Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Calm Response Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Innate Response Formulas

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

Calm Response is a dietary supplement by Innate Response Formulas with 7 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for anxiety and stress, relaxation and calm, sleep support.Based on those ingredients, 1,597 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Ashwagandha root extract, Bacopa monnieri leaf extract, Passionflower extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Calm Response by Innate Response Formulas

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 7 of its 7 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Calm Response contains seven active ingredients chosen for their traditional use in supporting calm and relaxation. L-theanine is an amino acid from green tea; vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an antioxidant; Holy Basil extract, ashwagandha root extract, passionflower extract, bacopa monnieri leaf extract, and skullcap extract are herbal preparations.

The product also contains cellulose as an inactive ingredient (the capsule material).

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: Support for balanced healthy emotional response.
  • We looked for evidence on: Anxiety, Adjustment disorders, Benzodiazepine withdrawal, Bipolar disorder, Cognitive function, Cognitive impairment — and 4 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Passion Flower is rated "Possibly Effective" for Pre-procedural anxiety (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Ashwagandha is rated "Possibly Effective" for Anxiety, Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), Stress.
  • Also on file: Theanine is rated "Possibly Effective" for Cognitive function.

The evidence for these ingredients varies. L-theanine is possibly effective for cognitive function but has insufficient evidence for age-related decline, Alzheimer disease, or anxiety disorders.

Vitamin C is effective for preventing vitamin C deficiency and possibly effective for several other conditions including exercise-induced respiratory infections. Holy basil, ashwagandha, and passionflower all have insufficient evidence for their use in generalized anxiety or stress in the data we hold — though ashwagandha and passionflower are rated possibly effective for anxiety and insomnia respectively.

Bacopa and skullcap both lack established evidence for their various proposed uses in our data.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Theanine Vitamin C Holy Basil Ashwagandha Passion Flower Bacopa Skullcap

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 7 of the 7 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 7 of 7.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 7 of 7.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

L-theanine is generally well tolerated for short-term use in healthy adults, though long-term safety isn't well studied. It may cause headaches, drowsiness, or vivid dreams in some people.

A rare case of a facial tic was reported in a child but wasn't confirmed to be caused by L-theanine. Vitamin C is generally safe at normal doses; very high doses can cause stomach cramps, diarrhea, heartburn, and (rarely) kidney stones in people prone to them.

Holy basil extract is generally well tolerated; a small number of trial participants reported loose stools or nausea. Ashwagandha is generally well tolerated short-term but has rare case reports of serious liver damage and, in one case, high blood pressure from overactive thyroid function — discontinuing ashwagandha resolved this.

Passionflower is well tolerated but causes drowsiness; one case report involved severe nausea and vomiting with very high doses. Bacopa is generally well tolerated; gastrointestinal side effects (diarrhea, nausea, cramps) have occurred in 12–30% of people in studies, and some report drowsiness or vivid dreams.

Skullcap has limited safety data; doses above 100 mg may cause sedation and cognitive impairment, and about 9% of people reported mild digestive issues. L-theanine, holy basil, ashwagandha, passionflower, bacopa, and skullcap all advise against use in pregnancy due to insufficient safety data or concerns about miscarriage.

Breastfeeding safety data are also insufficient for all these ingredients — talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice if you're pregnant or nursing.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Theanine Vitamin C Holy Basil Ashwagandha Passion Flower Bacopa Skullcap

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?
  • 7 of the 7 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Bacopa, Passion Flower, Ashwagandha, Skullcap, Vitamin C, among others.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; cancer treatments; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 1,598 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 Calm Response, check with your pharmacist if you take any of these: blood pressure medications (antihypertensives), medications that affect the liver or cause liver damage, blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs, birth control pills or estrogen replacement, diabetes medications, sedatives or CNS depressants including benzodiazepines, thyroid hormones, chemotherapy drugs, or medications your liver processes through the CYP1A2, CYP2C19, CYP2C9, or CYP3A4 pathways. These categories cover the documented interactions in this product.

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. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Calm Response combines ingredients traditionally used for relaxation and cognitive support, but the evidence for effectiveness is mixed or limited. If you take any blood pressure medications, diabetes medications, blood thinners, birth control pills, thyroid medication, sedatives, or drugs that stress the liver, you'll need to check your specific medications with the tool on this page before starting it.

Pregnant or nursing? Talk to your pharmacist — these ingredients aren't well studied in those situations.

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

Assessment coverage: 7 of 7 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jul 25, 2018.

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 Calm Response, straight from the product label.

Brand Innate Response Formulas
Barcode (UPC) 051494430064
Net contents 60 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jul 25, 2018
DSLD ID 177880
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegetarian, 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 Calm Response by Innate Response Formulas, 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 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
051494430064
IngredientAmount% DV
L-Theanine100 mg--
Vitamin C2 mg3%
Holy Basil extract400 mg--
Ashwagandha root extract500 mg--
Passionflower extract100 mg--
Bacopa monnieri leaf extract200 mg--
Skullcap extract200 mg--

Other ingredients: Cellulose

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

Please recycle

Vis medicatrix naturae Support for a balanced, healthy emotional response

Our Mission We are improving lives everyday as leaders in the movement from reactive to proactive natural health.

General

Product Code #43006 F1272B Rev: 6 06/16

Formula

Calming botanical blend with L-Theanine

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: 2 capsules daily, or as directed by your healthcare practitioner.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Formulation

Purity Promise: Free of magnesium stearate, suitable for Vegetarians, no artificial colors or preservatives.

Purity Promise: Free of magnesium stearate, suitable for Vegetarians, no artificial colors or preservatives.

See for yourself

Calm Response by Innate Response Formulas label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Calm Response by Innate Response Formulas

These are the 7 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 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.

L-Theanine

Interacts with
565 drugs
100 mg per serving

Theanine (usually L-theanine) is an amino acid found naturally in tea leaves that many people take to feel calmer and less stressed without strong dro...

