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Dietary supplement

Blood Sugar Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Prince Of Peace

Blood Sugar label
See full label image
Other (e.g. Tea Bag) Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 23, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Blood Sugar 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: Moderate

Blood Sugar is a dietary supplement by Prince Of Peace with 3 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for sore throat and cough, heartburn and stomach upset, mouth ulcers and digestive complaints.Based on those ingredients, 1,104 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Licorice, Bitter Melon, Guava. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against Blood Sugar by Prince Of Peace

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Blood Sugar by Prince Of Peace — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Blood Sugar by Prince Of Peace

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 12, 2026

What’s inside

Low disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Low

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

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 0 of its 3 active ingredients.
  • “Proprietary Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (1.80 Gram(s)) without saying how much of each component you get.

Blood Sugar contains 3 active ingredients formulated as a tea. Licorice is included for its traditional use in supporting various health conditions, though evidence is limited for most uses.

Guava and bitter melon are both plants traditionally associated with blood sugar support, though the evidence we hold doesn't establish either as clearly effective for diabetes or related conditions. There are no inactive ingredients listed for this product.

Does it work?

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

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: helps blood sugar balance and cleansing.
  • We looked for evidence on: Diabetes, Impaired glucose tolerance (prediabetes), Metabolic syndrome, Hypercholesterolemia, blood glucose control, glucose metabolism — and 1 related terms.
  • The closest evidence on file: Bitter Melon is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Diabetes (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Bitter Melon is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Impaired glucose tolerance (prediabetes), Metabolic syndrome.
  • Also on file: Licorice is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Diabetes, Hypercholesterolemia.

The evidence we hold for these ingredients doesn't establish them as clearly effective for blood sugar support. Licorice shows possibly effective evidence only for canker sores and eczema—not for blood sugar itself.

Guava's effectiveness for any condition, including blood sugar management, is rated as having insufficient reliable evidence. Bitter melon is similarly rated as insufficient evidence for diabetes and all other conditions listed in our data.

If blood sugar support is your goal, talk with your pharmacist or doctor about whether this product has the evidence backing you need.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Licorice Guava Bitter Melon

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 3 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 3 of 3.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 3 of 3.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Licorice is generally well tolerated in small food amounts, but at supplement doses the active compound (glycyrrhizin) can cause serious problems with long-term or high-dose use. Common side effects include headache, nausea, and vomiting.

Bitter melon and guava are generally tolerated as foods; gastrointestinal effects like nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort occur in a small number of people taking supplements. Licorice is unsafe in pregnancy because glycyrrhizin has been linked to harmful effects, and there isn't enough safety data to recommend it while breastfeeding.

Bitter melon and guava also lack enough safety data during breastfeeding, though guava fruit as food is likely safe. If you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning either, talk with your pharmacist or doctor before using this product.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Licorice Guava Bitter Melon

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?
  • 3 of the 3 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Bitter Melon, Licorice, Guava.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; diabetes medications; heart-rhythm medications.
  • For scale: 1,105 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking this product, check with your pharmacist if you take digoxin or other heart medications (including midazolam), blood thinners like warfarin, water pills, cancer drugs (cisplatin, paclitaxel, pazopanib), or any medications broken down by your liver. Most importantly, if you take antidiabetes drugs, do not start this product without talking to your doctor or pharmacist—both bitter melon and guava can lower blood sugar and may cause dangerously low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when combined with diabetes medication.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This tea is formulated with traditional blood sugar ingredients, but the evidence supporting their effectiveness isn't established in the data we hold. More importantly, licorice carries multiple Moderate-severity interactions with heart, diabetes, and cancer medications, and both bitter melon and guava can lower blood sugar—a real concern if you're on diabetes drugs.

If you take any medications, especially for your heart, diabetes, or cancer, check them against our interaction tool before you start. Talk with your pharmacist or doctor first if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or on any prescription medication.

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

Assessment coverage: 3 of 3 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated May 22, 2015.

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 Blood Sugar, straight from the product label.

