Major interaction on record — check this product against your medications before combining. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Balance Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Legion

Balance label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Other Combinations
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 Balance 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

Balance is a dietary supplement by Legion with 5 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for digestive support for protein digestion, wound cleaning (debridement of dead tissue), sore throat and inflammation.Based on those ingredients, 1,192 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Berberine, Artichoke leaf extract, Bromelain. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

Jump to a section

Check Your Meds Against Balance by Legion

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

Pharmacist-reviewed data Checks every ingredient Answer in seconds
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Balance by Legion

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 12, 2026

What’s inside

Low disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Low

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

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 2 of its 5 active ingredients.

Legion Balance contains five active ingredients: papain (a protein-digesting enzyme from papaya), bromelain (a similar enzyme from pineapple), artichoke leaf extract (for digestive and liver support), berberine (an alkaloid from several plants), and pepsin (another digestive enzyme). The product also contains inactive ingredients — hypromellose, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, and silicon dioxide — which are fillers and capsule materials.

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: Digestive health and enzyme support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Dyspepsia, Exercise-induced muscle soreness, Postoperative swelling, Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Diarrhea, Bloating — and 2 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Artichoke is rated "Possibly Effective" for Dyspepsia (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Papain is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Exercise-induced muscle soreness.
  • Also on file: Artichoke is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

The evidence for most of these ingredients in Legion Balance is limited. Artichoke leaf extract is possibly effective for high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia) and indigestion (dyspepsia).

Berberine is possibly effective for high cholesterol, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), Helicobacter pylori infection, high blood pressure, and diabetes. For papain, bromelain, and pepsin, the data we hold do not establish effectiveness for any condition.

The evidence isn't strong enough to confirm that this product works for its intended purpose.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Papain Bromelain Artichoke Berberine Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases)

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 5 of the 5 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 5 of 5.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 5 of 5.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Papain is generally tolerated short-term at normal doses but may irritate the digestive tract or cause allergic reactions in sensitive people — symptoms can include itchy watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, stomach cramps, sweating, and diarrhea. Bromelain is generally well tolerated short-term; the most common side effects are diarrhea, flatulence, stomach upset, and headache.

Artichoke is generally well tolerated but may cause stomach pain, diarrhea, gas, and nausea; in rare cases, severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) have occurred in people sensitive to artichoke or related plants like ragweed and daisies. Berberine commonly causes digestive side effects — abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, gas, nausea, and vomiting — and can also cause dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, and headache.

Pepsin is generally well tolerated but rarely may cause allergic reactions or digestive upset. Papain and berberine are not safe in pregnancy; bromelain, artichoke, and pepsin should be avoided in pregnancy due to insufficient safety data.

None of these ingredients should be used while breastfeeding without medical advice.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Papain Bromelain Artichoke Berberine Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases)

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?
  • 4 of the 5 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Papain, Artichoke, Bromelain, Berberine.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 1,193 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 Legion Balance, double-check whether you're on cyclosporine (a major interaction with berberine), then blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs, blood pressure medications, diabetes medications, CNS depressants, or drugs metabolized by CYP2D6, CYP2C9, CYP3A4, CYP2C19, or CYP2B6. Use the medication checker on this page to verify your exact medications.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

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

Legion Balance is best considered if you're looking for digestive enzyme support and don't take medications that interact with berberine, papain, bromelain, or artichoke. If you take any prescription medications — especially blood thinners, blood pressure medications, diabetes drugs, immunosuppressants, or sedatives — check them against the medication search tool on this page before you start.

Talk to your pharmacist before taking this product while pregnant or breastfeeding.

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

Assessment coverage: 5 of 5 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jun 23, 2021.

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 Balance, straight from the product label.