L-Theanine monograph & interactions

Vitamin C

Interacts with
207 drugs
2 mg per serving Form: Ascorbyl Palmitate

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an essential nutrient your body needs but cannot make, so you must get it from food or supplements. It's important for im...

Vitamin C monograph & interactions

Holy Basil extract

Interacts with
212 drugs
400 mg per serving

Holy basil (tulsi) is a traditional Ayurvedic herb most often used today for stress and general wellness, but the human evidence is mostly small and p...

Holy Basil extract monograph & interactions

Ashwagandha root extract

Interacts with
1,372 drugs
500 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 root extract monograph & interactions

Passionflower extract

Interacts with
836 drugs
100 mg per serving

Passion flower is a traditional calming herb that many people use for anxiety and sleep. Early studies hint it may help with mild anxiety and restless...

Passionflower extract monograph & interactions

Bacopa monnieri leaf extract

Interacts with
930 drugs
200 mg per serving Form: Bacosides

Bacopa is an Ayurvedic herb most often used for memory and thinking. Some small studies suggest it may modestly help memory when taken regularly for s...

Bacopa monnieri leaf extract monograph & interactions

Skullcap extract

Interacts with
248 drugs
200 mg per serving

American skullcap is an herb traditionally used to calm anxiety and promote relaxation, but solid human evidence is very limited. It is generally cons...

Skullcap extract monograph & interactions

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

Interaction report

Calm Response by Innate Response Formulas Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Calm Response?

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
1,597Drugs
1,543 Moderate 54 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Calm Response 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 root 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

Bacopa monnieri leaf extract8 drug types · 930 drugs

Anticholinergic Drugs

Theoretically, concurrent use might decrease the effectiveness of both agents.
Bacopa seems to inhibit acetylcholinesterase and might increase acetylcholine levels, which could counteract the effects of anticholinergic drugs. Similarly, anticholinergic drugs might counteract the cholinergic effects of bacopa.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cevimeline (Evoxac)

Theoretically, bacopa might increase the effects and adverse effects of cevimeline.
In one case, a 58-year-old female taking cevimeline long-term for Sjogren syndrome experienced hyperhidrosis, malaise, nausea, and tachycardia shortly after taking a single dose of bacopa. Symptoms resolved after two days. Cevimeline is metabolized by cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2D6 and CYP3A4, and researchers theorize that bacopa may have inhibited these isoenzymes. However, it is unclear if bacopa causes clinically significant inhibition of either CYP2D6 or CYP3A4.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cholinergic Drugs

Theoretically, concurrent use of bacopa with other cholinergic drugs might have additive effects.
Bacopa seems to inhibit acetylcholinesterase and might increase acetylcholine levels. Theoretically, this could result in additive cholinergic effects when used with cholinergic drugs.

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

Theoretically, bacopa might increase the levels and adverse effects of CYP1A2 substrates.
Research on the effects of bacopa extracts on CYP1A2 enzymes is conflicting. Some in vitro evidence shows that bacopa extract can moderately and non-competitively inhibit CYP1A2, while other in vitro evidence suggests that any effect is unlikely to be clinically significant.

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

Theoretically, bacopa might increase the levels and adverse effects of CYP2C19 substrates.
In vitro evidence suggests that bacopa extract can moderately and non-competitively inhibit CYP2C19 enzymes. It is not known whether this is clinically significant.

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

Theoretically, bacopa might increase the levels and adverse effects of CYP2C9 substrates.
Research on the effect of bacopa extracts on CYP2C9 enzymes is conflicting. Some in vitro evidence suggests that bacopa extract can moderately and non-competitively inhibit CYP2C9, while other in vitro evidence suggests that any effect is unlikely to be clinically significant.

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

Theoretically, bacopa might increase the levels and adverse effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Research on the effects of bacopa extracts on CYP3A4 enzymes is conflicting. Some in vitro evidence suggests that bacopa extract can moderately and competitively inhibit CYP3A4, while other in vitro evidence suggests that any effect is unlikely to be clinically significant.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Thyroid Hormone

Theoretically, bacopa might have additive effects when used with thyroid hormone.
Animal research suggests that bacopa increases thyroxine (T4) levels in mice by about 40%.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Passionflower extract3 drug types · 836 drugs

Cns Depressants

Concomitant use of passion flower with sedative drugs might cause additive effects and side effects.
Research in animals and humans shows that passion flower has sedative effects which can be additive when used with sedative medications like lorazepam.

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

Theoretically, passion flower might decrease the effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
In vitro research suggests that passion flower can induce CYP3A4 enzymes, albeit to a much lower degree than rifampin, a known CYP3A4 inducer.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Organic Anion-Transporting Polypeptide Substrates (Oatp)

Theoretically, passion flower might reduce the bioavailability of OATP2B1 and OATP1A2 substrates.
In vitro research shows that the passion flower constituents apigenin and vitexin inhibit OATP2B1 and OATP1A2. This inhibition may be dose-dependent. One specific high-flavonoid passion flower extract (Valverde) seems to inhibit OATP2B1 and OATP1A2, while another extract with a lower flavonoid concentration (Arkocaps) shows less potent inhibition. OATPs are responsible for the uptake of drugs and other compounds into the body; however, the specific activities of OATP2B1 and OATP1A2 are not well characterized.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

L-Theanine3 drug types · 565 drugs

Antihypertensive Drugs

Theanine might lower blood pressure, potentiating the effects of antihypertensive drugs.
Animal research shows that theanine can lower blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive animals. Theoretically, concomitant use of theanine and antihypertensive drugs might potentiate the antihypertensive activity.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cns Depressants

Theoretically, theanine might have additive sedative effects when used in conjunction with CNS depressants. However, it is unclear if this concern is clinically relevant.
Theoretically, theanine may compete with glutamate and/or increase plasma gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels, which could cause CNS depression. In one clinical study, some subjects taking oral theanine reported drowsiness.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Serotonergic Drugs