Brand Prince Of Peace
Barcode (UPC) 039278030532
Net contents 18 Tea Bag(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD May 22, 2015
DSLD ID 45805
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Other (e.g. Tea Bag)
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 Blood Sugar by Prince Of Peace, 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 Tea Bag(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Tea Bag(s)
Servings per container
18
UPC/BARCODE
039278030532
IngredientAmount% DV
Calories0 {Calories}--
Total Carbohydrates1 Gram(s)--
Licorice0 NP--
Proprietary Blend1.8 Gram(s)--
Guava0 NP--
Bitter Melon0 NP--

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

Herbal Tea All Natural

Helps blood Sugar balance & cleansing

NET WT 18 TEA BAGS x 1.8g (1.14 oz/32.4g)

Try our Organic Chinese teas Organic Jasmine Green Tea Organic Green Tea Organic Oolong Tea Organic Black Tea Organic Peony White Tea

Ginger Green Tea

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14:27

You are holding one of the excellent herbal teas in the world. Since 1983, Prince of Peace has been a pioneer of Oriental herbal tea products in U.S. We produce high quality teas from natural sources. Safety, efficacy and high potency are the trademarks of our teas. Our proprietary herbal blends are exclusively formulated by our renowned traditional Chinese herb experts. You will feel the difference this herbal tea can make.

SINCE 1983

Product of USA

Try our herbal teas Blood Pressure Blood Sugar Cholesterol Detox Peppermint Green Tea

At Prince of Peace, one of our mottos is "we have been blessed to be a blessing." The Prince of Peace Children's Home (POPCH) and Children's Rehabilitation Center is home over hundred children in Tianjin, China. These children range in age from six months to nine years old, and all suffer from various congenital health ailments such as cerebral palsy, glaucoma, myasthenia gravis, Down Syndrome, albinism, etc. Since 2010, POPCH was chosen as the designated training center of the Training College of the Ministry of Civil Affairs. For more information, please visit www.popsfoundation.org

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Brand IP Statement(s)

Prince of Peace(R) Blood Sugar Tea was developed by experts specialize in traditional Chinese supplement.

(C)2014 Prince of Peace Enterprise, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Formula

Its made from high quality herbs including Guava which can be consumed regularly to maintain a healthy blood sugar balance.

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.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Brewing Directions: Place one tea bag in a 6fl. oz. cup, add hot water and let it steep for 5-10 minutes before drinking. Drink one time a day.

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

See for yourself

Blood Sugar by Prince Of Peace label

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

Blood Sugar 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 Blood Sugar by Prince Of Peace

These are the 3 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Tea Bag(s) Dosage formOther (e.g. Tea Bag) Servings per container18 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.

Proprietary Blend

1.8 Gram(s) per serving
Interaction report

Blood Sugar by Prince Of Peace Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Blood Sugar?

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1,104Drugs
1,041 Moderate 63 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Licorice 1,040
Bitter Melon 282
Guava 86

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Blood Sugar interact with 1,104 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

3 of the 3 ingredients in Blood Sugar interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Licorice Bitter Melon Guava

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Blood Sugar 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.

Licorice18 drug types · 1,040 drugs

Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, licorice might reduce the effects of antihypertensive drugs.
In human research, licorice increases blood pressure in a dose-dependent manner.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Cisplatin (Platinol-Aq)

Theoretically, licorice might reduce the effects of cisplatin.
In animal research, licorice diminished the therapeutic efficacy of cisplatin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Corticosteroids

Theoretically, concomitant use of licorice and corticosteroids might increase the side effects of corticosteroids.
Case reports suggest that concomitant use of licorice and oral corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone, can potentiate the duration of activity and increase blood levels of corticosteroids. Additionally, in one case report, a patient with neurogenic orthostatic hypertension stabilized on fludrocortisone 0.1 mg twice daily developed pseudohyperaldosteronism after recent consumption of large amounts of black licorice.

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

Theoretically, licorice might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2B6.
In vitro research shows that licorice extract and glabridin, a licorice constituent, inhibit CYP2B6 isoenzymes. Licorice extract from the species G. uralensis seems to inhibit CYP2B6 isoenzymes to a greater degree than G. glabra extract in vitro. Theoretically, these species of licorice might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2B6; however, these interactions have not yet been reported in humans.

