonees, A., Visser, J., Musekiwa, A., and Volmink, J. Pycnogenol(R) (extract of French maritime pine bark) for the treatment of chronic disorders. Cochrane.Database.Syst.Rev. 2012;4:CD008294.
  14. Wang S, Tan D Zhao Y et al. The effect of pycnogenol on the microcirculation, platelet function and ischemic myocardium in patients with coronary artery diseases. Eur Bull Drug Res 1999;7:19-25.

See these in context on the Maritime Pine monograph →

Gotu Kola 18 references
  1. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
  2. Pointel JP, Boccalon H, Cloarec M, et al. Titrated extract of Centella asiatica (TECA) in the treatment of venous insufficiency of the lower limbs. Angiol 1987;38:46-50. PubMed
  3. Brinkhaus B, Lindner M, Schuppan D, Hahn EG. Chemical, pharmacological and clinical profile of the east Asian medical plant Centella asiatica. Phytomedicine 2000;7:427-48.
  4. Eun HC, Lee AY. Contact dermatitis due to madecassol. Contact Dermatitis 1985;13:310-3.. PubMed
  5. Hausen BM. Centella asiatica (Indian pennywort), an effective therapeutic but a weak sensitizer. Contact Dermatitis 1993;29:175-9..
  6. Bilbao I, Aguirre A, Zabala R, et al. Allergic contact dermatitis from butoxyethyl nicotinic acid and Centella asiatica extract. Contact Dermatitis 1995;33:435-6.
  7. Cesarone MR, Incandela L, De Sanctis MT, et al. Evaluation of treatment of diabetic microangiopathy with total triterpenic fraction of Centella asiatica: a clinical prospective randomized trial with a microcirculatory model. Angiology 2001;52 Suppl 2 DOI
  8. Bradwejn J, Zhou Y, Koszycki D, Shlik J. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study on the effects of Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) on acoustic startle response in healthy subjects. J Clin Psychopharmacol 2000;20:680-4. PubMed
  9. Young GL, Jewell D. Creams for preventing stretch marks in pregnancy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2000;(2):CD000066. PubMed
  10. Jorge OA, Jorge AD. Hepatotoxicity associated with the ingestion of Centella asiatica. Rev Esp Enferm Dig 2005;97:115-24. PubMed
  11. Mallol J, Belda MA, Costa D, et al. Prophylaxis of striae gravidarum with a topical formulation. A double blind trial. Int J Cosmet Sci 1991;3:51-7.
  12. Izu, R., Aguirre, A., Gil, N., and Diaz-Perez, J. L. Allergic contact dermatitis from a cream containing Centella asiatica extract. Contact Dermatitis 1992;26(3):192-193.
  13. Santucci, B., Picardo, M., and Cristaudo, A. Contact dermatitis due to Centelase. Contact Dermatitis 1985;13(1):39. PubMed
  14. Vena, G. A. and Angelini, G. Contact allergy to Centelase. Contact Dermatitis 1986;15(2):108-109. PubMed
  15. Marastoni, F., Baldo, A., Redaelli, G., and Ghiringhelli, L. [Centella asiatica extract in venous pathology of the lower limbs and its evaluation as compared with tribenoside]. Minerva Cardioangiol. 1982;30(4):201-207.
  16. Danese, P., Carnevali, C., and Bertazzoni, M. G. Allergic contact dermatitis due to Centella asiatica extract. Contact Dermatitis 1994;31(3):201.
  17. Bilbao, I., Aguirre, A., Zabala, R., Gonzalez, R., Raton, J., and Diaz Perez, J. L. Allergic contact dermatitis from butoxyethyl nicotinic acid and Centella asiatica extract. Contact Dermatitis 1995;33(6):435-436.
  18. Dantuluri S, North-lewis P, Karthik SV. Gotu Kola induced hepatotoxicity in a child - need for caution with alternative remedies. Dig Liver Dis. 2011;43(6):500. PubMed

See these in context on the Gotu Kola monograph →

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

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