Clinical studies regarding the effects of L-theanine on serotonin levels are conflicting. Some studies suggest it can increase serotonin levels in the brain while others report that it may decrease them. Nevertheless, there have been no reports of l-theanine being a causative agent in serotonergic-related side effects or serotonin syndrome.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence C

Skullcap extract1 drug type · 248 drugs

Cns Depressants

Theoretically, skullcap can have additive effects when used with other CNS depressants.
Animal and clinical research suggests that skullcap can cause sedation and cognitive impairment.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Holy Basil extract3 drug types · 212 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, holy basil seed oil might increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Animal research shows that holy basil seed oil can prolong bleeding time, possibly due to inhibition of platelet aggregation. However, it is not known if this occurs in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, holy basil might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Small clinical studies show that taking holy basil can decrease fasting blood glucose and other measures of glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Pentobarbital (Nembutal)

Theoretically, holy basil seed oil might increase the sedative effects of pentobarbital.
Animal research shows that holy basil seed oil increases pentobarbitone-induced sleeping time. However, it is not known if this occurs in humans or if this applies to other barbiturates or sedatives.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Vitamin C13 drug types · 207 drugs

Alkylating Agents

Theoretically, antioxidant effects of vitamin C might reduce the effectiveness of alkylating agents.
The use of antioxidants like vitamin C during chemotherapy is controversial. There is concern that antioxidants could reduce the activity of chemotherapy drugs that generate free radicals, such as cyclophosphamide, chlorambucil, carmustine, busulfan, and thiotepa. In contrast, some researchers theorize that antioxidants might make chemotherapy more effective by reducing oxidative stress that could interfere with apoptosis (cell death) of cancer cells. More evidence is needed to determine what effect, if any, antioxidants such as vitamin C have on chemotherapy.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Aluminum

Vitamin C can increase the amount of aluminum absorbed from aluminum compounds.
Research in animals and humans shows that vitamin C increases aluminum absorption, theoretically by chelating aluminum and keeping it in solution where it is available for absorption. In people with normal renal function, urinary excretion of aluminum will likely increase, making aluminum retention and toxicity unlikely. Patients with renal failure who take aluminum-containing compounds such as phosphate binders should avoid vitamin C supplements in doses above the recommended dietary allowances.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Antitumor Antibiotics

Theoretically, the antioxidant effects of vitamin C might reduce the effectiveness of antitumor antibiotics.
The use of antioxidants like vitamin C during chemotherapy is controversial. There is concern that antioxidants could reduce the activity of chemotherapy drugs which generate free radicals, such as doxorubicin. In contrast, some researchers theorize that antioxidants might make chemotherapy more effective by reducing oxidative stress that could interfere with apoptosis (cell death) of cancer cells. More evidence is needed to determine what effects, if any, antioxidants such as vitamin C have on chemotherapy.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Estrogens

Vitamin C might increase blood levels of estrogens.
Increases in plasma estrogen levels of up to 55% occur under some circumstances when vitamin C is taken concurrently with oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy, including topical products. It is suggested that vitamin C prevents oxidation of estrogen in the tissues, regenerates oxidized estrogen, and reduces sulfate conjugation of estrogen in the gut wall. When tissue levels of vitamin C are high, these processes are already maximized and supplemental vitamin C does not have any effect on estrogen levels. Increases in plasma estrogen levels may occur when patients who are deficient in vitamin C take supplements. Monitor these patients for estrogen-related side effects.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Fluphenazine (Prolixin)

Theoretically, vitamin C might decrease levels of fluphenazine.
In one patient there was a clinically significant decrease in fluphenazine levels when vitamin C (500 mg twice daily) was started. The mechanism is not known, and there is no further data to confirm this interaction.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Indinavir (Crixivan)

Vitamin C can modestly reduce indinavir levels.
One pharmacokinetic study shows that taking vitamin C 1 gram orally once daily along with indinavir 800 mg orally three times daily reduces the area under the concentration-time curve of indinavir by 14%. The mechanism of this interaction is unknown, but it is unlikely to be clinically significant in most patients. The effect of higher doses of vitamin C on indinavir levels is unknown.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Others)

Vitamin C can increase levothyroxine absorption.
Two clinical studies in adults with poorly controlled hypothyroidism show that swallowing levothyroxine with a glass of water containing vitamin C 500-1000 mg in solution reduces thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels and increases thyroxine (T4) levels when compared with taking levothyroxine alone. This suggests that vitamin C increases the oral absorption of levothyroxine, possibly due to a reduction in pH.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Warfarin (Coumadin)

High-dose vitamin C might reduce the levels and effectiveness of warfarin.
Vitamin C in high doses may cause diarrhea and possibly reduce warfarin absorption. There are reports of two people who took up to 16 grams daily of vitamin C and had a reduction in prothrombin time. Lower doses of 5-10 grams daily can also reduce warfarin absorption. In many cases, this does not seem to be clinically significant. However, a case of warfarin resistance has been reported for a patient who took vitamin C 500 mg twice daily. Cessation of vitamin C supplementation resulted in a rapid increase in international normalized ratio (INR). Tell patients taking warfarin to avoid taking vitamin C in excessively high doses (greater than 10 grams daily). Lower doses may be safe, but the anticoagulation activity of warfarin should be monitored. Patients who are stabilized on warfarin while taking vitamin C should avoid adjusting vitamin C dosage to prevent the possibility of warfarin resistance.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Acetaminophen (Tylenol, Others)

High-dose vitamin C might slightly prolong the clearance of acetaminophen.
A small pharmacokinetic study in healthy volunteers shows that taking high-dose vitamin C (3 grams) 1.5 hours after taking acetaminophen 1 gram slightly increases the apparent half-life of acetaminophen from around 2.3 hours to 3.1 hours. Ascorbic acid competitively inhibits sulfate conjugation of acetaminophen. However, to compensate, elimination of acetaminophen glucuronide and unconjugated acetaminophen increases. This effect is not likely to be clinically significant.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Aspirin

