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

Berberine Complex Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Swanson

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

First and foremost: checking Berberine Complex 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

Berberine Complex is a dietary supplement by Swanson with 4 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for blood sugar support, high cholesterol, indigestion and gas.Based on those ingredients, 1,194 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Berberine HCl, Gymnema sylvestre, Fenugreek. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

Jump to a section

Check Your Meds Against Berberine Complex by Swanson

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

Pharmacist-reviewed data Checks every ingredient Answer in seconds
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Berberine Complex by Swanson

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

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 4 of its 4 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Swanson's Berberine Complex contains four active ingredients. Berberine HCl is an alkaloid compound with a track record in traditional medicine for metabolic support.

Ceylon cinnamon is a spice with potential effects on blood sugar and pressure. Fenugreek is a legume seed often used for blood sugar and digestive health.

Gymnema sylvestre is an herbal extract traditionally used to support glucose metabolism. Together they're formulated as a combination product meant to work on overlapping metabolic pathways.

The capsule also contains inactive ingredients — hypromellose, rice bran, magnesium stearate, and silica — which are fillers and binders.

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: blood sugar metabolism and cardiovascular health.
  • We looked for evidence on: Diabetes, Impaired glucose tolerance (prediabetes), Hyperlipidemia, Hypertension, Coronary heart disease (CHD), Congestive heart failure (CHF) — and 4 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Fenugreek is rated "Possibly Effective" for Diabetes (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Berberine is rated "Possibly Effective" for Diabetes, Hyperlipidemia, Hypertension.
  • Also on file: Ceylon Cinnamon is rated "Possibly Ineffective" for Diabetes, Obesity.

Berberine shows possibly effective evidence for high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia), polycystic ovary syndrome, bacterial stomach infections (Helicobacter pylori), high blood pressure, and diabetes. Fenugreek is rated possibly effective for sexual dysfunction, sexual arousal, painful periods (dysmenorrhea), and diabetes.

Ceylon cinnamon and gymnema are not rated effective by the data we hold — Ceylon cinnamon is possibly ineffective for obesity and diabetes, with insufficient evidence for hay fever, COPD, and colds, while gymnema shows insufficient evidence for diabetes, obesity, prediabetes, and metabolic syndrome. No effectiveness data exists to support using this combination product as a single unit.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Ceylon Cinnamon Berberine Fenugreek Gymnema

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 4 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.

The ingredients are generally well tolerated short-term, but each carries cautions. Berberine often causes digestive upset — abdominal pain, distension, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting — and can cause dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, and headache.

Ceylon cinnamon at food doses is safe, but supplement doses are less studied; cases of bleeding and skin reactions have been reported. Fenugreek typically causes bloating, diarrhea, nausea, and flatulence, and rare severe allergic reactions (angioedema, bronchospasm) have occurred.

Gymnema is generally well tolerated but one case of severe liver inflammation (hepatitis) has been reported after concentrated tea. Berberine is likely unsafe in pregnancy and breastfeeding — it may cross the placenta and pass into milk.

Ceylon cinnamon is likely safe in pregnancy but likely unsafe at medicinal doses; breastfeeding safety is unknown. Fenugreek is likely unsafe in pregnancy (supplement amounts may affect the uterus) but possibly safe while breastfeeding, though evidence is limited.

Gymnema should be avoided in pregnancy and breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Ceylon Cinnamon Berberine Fenugreek Gymnema

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 4 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Ceylon Cinnamon, Fenugreek, Gymnema, 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: 1,195 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 Berberine Complex, check whether you take cyclosporine (Major interaction with berberine). Also double-check any blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs, diabetes medications, blood pressure drugs, sedating medications, theophylline, phenytoin, sildenafil, metoprolol, or any drug your liver metabolizes through CYP3A4, CYP2D6, CYP2C9, or CYP1A2 pathways — all carry Moderate interactions with one or more ingredients.

