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Dietary supplement

Astaxanthin & Black Currant Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Higher Nature

Astaxanthin & Black Currant label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Astaxanthin & Black Currant 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

Astaxanthin & Black Currant is a dietary supplement by Higher Nature with 3 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for antioxidant support, skin health and aging, eye health.Based on those ingredients, 775 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are pure Astaxanthin, Blackcurrant fruit extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against Astaxanthin & Black Currant by Higher Nature

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Astaxanthin & Black Currant by Higher Nature — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Astaxanthin & Black Currant by Higher Nature

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

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 3 of its 3 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This formula contains three active ingredients. Pure astaxanthin is a red pigment from algae with antioxidant properties.

Black currant fruit extract brings compounds like GLA (gamma-linolenic acid). Tomato powder provides lycopene and other plant compounds.

The product also contains several inactive ingredients — capsule material (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose), colorants, and minerals — that help hold the capsule together.

Does it work?

Not established
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
Not established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: For skin and eye health.
  • We looked for evidence on: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Aging skin, Atopic dermatitis (eczema), Cataracts, Dry eye, Sunburn — and 3 related terms.
  • The closest evidence on file: Tomato is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Aging skin (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Tomato is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Cataracts.
  • Also on file: Astaxanthin is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Aging skin, Dry eye, Sunburn.

The evidence for what this product actually does is limited. For astaxanthin, we have insufficient reliable evidence to rate it for age-related cognitive decline, macular degeneration, aging skin, Alzheimer disease, athletic performance, or carpal tunnel syndrome.

Black currant extract similarly lacks strong evidence for Alzheimer disease, liver disease, upper respiratory infections, cough, eczema, and other conditions in our data. Tomato powder shows possibly ineffective ratings for bladder cancer, breast cancer, and diabetes, and insufficient evidence for high cholesterol, exercise-triggered asthma, and enlarged prostate.

In short, the evidence supporting these ingredients for specific health claims is not established.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Astaxanthin Black Currant Tomato

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 3 of the 3 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 3 of 3.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 3 of 3.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Astaxanthin is generally well tolerated in studies, though long-term safety data are limited. Some trial participants reported abdominal pain, diarrhea, or red-colored stools — with higher doses more likely to cause stomach discomfort.

Safety data during pregnancy and breastfeeding aren't adequate, so the data advises against use in both. Black currant supplements are less studied than the whole berry you'd eat as food; a small number of people taking black currant seed oil reported mild diarrhea a few days after starting.

Tomato powder at normal food amounts is generally well tolerated; the serious side effects (like slow heart rate or vomiting) only happen with excessive amounts of tomatine from green tomatoes or leaves, which this product doesn't appear to contain. Food amounts of tomato are likely safe in pregnancy and lactation.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Astaxanthin Black Currant Tomato

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 3 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Astaxanthin, Black Currant.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs.
  • For scale: 776 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 you take this, double-check any medications that are broken down by your liver's CYP3A4 or CYP2B6 enzymes (your pharmacist can tell you if yours are). If you take blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs like warfarin or aspirin, or if you're on phenothiazines (older antipsychotics), flag this with your pharmacist first — black currant may increase bleeding risk or seizure risk, respectively.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This product is best suited for people interested in antioxidant supplements who have reviewed their medication list with a pharmacist — especially if they take heart drugs, blood thinners, seizure medications, or older antipsychotics. Anyone pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking prescription medications should talk with their pharmacist or doctor before starting.

If you take any medications regularly, check them against the tool on this page.

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

Assessment coverage: 3 of 3 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Apr 23, 2024.

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 Astaxanthin & Black Currant, straight from the product label.

Brand Higher Nature
Barcode (UPC) 5031013102776
Net contents 90 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Apr 23, 2024
DSLD ID 304531
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Children 4 or More Years of Age, Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Dairy 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 Astaxanthin & Black Currant by Higher Nature, 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 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
45
UPC/BARCODE
5031013102776
IngredientAmount% DV
pure Astaxanthin4 mg--
Blackcurrant fruit extract100 mg--
Tomato powder622.5 mg--

Other ingredients: Tomato, Powder, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Red Iron Dioxide, Titanium Dioxide, Haematococcus pluvialis, Silicon Dioxide, Magnesium Stearate, Beta-Carotene, Alpha-Carotene, Lutein, Cryptoxanthin, Zeaxanthin, Rosemary Leaf Extract

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

NRV=Nutrient Reference Value

Everyday Essentials

Precautions

Allergy advice: see ingredients in bold

Do not exceed recommended daily intake. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

Warning: If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking any medication or have a medical condition, please consult your healthcare professional before using this product.