Acidification of the urine by vitamin C might increase aspirin levels.
It has been suggested that acidification of the urine by vitamin C could increase reabsorption of salicylates by the renal tubules, and increase plasma salicylate levels. However, short-term use of up to 6 grams daily of vitamin C does not seem to affect urinary pH or salicylate excretion, suggesting this interaction is not clinically significant.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Choline Magnesium Trisalicylate (Trilisate)

Acidification of the urine by vitamin C might increase choline magnesium trisalicylate levels.
It has been suggested that acidification of the urine by vitamin C could increase reabsorption of salicylates by the renal tubules, and increase plasma salicylate levels. However, short-term use of up to 6 grams daily of vitamin C does not seem to affect urinary pH or salicylate excretion, suggesting this interaction probably is not clinically significant.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Niacin

Vitamin C might decrease the beneficial effects of niacin on high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels.
A combination of niacin and simvastatin (Zocor) effectively raises HDL cholesterol levels in patients with coronary disease and low HDL levels. Clinical research shows that taking a combination of antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and selenium) along with niacin and simvastatin (Zocor) attenuates this rise in HDL, specifically the HDL-2 and apolipoprotein A1 fractions, by more than 50% in patients with coronary disease. It is not known whether this adverse effect is due to a single antioxidant such as vitamin C, or to the combination. It also is not known whether it will occur in other patient populations.

Likelihood Possible Evidence A
Salsalate (Disalcid)

Acidification of the urine by vitamin C might increase salsalate levels.
It has been suggested that acidification of the urine by vitamin C could increase reabsorption of salicylates by the renal tubules, and increase plasma salicylate levels. However, short-term use of up to 6 grams/day vitamin C does not seem to affect urinary pH or salicylate excretion, suggesting this interaction probably is not clinically significant.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Calm Response, from the product label.

Innate Response Formulas

See all Innate Response Formulas products
Name
Innate Response
Street Address
PO Box 5244
City
Manchester
State
NH
ZipCode
03108
Phone Number
800-634-6342
Web Address
www.innateresponse.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Calm Response by Innate Response Formulas: Common Questions

Does Calm Response by Innate Response Formulas interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Calm Response has a known interaction with 1,597 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Calm Response contains 7 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.
Is Calm Response safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
The safety data for these ingredients during pregnancy and breastfeeding aren't established. L-theanine, holy basil, ashwagandha, passionflower, bacopa, and skullcap all advise against use because there isn't enough information to know either way. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice — they can weigh the pros and cons for your situation.
What's L-theanine and why is it in here?
L-theanine is an amino acid found naturally in green tea. It's included because it's possibly effective for cognitive function. It may also have some calming properties, though the evidence for anxiety is insufficient in the data we hold.
Can ashwagandha in this product damage my liver?
Ashwagandha has been linked to rare cases of serious liver damage including hepatitis and liver failure. If you have a history of liver problems or take other medications that stress the liver, mention this product to your doctor or pharmacist before starting it.
Will this make me drowsy?
Several ingredients — L-theanine, passionflower, ashwagandha, bacopa, and skullcap — can cause drowsiness. If you're sensitive to sedating effects or need to stay alert, start cautiously and see how you feel. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how your body responds.
Does this product actually help with anxiety or stress?
The evidence varies by ingredient. Ashwagandha and passionflower are rated possibly effective for anxiety, and passionflower is possibly effective for stress-related insomnia. However, for other ingredients like holy basil, bacopa, and skullcap, the evidence is insufficient in the data we hold.
What happens if I take this with my birth control pill?
The vitamin C in this product may increase estrogen levels from birth control pills by up to 55% in some cases, which could affect how well the pill works and raise your risk of side effects. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor before combining them.

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

Not sure if Calm Response is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

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.

Calm Response label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Calm Response’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Theanine

Interacts with 565 drugs

Theanine (usually L-theanine) is an amino acid found naturally in tea leaves that many people take to feel calmer and less stressed without strong drowsiness. Early research suggests it may...

Read the full Theanine monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Vitamin C

Interacts with 207 drugs

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an essential nutrient your body needs but cannot make, so you must get it from food or supplements. It's important for immune function, collagen, and acts as an...

Read the full Vitamin C monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Holy Basil

Interacts with 212 drugs

Holy basil (tulsi) is a traditional Ayurvedic herb most often used today for stress and general wellness, but the human evidence is mostly small and preliminary. It is generally well tolerat...

Read the full Holy Basil monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Ashwagandha

Interacts with 1,372 drugs

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 evidence is still limited. It is generally w...

Read the full Ashwagandha monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Passion Flower

Interacts with 836 drugs

Passion flower is a traditional calming herb that many people use for anxiety and sleep. Early studies hint it may help with mild anxiety and restlessness, but the evidence is limited and mo...

Read the full Passion Flower monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Bacopa

Interacts with 930 drugs

Bacopa is an Ayurvedic herb most often used for memory and thinking. Some small studies suggest it may modestly help memory when taken regularly for several weeks, but the evidence is limite...

Read the full Bacopa monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Skullcap

Interacts with 248 drugs

American skullcap is an herb traditionally used to calm anxiety and promote relaxation, but solid human evidence is very limited. It is generally considered relatively safe for short-term us...

Read the full Skullcap monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Calm Response'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 131 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.