Use the medication checker on this page with your full list.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

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

This product is built for people managing blood sugar or cholesterol through diet and herbs, but it's not a solo player — check every prescription, over-the-counter drug, and supplement you take against the interaction tool first. If you take cyclosporine, blood thinners, diabetes drugs, blood pressure medication, sedatives, or drugs processed through your liver, talk to your pharmacist before adding this.

Pregnant or breastfeeding? Skip it and discuss alternatives with your doctor.

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

Assessment coverage: 4 of 4 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated May 28, 2019.

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 Berberine Complex, straight from the product label.

Brand Swanson
Barcode (UPC) 087614116297
Net contents 90 Veggie Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD May 28, 2019
DSLD ID 203168
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 Berberine Complex by Swanson, 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:
1 Veggie Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Veggie Capsule(s)
UPC/BARCODE
087614116297
IngredientAmount% DV
Ceylon Cinnamon150 mg--
Berberine HCl150 mg--
Fenugreek150 mg--
Gymnema sylvestre150 mg--

Other ingredients: Hypromellose, Rice Bran, Magnesium Stearate, Silica

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

Supports blood sugar metabolism and cardiovascular health Provides comprehensive metabolic support Science-Backed Quality Since 1969

Blood sugar support Effective metabolic support

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use: As a dietary supplement, take one veggie capsule per day with food and water.

Precautions

Warning: For adults only.

Do not take this product if you are pregnant or nursing. Consult your physician before using this or any product if you are taking medication, especially medications that affect blood sugar levels or have a medical condition, especially hypoglycemia or diabetes.

Keep out of reach of children.

Do not use if seal is broken.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

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.

Formula

With Cinnamon, Gymnema & Fenugreek

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

General

SW1629 Rev 2 10 18 18

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

See for yourself

Berberine Complex by Swanson label

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

Berberine Complex 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 Berberine Complex by Swanson

These are the 4 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Veggie Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule 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.

Ceylon Cinnamon

Interacts with
258 drugs
150 mg per serving

Ceylon cinnamon is the so-called 'true' cinnamon, valued as a spice and used in traditional medicine for blood sugar, cholesterol, and digestion. Evid...

Ceylon Cinnamon monograph & interactions

Berberine HCl

Interacts with
1,160 drugs
150 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 HCl monograph & interactions

Fenugreek

Interacts with
389 drugs
150 mg per serving

Fenugreek is a common kitchen spice that is also taken as a supplement, mainly for blood sugar, cholesterol, and to support breast milk production. So...

Fenugreek monograph & interactions

Gymnema sylvestre

Interacts with
851 drugs
150 mg per serving

Gymnema is an Ayurvedic herb best known for possibly helping lower blood sugar and reducing the taste of sweetness on the tongue. Some early human stu...

Gymnema sylvestre monograph & interactions

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

Interaction report

Berberine Complex by Swanson Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Berberine Complex?

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
1,194Drugs
1 Major 1,193 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Berberine HCl 1,160
Gymnema sylvestre 851
Fenugreek 389
Ceylon Cinnamon 258

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Berberine Complex interact with 1,194 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

4 of the 4 ingredients in Berberine Complex interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Berberine HCl Gymnema sylvestre Fenugreek Ceylon Cinnamon

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Berberine Complex 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.

Berberine HCl15 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 HCl full monograph & interactions

Gymnema sylvestre6 drug types · 851 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking gymnema with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Gymnema reduces blood glucose levels in some human and animal research. In human studies, it has been shown to enhance the blood glucose lowering effects of hypoglycemic drugs. However, other research in adults with prediabetes or metabolic syndrome suggests that gymnema does not reduce fasting levels of blood glucose. Until more is known, monitor blood glucose levels closely.

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

Theoretically, gymnema might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2.
Animal and in vitro research shows that gymnema can inhibit the CYP1A2 enzyme. In one animal study, oral administration of gymnema for 7 days increased the plasma concentrations of phenacetin, a CYP1A2 substrate, by about 1.4-fold and reduced the clearance of phenacetin by about 29%.

