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Dietary supplement

Bala Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Hawaii Pharm

Bala label
See full label image
Liquid Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Major
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 23, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Bala 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: Major

Bala is a dietary supplement by Hawaii Pharm with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for weight loss and energy, asthma and breathing problems, joint and muscle pain.Based on those ingredients, 445 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Sida cordifolia Leaf, Stem Extract, Dry. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against Bala by Hawaii Pharm

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Bala by Hawaii Pharm — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Bala by Hawaii Pharm

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 16, 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 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Bala contains one active ingredient: sida cordifolia leaf and stem extract. The liquid also includes alcohol, water, and glycerin as inactive ingredients (these are excipients that help form and preserve the supplement).

Does it work?

Couldn't assess
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 assessable

This is a single-ingredient Sida Cordifolia product and its label doesn't state a use — see Sida Cordifolia's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.

The product facts we hold do not include effectiveness ratings for sida cordifolia, so we cannot tell you whether this ingredient is established to work for any particular use.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Sida Cordifolia

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 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Sida cordifolia contains ephedrine, a stimulant with serious safety concerns. Ephedrine is linked to dizziness, restlessness, irritability, insomnia, headache, and anorexia.

At higher doses or with long-term use, it's associated with anxiety, psychosis, personality changes, dependence, and tolerance. Most seriously, ephedrine-containing products carry cardiovascular risks: heart palpitations, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, and sudden cardiac death have all been reported.

The safety data advises against use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Ephedrine passes into breast milk and can harm a nursing baby.

Because ephedrine is a stimulant linked to serious heart and blood pressure risks and is banned in many products, this supplement warrants careful consideration before use.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Sida Cordifolia

Meds to double-check

Major interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Major identified

At least one ingredient has a documented Major-severity interaction. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Sida Cordifolia.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: diabetes medications; heart-rhythm medications.
  • For scale: 445 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 with your doctor or pharmacist if you take any QT interval-prolonging drugs, stimulant medications (including decongestants like pseudoephedrine), caffeine or theophylline, antidiabetes drugs, ergot derivatives, dexamethasone, or MAOIs. All of these carry serious interaction risks with sida cordifolia's ephedrine content.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no assessable stated purpose. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This product is not appropriate for most people because of the serious cardiovascular and nervous system risks tied to ephedrine. If you have heart conditions, high blood pressure, diabetes, or take stimulant or heart medications, this supplement is not safe for you.

Even if you don't have those conditions, discuss it with your doctor or pharmacist before starting — the risks are substantial and individual health factors matter.

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

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Oct 24, 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 Bala, straight from the product label.

Brand Hawaii Pharm
Barcode (UPC) 840253604699
Net contents 4 Fluid Ounce(s); 120 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Oct 24, 2023
DSLD ID 301248
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
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 Bala by Hawaii Pharm, 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:
0.7 mL
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 mL
Servings per container
120
UPC/BARCODE
840253604699
IngredientAmount% DV
Sida cordifolia Leaf, Stem Extract, Dry983 mg--

Other ingredients: Alcohol, Water, Glycerin

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.
Brand IP Statement(s)

Hawaii Pharm Herbal Extract Highest quality since 2008

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use: Shake well before using. For adults add about 20-30 drops (0.7-1 mL, one full squeeze of the dropper bulb) to some juice or water, up to 4 times a day.

Precautions

Warning: We recommend to seek expert medical advice before taking.

Do not use if you are allergic to any ingredients.

Consult your physician before giving to children under 18, during pregnancy, if nursing or taking medications.

Consult your physician before giving to children under 18, during pregnancy, if nursing or taking medications.

May affect the ability to drive and operate machinery. May have contraindications, can cause side effects and adverse reactions. Do not use if seal is broken or missing.

Keep out of the reach of children!

Storage

Store in a cool dry place.

Seals/Symbols

cGMP Made in compliance with cGMP 21 CFR 111 in an FDA registered and inspected facility.

Organic Alcohol Based USA Made in United States of America

FDA Disclaimer Statement

This product has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

General Statements

Scan this QR-code to get 15% discount on your next purchase. Limited time deal.

Formula

Sida cordifolia

Organic Alcohol Based

Formulation

Only natural ingredients Purity is laboratory tested and verified

All the raw materials are gluten-free by their nature No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives

Not tested on animals

Organic Alcohol Based

Made in USA, Hawaii

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

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

See for yourself

Bala by Hawaii Pharm label

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

Bala 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 Bala by Hawaii Pharm

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size0.7 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container120 Amounts shown are per serving.

Sida cordifolia Leaf, Stem Extract, Dry

Interacts with
445 drugs
983 mg per serving Form: Sida cordifolia Leaf Extract, Dry, Sida cordifolia Stem Extract, Dry

Sida cordifolia (bala or country mallow) is a traditional Ayurvedic plant that naturally contains ephedrine, a powerful stimulant. Because of this, ma...