Theanine 6 references
  1. Yokogoshi H, Kobayashi M. Hypotensive effect of gamma-glutamylethylamide in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Life Sci 1998;62:1065-8.
  2. Haskell, C. F., Kennedy, D. O., Milne, A. L., Wesnes, K. A., and Scholey, A. B. The effects of L-theanine, caffeine and their combination on cognition and mood. Biol.Psychol. 2008;77(2):113-122. PubMed
  3. Yokogoshi, H., Kato, Y., Sagesaka, Y. M., Takihara-Matsuura, T., Kakuda, T., and Takeuchi, N. Reduction effect of theanine on blood pressure and brain 5-hydroxyindoles in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Biosci.Biotechnol.Biochem. 1995;59(4):615-618. PubMed
  4. Lyon MR, Kapoor MP, Juneja LR. The effects of L-theanine (Suntheanine®) on objective sleep quality in boys with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Altern Med Rev. 2011;16(4):348-
  5. Hidese S, Ota M, Wakabayashi C, et al. Effects of chronic l-theanine administration in patients with major depressive disorder: an open-label study. Acta Neuropsychiatr 2017;29(2):72-9.
  6. Tsuchiya T, Honda H, Oikawa M, et al. Oral administration of the amino acids cystine and theanine attenuates the adverse events of S-1 adjuvant chemotherapy in gastrointestinal cancer patients. Int J Clin Oncol 2016;21(6):1085-90. PubMed