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

Theoretically, licorice might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C19.
In vitro, licorice extracts from the species G. glabra and G. uralensis inhibit CYP2C19 isoenzymes in vitro. Theoretically, these species of licorice might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C19; however, this interaction has not yet been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2C8 (Cyp2C8) Substrates

Theoretically, licorice might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C8.
In vitro, licorice extract from the species G. glabra and G. uralensis inhibits CYP2C8 isoenzymes. Theoretically, these species of licorice might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C8; however, this interaction has not yet been reported in humans.

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

Theoretically, licorice might increase or decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C9.
There is conflicting evidence about the effect of licorice on CYP2C9 enzyme activity. In vitro research shows that extracts from the licorice species G. glabra and G. uralensis moderately inhibit CYP2C9 isoenzymes. However, evidence from an animal model shows that licorice extract from the species G. uralensis can induce hepatic CYP2C9 activity. Until more is known, licorice should be used cautiously in people taking CYP2C9 substrates.

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

Theoretically, licorice might increase or decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Pharmacokinetic research shows that the licorice constituent glycyrrhizin, taken in a dosage of 150 mg orally twice daily for 14 days, modestly decreases the area under the concentration-time curve of midazolam by about 20%. Midazolam is a substrate of CYP3A4, suggesting that glycyrrhizin modestly induces CYP3A4 activity. Animal research also shows that licorice extract from the species G. uralensis induces CYP3A4 activity. However, licorice extract from G. glabra species appear to inhibit CYP3A4-induced metabolism of testosterone in vitro. It is thought that the G. glabra inhibits CYP3A4 due to its constituent glabridin, which is a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor in vitro and not present in other licorice species. Until more is known, licorice should be used cautiously in people taking CYP3A4 substrates.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Theoretically, concomitant use of licorice with digoxin might increase the risk of cardiac toxicity.
Overuse or misuse of licorice with cardiac glycoside therapy might increase the risk of cardiac toxicity due to potassium loss.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Diuretic Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use of licorice with diuretic drugs might increase the risk of hypokalemia.
Overuse of licorice might compound diuretic-induced potassium loss. In one case report, a 72-year-old male with a past medical history of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, arrhythmia, stroke, and hepatic dysfunction was hospitalized with severe hypokalemia and uncontrolled hypertension due to pseudohyperaldosteronism. This was thought to be provoked by concomitant daily consumption of a product containing 225 mg of glycyrrhizin, a constituent of licorice, and hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg for 1 month.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Estrogens

Theoretically, licorice might increase or decrease the effects of estrogen therapy.
Theoretically, licorice might interfere with estrogen therapy due to estrogenic and anti-estrogenic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Loop Diuretics

Theoretically, loop diuretics might increase the mineralocorticoid effects of licorice.
Theoretically, loop diuretics might enhance the mineralocorticoid effects of licorice by inhibiting the enzyme that converts cortisol to cortisone; however, bumetanide (Bumex) does not appear to have this effect.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Midazolam (Versed)

Theoretically, licorice might decrease levels of midazolam.
In humans, the licorice constituent glycyrrhizin appears to moderately induce the metabolism of midazolam. This is likely due to induction of cytochrome P450 3A4 by licorice. Until more is known, licorice should be used cautiously in people taking midazolam.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
P-Glycoprotein Substrates

Theoretically, licorice might decrease the absorption of P-glycoprotein substrates.
In vitro research shows that licorice can increase P-glycoprotein activity.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Paclitaxel (Abraxane, Onxol)

Theoretically, licorice might decrease plasma levels and clinical effects of paclitaxel.
Multiple doses of licorice taken concomitantly with paclitaxel might reduce the effectiveness of paclitaxel. Animal research shows that licorice 3 grams/kg given orally for 14 days before intravenous administration of paclitaxel decreases the exposure to paclitaxel and increases its clearance. Theoretically, this occurs because licorice induces cytochrome P450 3A4 enzymes, which metabolize paclitaxel. Notably, a single dose of licorice did not affect exposure or clearance of paclitaxel.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, licorice might decrease plasma levels and clinical effects of warfarin.
Licorice seems to increase metabolism and decrease levels of warfarin in animal models. This is likely due to induction of cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) metabolism by licorice. Advise patients taking warfarin to avoid taking licorice.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates

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

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Methotrexate (Trexall, Others)

