Major interaction on record — check this product against your medications before combining. Based on 5 of 6 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Carda Lean Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Brutal Force

Carda Lean label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Major
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 23, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Carda Lean against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Major

Carda Lean is a dietary supplement by Brutal Force with 6 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for exercise performance, muscle soreness and fatigue, blood flow and circulation.Based on those ingredients, 723 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are L-Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate, Puncture Vine Extract, Ginseng Whole Plant Extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

Jump to a section

Check Your Meds Against Carda Lean by Brutal Force

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Carda Lean by Brutal Force — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

Pharmacist-reviewed data Checks every ingredient Answer in seconds
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Carda Lean by Brutal Force

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

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

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

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 6 of its 6 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Carda Lean has six active ingredients. L-Citrulline and L-Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate are amino acids that support blood vessel function and circulation.

Acetyl-L-Carnitine Hydrochloride helps your body produce energy and may support brain health. Ginseng Whole Plant Extract is an herbal ingredient used to support immune function and overall vitality.

Puncture Vine Extract (tribulus) is included for sexual function and athletic performance support. Wild Yam Powder rounds out the formula.

The capsules also contain inactive ingredients — hypromellose (the capsule shell), magnesium stearate, and silica.

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

This product doesn't appear to be marketed for a specific use, so we graded its ingredients' overall clinical evidence instead.

Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports its ingredients for:

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.
  • Since the label doesn't commit to one use, we graded the ingredients' overall clinical evidence instead.
  • On file: Sexual dysfunction — rated "Possibly Effective" (Tribulus) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Age-related cognitive decline — rated "Possibly Effective" (Acetyl-l-carnitine) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Alcohol use disorder — rated "Possibly Effective" (Acetyl-l-carnitine) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Alzheimer disease — rated "Possibly Effective" (Acetyl-l-carnitine) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Depression — rated "Possibly Effective" (Acetyl-l-carnitine) (Natural Medicines).

L-Citrulline is possibly effective for athletic performance, though the evidence for heart health is not yet established. L-Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate's effectiveness is not rated in our data.

Acetyl-L-Carnitine Hydrochloride is possibly effective for age-related memory loss, Alzheimer disease, alcohol use disorder, diabetic nerve damage, and depression. Ginseng is possibly effective for upper respiratory infections; its effectiveness for other uses we hold data on is not established.

Puncture Vine Extract is possibly effective for sexual function but possibly ineffective for athletic performance. We hold no effectiveness data for Wild Yam Powder.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient L-citrulline L-arginine Acetyl-l-carnitine American Ginseng Tribulus

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 5 of the 5 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 5 of 5.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 5 of 5.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

L-Citrulline is generally well tolerated, though long-term safety hasn't been fully studied; the most common side effects are gastrointestinal discomfort and heartburn. L-Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate is often well tolerated short-term but can lower blood pressure and should only be used under medical supervision.

Acetyl-L-Carnitine Hydrochloride is generally well tolerated short-term; side effects can include agitation, dry mouth, headache, and insomnia. Ginseng is generally well tolerated short-term in healthy adults, though quality and dosing vary.

Puncture Vine Extract is often well tolerated short-term, but rare serious side effects including liver and kidney injury and seizures have been reported. Regarding pregnancy and breastfeeding: L-Citrulline should be avoided in pregnancy and lactation due to insufficient safety data.

L-Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate is possibly safe in pregnancy but safety while breastfeeding is unknown — avoid during lactation. Acetyl-L-Carnitine Hydrochloride safety data are not on file for pregnancy and lactation — avoid in both unless your doctor advises otherwise.

Ginseng is possibly unsafe in pregnancy and should be avoided during breastfeeding. Puncture Vine Extract is possibly unsafe in pregnancy and should be avoided while breastfeeding.

Wild Yam Powder pregnancy and lactation data are not on file.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient L-citrulline L-arginine Acetyl-l-carnitine American Ginseng Tribulus

Meds to double-check

Major interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Major identified

At least one ingredient has a documented Major-severity interaction. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 5 of the 5 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Tribulus, Acetyl-l-carnitine, L-arginine, American Ginseng, L-citrulline.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; diabetes medications; lithium.
  • For scale: 723 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 Carda Lean, check with your pharmacist if you take warfarin or other blood thinners (anticoagulants) — ginseng can reduce their effectiveness (Major), and other ingredients may increase bleeding risk. Also double-check blood pressure medications, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, diabetes drugs, lithium, thyroid hormone, antidepressants or serotonergic drugs, immunosuppressants, and sildenafil (Viagra).

