Major interaction on record — check this product against your medications before combining. Based on 4 of 6 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Beneflex AR Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Williams Nutrition

Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Major
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Major

Beneflex AR is a dietary supplement by Williams Nutrition with 6 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for stress and anxiety, sleep problems, fatigue and low energy.Based on those ingredients, 1,417 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Ashwagandha extract, Calcium. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Beneflex AR by Williams Nutrition

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

Partial disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Partial

Most active ingredients list an amount, but at least one is hidden in a blend or missing.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 4 of its 6 active ingredients.
  • “Membrex blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (650 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

Beneflex AR has 6 active ingredients. Ashwagandha extract is an herbal ingredient traditionally used for stress and sleep.

The product also contains two forms of calcium—straight Calcium and Calcium Fructoborate—which work as mineral supplements. Eggshell Membrane is a structural protein from egg shells.

Palmitoylethanolamide (sometimes called PEA) is a fatty compound related to compounds your body makes naturally. There's also a "Membrex blend" whose exact components aren't separately listed here, and "Activator enzymes" for which we hold no detailed information.

The two inactive ingredients listed are Hypromellose (a capsule binder) and Rice Flour (a filler).

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: relieve joint discomfort and support joint health.
  • We looked for evidence on: Osteoarthritis, Back pain, Exercise-induced muscle damage, Exercise-induced muscle soreness, Neuropathic pain, Joint stiffness — and 2 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Palmitoylethanolamide (pea) is rated "Possibly Effective" for Osteoarthritis (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Eggshell Membrane is rated "Possibly Effective" for Osteoarthritis.
  • Also on file: Calcium is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Exercise-induced muscle damage.

Ashwagandha is possibly effective for insomnia, anxiety, stress, and generalized anxiety disorder. The evidence on its use for bipolar disorder isn't reliable enough to rate.

Calcium in this product is effective for bone health (osteoporosis) and likely effective for that purpose. Palmitoylethanolamide is possibly effective for osteoarthritis but was found possibly ineffective for spinal cord injury; evidence for autism spectrum disorder, migraines, and carpal tunnel syndrome is too limited to rate.

We hold no effectiveness data for eggshell membrane, the Membranes blend, or activator enzymes.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Ashwagandha Calcium Eggshell Membrane Palmitoylethanolamide (pea)

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 4 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 4 of 4.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 4 of 4.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Ashwagandha is generally well tolerated in the short term, though long-term safety data are limited. The most common side effects are mild—diarrhea, nausea, upset stomach—but rare serious cases of liver damage have been reported.

The product advises avoiding ashwagandha in pregnancy because it's traditionally thought to carry miscarriage risk, and avoiding it while breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data. Calcium is well tolerated at recommended doses.

Common mild effects are belching, constipation, and bloating. Calcium is safe in pregnancy and lactation at recommended amounts.

Eggshell Membrane is generally well tolerated but should be avoided if you have an egg allergy; safety data in pregnancy and breastfeeding are inadequate, so the product advises against it in those settings. Palmitoylethanolamide is generally well tolerated with nausea reported rarely; the product advises avoiding it in pregnancy and breastfeeding due to insufficient data.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Ashwagandha Calcium Eggshell Membrane Palmitoylethanolamide (pea)

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?
  • 2 of the 4 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Calcium, Ashwagandha.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; diabetes medications; heart-rhythm medications; lithium.
  • For scale: 1,418 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 Beneflex AR, check with your pharmacist if you use dolutegravir or elvitegravir (HIV integrase inhibitors)—calcium reduces their blood levels significantly. Also flag levothyroxine (thyroid hormone), blood pressure medications, diabetes drugs, benzodiazepines or other sedatives, immunosuppressants, sotalol, calcipotriene, diltiazem, or drugs that stress the liver.

No interactions are documented for the Activator enzymes ingredient—we simply hold no data for it.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

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

Beneflex AR pairs ashwagandha—used for stress and sleep—with calcium and other joint-support ingredients. If you take HIV medications, thyroid hormones, diabetes drugs, blood pressure drugs, or sedatives, check your exact prescriptions with us before starting.

Talk to your pharmacist or doctor if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, have an egg allergy, or take any other regular medications.

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

Assessment coverage: 5 of 6 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Nov 19, 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 Beneflex AR, straight from the product label.

