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Dietary supplement

Bee Pollen 500 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Source Naturals

Tablet Or Pill Category: Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Bee Pollen 500 mg is a dietary supplement by Source Naturals with 2 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for constipation, diarrhea, high cholesterol.Based on those ingredients, 2,025 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Dietary Fiber, Pure Whole Nugget Bee Pollen. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Bee Pollen 500 mg by Source Naturals

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.

This product contains one active ingredient: pure whole nugget bee pollen at 500 mg per tablet. Bee pollen is a mixture of pollens, nectar, enzymes, and other plant compounds collected by honeybees.

The tablet also contains several inactive ingredients—microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, silica, and stearic acid—which serve as binders and flow agents.

Does it work?

Strong evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed

This product doesn't appear to be marketed for a specific use, so we graded its ingredients' overall clinical evidence instead.

Strong

Strong clinical evidence supports its ingredients for:

Why this rating?
  • The label markets general wellness (“energy and vitality”), not a specific health condition, so there is no single claim to grade against clinical-evidence data.
  • Since the label doesn't commit to one use, we graded the ingredients' overall clinical evidence instead.
  • On file: Constipation — rated "Effective" (Black Psyllium) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Coronary heart disease (CHD) — rated "Likely Effective" (Black Psyllium) (Natural Medicines).

The evidence on bee pollen's effectiveness is limited. It is rated as possibly ineffective for athletic performance.

For several other uses—hay fever (allergic rhinitis), amenorrhea, benign prostate enlargement, and breast cancer-related hot flashes—there is insufficient reliable evidence to rate it either way. In short, we don't have strong data showing this product works for the conditions it's marketed for.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Black Psyllium Bee Pollen

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.

Bee pollen is generally well tolerated by most people, but it can trigger allergic reactions, occasionally severe ones. If you have a history of seasonal pollen allergies—especially to plants in the ragweed and daisy families—you face a higher risk of serious reactions including itching, swelling, shortness of breath, and in rare cases anaphylaxis.

Serious adverse effects are uncommon but have been reported: acute liver inflammation, kidney problems, and kidney failure. Two cases of acute hepatitis linked to bee pollen have been documented, though in one case other herbs were also involved.

Bee pollen is rated possibly unsafe in pregnancy, so it should be avoided during pregnancy. Safety data for breastfeeding is lacking, so it's best avoided while nursing.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Black Psyllium Bee Pollen

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 — Bee Pollen, Black Psyllium.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; heart-rhythm medications; lithium.
  • For scale: 2,026 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.

If you take warfarin (Coumadin) or any blood thinner, check with your pharmacist before starting bee pollen. There is a documented Moderate-severity risk that it may increase your bleeding risk.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with strong clinical evidence behind its ingredients' uses. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Bee pollen may be an option if you're curious about its potential, but the evidence it actually works for common health concerns is weak. The bigger issue is the documented interaction with blood thinners like warfarin—if you take one, you need to talk with your pharmacist before adding this.

Also steer clear if you have pollen allergies, and avoid it during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

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 Feb 26, 2020.

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 Bee Pollen 500 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand Source Naturals
Barcode (UPC) 021078006022
Net contents 100 Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Feb 26, 2020
DSLD ID 213556
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Sugar 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 Bee Pollen 500 mg by Source Naturals, 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 Tablet(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Tablet(s)
Servings per container
50
UPC/BARCODE
021078006022
IngredientAmount% DV
Total Carbohydrates3 Gram(s)1%
Dietary Fiber2 Gram(s)8%
Pure Whole Nugget Bee Pollen1 Gram(s)--

Other ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Magnesium Stearate, Silica, Stearic Acid

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.
FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Formulation

For centuries indigenous people have used bee pollen as an energy enhancing food. Pollen is made by flowers and is transferred from plant to plant as part of the plant reproductive cycle.

Contains no yeast, dairy, egg, gluten, corn, soy or wheat. Contains no sugar, starch, salt, preservatives, or artificial color, flavor or fragrance.