No interactions are documented for Wild Yam Powder in our data.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence behind its ingredients' uses. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Carda Lean is designed for athletic performance and circulation support, but its multiple active ingredients carry significant interactions with blood pressure drugs, blood thinners, diabetes medications, and other common prescriptions. If you take any regular medications — especially for heart health, blood clotting, or diabetes — talk with your pharmacist before starting this product.

The ingredient quality and long-term safety profile are not fully established.

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

Assessment coverage: 5 of 6 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jun 16, 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 Carda Lean, straight from the product label.

Brand Brutal Force
Barcode (UPC) 753569239861
Net contents 90 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jun 16, 2022
DSLD ID 270701
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Carda Lean by Brutal Force, 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:
3 Veggie Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
3 Veggie Capsule(s)
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
753569239861
IngredientAmount% DV
L-Citrulline75 mg--
L-Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate150 mg--
Acetyl-L-Carnitine Hydrochloride75 mg--
Wild Yam, Powder750 mg--
Ginseng Whole Plant Extract375 mg--
Puncture Vine Extract37.5 mg--

Other ingredients: Hypromellose, Magnesium Stearate, Silica

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions for use: Adults, take 3 capsules approximately 20 minutes before your breakfast. Directions should be followed on both workout and non workout days.

Precautions

Caution: Do not exceed recommended dose.

Pregnant or nursing mothers, children under the age of 18, and individuals with a known medical condition should consult a physician before using this or any dietary supplement.

Pregnant or nursing mothers, children under the age of 18, and individuals with a known medical condition should consult a physician before using this or any dietary supplement. Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not use if the packaging is open or looks tampered with.

Vitamin and dietary supplements are not intended to treat, diagnose or prevent any disease. Dietary supplements must not replace a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

Allergen warning: This product is manufactured in a facility which may also process milk, soy, wheat, egg, peanuts, tree nuts, fish and shellfish.

Storage

Store at room temperature.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

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

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

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

See for yourself

Carda Lean by Brutal Force label

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

Carda Lean 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 Carda Lean by Brutal Force

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

Serving size3 Veggie 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-Citrulline

Interacts with
178 drugs
75 mg per serving

L-citrulline is an amino acid that the body turns into L-arginine to help make nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels and may improve blood flow. I...

L-Citrulline monograph & interactions

L-Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate

Interacts with
403 drugs
150 mg per serving

L-arginine is an amino acid that the body uses to make nitric oxide, a substance that helps blood vessels relax and widen. It is popularly used for bl...

L-Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate monograph & interactions

Acetyl-L-Carnitine Hydrochloride

Interacts with
203 drugs
75 mg per serving

Acetyl-L-carnitine is a form of the amino acid carnitine that the body uses to help produce energy in cells. It is most studied for nerve pain and mem...

Acetyl-L-Carnitine Hydrochloride monograph & interactions

Wild Yam, Powder

750 mg per serving Form: Dioscorea nipponica

Ginseng Whole Plant Extract

Interacts with
217 drugs
375 mg per serving Form: Panax ginseng Whole Plant Extract

American ginseng is an herbal root used as an 'adaptogen' to support energy, stress, immune function, and blood sugar. Some uses—such as reducing the...

Ginseng Whole Plant Extract monograph & interactions

Puncture Vine Extract

Interacts with
259 drugs
37.5 mg per serving Form: Saponins

Tribulus is a plant supplement most often marketed to boost libido, testosterone, and athletic performance, but the human evidence behind these claims...

Puncture Vine Extract monograph & interactions

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

Interaction report

Carda Lean by Brutal Force Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Carda Lean?

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
723Drugs
2 Major 714 Moderate 7 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

L-Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate 403
Puncture Vine Extract 259
Ginseng Whole Plant Extract 217
Acetyl-L-Carnitine Hydrochloride 203
L-Citrulline 178

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Carda Lean interact with 723 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

5 of the 6 ingredients in Carda Lean interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. L-Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate Puncture Vine Extract Ginseng Whole Plant Extract Acetyl-L-Carnitine Hydrochloride L-Citrulline

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Carda Lean 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.