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

Theoretically, gymnema might increase or decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C9.
Animal research shows that gymnema can induce the CYP2C9 enzyme. In one animal study, gymnema caused a 2.4-fold increase in the clearance of tolbutamide, a CYP2C9 substrate, in rats. In vitro research also shows that gymnema can inhibit CYP2C9.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Phenacetin

Theoretically, taking gymnema with phenacetin might increase the levels of phenacetin.
Animal research shows that gymnema, administered orally for 7 days, decreases the clearance of phenacetin in a dose-dependent manner by about 21% to 29% and increases plasma levels about 1.3- to 1.4-fold when compared to control.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Tolbutamide (Orinase)

Theoretically, taking gymnema with tolbutamide might the decrease levels of tolbutamide.
Animal research shows that gymnema, administered orally for 7 days, increases the clearance of tolbutamide by 2.4-fold when compared to control.

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

Theoretically, gymnema might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
One in vitro study using rat liver microsomes shows that gymnema can modestly inhibit the CYP3A4 enzyme. However, other in vitro research using human liver microsomes shows that gymnema does not affect CYP3A4 activity. Animal research also shows that gymnema does not alter the function of CYP3A4. In one study in rats, oral administration of gymnema for 7 days did not alter the clearance of amlodipine, a CYP3A4 substrate.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Gymnema sylvestre full monograph & interactions

Fenugreek9 drug types · 389 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, fenugreek might have additive effects when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Some of the constituents in fenugreek have antiplatelet effects in animal and in vitro research. However, common fenugreek products might not contain sufficient concentrations of these constituents for clinical effects. A clinical study in patients with coronary artery disease or diabetes shows that taking fenugreek seed powder 2.5 grams twice daily for 3 months does not affect platelet aggregation, fibrinolytic activity, or fibrinogen levels .

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, fenugreek seed might have additive hypoglycemic effects when used with antidiabetes drugs.
Clinical research shows that fenugreek seed can reduce fasting blood glucose and 2-hour postprandial glucose levels in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Clopidogrel (Plavix)

Theoretically, fenugreek seed might alter the clinical effects of clopidogrel by inhibiting its conversion to the active form.
Animal research shows that fenugreek seed 200 mg/kg daily for 14 days increases the maximum serum concentration of clopidogrel by 21%. It is unclear how this affects the pharmacokinetics of the active metabolite of clopidogrel; however, this study found that concomitant use of fenugreek seed and clopidogrel prolonged bleeding time by an additional 11%.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Metoprolol (Toprol)

Theoretically, fenugreek seed might have additive hypotensive effects when used with metoprolol.
Animal research shows that fenugreek seed 300 mg/kg daily for 2 weeks decreases systolic and diastolic blood pressure by 9% and 11%, respectively, when administered alone, and by 15% and 22%, respectively, when given with metoprolol 10 mg/kg.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Phenytoin (Dilantin)

Theoretically, fenugreek might decrease plasma levels of phenytoin.
Animal research shows that taking fenugreek seeds for 1 week decreases maximum concentrations and the area under the curve of a single dose of phenytoin by 44% and 72%, respectively. This seems to be related to increased clearance. So far, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Sildenafil (Viagra)

Theoretically, concurrent use of sildenafil and fenugreek might reduce levels and therapeutic effects of sildenafil.
Animal research shows that taking fenugreek seeds for 1 week reduces maximum concentrations and the area under the curve of a single dose of sildenafil by 27% and 48%, respectively. So far, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Theophylline

Theoretically, fenugreek may reduce the levels and clinical effects of theophylline.
Animal research shows that fenugreek 50 grams daily for 7 days reduces the maximum serum concentration (Cmax) of theophylline by 28% and the area under the plasma drug concentration-time curve (AUC) by 22%.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, fenugreek might have additive effects with warfarin and increase the international normalized ratio (INR).
Some fenugreek constituents have antiplatelet effects, although these might not be present in concentrations that are clinically significant. In one case report, a patient taking warfarin experienced an increased INR when starting to take fenugreek in combination with boldo.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antihypertensive Drugs