General Statements

In addition to collecting nectar to make honey, honeybees collect pollen, as a source of protein. The ancient Egyptians described bee pollen as "life-giving dust" because they believed that the life-giving gods delivered it to the hives.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: 1 tablet daily with a meal, then increase gradually up to 2 tablets three times daily with meals.

Precautions

Warning: Bee products may cause an allergic reaction in some people. To test before consuming, place one tablet on the tongue for several minutes. Discontinue use and consult a health care professional if an allergic reaction occurs.

If you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or breastfeeding, consult your health care professional before using this product.

Do not use if either tamper-evident seal is broken or missing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

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.

See for yourself

Bee Pollen 500 mg by Source Naturals label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Bee Pollen 500 mg by Source Naturals

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

Serving size2 Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill Servings per container50 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.

Dietary Fiber

Interacts with
2,025 drugs
2 Gram(s) per serving

Black psyllium is a soluble-fiber supplement made from the seeds of a Plantago plant, used mostly to ease constipation and support digestive health. I...

Dietary Fiber monograph & interactions

Pure Whole Nugget Bee Pollen

Interacts with
2 drugs
1 Gram(s) per serving

Bee pollen is a nutrient-rich product collected by bees and marketed as a 'superfood' for energy and immune support, but solid human evidence for most...

Pure Whole Nugget Bee Pollen monograph & interactions

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

Interaction report

Bee Pollen 500 mg by Source Naturals Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Bee Pollen 500 mg?

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
2,025Drugs
25 Moderate 2,000 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Bee Pollen 500 mg 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.

Dietary Fiber7 drug types · 2,025 drugs

Carbamazepine (Tegretol)

Theoretically, black psyllium might reduce the effects of carbamazepine and increase the risk for convulsions.
Theoretically, black psyllium might reduce carbamazepine absorption. A preliminary study using blond psyllium reported decreased carbamazepine bioavailability due to binding of the drug to psyllium, as well as reduction of available fluid in the gut for dissolution of the drug. This interaction may also occur with black psyllium.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Lithium

Theoretically, taking black psyllium at the same time as lithium might reduce lithium absorption.
The fiber in black psyllium might reduce lithium absorption and plasma levels. Some case reports describe a reduction in plasma lithium levels with concomitant administration of blond psyllium. This was reversed when psyllium was stopped. This interaction may also occur with black psyllium.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Metformin (Glucophage)

Theoretically, black psyllium might increase the therapeutic and adverse effects of metformin.
Animal research shows that concurrent consumption of blond psyllium with metformin slows and increases the absorption of metformin. This interaction may also occur with black psyllium. To avoid changes in absorption, take psyllium 30-60 minutes after metformin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Olanzapine (Zyprexa)

Theoretically, taking black psyllium at the same time as olanzapine might reduce olanzapine absorption.
The fiber in black psyllium might decrease the absorption of olanzapine. A single case report describes a reduction in the effectiveness of olanzapine when it was concomitantly administered with an unspecified type of psyllium 3 grams orally twice daily. This effect was reversed when psyllium was stopped.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Theoretically, taking black psyllium at the same time as digoxin might reduce digoxin absorption and decrease digoxin levels.
Psyllium might bind digoxin in the gut. However, some clinical evidence suggests that psyllium does not impact digoxin absorption.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B
Ethinyl Estradiol

Theoretically, taking black psyllium at the same time as ethinyl estradiol might alter levels of estradiol.
Concurrent use of blond psyllium with ethinyl estradiol results in a slight increase in the extent of ethinyl estradiol absorption and a slower rate of absorption. This is unlikely to be clinically significant.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Oral Drugs

Theoretically, psyllium might increase, decrease, or have no effect on the absorption of oral drugs.
Psyllium seems to have variable effects on drug absorption. To avoid changes in absorption, take psyllium 30-60 minutes after oral medications. Animal research shows that blond psyllium delays and increases the absorption of metformin and ethinyl estradiol. Case reports and animal research suggest that blond psyllium might reduce absorption of lithium, digoxin, olanzapine, and carbamazepine. Finally, some pharmacokinetic studies show that psyllium does not affect the absorption of levothyroxine or warfarin. Although many of these studies evaluated blond psyllium, the fiber content in black psyllium may have similar effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B