L-Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate9 drug types · 403 drugs

Ace Inhibitors (Aceis)

Theoretically, concomitant use of L-arginine and ACE inhibitors may increase the risk for hypotension and hyperkalemia.
Combining L-arginine with some antihypertensive drugs, especially ACE inhibitors, seems to have additive vasodilating and blood pressure-lowering effects. Furthermore, ACE inhibitors can increase potassium levels. Use of L-arginine has been associated with hyperkalemia in some patients. Theoretically, concomitant use of ACE inhibitors with L-arginine may increases the risk of hyperkalemia.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (Arbs)

Theoretically, concomitant use of L-arginine and ARBs may increase the risk of hypotension and hyperkalemia.
L-arginine increases nitric oxide, which causes vasodilation. Combining L-arginine with ARBs seems to increase L-arginine-induced vasodilation. Furthermore, ARBs can increase potassium levels. Use of L-arginine has been associated with hyperkalemia in some patients. Theoretically, concomitant use of ARBs with L-arginine may increases the risk of hyperkalemia.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use of L-arginine with anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs might have additive effects and increase the risk of bleeding.
Preliminary research suggests that L-arginine infusions reduce platelet aggregation in humans. The clinical significance of this effect is unclear.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use of L-arginine might have additive effects with antidiabetes drugs.
Preliminary clinical research shows that L-arginine decreases blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use of L-arginine and antihypertensive drugs may increase the risk of hypotension.
L-arginine increases nitric oxide, which causes vasodilation. Clinical evidence shows that L-arginine can reduce blood pressure in some individuals with hypertension. Furthermore, combining L-arginine with some antihypertensive drugs seems to have additive vasodilating and blood pressure-lowering effects.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Isoproterenol (Isuprel)

Theoretically, concurrent use of isoproterenol and L-arginine might result in additive effects and hypotension.
Preliminary clinical evidence suggests that L-arginine enhances isoproterenol-induced vasodilation in patients with essential hypertension or a family history of essential hypertension.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Potassium-Sparing Diuretics

Theoretically concomitant use of potassium-sparing diuretics with L-arginine may increases the risk of hyperkalemia.
Potassium-sparing diuretics can increase potassium levels. Use of L-arginine has been associated with hyperkalemia in some patients.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Sildenafil (Viagra)

Theoretically, concurrent use of sildenafil and L-arginine might increase the risk for hypotension.
In vivo, concurrent use of L-arginine and sildenafil has resulted in increased vasodilation. Theoretically, concurrent use might have additive vasodilatory and hypotensive effects. However, in studies evaluating the combined use of L-arginine and sildenafil for erectile dysfunction, hypotension was not reported.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Testosterone

Theoretically, concomitant use of L-arginine and testosterone might have additive effects.
In clinical research, L-arginine increases the level of testosterone in male patients with erectile dysfunction. The clinical significance of this finding is unclear.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
L-Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate full monograph & interactions

Puncture Vine Extract3 drug types · 259 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Taking tribulus with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Clinical research shows that Tribulus can lower blood glucose levels in adults with type 2 diabetes who are taking antidiabetes medications.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, taking tribulus with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Animal research shows that tribulus can lower blood pressure by inhibiting angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). Tribulus has also demonstrated hypotensive effects in pre-hypertensive adults.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Lithium

Theoretically, tribulus might increase the levels and clinical effects of lithium.
Tribulus is thought to have diuretic properties. Due to these potential diuretic effects, tribulus might reduce excretion and increase levels of lithium. The dose of lithium might need to be decreased.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Puncture Vine Extract full monograph & interactions

Ginseng Whole Plant Extract4 drug types · 217 drugs

Warfarin (Coumadin)

American ginseng seems to decrease the effectiveness of warfarin therapy.
Healthy patients receiving warfarin 5 mg daily, who also take American ginseng 1 gram twice daily, seem to have a significantly reduced international normalized ratio (INR).