See these in context on the Theanine monograph →

Vitamin C 51 references
  1. McEvoy GK, ed. AHFS Drug Information. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 1998.
  2. Back DJ, Breckenridge AM, MacIver M, et al. Interaction of ethinyloestradiol with ascorbic acid in man. Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1981;282:1516.
  3. Morris JC, Beeley L, Ballantine N. Interaction of ethinyloestradiol with ascorbic acid in man [letter]. Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1981;283:503.
  4. Labriola D, Livingston R. Possible interactions between dietary antioxidants and chemotherapy. Oncology 1999;13:1003-8.
  5. Dwyer JH, Merz NB, Shirocre AM, et al. Progression of early atherosclerosis and intake of vitamin C and vitamin E from supplements and food. The Los Angeles Atherosclerosis Study. 41st Annual Conference on Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology and Prevent
  6. Levine M, Rumsey SC, Daruwala R, et al. Criteria and recommendations for vitamin C intake. JAMA 1999;281:1415-23. PubMed
  7. Hansten PD, Horn JR. Drug Interactions Analysis and Management. Vancouver, WA: Applied Therapeutics Inc., 1997 and updates.
  8. Segal S, Kaminski S. Drug-nutrient interactions. American Druggist 1996 Jul;42-8.
  9. Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium, and Carotenoids. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2000. Available at: http://www.nap.edu/books/0309069351/html/.
  10. Houston JB, Levy G. Drug biotransformation interactions in man VI: Acetaminophen and ascorbic acid. J Pharm Sci 1976;65:1218-21. PubMed
  11. Brown BG, Zhao XQ, Chait A, et al. Simvastatin and niacin, antioxidant vitamins, or the combination for the prevention of coronary disease. N Engl J Med 2001;345:1583-93. DOI
  12. Rosenthal G. Interaction of ascorbic acid and warfarin. JAMA 1971;215:1671. DOI
  13. Hume R, Johnstone JM, Weyers E. Interaction of ascorbic acid and warfarin. JAMA 1972;219:1479. DOI
  14. Smith EC, Skalski RJ, Johnson GC, Rossi GV. Interaction of ascorbic acid and warfarin. JAMA 1972;221:1166. DOI
  15. Traxer O, Huet B, Poindexter J, et al. Effect of ascorbic acid consumption on urinary stone risk factors. J Urol 2003;170:397-401.. PubMed
  16. Domingo JL, Gomez M, Llobet JM, Richart C. Effect of ascorbic acid on gastrointestinal aluminum absorption (letter). Lancet 1991;338:1467.
  17. Domingo JL, Gomez M, Llobet JM, Corbella J. Influence of some dietary constituents on aluminum absorption and retention in rats. Kidney Int 1991;39:598-601. PubMed
  18. Partridge NA, Regnier FE, White JL, Hem SL. Influence of dietary constituents on intestinal absorption of aluminum. Kidney Int 1989;35:1413-7. PubMed
  19. Mc Leod DC, Nahata MC. Inefficacy of ascorbic acid as a urinary acidifier (letter). N Engl J Med 1977;296:1413. DOI
  20. Hansten PD, Hayton WL. Effect of antacid and ascorbic acid on serum salicylate concentration. J Clin Pharmacol 1980;20:326-31. PubMed
  21. Dysken MW, Cumming RJ, Channon RA, Davis JM. Drug interaction between ascorbic acid and fluphenazine. JAMA 1979;241:2008. DOI
  22. Vihtamaki T, Parantainen J, Koivisto AM, et al. Oral ascorbic acid increases plasma oestradiol during postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy. Maturitas 2002;42:129-35. PubMed
  23. Slain D, Amsden JR, Khakoo RA, et al. Effect of high-dose vitamin C on the steady-state pharmacokinetics of the protease inhibitor indinavir in healthy volunteers. Pharmacotherapy 2005;25:165-70. PubMed
  24. Cheung MC, Zhao XQ, Chait A, et al. Antioxidant supplements block the response of HDL to simvastatin-niacin therapy in patients with coronary artery disease and low HDL. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2001;21:1320-6. PubMed
  25. Feetam CL, Leach RH, Meynell MJ. Lack of a clinically important interaction between warfarin and ascorbic acid. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 1975;31:544-7. PubMed
  26. Weintraub M, Griner PF. Warfarin and ascorbic acid: lack of evidence for a drug interaction. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 1974;28:53-6. PubMed
  27. Lee DH, Folsom AR, Harnack L, et al. Does supplemental vitamin C increase cardiovascular disease risk in women with diabetes? Am J Clin Nutr 2004;80:1194-200. PubMed
  28. Taylor EN, Stampfer MJ, Curhan GC. Dietary factors and the risk of incident kidney stones in men: new insights after 14 years of follow-up. J Am Soc Nephrol 2004;15:3225-32. PubMed
  29. Ward NC, Hodgson JM, Croft KD, et al. The combination of vitamin C and grape-seed polyphenols increases blood pressure: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Hypertens 2005;23:427-34.. PubMed
  30. Prasad KN. Rationale for using high-dose multiple dietary antioxidants as an adjunct to radiation therapy and chemotherapy. J Nutr 2004;134:3182S-3S. PubMed
  31. Conklin KA. Cancer chemotherapy and antioxidants. J Nutr 2004;134:3201S-3204S. PubMed
  32. Fairweather-Tait S, Hickson K, McGaw B, et al. Orange juice enhances aluminium absorption from antacid preparation. Eur J Clin Nutr. 1994;48(1):71-3.
  33. Gruenwald, J., Graubaum, H. J., Busch, R., and Bentley, C. Safety and tolerance of ester-C compared with regular ascorbic acid. Adv.Ther. 2006;23(1):171-178.
  34. Rahimi, R., Nikfar, S., Rezaie, A., and Abdollahi, M. A meta-analysis on the efficacy and safety of combined vitamin C and E supplementation in preeclamptic women. Hypertens.Pregnancy. 2009;28(4):417-434. PubMed
  35. Einerson, B., Nathorn, C., Kitiyakara, C., Sirada, M., and Thamlikitkul, V. The efficacy of ascorbic acid in suboptimal responsive anemic hemodialysis patients receiving erythropoietin: a meta-analysis. J Med.Assoc.Thai. 2011;94 Suppl 1:S134-S146.
  36. Li, G., Li, L., Yu, C., and Chen, L. Effect of vitamins C and E supplementation on Helicobacter pylori eradication: a meta-analysis. Br.J Nutr 2011;106(11):1632-1637.
  37. Chen X, Shen L, Gu X, et al. High-dose supplementation with vitamin C--induced pediatric urolithiasis: the first case report in a child and literature review. Urology. 2014;84(4):922-4. PubMed
  38. Sattar A, Willman JE, Kolluri R. Possible warfarin resistance due to interaction with ascorbic acid: case report and literature review. Am J Health Syst Pharm. 2013;70(9):782-6. PubMed
  39. Yaich S, Chaabouni Y, Charfeddine K, et al. Secondary oxalosis due to excess vitamin C intake: a cause of graft loss in a renal transplant recipient. Saudi J Kidney Dis Transpl. 2014;25(1):113-6. PubMed
  40. Jalloh MA, Gregory PJ, Hein D, et al. Dietary supplement interactions with antiretrovirals: a systematic review. Int J STD AIDS. 2017 Jan;28(1):4-15. PubMed
  41. Rumbold A, Ota E, Nagata C, Shahrook S, Crowther CA. Vitamin C supplementation in pregnancy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015;(9):CD004072. PubMed
  42. Seo MS, Kim JK, Shim JY. High-dose vitamin C promotes regression of multiple pulmonary metastases originating from hepatocellular carcinoma. Yonsei Med J. 2015;56(5):1449-52. PubMed
  43. Skelin M, Lucijanic T, Amidzic Klaric D, et al. Factors Affecting Gastrointestinal Absorption of Levothyroxine: A Review. Clin Ther. 2017 Feb;39(2):378-403. PubMed
  44. Jiang K, Tang K, Liu H, Xu H, Ye Z, Chen Z. Ascorbic acid supplements and kidney stones incidence among men and women: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Urol J. 2019;16(2):115-120.
  45. Thomas S, Patel D, Bittel B, et al. Effect of High-Dose Zinc and Ascorbic Acid Supplementation vs Usual Care on Symptom Length and Reduction Among Ambulatory Patients With SARS-CoV-2 Infection: The COVID A to Z Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2 PubMed
  46. Giffen MA, McLemore JL. Hyperoxalosis Secondary to Intravenous Vitamin C Administration as a Non-Allopathic Treatment for Cancer. Acad Forensic Pathol 2019;9(1-2):118-126. PubMed
  47. Maike A, Sturgill D, Gallan A. Oxalate Nephropathy in a Renal Transplant Recipient After Receiving High Dose Ascorbic Acid. Am J Med Sci 2021. PubMed
  48. Shen ZY, Chen YR, Wang MC, Chang SS. High-dose vitamin C-induced acute oxalate nephropathy in a renal transplant recipient: a case report and literature review. Asian J Surg 2022. PubMed
  49. Yanase F, Spano S, Maeda A, et al. Mega-dose sodium ascorbate: a pilot, single-dose, physiological effect, double-blind, randomized, controlled trial. Crit Care 2023;27(1):371. PubMed
  50. Sharma Y, Sumanadasa S, Shahi R, et al. Efficacy and safety of vitamin C supplementation in the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia: a systematic review and meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis. Sci Rep 2024;14(1):11846. PubMed
  51. Pejcic AV, Petrovic NZ, Djordjic MD, Milosavljevic MN. Vitamin C Levels in Pregnant Women and the Efficacy of Vitamin C Supplements in Preventing Premature Rupture of Membranes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Balkan Med J 2024;41(4):248-260. PubMed