Sida cordifolia Leaf, Stem Extract, Dry monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Alcohol, Water, Glycerin. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Bala by Hawaii Pharm Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Bala?

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
445Drugs
337 Major 108 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Sida cordifolia Leaf, Stem Extract, Dry 445

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Bala interact with 445 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 1 ingredient in Bala interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Sida cordifolia Leaf, Stem Extract, Dry

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

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

Sida cordifolia Leaf, Stem Extract, Dry7 drug types · 445 drugs

Methylxanthines

Theoretically, Sida cordifolia might increase the risk of serious adverse effects when taken with methylxanthines.
Sida cordifolia contains ephedrine. Use of ephedrine-containing herbs with caffeine or other methylxanthines such as theophylline might increase the risk of stimulatory adverse effects. Some clinical research and case reports suggest that using ephedrine with caffeine might increase the risk of serious life-threatening or debilitating adverse effects such as hypertension, myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, seizures, and death.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Qt Interval-Prolonging Drugs

Theoretically, Sida cordifolia might increase the risk of additive QT interval prolongation when taken with QT interval-prolonging drugs.
Sida cordifolia contains ephedrine. Clinical research shows that ephedrine from another herb, ephedra, can prolong the QT interval.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Stimulant Drugs

Theoretically, Sida cordifolia might increase the risk of adverse cardiovascular effects when taken with stimulant drugs.
Sida cordifolia contains ephedrine. Drugs with CNS stimulant properties, such as phenylpropanolamine, pseudoephedrine, and diethylpropion, and many others can increase the risk of hypertension and adverse cardiovascular effects when taken with ephedrine.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, Sida cordifolia might reduce the effectiveness of antidiabetes drugs.
Sida cordifolia contains ephedrine. Clinical research shows that ephedrine can increase blood glucose levels.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Dexamethasone (Decadron)

Theoretically, Sida cordifolia might reduce the effectiveness of dexamethasone.
Sida cordifolia contains ephedrine. Clinical research shows that ephedrine can increase the clearance rate of dexamethasone.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Ergot Derivatives

Theoretically, Sida cordifolia might increase the risk of additive hypertension when taken with ergot derivatives.
Sida cordifolia contains ephedrine, which can cause vasoconstriction. This can lead to significant elevations in blood pressure when taken with ergot derivatives.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (Maois)

Theoretically, Sida cordifolia might increase the risk of hypertension when taken with MAOIs.
Sida cordifolia contains ephedrine. Clinical research shows that ephedrine can increase blood pressure.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Sida cordifolia Leaf, Stem Extract, Dry full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Bala, from the product label.

Hawaii Pharm

See all Hawaii Pharm products
Name
Hawaii Pharm LLC
Street Address
510 Sumner St. Ste. 613
City
Honolulu
State
HI
ZipCode
96817
Phone Number
888-854-2924
Web Address
www.hawaiipharm.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Bala by Hawaii Pharm: Common Questions

Does Bala by Hawaii Pharm interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Bala has a known interaction with 445 medications, including 337 rated major. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Bala contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism 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 sida cordifolia?
Sida cordifolia is a plant whose leaf and stem are extracted for supplements. It contains ephedrine, a stimulant compound that affects the heart, blood pressure, and nervous system.
Can I take this while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No — the safety data advises against use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Ephedrine can harm a developing baby and passes into breast milk where it can harm a nursing infant.
What side effects might I experience?
Common effects from ephedrine include dizziness, restlessness, irritability, insomnia, and headache. Serious effects are also possible: heart palpitations, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, anxiety, psychosis, and in rare cases, heart attack or stroke.
Is this product FDA approved?
Ephedrine is banned in many supplement products due to safety concerns. The product facts we hold note that ephedrine is linked to serious heart and blood pressure risks, which is why it's restricted in the market.

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.

Bala label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Bala’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Sida Cordifolia

Interacts with 445 drugs

Sida cordifolia (bala or country mallow) is a traditional Ayurvedic plant that naturally contains ephedrine, a powerful stimulant. Because of this, many supplements containing it have been b...

Read the full Sida Cordifolia monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Bala'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 29 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.