Theoretically, licorice might increase levels of methotrexate.
Animal research suggests that intravenous administration of glycyrrhizin, a licorice constituent, and high-dose methotrexate may delay methotrexate excretion and increase systemic exposure, leading to transient elevations in liver enzymes and total bilirubin. This interaction has not yet been reported in humans.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Licorice full monograph & interactions

Bitter Melon3 drug types · 282 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Taking bitter melon with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Bitter melon can lower blood glucose levels and might have additive effects when used with antidiabetes drugs. This might increase the risk of hypoglycemia in some patients. Monitor blood glucose levels closely.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
P-Glycoprotein Substrates

Theoretically, bitter melon might increase levels of P-glycoprotein substrates.
Bitter melon might inhibit the p-glycoprotein (P-gp) intestinal pump and increase intracellular levels of P-gp substrates. In vitro research in intestinal cells shows that 1-monopalmitin, a constituent of bitter melon, increases levels of daunomycin, a P-gp substrate. Additionally, drinking bitter melon juice has been associated with a case of acute pancreatitis in a patient who had been taking pazopanib, a P-gp substrate, for 8 years. Researchers theorize that inhibition of P-gp led to increased levels of pazopanib, resulting in pazopanib-induced pancreatitis.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Pazopanib (Votrient)

Theoretically, bitter melon might increase levels of pazopanib, potentially increasing the risk of adverse effects.
In one case, a 65-year-old patient taking pazopanib for 8 years for renal cell carcinoma experienced signs and symptoms consistent with acute pancreatitis 4 days after drinking bitter melon juice at a dose of 100-150 mL daily. The patient's symptoms, amylase levels, and lipase levels improved upon discontinuation of bitter melon and pazopanib. Pazopanib treatment was re-initiated with no further evidence of pancreatitis. Researchers theorize that inhibition of P-glycoprotein by bitter melon led to increased levels of pazopanib, a P-glycoprotein substrate, resulting in pazopanib-induced pancreatitis.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Bitter Melon full monograph & interactions

Guava1 drug type · 86 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use with antidiabetes drugs might have additive effects and increase the risk of hypoglycemia. Animal research shows that guava leaf extract or guava fruit can have hypoglycemic effects. Monitor blood glucose levels closely. Medication dose adjustments may be necessary. Some antidiabetes drugs include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (Diabeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, metformin, pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), and others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Guava full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Blood Sugar, from the product label.

Prince Of Peace

See all Prince Of Peace products
Web Address
www.popsfoundation.org
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Blood Sugar by Prince Of Peace: Common Questions

Does Blood Sugar by Prince Of Peace interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Blood Sugar has a known interaction with 1,104 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Blood Sugar contains 3 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?
No—licorice is unsafe in pregnancy because the active compound glycyrrhizin has been linked to harmful effects. Bitter melon and guava lack enough safety data to recommend them during pregnancy either. Talk with your doctor before considering this product.
Is licorice safe for long-term use?
Licorice is generally fine in small food amounts, but at supplement doses the active compound can cause serious problems with long-term or high-dose use. If you're considering this as an ongoing tea, check with your pharmacist about how long is safe for you.
What side effects might I experience?
Common side effects from licorice include headache, nausea, and vomiting. Bitter melon and guava may cause gastrointestinal upset—nausea, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, or heartburn. These occurred in a small number of people taking supplements in studies.
Will this actually help my blood sugar?
The evidence we hold doesn't establish that any of these ingredients work for blood sugar or diabetes. Talk with your doctor about whether this product is right for you or if there are other options with stronger evidence backing.
Is this safe while breastfeeding?
There isn't enough safety information on licorice or bitter melon during breastfeeding, so it's best avoided. Guava fruit as food is likely safe, but concentrated supplements aren't well studied. Talk with your pharmacist or doctor for personalized advice.
What does licorice do in this formula?
Licorice is included for its traditional use in health support, but in this product it's more of a concern because it interacts with many medications. If you take heart drugs, blood thinners, diabetes medications, or cancer drugs, licorice is a real issue—check with your pharmacist first.

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.

Blood Sugar label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Blood Sugar’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Licorice

Interacts with 1,040 drugs

Licorice root is a traditional remedy used for sore throats, coughs, and digestive complaints, but solid human evidence is limited for most uses. Regular licorice contains glycyrrhizin, whic...