Brand Williams Nutrition
Barcode (UPC) 678829241838
Net contents 60 Veggie Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Nov 19, 2021
DSLD ID 256822
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, 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 Beneflex AR by Williams Nutrition, 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 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
678829241838
IngredientAmount% DV
Ashwagandha extract250 mg--
Calcium50 mg4%
Membrex blend650 mg--
Eggshell Membrane0 NP--
Activator enzymes0 NP--
Calcium Fructoborate220 mg--
Palmitoylethanolamide300 mg--

Other ingredients: Hypromellose, Rice Flour

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

Almost Out? Call 1-800-888-1415 or visit healthydirections.com Choose refill & save, get free shipping forever

Chiropractor developed

Formula

Beneflex AR is uniquely formulated with Levagen, an ingredient clinically studied to relieve joint discomfort, and like CBD, targets pathways in the endocannabinoid system.

Formulation

Unconditionally guaranteed for purity and labeled potency.

Joint & muscle comfort Advanced relief to help you feel & move better Joint health

Glucosamine free

Gentle on stomach Range of motion Works like CBD

Peanut free Fish free Dairy free Soy free Gluten free

Storage

Store bottle with cap tightly closed in a cool, dry place.

Precautions

Precautions: Consult a health care practitioner if you are pregnant or nursing, have a serious medical condition, or use any medications.

Keep out of reach of children.

Contains: Egg

Brand IP Statement(s)

NEM is a registered trademark of ESM Technologies, LLC, and is registered in the United States and other countries. Levagen is a registered trademark owned by Gencor. Digezyme is a registered trademark of Sabinsa Corporation. Sensoril is a registered trademark of Natreon, Inc., and the product is protected under U.S. Patent No. 7,318,938 and CA Patent No. 2,508,478. FruiteX-B is a registered trademark of VDF FutureCeuticals, Inc. Pat. Fcpatent.com.

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.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: For best results, take 2 capsules twice daily for 2 weeks, then reduce to 2 capsules daily. For increased relief, double your daily dose.

See for yourself

Beneflex AR by Williams Nutrition label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Beneflex AR by Williams Nutrition

These are the 6 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Vegetarian Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container30 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Ashwagandha extract

Interacts with
1,372 drugs
250 mg per serving

Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic herb most often taken to help with stress, anxiety, and sleep, and some small studies suggest it may help, though the evid...

Ashwagandha extract monograph & interactions

Calcium

Interacts with
168 drugs
50 mg per serving Form: Calcium Carbonate

Calcium is an essential mineral your body needs for strong bones, nerve signaling, and muscle function, and supplements can help fill gaps when diet f...

Calcium monograph & interactions

Membrex blend

650 mg per serving

Calcium Fructoborate

Interacts with
168 drugs
220 mg per serving

Calcium is an essential mineral your body needs for strong bones, nerve signaling, and muscle function, and supplements can help fill gaps when diet f...

Calcium Fructoborate monograph & interactions

Palmitoylethanolamide

No known
interactions
300 mg per serving

Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is a fat-like molecule made naturally in the body and studied mainly for pain and inflammation. Some research suggests it...

Palmitoylethanolamide monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Hypromellose, Rice Flour. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Beneflex AR by Williams Nutrition Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Beneflex AR?

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
1,417Drugs
7 Major 959 Moderate 451 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Calcium 168

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Beneflex AR 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.

Ashwagandha extract10 drug types · 1,372 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking ashwagandha with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
There is preliminary clinical evidence suggesting that ashwagandha might lower blood glucose levels. Theoretically, ashwagandha might have additive effects when used with antidiabetes drugs and increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, taking ashwagandha with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Animal research suggests that ashwagandha might lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Theoretically, ashwagandha might have additive effects when used with antihypertensive drugs and increase the risk of hypotension.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Benzodiazepines

Theoretically, taking ashwagandha might increase the sedative effects of benzodiazepines.
There is preliminary evidence that ashwagandha might have an additive effect with diazepam (Valium) and clonazepam (Klonopin). This may also occur with other benzodiazepines.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cns Depressants

Theoretically, taking ashwagandha might increase the sedative effects of CNS depressants.
Ashwagandha seems to have sedative effects. Theoretically, this may potentiate the effects of barbiturates, other sedatives, and anxiolytics.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Hepatotoxic Drugs

Theoretically, taking ashwagandha with hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver damage.
Ashwagandha has been linked to cases of acute hepatitis, liver failure, hepatic encephalopathy, autoimmune hepatitis, the need for liver transplantation, and death due to liver failure.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, taking ashwagandha might decrease the effects of immunosuppressants.
Ashwagandha has demonstrated immunostimulant effects in humans. Animal research has shown that ashwagandha can attenuate the immunosuppression caused by cyclophosphamide.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Thyroid Hormone

Ashwagandha might increase the effects and adverse effects of thyroid hormone.
Concomitant use of ashwagandha with thyroid hormones may cause additive therapeutic and adverse effects. Preliminary clinical research and animal studies suggest that ashwagandha boosts thyroid hormone synthesis and secretion. In one clinical study, ashwagandha increased triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) levels by 41.5% and 19.6%, respectively, and reduced serum TSH levels by 17.4% from baseline in adults with subclinical hypothyroidism.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates

Theoretically, ashwagandha might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP1A2 substrates.
In vitro research shows that ashwagandha extract induces CYP1A2 enzymes.