Sida Cordifolia 29 references
  1. Okada S, Rohan PJ, Miller FW, et al. Myopathies following ingestion of special nutritional products. Arthritis Rheum 1996;39:349.
  2. Zaacks SM, Klein L, Tan CD, et al. Hypersensitivity myocarditis associated with ephedra use. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 1999;37:485-9. PubMed
  3. Powell T, Hsu FF, Turk J, Hruska K. Ma-huang strikes again: ephedrine nephrolithiasis. Am J Kidney Dis 1998;32:153-9. PubMed
  4. Theoharides TC. Sudden death of a healthy college student related to ephedrine toxicity from a ma-huang containing drink. J Clin Psychopharmacol 1997;17:437-9. PubMed
  5. Vahedi K, Domingo V, Amarenco P, Bousser MG. Ischemic stroke in a sportsman who consumed MaHuang extract and creatine monohydrate for bodybuilding. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatr 2000;68:112-3.
  6. Doyle H, Kargin M. Herbal stimulant containing ephedrine has also caused psychosis. BMJ 1996;313:756. PubMed
  7. For Dieter, Nearly the Ultimate Loss. The Washington Post. Available at: http://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/2000/03/19/for-dieter-nearly-the-ultimate-loss/c0f07474-489d-4f44-bc17-1f1367c956ae/ (Accessed 19 March 2000).
  8. FDA Takes Aim at Ephedra. The Washington Post. Available at: http://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/2000/03/19/fda-takes-aim-at-ephedra/4ce534a7-d291-44ec-88a8-38e97ff27e3b/ (Accessed 19 March 2000).
  9. FDA. Proposed rule: dietary supplements containing ephedrine alkaloids. Available at: www.verity.fda.gov (Accessed 25 January 2000).
  10. Boozer CN, Nasser JA, Heymsfield SB, et al. An herbal supplement containing Ma Huang-Guarana for weight loss: a randomized, double-blind trial. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord 2001;25:316-24. PubMed
  11. Anon. Sida Cordifolia. Metro Marketing, Inc. Available at: http://metromkt.net/viable/1sidacor.shtml (Accessed 9 March 2000).
  12. Gurley BJ, Gardner SF, Hubbard MA. Content versus label claims in ephedra-containing dietary supplements. Am J Health Syst Pharm 2000;57:963-9. PubMed
  13. White LM, Gardner SF, Gurley BJ, et al. Pharmacokinetics and Cardiovascular Effects of Ma-Huang (Ephedra sinica) in Normotensive Adults. J Clin Pharmacol 1997;37:116-22.
  14. Haller CA, Benowitz NL. Adverse cardiovascular and central nervous system events associated with dietary supplements containing ephedra alkaloids. N Engl J Med 2000;343:1833-8. PubMed
  15. Leikin JB, Klein L. Ephedra causes myocarditis. Clin Toxicol 2000;38:353-4.
  16. Jacobs KM, Hirsch KA. Psychiatric complications of Ma-huang. Psychosomatics 2000;41:58-62. PubMed
  17. Dulloo AG. Herbal simulation of ephedrine and caffeine in treatment of obesity. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord 2002;26:590-2. PubMed
  18. Samenuk D, Link MS, Homoud MK, et al. Adverse cardiovascular events temporally associated with ma huang, an herbal source of ephedrine. Mayo Clin Proc 2002;77:12-6. PubMed
  19. Boozer CN, Daly PA, Homel P, et al. Herbal ephedra/caffeine for weight loss: a 6-month randomized safety and efficacy trial. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord 2002;26:593-604. PubMed
  20. Morgenstern LB, Viscoli CM, Kernan WN, et al. Use of Ephedra-containing products and risk for hemorrhagic stroke. Neurology 2003;60:132-5. .
  21. Kalman D, Incledon T, Gaunaurd I, et al. An acute clinical trial evaluating the cardiovascular effects of an herbal ephedra-caffeine weight loss product in healthy overweight adults. Int J Obes 2002;26:1363-66.. PubMed
  22. Kockler DR, McCarthy MW, Lawson CL. Seizure activity and unresponsiveness after hydroxycut ingestion. Pharmacotherapy 2001;21:647-51.. PubMed
  23. Yates KM, O'Connor A, Horsley CA. "Herbal Ecstasy": a case series of adverse reactions. N Z Med J 2000;113:315-7..
  24. Walton R, Manos GH. Psychosis related to ephedra-containing herbal supplement use. South Med J 2003;96:718-20.. PubMed
  25. Jenkins DJ, Wesson V, Wolever TM, et al. Wholemeal versus wholegrain breads: proportion of whole or cracked grain and the glycaemic response. BMJ 1988;297:958-60. PubMed
  26. McBride BF, Karapanos AK, Krudysz A, et al. Electrocardiographic and hemodynamic effects of a multicomponent dietary supplement containing ephedra and caffeine: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA 2004;291:216-21. PubMed
  27. Brooks SM, Sholiton LJ, Werk EE Jr, Altenau P. The effects of ephedrine and theophylline on dexamethasone metabolism in bronchial asthma. J Clin Pharmacol 1977;17:308-18. PubMed
  28. Gardner SF, Franks AM, Gurley BJ, et al. Effect of a multicomponent, ephedra-containing dietary supplement (Metabolife 356) on Holter monitoring and hemostatic parameters in healthy volunteers. Am J Cardiol 2003;91:1510-3, A9. PubMed
  29. Haller CA, Jacob P 3rd, Benowitz NL. Enhanced stimulant and metabolic effects of combined ephedrine and caffeine. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2004;75:259-73.

See these in context on the Sida Cordifolia 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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