Brand Legion
Barcode (UPC) 653341676610
Net contents 150 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jun 23, 2021
DSLD ID 248774
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
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 Balance by Legion, 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:
5 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
5 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
653341676610
IngredientAmount% DV
Calories5 Calorie(s)--
Total Carbohydrates2 Gram(s)1%
Papain0 NP--
Bromelain0 NP--
Artichoke leaf extract1800 mg--
Berberine1500 mg--
Pepsin0 NP--

Other ingredients: Hypromellose, Microcrystalline Cellulose, 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.
Precautions

Allergen Warning: This product was produced in a facility that may also process ingredients containing milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, wheat, and soybeans.

Notice to California Consumers: Warning: Consuming this product can expose you to chemicals including lead which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/food.

Check with a qualified healthcare professional before using this product if you are under 18 years of age or if you have any pre-existing medical conditions and/or are taking any prescription medication(s).

Check with a qualified healthcare professional before using this product if you are under 18 years of age or if you have any pre-existing medical conditions and/or are taking any prescription medication(s). Keep out of reach of children.

Do not use if safety seal is damaged or missing.

General Statements

Please recycle

30 Servings

Backed by science. Proven by you.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: Take 5 capsules daily, spread evenly between at least three meals. For best results, take your larer doses (2 capsules) with meals containing carbohydrate.

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.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

Formulation

Gut support Reduces intestinal inflammation Enhances nutrient absorption Improves blood glucose control

Balance is a 100% natural gut health supplement that contains clinically effective doses of 5 ingredients proven to reduce intestinal inflammation, enhance nutrient absorption, and improve insulin sensitivity and blood glucose control. That is, it improves your body's ability to process and use the food you eat, and this can reduce bloating and gassiness, increase energy and vitality, and support the metabolism. So, if you want to experience less stomach discomfort, better digestion, and fewer energy highs and lows, Balance is for you.

Formula

100% all natural ingredients

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Brand IP Statement(s)

2020, Legion Athletics, Inc.

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

See for yourself

Balance by Legion label

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

Balance 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 Balance by Legion

These are the 5 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size5 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.

Papain

Interacts with
2 drugs
0 NP per serving

Papain is a protein-digesting enzyme from the papaya plant that is used in digestive supplements and some topical products. While it has clear food an...

Papain monograph & interactions

Bromelain

Interacts with
141 drugs
0 NP per serving

Bromelain is a group of protein-digesting enzymes from pineapple that people take mainly for inflammation, swelling, and sinus problems. Some early st...

Bromelain monograph & interactions

Artichoke leaf extract

Interacts with
363 drugs
1800 mg per serving

Artichoke leaf extract is a generally well-tolerated supplement that may have a mild cholesterol-lowering effect and is often used for indigestion, th...

Artichoke leaf extract monograph & interactions

Berberine

Interacts with
1,160 drugs
1500 mg per serving Form: Berberis aristata

Berberine is a yellow plant compound that has shown promise for lowering blood sugar and cholesterol in some studies, but the quality of research vari...

Berberine monograph & interactions

Pepsin

No known
interactions
0 NP per serving

Proteolytic enzymes are proteins that help break down other proteins, and common examples include bromelain (from pineapple), papain (from papaya), tr...

Pepsin monograph & interactions

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

Interaction report

Balance by Legion Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Balance?

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

 Go to the checker
1,192Drugs
1 Major 1,173 Moderate 18 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Berberine 1,160
Artichoke leaf extract 363
Bromelain 141
Papain 2

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Balance interact with 1,192 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

4 of the 5 ingredients in Balance interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Berberine Artichoke leaf extract Bromelain Papain

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Balance 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.

Berberine15 drug types · 1,160 drugs

Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)

Berberine can increase serum levels of cyclosporine.
Berberine can reduce metabolism and increase serum levels of cyclosporine. Berberine might inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4), which metabolizes cyclosporine.