Fenugreek may also have an additive effect on blood pressure-lowering medications. Studies on animals have shown that fenugreek seed can decrease both systolic and diastolic blood pressure by up to 22% when combined with metoprolol. Therefore, it is essential to monitor your blood pressure regularly if you are taking fenugreek and metoprolol together or any other antihypertensive drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence C
Fenugreek full monograph & interactions

Ceylon Cinnamon2 drug types · 258 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, Ceylon cinnamon may have additive effects with antidiabetes drugs.
Ceylon cinnamon may lower blood glucose levels. Dose adjustments might be necessary.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, Ceylon cinnamon might have additive effects with antihypertensive drugs and increase the risk of hypotension.
Animal research shows that Ceylon cinnamon extract has vasorelaxant properties and reduces blood pressure in rat models of hypertension, possibly via inhibition of calcium influx through L-type voltage-sensitive channels.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Ceylon Cinnamon full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Berberine Complex, from the product label.

Swanson

See all Swanson products
Name
Swanson Health Products
City
Fargo
State
ND
ZipCode
58104
Phone Number
1-800-437-4148
Web Address
swanson.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Berberine Complex by Swanson: Common Questions

Does Berberine Complex by Swanson interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Berberine Complex has a known interaction with 1,194 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?
Berberine Complex contains 4 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. Berberine is rated likely unsafe in pregnancy and breastfeeding — it may cross the placenta and pass into breast milk. Gymnema should also be avoided because there isn't enough safety data. Fenugreek is risky in pregnancy (supplement amounts may affect the uterus) but possibly okay while nursing. Talk with your doctor about what's safe for you.
Will this help my blood sugar?
Berberine and fenugreek have some evidence they may help diabetes, but gymnema and Ceylon cinnamon don't show reliable evidence in our data. Even the two with support aren't proven for everyone, so don't rely on this alone — work with your doctor to monitor your levels.
What are the most common side effects?
Digestive upset is the biggest complaint — bloating, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain, mostly from berberine and fenugreek. Berberine can also cause dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, and headache. Ceylon cinnamon and fenugreek may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive people.
What is berberine, and what's it supposed to do?
Berberine is an alkaloid compound extracted from plants like barberry and goldenseal. It's traditionally used for metabolic support — our data suggests it may help with cholesterol, blood sugar, blood pressure, and stomach infections — though it's not a cure for any of them.
Is this product safe to use long-term?
The safety data we hold covers short-term use mainly. Berberine is generally tolerated short-term but can cause digestive side effects and interacts with many medicines, so ongoing use should be discussed with your doctor or pharmacist. Long-term effects of the combination aren't established.
Why does fenugreek sometimes make people smell unusual?
Fenugreek can produce a specific body odor in sweat and urine — sometimes described as maple syrup–like. This has been reported in both people taking it and infants born to mothers who consumed it during pregnancy. The odor goes away when you stop using it.

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.

Berberine Complex label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Berberine Complex’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Ceylon Cinnamon

Interacts with 258 drugs

Ceylon cinnamon is the so-called 'true' cinnamon, valued as a spice and used in traditional medicine for blood sugar, cholesterol, and digestion. Evidence for most health benefits is limited...

Read the full Ceylon Cinnamon 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

Fenugreek

Interacts with 389 drugs

Fenugreek is a common kitchen spice that is also taken as a supplement, mainly for blood sugar, cholesterol, and to support breast milk production. Some early research is encouraging for blo...

Read the full Fenugreek monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Gymnema

Interacts with 851 drugs

Gymnema is an Ayurvedic herb best known for possibly helping lower blood sugar and reducing the taste of sweetness on the tongue. Some early human studies are encouraging for blood sugar sup...

Read the full Gymnema monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Berberine Complex'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 105 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.

Ceylon Cinnamon 22 references
  1. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
  2. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
  3. Choi HK, Jung GW, Moon KH, et al. Clinical study of SS-Cream in patients with lifelong premature ejaculation. Urology 2000;55:257-61. PubMed
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Gymnema 12 references
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