Pure Whole Nugget Bee Pollen1 drug type · 2 drugs

Warfarin (Coumadin)

There is some concern that bee pollen might interact with warfarin and increase the risk of bleeding.
In one case report, a patient on warfarin had a stable international normalized ratio (INR) of 1.9-3.3 for 9 months. The patient's INR was found to be 7.1 after starting bee pollen granules one teaspoon twice daily for approximately one month. The patient's warfarin dose was decreased by approximately 11% in order to return the INR to the therapeutic range while continuing the bee pollen supplement.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Bee Pollen 500 mg, from the product label.

Source Naturals

Name
Source Naturals, Inc.
Street Address
P. O. Box 2118
City
Santa Cruz
State
CA
ZipCode
95062
Web Address
www.sourcenaturals.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Bee Pollen 500 mg by Source Naturals: Common Questions

Does Bee Pollen 500 mg by Source Naturals interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Bee Pollen 500 mg has a known interaction with 2,025 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Bee Pollen 500 mg 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.
Can I take bee pollen if I have pollen allergies?
You should be extra cautious. If you have a history of seasonal pollen allergies—especially to ragweed, daisies, or related plants—bee pollen carries a real risk of allergic reactions, some of them severe, including anaphylaxis. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist first.
Does bee pollen actually improve athletic performance?
The data suggests it's probably not effective for athletic performance. While it's marketed for this use, the evidence doesn't support it.
Is bee pollen safe to take during pregnancy?
No, it is rated possibly unsafe during pregnancy and should be avoided. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking it.
What are the most common side effects of bee pollen?
Most people tolerate it well without problems. Serious side effects are rare, but allergic reactions (itching, swelling, breathing trouble) and liver inflammation have been documented in sensitive individuals.
Is bee pollen safe to use while breastfeeding?
There isn't enough safety data to know either way. It's best avoided while nursing. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice.

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

Not sure if Bee Pollen 500 mg 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.

Bee Pollen 500 mg label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Bee Pollen 500 mg'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 33 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.

Black Psyllium 18 references
  1. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
  2. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
  3. Covington TR, et al. Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs. 11th ed. Washington, DC: American Pharmaceutical Association, 1996.
  4. Etman M. Effect of a bulk forming laxative on the bioavailablility of carbamazepine in man. Drug Dev Ind Pharm 1995;21:1901-6.
  5. Perlman BB. Interaction between lithium salts and ispaghula husk. Lancet 1990;335:416.
  6. Vaswani SK, Hamilton RG, Valentine MD, Adkinson NF. Psyllium laxative-induced anaphylaxis, asthma, and rhinitis. Allergy 1996;51:266-8. PubMed
  7. Lantner RR, Espiritu BR, Zumerchik P, Tobin MC. Anaphylaxis following ingestion of a psyllium-containing cereal. JAMA 1990;264:2534-6. DOI
  8. Kaplan MJ. Anaphylactic reaction to "Heartwise." N Engl J Med 1990;323:1072-3. DOI
  9. Nordstrom M, Melander A, Robertsson E, Steen B. Influence of wheat bran and of a bulk-forming ispaghula cathartic on the bioavailability of digoxin in geriatric in-patients. Drug Nutr Interact 1987;5:67-9..
  10. Robinson DS, Benjamin DM, McCormack JJ. Interaction of warfarin and nonsystemic gastrointestinal drugs. Clin Pharmacol Ther 1971;12:491-5. PubMed
  11. Garcia JJ, Fernandez N, Diez MJ, et al. Influence of two dietary fibers in the oral bioavailability and other pharmacokinetic parameters of ethinyloestradiol. Contraception 2000;62:253-7. PubMed
  12. Fernandez N, Lopez C, Díez R, et al. Drug interactions with the dietary fiber Plantago ovata husk. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2012;8(11):1377-86.
  13. Semen plantaginis in: WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants, volume 1. World Health Organization, Geneva, 1999. Available at http://apps.who.int/medicinedocs/en/d/Js2200e/. Accessed November 26, 1026.
  14. Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21 (21CFR 101.17). Food labeling warning, notice, and safe handling statements. Available at www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=20f647d3b74161501f46564b915b4048&mc=true&node=se21.2.101_117&rgn=div8. Accessed December 3, 2
  15. Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21 (21CFR 201.319). Specific labeling requirements - water-soluble gums, hydrophilic gums, and hydrophilic mucilloids. Available at www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?fr=201.319. Accessed Dece
  16. Diez R, Garcia JJ, Diez MJ, Sierra M, Sahagun AM, Fernandez N. Influence of Plantago ovata husk (dietary fiber) on the bioavailability and other pharmacokinetic parameters of metformin in diabetic rabbits. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2017 Jun 7;17(1):298. PubMed
  17. Chiu AC, Sherman SI. Effects of pharmacological fiber supplements on levothyroxine absorption. Thyroid. 1998;8(8):667-71. PubMed
  18. Merrick C, Madden CA, Capurso NA. A Case of Blunted Orally Disintegrating Olanzapine Effect Due to Coadministered Psyllium. J Clin Psychiatry 2021;82(2):20cr13633. PubMed