Likelihood Probable Evidence A
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, berberine might increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
In vitro and in vivo research suggest that berberine can inhibit platelet aggregation. Theoretically, berberine might have additive effects when used with anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs and increase the risk of bleeding.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, berberine may increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Clinical research shows that berberine may lower blood glucose levels. Theoretically, berberine might have additive effects with antidiabetes drugs and increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, berberine might have additive effects with antihypertensive drugs.
Animal research suggests that berberine can have hypotensive effects. Also, a clinical study suggests that taking berberine in combination with amlodipine can lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure when compared with amlodipine alone.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cns Depressants

Theoretically, berberine might increase the sedative effects of CNS depressants.
Animal research suggests that berberine may have sedative effects. Theoretically, use of berberine along with CNS depressants might produce additive therapeutic and adverse effects.

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

Theoretically, berberine might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C9.
Preliminary clinical research shows that berberine can inhibit CYP2C9. Theoretically, taking berberine with drugs metabolized by CYP2C9 might increase drug levels and increase the risk of adverse effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Cytochrome P450 2D6 (Cyp2D6) Substrates

Theoretically, berberine might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
In vitro research and preliminary clinical evidence show that berberine can inhibit CYP2D6. Theoretically, use of berberine with drugs metabolized by CYP2D6 might increase drug levels and increase the risk of adverse effects.

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

Theoretically, berberine might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
In vitro research and preliminary clinical research show that berberine moderately inhibits CYP3A4. Theoretically, use of berberine with drugs metabolized by CYP3A4 might increase drug levels and increase the risk of adverse effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence A
Dextromethorphan (Robitussin Dm, Others)

Theoretically, berberine may increase serum levels of dextromethorphan.
Preliminary clinical research shows that berberine can inhibit cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) activity and reduce the metabolism of dextromethorphan. This may increase the effects and side effects of dextromethorphan.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Losartan (Cozaar)

Berberine might reduce the therapeutic effects of losartan by decreasing its conversion to its active form.
Preliminary clinical research suggests that berberine can inhibit cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) activity and reduce metabolism of losartan.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Metformin (Glucophage)

Theoretically, berberine might increase the therapeutic and adverse effects of metformin.
In vitro and animal studies show that berberine can increase the systemic exposure and half-life of metformin, potentially increasing metformin's effects and side effects. This interaction seems to be most apparent when berberine is administered 2 hours prior to metformin. Taking berberine and metformin at the same time does not appear to increase systemic exposure to metformin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Midazolam (Versed)

Berberine can reduce metabolism of midazolam, which might increase the risk of severe adverse effects.
Preliminary clinical research shows that berberine can inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) activity and reduce metabolism of midazolam.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Pentobarbital (Nembutal)

Berberine might increase the sedative effect of pentobarbital.
Evidence from animal research shows that berberine can prolong pentobarbital-induced sleeping time. Theoretically, combining berberine and pentobarbital might increase the sedative effects of pentobarbital.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Tacrolimus (Prograf)

Berberine has been associated with increased blood levels of tacrolimus.
In a 16-year-old patient with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome who was being treated with tacrolimus 6.5 mg twice daily, intake of berberine 200 mg three times daily increased the blood concentration of tacrolimus from 8 to 22 ng/mL. Following a reduction of the tacrolimus dose to 3 mg daily, blood levels of tacrolimus decreased to 12 ng/mL.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Acetazolamide

Laboratory studies and initial clinical findings suggest that berberine has the potential to increase acetazolamide concentrations in the body. More research is needed to confirm this interaction.

Likelihood Possible Evidence C
Berberine full monograph & interactions

Artichoke leaf extract4 drug types · 363 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, artichoke leaf extract may increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
A meta-analysis of small clinical studies shows that taking artichoke leaf extract for 8-12 weeks can modestly reduce fasting plasma glucose when compared with placebo.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, artichoke leaf extract may increase the risk of hypotension when taken with antihypertensive drugs.
A meta-analysis of small clinical studies in patients with hypertension shows that taking artichoke can reduce systolic blood pressure by around 3 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by around 2 mmHg when compared with placebo.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2B6 (Cyp2B6) Substrates