Read the full Licorice monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Guava

Interacts with 86 drugs

Guava is a tropical fruit tree whose leaves and fruit have a long history of folk use for diarrhea, blood sugar, and general wellness. The fruit is a nutritious food rich in vitamin C, but e...

Read the full Guava monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Bitter Melon

Interacts with 282 drugs

Bitter melon is a tropical fruit eaten as food and used in traditional medicine, most often for blood sugar control. While some small studies hint it may modestly lower blood sugar, the evid...

Read the full Bitter Melon monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Blood Sugar'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 117 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.

Licorice 92 references
  1. Farese RV Jr, Biglieri EG, Shackleton CH, et al. Licorice-induced hypermineralocorticoidism. N Engl J Med 1991;325:1223-7. PubMed
  2. Sigurjonsdottir HA, Ragnarsson J, Franzson L, Sigurdsson G. Is blood pressure commonly raised by moderate consumption of liquorice? J Hum Hypertens 1995;9:345-8.
  3. Armanini D, Lewicka S, Pratesi C, et al. Further studies on the mechanism of the mineralocorticoid action of licorice in humans. J Endocrinol Invest 1996;19:624-9. PubMed
  4. Zhang YD, Lorenzo B, Reidenberg MM. Inhibition of 11 beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase obtained from guinea pig kidney by furosemide, naringenin and some other compounds. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 1994;49:81-5.
  5. Strandberg TE, Jarvenpaa AL, Vanhanen H, McKeigue PM. Birth outcome in relation to licorice consumption during pregnancy. Am J Epidemiol 2001;153:1085-8. PubMed
  6. Sigurjonsdottir HA, Franzson L, Manhem K, et al. Liquorice-induced rise in blood pressure: a linear dose-response relationship. J Hum Hypertens 2001;15:549-52. PubMed
  7. Amato P, Christophe S, Mellon PL. Estrogenic activity of herbs commonly used as remedies for menopausal symptoms. Menopause 2002;9:145-50. PubMed
  8. Kent UM, Aviram M, Rosenblat M, Hollenberg PF. The licorice root derived isoflavan glabridin inhibits the activities of human cytochrome P450S 3A4, 2B6, and 2C9. Drug Metab Dispos 2002;30:709-15.. PubMed
  9. Yoshida S, Takayama Y. Licorice-induced hypokalemia as a treatable cause of dropped head syndrome. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2003;105:286-7.. PubMed
  10. Strandberg TE, Andersson S, Jarvenpaa AL, et al. Preterm birth and licorice consumption during pregnancy. Am J Epidemiol 2002;156:803-5.. PubMed
  11. Hussain RM. The sweet cake that reaches parts other cakes can't! Postgrad Med J 2003;79:115-6.. PubMed
  12. Morris DJ, Davis E, Latif SA. Licorice, tobacco chewing, and hypertension. N Engl J Med 1990;322:849-50. PubMed
  13. Quinkler M, Stewart PM. Hypertension and the cortisol-cortisone shuttle. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2003;88:2384-92. PubMed
  14. Westman EC, Guthrie GP. Licorice, tobacco chewing, and hypertension. N Engl J Med 1990;322:850. PubMed
  15. Mu Y, Zhang J, Zhang S, et al. Traditional Chinese medicines Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra chinensis Baill) and Gan Cao (Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch) activate pregnane X receptor and increase warfarin clearance in rats. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2006;316:1369-77. PubMed
  16. Yasue H, Itoh T, Mizuno Y, Harada E. Severe hypokalemia, rhabdomyolysis, muscle paralysis, and respiratory impairment in a hypertensive patient taking herbal medicines containing licorice. Intern Med 2007;46:575-8. PubMed
  17. Brayley J, Jones J. Life-threatening hypokalemia associated with excessive licorice ingestion (letter). Am J Psychiatry 1994;151:617-8. PubMed
  18. de Klerk GJ, Nieuwenhuis G, Beutler JJ. Hypokalaemia and hypertension associated with use of liquorice flavoured chewing gum. BMJ 1997;314:731-2.
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Guava 7 references
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Bitter Melon 18 references
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DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

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