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Dietary supplement

Calamus Root Vanilla Flavor Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by TerraVita

Liquid Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Calamus Root Vanilla Flavor is a dietary supplement by TerraVita with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for digestive upset and gas, loss of appetite, memory and focus (traditional).Based on those ingredients, 1,117 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Calamus Root Glycerite Liquid Extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Calamus Root Vanilla Flavor by TerraVita

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

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: Calamus Root Glycerite Liquid Extract. The extract is prepared in glycerin and flavored with vanilla.

Calamus root has been used traditionally to support digestion and appetite, though the evidence for these uses is not well established in the data we hold.

Does it work?

Couldn't assess
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 assessable

This is a single-ingredient Calamus product and its label doesn't state a use — see Calamus's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.

The evidence for calamus root is insufficient to rate it reliably. The data notes claims related to bronchitis, anorexia nervosa, asthma, and cancer, but none of these uses have enough dependable research to support them.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this is the right choice for what you're trying to address.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Calamus

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 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Calamus root raises serious safety concerns. The safety data advises against it during pregnancy and while breastfeeding — it may affect the uterus and contains potentially toxic compounds.

The most significant concern is that some forms of calamus contain beta-asarone, a compound that may cause cancer and has been banned from food by the FDA. The product itself lists calamus as likely unsafe for use.

Reported side effects include nausea, vomiting, and in rare cases intestinal paralysis and an unusually fast heartbeat (tachycardia). Because of the cancer risk and limited safety information, this product carries real concerns.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Calamus

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?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Calamus.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • For scale: 1,118 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 doctor or pharmacist if you take any CNS depressants (sleeping pills, sedatives, anti-anxiety drugs), blood pressure medications, drugs metabolized by the liver enzymes CYP2D6 or CYP3A4 (a very large group including many antidepressants and heart medications), anticholinergic medications, cholinergic drugs, MAOIs (certain antidepressants), or acid-reducing stomach medications (H2-blockers). All of these have moderate to minor interaction risks with calamus.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no assessable stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Given the cancer risk from beta-asarone, the serious medication interactions, and the lack of solid evidence that calamus works for its traditional uses, this is not a product we'd typically recommend. If you're considering it for a specific health concern, talk it over with your doctor or pharmacist first — they can discuss safer alternatives and whether the potential risks are worth it for you.

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

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Nov 22, 2022.

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 Calamus Root Vanilla Flavor, straight from the product label.

Brand TerraVita
Barcode (UPC) 064434282425
Net contents 1 Fluid Ounce(s); 30 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Nov 22, 2022
DSLD ID 280369
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other
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 Calamus Root Vanilla Flavor by TerraVita, 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:
25 Drop(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
40 Drop(s)
Servings per container
227
UPC/BARCODE
064434282425
IngredientAmount% DV
Calamus Root Glycerite Liquid Extract0.13 mL--

Other ingredients: Glycerin, Vanilla Flavor

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.
Brand IP Statement(s)

Copyright 2005 TerraVita - Distributed by ZooScape LLC, All Rights Reserved.

Formula

Glycerite liquid extract (1:5)

Vanilla flavored

Formulation

Alcohol free

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: Take 25-40 drops of extract in a small amount of warm water 3-4 times daily. Shake well before using.

Precautions

Keep away from children.

Do not use if safety seal around cap is broken or missing.

See for yourself

Calamus Root Vanilla Flavor by TerraVita label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Calamus Root Vanilla Flavor by TerraVita

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size25 Drop(s) Dosage formLiquid Servings per container227 Amounts shown are per serving.

Calamus Root Glycerite Liquid Extract

Interacts with
1,117 drugs
0.13 mL per serving

Calamus is a swamp plant with a long history in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine, mostly for digestive and nervous-system complaints. Howeve...

Calamus Root Glycerite Liquid Extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Glycerin, Vanilla Flavor. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Calamus Root Vanilla Flavor by TerraVita Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Calamus Root Vanilla Flavor?

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
1,117Drugs
1,098 Moderate 19 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Calamus Root Vanilla Flavor with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Calamus Root Glycerite Liquid Extract10 drug types · 1,117 drugs

Anticholinergic Drugs

Theoretically, concurrent use of anticholinergic drugs and calamus might decrease the effectiveness of the anticholinergic drug.
In vitro evidence shows that calamus can inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE).

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, taking calamus with other antihypertensive medications might increase the risk of hypotension.
Animal research shows that calamus decreases the rate and strength of the heartbeat, which might lower blood pressure. use with caution.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cholinergic Drugs

Theoretically, concurrent use of cholinergic drugs and calamus might have an additive effect and increase the risk of cholinergic effects.
In vitro evidence shows that calamus can inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE).

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cns Depressants

Theoretically, concurrent use of CNS depressants and calamus might have an additive effect and increase the risk of sedative effects.
Animal research shows that calamus is a CNS depressant and increases gamma-aminobutyric acid levels.

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

Theoretically, taking calamus with drugs metabolized by CYP2D6 might increase drug levels and potentially increase the risk of adverse effects.
In vitro research shows that calamus extract inhibits CYP2D6 enzyme.