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

Theoretically, ashwagandha might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
In vitro research shows that ashwagandha extract induces CYP3A4 enzymes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Serotonergic Drugs

Some animal studies have reported that ashwagandha can enhance serotonergic transmission by altering certain serotonin (5-HT) receptors. However, there is no evidence to suggest that ashwagandha increases the risk of serotonin-related effects, and there have been no published case reports of serotonin syndrome when combined with other serotonergic drugs. Nevertheless, due to the lack of extensive studies on the matter and the fact that ashwagandha appears to affect serotonergic pathways, it would be prudent to exercise caution when combining it with drugs that affect serotonin. [References: - Effects of Withania somnifera (Ashwaga ndha) on Stress and the Stress-Related Neuropsychiatric Disorders Anxiety, Depression, and Insomnia. Curr Neuropharmacol. 2021 Sep 14; 19: 1468–1495. - A Prospective, Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Safety and Efficacy of a High-Concentration Full-Spectrum Extract of Ashwagandha Root in Reducing Stress and Anxiety in Adults. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3573577/]

Likelihood Possible Evidence C

Calcium18 drug types · 168 drugs

Ceftriaxone (Rocephin)

Co-administration of intravenous calcium and ceftriaxone can result in precipitation of a ceftriaxone-calcium salt in the lungs and kidneys.
Avoid administering intravenous calcium in any form, such as parenteral nutrition or Lactated Ringers, within 48 hours of intravenous ceftriaxone. Case reports in neonates show that administering intravenous ceftriaxone and calcium can result in precipitation of a ceftriaxone-calcium salt in the lungs and kidneys. In several cases, neonates have died as a result of this interaction. So far there are no reports in adults; however, there is still concern that this interaction might occur in adults.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Dolutegravir (Tivicay)

Calcium seems to reduce levels of dolutegravir.
Advise patients to take dolutegravir either 2 hours before or 6 hours after taking calcium supplements. Pharmacokinetic research suggests that taking calcium carbonate 1200 mg concomitantly with dolutegravir 50 mg reduces plasma levels of dolutegravir by almost 40%. Calcium appears to decrease levels of dolutegravir through chelation.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Elvitegravir (Vitekta)

Calcium seems to reduce levels of elvitegravir.
Advise patients to take elvitegravir either 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking calcium supplements. Pharmacokinetic research suggests that taking calcium along with elvitegravir can reduce blood levels of elvitegravir through chelation.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Aluminum

Calcium citrate might increase aluminum absorption and toxicity. Other types of calcium do not increase aluminum absorption.
Calcium citrate can increase the absorption of aluminum when taken with aluminum hydroxide. The increase in aluminum levels may become toxic, particularly in individuals with kidney disease. However, the effect of calcium citrate on aluminum absorption is due to the citrate anion rather than calcium cation. Calcium acetate does not appear to increase aluminum absorption.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Bictegravir/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide (Biktarvy)

Calcium might decrease levels of bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide by reducing its absorption when taken in a fasting state.
Advise patients that bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide and calcium can be taken together if taken with food. However, if taken on an empty stomach, bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide should not be taken with, or 2 hours after, calcium containing products.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Bisphosphonates

Calcium reduces the absorption of bisphosphonates.
Advise patients to take bisphosphonates at least 30 minutes before calcium, but preferably at a different time of day. Calcium supplements decrease absorption of bisphosphonates.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Calcipotriene (Dovonex)

Taking calcipotriene with calcium might increase the risk for hypercalcemia.
Calcipotriene is a vitamin D analog used topically for psoriasis. It can be absorbed in sufficient amounts to cause systemic effects, including hypercalcemia. Theoretically, combining calcipotriene with calcium supplements might increase the risk of hypercalcemia.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Using intravenous calcium with digoxin might increase the risk of fatal cardiac arrhythmias.
Hypercalcemia increases the risk of fatal cardiac arrhythmias with digoxin. However, one retrospective analysis of clinical data suggests that intravenous calcium does not increase the risk of dysrhythmias or mortality in patients receiving digoxin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Diltiazem (Cardizem, Others)