Theoretically, artichoke might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2B6.
In vitro research shows that artichoke leaf extract inhibits CYP2B6 activity. However, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

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

Theoretically, artichoke might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C19.
In vitro research shows that artichoke leaf extract inhibits CYP2C19 activity. However, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Artichoke leaf extract full monograph & interactions

Bromelain2 drug types · 141 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
There is one case report of a patient experiencing minor bruising while taking bromelain with naproxen. Bromelain is thought to have antiplatelet activity. Whether this interaction is of concern with topical bromelain is unclear. Interference with coagulation of burn wounds has been reported in a patient receiving bromelain-based enzymatic debridement. However, observational research has found that topical bromelain debridement is not associated with increases or decreases in laboratory markers of coagulation when compared with surgical debridement.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Tetracycline Antibiotics

Theoretically, bromelain might increase levels of tetracycline antibiotics.
Laboratory research suggests that bromelain might increase the absorption of tetracycline antibiotics. However, a study in healthy adults reported no difference in tetracycline plasma levels when a 500 mg dose was taken with or without bromelain 80 mg.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Bromelain full monograph & interactions

Papain1 drug type · 2 drugs

Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, papain might increase the effects and side effects of warfarin.
In one case report, a patient previously stable on warfarin was found to have an international normalization ratio (INR) of 7.4, which was attributed to ingestion of a supplement containing papain from papaya extract.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Papain full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

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

Legion

See all Legion products
Name
Legion Athletics
Street Address
8045 Leesburg Pike Suite 240
City
Vienna
State
VA
ZipCode
22182
Web Address
www.legionathletics.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Balance by Legion: Common Questions

Does Balance by Legion interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Balance has a known interaction with 1,192 medications, including 1 rated major. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Balance contains 5 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Is it safe to take Legion Balance while I'm pregnant?
No. Papain and berberine are not safe in pregnancy, and the safety data for bromelain, artichoke, and pepsin aren't established either. Don't take this product if you're pregnant or planning to be — talk with your doctor first.
Can I take Legion Balance while breastfeeding?
The data don't support breastfeeding use for any of these ingredients. Berberine can pass into breast milk and poses a risk. Talk with your pharmacist or doctor for personalized advice.
What does berberine in this product do?
Berberine is possibly effective for high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and blood sugar control. However, it interacts with many medications and commonly causes digestive side effects, so it's not right for everyone.
Will this product help with my digestion?
This product contains digestive enzymes (papain, bromelain, and pepsin), but the evidence we hold doesn't establish that they work for any specific condition. Artichoke is possibly effective for indigestion.
What are the most common side effects?
The most common are digestive — stomach pain, diarrhea, gas, nausea, and constipation. Berberine can also cause dizziness, drowsiness, and headache. Papain and bromelain may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive people.
Does it have any fillers?
Yes. The inactive ingredients are hypromellose, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, and silicon dioxide — standard binders and capsule materials.

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.

Balance label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Balance’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Papain

Interacts with 2 drugs

Papain is a protein-digesting enzyme from the papaya plant that is used in digestive supplements and some topical products. While it has clear food and laboratory uses, strong human evidence...

Read the full Papain monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Bromelain

Interacts with 141 drugs

Bromelain is a group of protein-digesting enzymes from pineapple that people take mainly for inflammation, swelling, and sinus problems. Some early studies are promising, but the overall evi...

Read the full Bromelain monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Artichoke

Interacts with 363 drugs

Artichoke leaf extract is a generally well-tolerated supplement that may have a mild cholesterol-lowering effect and is often used for indigestion, though the evidence is modest. It is not a...

Read the full Artichoke monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Berberine

Interacts with 1,160 drugs

Berberine is a yellow plant compound that has shown promise for lowering blood sugar and cholesterol in some studies, but the quality of research varies and it is not a replacement for presc...

Read the full Berberine monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases)

Proteolytic enzymes are proteins that help break down other proteins, and common examples include bromelain (from pineapple), papain (from papaya), trypsin, chymotrypsin, and pancreatin. Peo...