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

Theoretically, taking calamus with drugs metabolized by CYP3A4 might increase drug levels and potentially increase the risk of adverse effects.
In vitro research shows that calamus extract inhibits CYP3A4 enzyme.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (Maois)

Theoretically, calamus might potentiate the effects and adverse effects of MAOIs.
Some reports suggest that calamus increases the effects of MAOIs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antacids

Theoretically, taking calamus might reduce the effectiveness of antacids.
Some research suggests that calamus lowers gastric pH.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
H2-Blockers

Theoretically, taking calamus might reduce the effectiveness of H2-blockers.
Some research suggests that calamus lowers gastric pH.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Proton Pump Inhibitors (Ppis)

Theoretically, taking calamus might reduce the effectiveness of PPIs.
Some research suggests that calamus lowers gastric pH.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Calamus Root Vanilla Flavor, from the product label.

TerraVita

See all TerraVita products
Name
ZooScape LLC
Phone Number
844-449-0444
Web Address
www.ZooScape.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Calamus Root Vanilla Flavor by TerraVita: Common Questions

Does Calamus Root Vanilla Flavor by TerraVita interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Calamus Root Vanilla Flavor has a known interaction with 1,117 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Calamus Root Vanilla Flavor contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Is calamus safe to take while I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. The safety data rates calamus as likely unsafe during pregnancy and lactation — it may affect the uterus and contains potentially toxic compounds. Don't use this product if you're pregnant or nursing.
What are the main side effects I might experience?
The most common reported side effects are nausea and vomiting. In rare cases, serious effects like intestinal paralysis and an unusually fast heartbeat (tachycardia) have been reported. The biggest concern is a compound called beta-asarone found in some calamus products, which carries a cancer risk — it's been banned from food by the FDA.
Does calamus actually work for what it's supposed to do?
The evidence isn't established. Calamus is traditionally used for bronchitis, anorexia nervosa, and asthma, but none of these uses have enough reliable research to support them. There's not enough data to say whether it really works.
Why does this product interact with so many medications?
Calamus inhibits two key liver enzymes — CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 — that your body uses to break down hundreds of different prescription drugs. When calamus blocks these enzymes, drug levels can build up in your blood, raising the risk of side effects. It also has its own effects on the nervous system and heart that can add to or interfere with how medications work.
Can I take this with my blood pressure medication?
Not without checking with your doctor first. Calamus can lower blood pressure on its own, so combining it with blood pressure medications might drop your pressure too much. Your doctor or pharmacist needs to weigh the risk for you based on which medication you take and your current readings.

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.

Calamus Root Vanilla Flavor label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Calamus Root Vanilla Flavor’s Ingredients

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

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Calamus Root Vanilla Flavor'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 13 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.

Calamus 13 references
  1. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
  2. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
  3. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publ, 1997.
  4. Shoba, F. G. and Thomas, M. Study of antidiarrhoeal activity of four medicinal plants in castor-oil induced diarrhoea. J Ethnopharmacol 2001;76(1):73-76. PubMed
  5. Koo, B. S., Park, K. S., Ha, J. H., Park, J. H., Lim, J. C., and Lee, D. U. Inhibitory effects of the fragrance inhalation of essential oil from Acorus gramineus on central nervous system. Biol Pharm.Bull. 2003;26(7):978-982. PubMed
  6. Oh, M. H., Houghton, P. J., Whang, W. K., and Cho, J. H. Screening of Korean herbal medicines used to improve cognitive function for anti-cholinesterase activity. Phytomedicine 2004;11(6):544-548. PubMed
  7. Panchal, G. M., Venkatakrishna-Bhatt, H., Doctor, R. B., and Vajpayee, S. Pharmacology of Acorus calamus L. Indian J Exp.Biol 1989;27(6):561-567.
  8. Vargas, C. P., Wolf, L. R., Gamm, S. R., and Koontz, K. Getting to the root (Acorus calamus) of the problem. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 1998;36(3):259-260.
  9. Pandit S, Mukherjee PK, Ponnusankar S, Venkatesh M, Srikanth N. Metabolism mediated interaction of a-asarone and Acorus calamus with CYP3A4 and CYP2D6. Fitoterapia 2011;82(3):369-74.
  10. Sharma V, Singh I, Chaudhary P. Acorus calamus (The Healing Plant): a review on its medicinal potential, micropropagation and conservation. Nat Prod Res. 2014;28(18):1454-66.
  11. Björnstad K, Helander A, Hultén P, Beck O. Bioanalytical investigation of asarone in connection with Acorus calamus oil intoxications. J Anal Toxicol 2009;33(9):604-9. PubMed
  12. Federal Register. Volume 33, Page 6967. U.S. Government Publishing Office. http://api.fdsys.gov/link?collection=fr&volume=33&page=6967. Accessed May 23, 2018.
  13. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 189 - Substances Prohibited From Use in Human Food. Available at: https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=259fa8a1284cad42676075c8425c7333&mc=true&node=pt21.3.189&rgn=div5.

See these in context on the Calamus monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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