See these in context on the Vitamin C monograph →

Holy Basil 8 references
  1. Agrawal P, Rai V, Singh RB. Randomized placebo-controlled, single blind trial of holy basil leaves in patients with noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther 1996;34:406-9.
  2. Sakina MR, Dandiya PC, Hamdard ME, Hameed A. Preliminary psychopharmacological evaluation of Ocimum sanctum leaf extract. J Ethnopharmacol 1990;28:143-50. PubMed
  3. Singh S, Rehan HM, Majumdar DK. Effect of Ocimum sanctum fixed oil on blood pressure, blood clotting time and pentobarbitone-induced sleeping time. J Ethnopharmacol 2001;78:139-43. PubMed
  4. Mondal, S., Varma, S., Bamola, V. D., Naik, S. N., Mirdha, B. R., Padhi, M. M., Mehta, N., and Mahapatra, S. C. Double-blinded randomized controlled trial for immunomodulatory effects of Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum Linn.) leaf extract on healthy volunteers. J PubMed
  5. Agarwal, P. and Nagesh, L. Comparative evaluation of efficacy of 0.2% Chlorhexidine, Listerine and Tulsi extract mouth rinses on salivary Streptococcus mutans count of high school children--RCT. Contemp.Clin Trials 2011;32(6):802-808. PubMed
  6. Vohora, S. B., Garg, S. K., and Chaudhury, R. R. Antifertility screening of plants. 3. Effect of six indigenous plants on early pregnancy in albino rats. Indian J Med Res 1969;57(5):893-899.
  7. Khanna S, Gupta SR, Grover JK. Effect of long term feeding of tulsi (Ocimum sanctum Linn) on reproductive performance of adult albino rats. Indian J Exp Biol 1986;24(5):302-4.
  8. Somasundaram G, Manimekalai K, Salwe KJ, Pandiamunian J. Evaluation of the antidiabetic effect of Ocimum sanctum in type 2 diabetes patients. Int J Life Sci Pharma Res 2012;2(3):75-81.

See these in context on the Holy Basil monograph →

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
  18. Ireland PJ, Hardy T, Burt AD, Donnelly MC. Drug-induced hepatocellular injury due to herbal supplement ashwagandha. J R Coll Physicians Edinb. 2021;51(4):363-365. PubMed
  19. Kamal HI, Patel K, Brdak A, Heffernan J, Ahmad N. Ashwagandha as a unique cause of thyrotoxicosis presenting with supraventricular tachycardia. Cureus. 2022 Mar 25;14(3):e23494. PubMed
  20. Suryawanshi G, Abdallah M, Thomson M, Desai N, Chauhan A, Lim N. Ashwagandha-Associated Acute Liver Failure Requiring Liver Transplantation. Am J Ther 2023;30(1):e80-e83. PubMed
  21. Pusec CM, Wolsky R, Llerena C, Sura P. A Case of Supplement-Induced Hepatitis. Cureus 2022;14(10):e30433. PubMed
  22. Ajgaonkar A, Jain M, Debnath K. Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract for Improvement of Sexual Health in Healthy Women: A Prospective, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study. Cureus 2022;14(10):e30787. PubMed
  23. Haron MH, Dale O, Martin K, et al. Evaluation of the Herb-Drug Interaction Potential of Commonly Used Botanicals on the US Market with Regard to PXR- and AhR-Mediated Influences on CYP3A4 and CYP1A2. J Diet Suppl 2022. PubMed
  24. Lubarska M, Halasinski P, Hryhorowicz S, et al. Liver Dangers of Herbal Products: A Case Report of Ashwagandha-Induced Liver Injury. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2023;20(5):3921. PubMed
  25. Tóth M, Benedek AE, Longerich T, Seitz HK. Ashwagandha-induced acute liver injury: A case report. Clin Case Rep 2023;11(3):e7078.
  26. Bokan G, Glamocanin T, Mavija Z, et al. Herb-Induced Liver Injury by Ayurvedic Ashwagandha as Assessed for Causality by the Updated RUCAM: An Emerging Cause. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023;16(8):1129. PubMed
  27. Patel PA, Sanborn E, Then R, Williams DM. Recurrent Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome: A Report of Two Cases. Cureus 2023;15(8):e42992. PubMed
  28. Majeed M, Nagabhushanam K, Murali A, Vishwanathan DT, Mamidala RV, Mundkur L. A Standardized Withania somniferra (Linn.) Root Extract with Piperine Alleviates the Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression by Increasing Serotonin Levels: A Double-Blind, Randomize
  29. Philips CA, Valsan A, Theruvath AH, et al. Ashwagandha-induced liver injury-A case series from India and literature review. Hepatol Commun 2023;7(10):e0270. PubMed
  30. Hayashi M, Hamada H, Azuma SI, Hayashi K. Painless Thyroiditis by Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha). Cureus 2024;16(3):e55352. PubMed
  31. Vazirani S, Kothari A, Fujimoto J, Gomez M. Supplements Are Not a Synonym for Safe: Suspected Liver Injury From Ashwagandha. Fed Pract 2023;40(9):315-319. PubMed
  32. Patel M, Newell R, Hillier M, Ramalingam R. Herbal remedies as a potential cause of hypoadrenalism. Br J Hosp Med (Lond) 2024;85(6):1-4. PubMed