Theoretically, calcium may reduce the therapeutic effects of diltiazem.
Hypercalcemia can reduce the effectiveness of verapamil in atrial fibrillation. Theoretically, calcium might increase this risk of hypercalcemia and reduce the effectiveness of diltiazem.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Others)

Calcium seems to reduce the absorption and effectiveness of levothyroxine.
Advise patients to take levothyroxine and calcium supplements at least 4 hours apart. Calcium reduces levothyroxine absorption, probably by forming insoluble complexes. Calcium carbonate supplements reduce effectiveness of levothyroxine in patients with hypothyroidism.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Lithium

Theoretically, concomitant use of calcium and lithium may increase this risk of hypercalcemia.
Clinical research suggests that long-term use of lithium may cause hypercalcemia in 10% to 60% of patients. Theoretically, concomitant use of lithium and calcium supplements may further increase this risk.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Quinolone Antibiotics

Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of quinolone antibiotics.
Advise patients to take oral quinolones at least 2 hours before or 4-6 hours after calcium supplements or calcium-fortified foods. Taking calcium at the same time as oral quinolones can reduce quinolone absorption. Calcium binds to quinolones in the gut.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Raltegravir (Isentress)

Calcium may reduce levels of raltegravir.
Pharmacokinetic research shows that taking a single dose of calcium carbonate 3000 mg along with raltegravir 400 mg twice daily modestly decreases the mean area under the curve of raltegravir, but the decrease does not necessitate a dose adjustment of raltegravir. However, a case of elevated HIV-1 RNA levels and documented resistance to raltegravir has been reported for a patient taking calcium carbonate 1 gram three times daily plus vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) 400 IU three times daily in combination with raltegravir 400 mg twice daily for 11 months. It is thought that calcium reduced raltegravir levels by chelation, leading to treatment failure.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Sotalol (Betapace)

Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of sotalol.
Advise patients to separate doses by at least 2 hours before or 4-6 hours after calcium. Calcium appears to reduce the absorption of sotalol, probably by forming insoluble complexes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Tetracycline Antibiotics

Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of tetracycline antibiotics.
Advise patients to take oral tetracyclines at least 2 hours before, or 4-6 hours after calcium supplements. Taking calcium at the same time as oral tetracyclines can reduce tetracycline absorption. Calcium binds to tetracyclines in the gut.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Thiazide Diuretics

Taking calcium along with thiazides might increase the risk of hypercalcemia and renal failure.
Thiazides reduce calcium excretion by the kidneys. Using thiazides along with moderately large amounts of calcium carbonate increases the risk of milk-alkali syndrome (hypercalcemia, metabolic alkalosis, renal failure). Patients may need to have their serum calcium levels and/or parathyroid function monitored regularly.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Verapamil (Calan, Others)

Theoretically, calcium may reduce the therapeutic effects of verapamil.
Hypercalcemia can reduce the effectiveness of verapamil in atrial fibrillation. Theoretically, use of calcium supplements may increase this risk of hypercalcemia and reduce the effectiveness of verapamil.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Calcium Channel Blockers

Intravenous calcium may decrease the effects of calcium channel blockers; oral calcium is unlikely to have this effect.
Intravenous calcium is used to decrease the effects of calcium channel blockers in the management of overdose. Intravenous calcium gluconate has been used before intravenous verapamil (Isoptin) to prevent or reduce the hypotensive effects without affecting the antiarrhythmic effects. But there is no evidence that dietary or supplemental calcium when taken orally interacts with calcium channel blockers.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Beneflex AR, from the product label.

Williams Nutrition

See all Williams Nutrition products
Name
Healthy Directions
City
Bethesda
State
MD
ZipCode
20817
Phone Number
1-800-888-1415
Web Address
healthydirections.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Beneflex AR by Williams Nutrition: Common Questions