See these in context on the Black Psyllium monograph →

Bee Pollen 15 references
  1. Foster S, Tyler VE. Tyler's Honest Herbal: A Sensible Guide to the Use of Herbs and Related Remedies. 3rd ed., Binghamton, NY: Haworth Herbal Press, 1993.
  2. The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
  3. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1996.
  4. Shad JA, Chinn CG, Brann OS. Acute hepatitis after ingestion of herbs. South Med J 1999;92:1095-7. PubMed
  5. Puente S, Iniguez A, Subirats M, et al. [Eosinophilic gastroenteritis caused by bee pollen sensitization]. Med Clin (Barc) 1997;108:698-700.
  6. Winther K, Hedman C. Assessment of the Effects of the Herbal Remedy Femal on the Symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. Curr Ther Res Clin Exp 2002;63:344-53. DOI
  7. Cohen SH, Yunginger JW, Rosenberg N, Fink JN. Acute allergic reaction after composite pollen ingestion. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1979;64:270-4. PubMed
  8. Hurren KM, Lewis CL. Probable interaction between warfarin and bee pollen. Am J Health Syst Pharm 2010;67:2034-7. PubMed
  9. Akiyasu T, Paudyal B, Paudyal P, et al. A case report of acute renal failure associated with bee pollen contained in nutritional supplements. Ther Apher Dial 2010;14:93-7. PubMed
  10. Greenberger, P. A. and Flais, M. J. Bee pollen-induced anaphylactic reaction in an unknowingly sensitized subject. Ann.Allergy Asthma Immunol 2001;86(2):239-242. PubMed
  11. Lin FL, Vaughan TR, Vandewalker ML, et al. Hypereosinophilia, neurologic, and gastrointestinal symptoms after bee-pollen ingestion. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1989;83(4):793-796. PubMed
  12. Mansfield LE, Goldstein GB. Anaphylactic reaction after ingestion of local bee pollen. Ann Allergy 1981;47(3):154-156.
  13. Choi JH, Jang YS, Oh JW, Kim CH, Hyun IG. Bee pollen-induced anaphylaxis: a case report and literature review. Allergy Asthma Immunol Res 2015 Sep;7(5):513-7. PubMed
  14. Nonotte-Varly C. Allergenicity of Artemisia contained in bee pollen is proportional to its mass. Eur Ann Allergy Clin Immunol 2015;47(6):218-24.
  15. Leang ZX, Thalayasingam M, O'Sullivan M. A paediatric case of exercise-augmented anaphylaxis following bee pollen ingestion in Western Australia. Asia Pac Allergy. 2022 Jul 12;12(3):e23. PubMed

See these in context on the Bee Pollen 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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