Read the full Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases) monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Balance'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 90 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.

Papain 11 references
  1. The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
  2. Shaw D, Leon C, Kolev S, Murray V. Traditional remedies and food supplements: a 5-year toxicological study (1991-1995). Drug Saf 1997;17:342-56.
  3. Shuttleworth D, Hill S, Marks R, Connelly DM. Relief of experimentally induced pruritus with a novel eutectic mixture of local anaesthetic agents. Br J Dermatol 1988;119:535-40.
  4. Mansfield LE, Ting S, Haverly RW, Yoo TJ. The incidence and clinical implications of hypersensitivity to papain in an allergic population, confirmed by blinded oral challenge. Ann Allergy 1985;55:541-3.
  5. Martin, T., Uhder, K., Kurek, R., Roeddiger, S., Schneider, L., Vogt, H. G., Heyd, R., and Zamboglou, N. Does prophylactic treatment with proteolytic enzymes reduce acute toxicity of adjuvant pelvic irradiation? Results of a double-blind randomized trial PubMed
  6. Walker-Renard, P. Update on the medicinal management of phytobezoars. Am J Gastroenterol. 1993;88(10):1663-1666.
  7. Tymoszuk D, Wiszniewska M, Walusiak-Skorupa J. Papain-induced occupational rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma - A case report. Med Pr 2016;67(1):109-12. PubMed
  8. Soto-Mera MT, López-Rico MR, Filgueira JF, et al. Occupational allergy to papain. Allergy 2000;55(10):983-4. PubMed
  9. Tarlo SM, Shaikh W, Bell B, et al. Papain-induced allergic reactions. Clin Allergy 1978;8(3):207-15. PubMed
  10. Baur X, König G, Bencze K, Fruhmann G. Clinical symptoms and results of skin test, RAST and bronchial provocation test in thirty-three papain workers: Evidence for strong immunogenic potency and clinically relevant proteolytic e?ects of airborne papain. C
  11. Novey HS, Keenan WJ, Fairshter RD, Wells ID, Wilson AF, Culver BD. Pulmonary disease in workers exposed to papain: clinico-physiological and immunological studies. Clin Allergy 1980;10(6):721-31. PubMed

See these in context on the Papain monograph →

Bromelain 19 references
  1. Nettis E, Napoli G, Ferrannini A, Tursi A. IgE-mediated allergy to bromelain. Allergy 2001;56:257-8. PubMed
  2. Taussig SJ, Batkin S. Bromelain, the enzyme complex of pineapple (Ananas comosus) and its clinical application. An update. J Ethnopharmacol 1988;22:191-203.. PubMed
  3. Bradbrook ID, Morrison PJ, Rogers HJ. The effect of bromelain on the absorption of orally administered tetracycline. Br J Clin Pharmacol 1978;6:552-4. PubMed
  4. Bush TM, Rayburn KS, Holloway SW, et al. Adverse interactions between herbal and dietary substances and prescription medications: a clinical survey. Altern Ther Health Med 2007;13:30-5.
  5. Brien S, Lewith G, Walker AF, et al. Bromelain as an adjunctive treatment for moderate-to-severe osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized placebo-controlled pilot study. QJM 2006;99:841-50. PubMed
  6. Mori S, Ojima Y, Hirose T, et al. The clinical effect of proteolytic enzyme containing bromelain and trypsin on urinary tract infection evaluated by double blind method. Acta Obstet Gynaecol Jpn 1972;19:147-53.
  7. Glaser D, Hilberg T. The influence of bromelain on platelet count and platelet activity in vitro. Platelets 2006;17:37-41. PubMed
  8. Heinicke R M, van der Wal L, Yokoyama M. Effect of bromelain (Ananase) on human platelet aggregation. Experientia 1972;28:844-5. PubMed
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Artichoke 16 references
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Berberine 41 references
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Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases) 3 references
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DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

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