Does Beneflex AR by Williams Nutrition interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Beneflex AR has a known interaction with 1,417 medications, including 7 rated major. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Beneflex AR contains 6 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 Beneflex AR if I'm pregnant?
The ashwagandha in this product is traditionally thought to raise miscarriage risk, so the safety data advise against it in pregnancy. Eggshell Membrane and Palmitoylethanolamide also have insufficient pregnancy safety data. Talk with your doctor before taking this product while pregnant.
Can I take it while breastfeeding?
The product advises against ashwagandha, Eggshell Membrane, and Palmitoylethanolamide while breastfeeding because there isn't enough safety information. Calcium is safe at recommended amounts during breastfeeding. Check with your pharmacist or doctor about using this product.
What is Palmitoylethanolamide and what's it for?
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is a fatty compound your body naturally produces. In this product it's used for joint and inflammation support; it's possibly effective for osteoarthritis.
Does ashwagandha really help with sleep and anxiety?
Ashwagandha is possibly effective for insomnia, anxiety, stress, and generalized anxiety disorder. That means there's preliminary evidence it helps, but it's not as strong as evidence for some other treatments.
What are the most common side effects?
Ashwagandha may cause mild diarrhea, nausea, or upset stomach at typical doses. Calcium commonly causes belching, constipation, or bloating. Palmitoylethanolamide occasionally causes nausea.
Can I take this if I have an egg allergy?
No. Eggshell Membrane is derived from eggs, so avoid this product if you have an egg allergy.

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

Not sure if Beneflex AR 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.

Beneflex AR label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Beneflex AR'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 101 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.

Ashwagandha 32 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. Upton R, ed. Ashwagandha Root (Withania somnifera): Analytical, quality control, and therapuetic monograph. Santa Cruz, CA: American Herbal Pharmacopoeia 2000:1-25.
  3. Davis L, Kuttan G. Effect of Withania somnifera on cyclophosphamide-induced urotoxicity. Cancer Lett 2000;148:9-17. PubMed
  4. Davis L, Kuttan G. Suppressive effect of cyclophosphamide-induced toxicity by Withania somnifera extract in mice. J Ethnopharmacol 1998;62:209-14. PubMed
  5. Mishra LC, Singh BB, Dagenais S. Scientific basis for the therapeutic use of Withania somnifera (ashwagandha): a review. Altern Med Rev 2000;5:334-46. DOI
  6. Andallu B, Radhika B. Hypoglycemic, diuretic and hypocholesterolemic effect of winter cherry (Withania somnifera, Dunal) root. Indian J Exp Biol 2000;38:607-9.
  7. Kulkarni RR, Patki PS, Jog VP, et al. Treatment of osteoarthritis with a herbomineral formulation: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study. J Ethnopharmacol 1991;33:91-5. PubMed
  8. Ahumada F, Aspee F, Wikman G, Hancke J. Withania somnifera exract. Its effects on arterial blood pressure in anaesthetized dogs. Phytother Res 1991;5:111-14.
  9. Panda S, Kar A. Withania somnifera and Bauhinia purpurea in the regulation of circulating thyroid hormone concentrations in female mice. J Ethnopharmacol 1999;67:233-39. PubMed
  10. Panda S, Kar A. Changes in thyroid hormone concentrations after administration of ashwagandha root extract to adult male mice. J Pharm Pharmacol 1998;50:1065-68. PubMed
  11. Sehgal, V. N., Verma, P., and Bhattacharya, S. N. Fixed-drug eruption caused by ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): a widely used Ayurvedic drug. Skinmed. 2012;10(1):48-49.
  12. Agnihotri AP, Sontakke SD, Thawani VR, Saoji A, Goswami VS. Effects of Withania somnifera in patients of schizophrenia: a randomized, double blind, placebo controlled pilot trial study. Indian J Pharmacol. 2013;45(4):417-8. PubMed
  13. Biswal BM, Sulaiman SA, Ismail HC, Zakaria H, Musa KI. Effect of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) on the development of chemotherapy-induced fatigue and quality of life in breast cancer patients. Integr Cancer Ther. 2013;12(4):312-22.
  14. Sharma AK, Basu I, Singh S. Efficacy and safety of Ashwagandha root extract in subclinical hypothyroid patients: a double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial. J Altern Complement Med. 2018 Mar;24(3):243-248. PubMed
  15. Durg S, Bavage S, Shivaram SB. Withania somnifera (Indian ginseng) in diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis of scientific evidence from experimental research to clinical application. Phytother Res. 2020;34(5):1041-1059.
  16. Björnsson HK, Björnsson ES, Avula B, et al. Ashwagandha-induced liver injury: A case series from Iceland and the US Drug-Induced Liver Injury Network. Liver Int. 2020;40(4):825-829. PubMed
  17. Tharakan A, Shukla H, Benny IR, Tharakan M, George L, Koshy S. Immunomodulatory Effect of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) Extract-A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo Controlled Trial with an Open Label Extension on Healthy Participants. J Clin Med 2021;1 PubMed
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Eggshell Membrane 3 references
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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.

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