See these in context on the Ashwagandha monograph →

Passion Flower 19 references
  1. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
  2. The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
  3. Fisher AA, Purcell P, Le Couteur DG. Toxicity of Passiflora incarnata L. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 2000;38:63-6.
  4. Akhondzadeh S, Naghavi HR, Shayeganpour A, et al. Passionflower in the treatment of generalized anxiety: a pilot double-blind randomized controlled trial with oxazepam. J Clin Pharm Ther 2001;26:363-7. PubMed
  5. Farnsworth N, Bingel A, Cordell G, et al. Potential value of plants as sources of new antifertility agents I. J Pharm Sci 1975;64:535-98. DOI
  6. Mori A, Hasegawa K, Murasaki M, et al. Clinical evaluation of Passiflamin (passiflora extract) on neurosis - multicenter double blind study in comparison with mexazolam. Rinsho Hyoka (Clinical Evaluation) 1993;21:383-440.
  7. Miyasaka LS, Atallah AN, Soares BG. Passiflora for anxiety disorder. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2007;(1):CD004518. DOI
  8. Speroni E., Minghetti A. Neuropharmacological activity of extracts from Passiflora incarnata. Planta Med. 1988;54:488-91.
  9. Capasso A., Sorrentino L. Pharmacological studies on the sedative and hypnotic effect of Kava kava and Passiflora extracts combination. Phytomedicine. 2005;12:39-45. PubMed
  10. Carrasco MC, Vallejo JR, Pardo-de-Santayana M, et al. Interactions of Valeriana officinalis L. and Passiflora incarnata L. in a patient treated with lorazepam. Phytother Res. 2009 Dec;23:1795-6.
  11. Smith, G. W., Chalmers, T. M., and Nuki, G. Vasculitis associated with herbal preparation containing Passiflora extract. Br J Rheumatol. 1993;32(1):87-88.
  12. Soulimani, R., Younos, C., Jarmouni, S., Bousta, D., Misslin, R., and Mortier, F. Behavioural effects of Passiflora incarnata L. and its indole alkaloid and flavonoid derivatives and maltol in the mouse. J Ethnopharmacol. 1997;57(1):11-20. PubMed
  13. Nojoumi M, Ghaeli P, Salimi S, Sharifi A, Raisi F. Effects of Passion Flower Extract, as an Add-On Treatment to Sertraline, on Reaction Time in Patients ?with Generalized Anxiety Disorder: A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study. Iran J Psychiatry. 2016;1
  14. Rokhtabnak F, Ghodraty MR, Kholdebarin A, et al. Comparing the Effect of Preoperative Administration of Melatonin and Passiflora incarnata on Postoperative Cognitive Disorders in Adult Patients Undergoing Elective Surgery. Anesth Pain Med. 2016;7(1):e4123 PubMed
  15. Dantas LP, de Oliveira-Ribeiro A, de Almeida-Souza LM, Groppo FC. Effects of passiflora incarnata and midazolam for control of anxiety in patients undergoing dental extraction. Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal. 2017;22(1):e95-e101. PubMed
  16. Ozturk Z, Kalayci CC. Pregnancy outcomes in psychiatric patients treated with passiflora incarnata. Complement Ther Med. 2018 Feb;36:30-32. PubMed
  17. da Cunha RS, Amorim KS, Gercina AC, et al. Herbal medicines as anxiolytics prior to third molar surgical extraction. A randomized controlled clinical trial. Clin Oral Investig. 2020. PubMed
  18. Schäfer AM, Gilgen PM, Spirgi C, et al. Constituents of Passiflora incarnata, but Not of Valeriana officinalis, Interact with the Organic Anion Transporting Polypeptides (OATP)2B1 and OATP1A2. Planta Med. 2021. PubMed
  19. Mazzari ALDA, Lacerda MG, Milton FA, et al. In vitro effects of European and Latin-American medicinal plants in CYP3A4 gene expression, glutathione levels, and P-glycoprotein activity. Front Pharmacol 2022;13:826395. PubMed

See these in context on the Passion Flower monograph →

Bacopa 12 references
  1. Stough C, Lloyd J, Clarke J, et al. The chronic effects of an extract of Bacopa monniera (Brahmi) on cognitive function in healthy human subjects. Psychopharmacology 2001;156:481-4..
  2. Yadav SK, Jain AK, Tripathi SN, Gupta JP. Irritable bowel syndrome: therapeutic evaluation of indigenous drugs. Indian J Med Res 1989;90:496-503..
  3. Morgan A, Stevens J. Does Bacopa monnieri improve memory performance in older persons? Results of a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial. J Altern Complement Med 2010;16:753-9.
  4. Kar, A., Panda, S., and Bharti, S. Relative efficacy of three medicinal plant extracts in the alteration of thyroid hormone concentrations in male mice. J Ethnopharmacol. 2002;81(2):281-285. PubMed
  5. Mukherjee, G. D. and Dey, C. D. Clinical trial on Brahmi. I. J.Exp.Med.Sci. 1966;10(1):5-11.
  6. Kar A, Pandit S, Mukherjee K, Bahadur S, Mukherjee PK. Safety assessment of selected medicinal food plants used in Ayurveda through CYP450 enzyme inhibition study. J Sci Food Agric 2017;97(1):333-40. doi: 10.1002/jsfa.7739. PubMed
  7. Kongkeaw C, Dilokthornsakul P, Thanarangsarit P, et al. Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on cognitive effects of Bacopa monnieri extract. J Ethnopharmacol 2014;151(1):528-35. PubMed
  8. Ramasamy S, Kiew LV, Chung LY. Inhibition of human cytochrome P450 enzymes by Bacopa monnieri standardized extract and constituents. Molecules 2014;19(2):2588-601. PubMed
  9. Prabhakar S, Vishnu VY, Modi M, et al. Efficacy of Bacopa monnieri (Brahmi) and donepezil in Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment: a randomized double-blind parallel phase 2b study. Ann Indian Acad Neurol 2020;23(6):767-73. PubMed
  10. Acquarulo B, Tandon P, Macica CM. Suspected cholinergic toxicity due to cevimeline hydrochloride and Bacopa monnieri interaction: a case report. J Med Case Rep 2022;16(1):253. PubMed
  11. Keegan AP, Stough C, Paris D, et al. Bacopa monnieri supplementation has no effect on serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels but beneficially modulates nuclear factor kappa B and cyclic AMP response element-binding protein levels in healthy elderl
  12. Yaworski AM, Blyumin M, Chang T, Mammen AL, Greene M. Necrotizing myopathy with elevated anti-HMGCR antibodies following exposure to the supplement Bacopa. Muscle Nerve 2023;67(2):E1-E3.

See these in context on the Bacopa monograph →

Skullcap 3 references
  1. Wolfson P, Hoffmann DL. An investigation into the efficacy of Scutellaria lateriflora in healthy volunteers. Altern Ther Health Med 2003;9:74-8.
  2. Awad, R., Arnason, J. T., Trudeau, V., Bergeron, C., Budzinski, J. W., Foster, B. C., and Merali, Z. Phytochemical and biological analysis of skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora L.): a medicinal plant with anxiolytic properties. Phytomedicine. 2003;10(8):6 PubMed
  3. Brock C, Whitehouse J, Tewfik I, Towell T. American skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora): a randomised, double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study of its effects on mood in healthy volunteers. Phytother Res 2014;28(5):692-8.

See these in context on the Skullcap 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

Keep exploring