Formulation

No artificial colours, flavours or preservatives. No yeast, added sugar or salt.

This product has not been tested on animals.

For skin & eyes Advanced formula Optimal benefit

Vegetarian and Vegan

Storage

Storage: Store in a cool, dry place out of reach of children.

FDA Statement of Identity

Food Supplement

Formula

Contains astaxanthin, a powerful carotenoid Astaxanthin for the skin and eyes Blackcurrants contain anthocyanidins, polyphenols and vitamin C

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: Adults and children 14 years and over, take 2 capsules a day with a meal. Best absorbed when taken with a meal.

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

See for yourself

Astaxanthin & Black Currant by Higher Nature label

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

Astaxanthin & Black Currant 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 Astaxanthin & Black Currant by Higher Nature

These are the 3 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container45 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.

Pure Astaxanthin

Interacts with
671 drugs
4 mg per serving Form: Haematococcus pluvialis

Astaxanthin is a reddish carotenoid pigment with strong antioxidant activity in the lab, and it is widely promoted for skin, eye, heart, and exercise...

Pure Astaxanthin monograph & interactions

Blackcurrant fruit extract

Interacts with
140 drugs
100 mg per serving

Black currant is a nutritious berry that is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, and its seed oil contains the omega-6 fatty acid GLA. While it is enjo...

Blackcurrant fruit extract monograph & interactions

Tomato powder

No known
interactions
622.5 mg per serving Form: Lycopene

Tomato is a common food rich in vitamins, potassium, and the antioxidant lycopene, and eating it as part of a balanced diet is healthy for most people...

Tomato powder monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Tomato, Powder, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Red Iron Dioxide, Titanium Dioxide, Haematococcus pluvialis, Silicon Dioxide, Magnesium Stearate, Beta-Carotene, Alpha-Carotene, Lutein, Cryptoxanthin, Zeaxanthin, Rosemary Leaf Extract. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Astaxanthin & Black Currant by Higher Nature Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Astaxanthin & Black Currant?

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
775Drugs
775 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

pure Astaxanthin 671
Blackcurrant fruit extract 140

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Astaxanthin & Black Currant interact with 775 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

2 of the 3 ingredients in Astaxanthin & Black Currant interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. pure Astaxanthin Blackcurrant fruit extract

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Astaxanthin & Black Currant 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.

pure Astaxanthin2 drug types · 671 drugs

Cytochrome P450 2B6 (Cyp2B6) Substrates

Theoretically, astaxanthin may decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2B6.
In vitro research shows that astaxanthin induces cytochrome CYP2B6 enzyme activity in human hepatocytes. This effect has not been reported in humans.

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

Theoretically, astaxanthin may decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
In vitro research shows that astaxanthin induces CYP3A4 enzyme activity in human hepatocytes. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
pure Astaxanthin full monograph & interactions

Blackcurrant fruit extract2 drug types · 140 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, black currant seed oil might increase the risk of bleeding if used in combination with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a constituent of black currant seed oil, appears to have antiplatelet effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Phenothiazines

Theoretically, black currant seed oil might increase the risk of seizure in patients receiving phenothiazines.
Black currant seed oil contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). There is some concern that taking supplements containing GLA might cause seizures, or lower the seizure threshold, when taken with phenothiazines, although there is no evidence that black currant seed oil causes seizures. In one report, three patients with schizophrenia who had received phenothiazines developed EEG changes suggestive of temporal lobe epilepsy after starting treatment with GLA, although none experienced an actual seizure. In another report, two patients with schizophrenia who were stabilized on phenothiazines developed seizures when evening primrose 4 grams daily, which contains GLA, was added. One of these patients had a prior history of seizures.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Blackcurrant fruit extract full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Astaxanthin & Black Currant, from the product label.

Higher Nature

See all Higher Nature products
Name
Higher Nature Ltd (EU)
Street Address
Block 1, Blanchardstown Corporate Park, Ballycoolen Road
City
Dublin
ZipCode
D15 AKK1
Web Address
highernature.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Astaxanthin & Black Currant by Higher Nature: Common Questions

Does Astaxanthin & Black Currant by Higher Nature interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Astaxanthin & Black Currant has a known interaction with 775 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Astaxanthin & Black Currant contains 3 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?
The safety data for astaxanthin advises against it during pregnancy and breastfeeding because there isn't enough information to know if it's safe. Black currant and tomato also lack adequate safety data for pregnancy and breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this product is right for you right now.
What are the most common side effects?
Astaxanthin may cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, or red-colored stools — red stool color is harmless and goes away when you stop. A small number of people taking black currant reported mild diarrhea a few days after starting. Higher doses of astaxanthin are more likely to cause stomach discomfort.
Does astaxanthin actually help with aging skin or memory?
The evidence isn't strong enough to say. We have insufficient reliable evidence to rate astaxanthin for aging skin, age-related memory loss, Alzheimer disease, or several other conditions — meaning studies either don't exist or are too limited to draw solid conclusions.
Is tomato powder safe in this supplement?
Yes. At the levels found in food and concentrated supplements, tomato powder is well tolerated. The serious side effects from tomatoes only happen with excessive amounts of tomatine from green tomatoes or tomato leaves — not the ripe fruit powder in this product.
What's black currant extract supposed to do?
Black currant contains compounds like GLA that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, we don't have strong evidence that this extract works for the conditions we track — such as Alzheimer disease, liver disease, cough, or upper respiratory infections.
Why is astaxanthin red?
Astaxanthin is a natural red pigment produced by algae. It's what gives salmon and shrimp their pink color. If you see red-colored stools while taking this supplement, that's the astaxanthin passing through — it's harmless and normal.

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

Not sure if Astaxanthin & Black Currant 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.

Astaxanthin & Black Currant label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Astaxanthin & Black Currant’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Astaxanthin

Interacts with 671 drugs

Astaxanthin is a reddish carotenoid pigment with strong antioxidant activity in the lab, and it is widely promoted for skin, eye, heart, and exercise benefits. Early human studies are promis...

Read the full Astaxanthin monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Black Currant

Interacts with 140 drugs

Black currant is a nutritious berry that is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, and its seed oil contains the omega-6 fatty acid GLA. While it is enjoyed safely as a food and is popular as a...

Read the full Black Currant monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Tomato

Tomato is a common food rich in vitamins, potassium, and the antioxidant lycopene, and eating it as part of a balanced diet is healthy for most people. Concentrated tomato or lycopene supple...

Read the full Tomato monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Astaxanthin & Black Currant'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 12 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.

Astaxanthin 3 references
  1. Kupcinskas L, Lafolie P, Lignell A, et al. Efficacy of the natural antioxidant astaxanthin in the treatment of functional dyspepsia in patients with or without Helicobacter pylori infection: A prospective, randomized, double blind, and placebo-controlled
  2. Kistler, A., Liechti, H., Pichard, L., Wolz, E., Oesterhelt, G., Hayes, A., and Maurel, P. Metabolism and CYP-inducer properties of astaxanthin in man and primary human hepatocytes. Arch.Toxicol. 2002;75(11-12):665-675. PubMed
  3. Choi HD, Youn YK, Shin WG. Positive effects of astaxanthin on lipid profiles and oxidative stress in overweight subjects. Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 2011;66:363-369. PubMed

See these in context on the Astaxanthin monograph →

Black Currant 6 references
  1. Guivernau M, Meza N, Barja P, Roman O. Clinical and experimental study on the long-term effect of dietary gamma-linolenic acid on plasma lipids, platelet aggregation, thromboxane formation, and prostacyclin production. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty A PubMed
  2. Fa-lin Z, Zhen-yu W, Yan H, et al. Efficacy of blackcurrant oil soft capsule, a Chinese herbal drug, in hyperlipidemia treatment. Phytother Res 2010;24 Suppl 2:S209-13. PubMed
  3. Holman CP and Bell AF. A trial of evening primrose oil in the treatment of chronic schizophrenia. J Orhtomolecular Psych 1983;12:302-304.
  4. Vaddadi KS. The use of gamma-linolenic acid and linoleic acid to differentiate between temporal lobe epilepsy and schizophrenia. Prostaglandins Med 1981;6(4):375-379. PubMed
  5. Norred, C. L. and Brinker, F. Potential coagulation effects of preoperative complementary and alternative medicines. Alt Ther 2001;7(6):58-67.
  6. Puri BK. The safety of evening primrose oil in epilepsy. Prostaglandins Leukotrienes Essential Fatty Acids 2007;77:101-3. PubMed

See these in context on the Black Currant monograph →

Tomato 3 references
  1. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
  2. Asero R, Mistrello G, Amato S. Airborne allergy to tomato proteins. Allergy. 2010;65(12):1626-7. PubMed
  3. Friedman M. Tomato Glycoalkaloids: Role in the Plant and in the Diet. J Agric Food Chem. 2002;50(21):5751-80. PubMed

See these in context on the Tomato 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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