Likelihood Likely Evidence B
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking American ginseng with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
American ginseng seems to lower postprandial blood glucose. Theoretically, concomitant use with antidiabetes drugs might enhance blood glucose lowering effects and possibly cause hypoglycemia.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, American ginseng use might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
American ginseng seems to stimulate immune function. Theoretically, American ginseng might decrease the effectiveness of immunosuppressant drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (Maois)

Theoretically, American ginseng can interfere with MAOI therapy.
There is one case report of insomnia, headache, and tremors when an unspecified ginseng product was used with phenelzine (Nardil), an MAOI. There is also one case report of hypomania when an unspecified ginseng product was used with phenelzine. Theoretically, American ginseng may interfere with MAOI therapy.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Ginseng Whole Plant Extract full monograph & interactions

Acetyl-L-Carnitine Hydrochloride4 drug types · 203 drugs

Acenocoumarol (Sintrom)

Theoretically, acetyl-L-carnitine might increase the anticoagulant effects of acenocoumarol.
L-carnitine, the parent compound of acetyl-L-carnitine, might enhance the anticoagulant effects of acenocoumarol, an oral anticoagulant that is similar to warfarin, but shorter-acting. There are at least two case reports of INR elevation when L-carnitine was taken with acenocoumarol. In one case, a 33-year-old male with a previously stable INR had an elevated INR of 4.65 after L-carnitine was started and continued for 10 weeks. INR normalized after discontinuation of the L-carnitine-containing product. It is unclear if such an interaction would also occur with acetyl-L-carnitine.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Serotonergic Drugs

Theoretically, acetyl-L-carnitine might increase the risk of serotonergic side effects, including serotonin syndrome and cerebral vasoconstrictive disorders, when taken with serotonergic drugs.
Animal research shows that acetyl-L-carnitine can increase levels of serotonin in the brain.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Thyroid Hormone

Theoretically, acetyl-L-carnitine might decrease the effectiveness of thyroid hormone replacement.
L-carnitine appears to act as a peripheral thyroid hormone antagonist by inhibiting entry of thyroid hormone into the nucleus of cells. Taking L-carnitine also seems to diminish some of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism. It is unclear if such an interaction would occur with acetyl-L-carnitine.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, acetyl-L-carnitine might increase the anticoagulant effects of warfarin.
L-carnitine, the parent compound of acetyl-L-carnitine, might increase the anticoagulant effects of acenocoumarol, a shorter-acting oral anticoagulant similar to warfarin. There is not enough information to know whether this interaction occurs with acetyl-L-carnitine and warfarin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Acetyl-L-Carnitine Hydrochloride full monograph & interactions

L-Citrulline2 drug types · 178 drugs

Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use of L-citrulline with antihypertensive drugs might have additive effects and increase the chance of hypotension.
L-citrulline is converted to L-arginine, which can increase nitric oxide and cause vasodilation. However, a meta-analysis of 5 small clinical studies suggests that taking L-citrulline 3-6 grams daily for 1-8 weeks does not lower blood pressure when compared with control.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Phosphodiesterase-5 Inhibitors

Theoretically, concurrent use of phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors and L-citrulline might result in additive vasodilation.
L-citrulline is converted to L-arginine, which can increase nitric oxide and cause vasodilation. Theoretically, taking L-arginine with PDE-5 inhibitors might have additive vasodilatory and hypotensive effects. However, in studies evaluating the combined use of L-arginine and sildenafil for erectile dysfunction, hypotension was not reported.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
L-Citrulline full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Carda Lean, from the product label.

Brutal Force

See all Brutal Force products
Name
Muscle Club Limited
City
New York
State
NY
ZipCode
10005
Phone Number
(646) 893-5892
Web Address
brutalforce.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Carda Lean by Brutal Force: Common Questions

Does Carda Lean by Brutal Force interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Carda Lean has a known interaction with 723 medications, including 2 rated major. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Carda Lean contains 6 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take Carda Lean if I'm on blood pressure medication?
Not without checking first. L-Citrulline, L-Arginine, and Puncture Vine Extract can all lower blood pressure, so combining them with blood pressure drugs might drop your pressure too far. Talk with your pharmacist about your specific medications before you start.
What side effects might I experience?
L-Citrulline and L-Arginine most commonly cause gastrointestinal discomfort, bloating, nausea, or headache. Acetyl-L-Carnitine can cause agitation, dry mouth, headache, or insomnia. Ginseng may cause headache. Most people tolerate these ingredients short-term, but long-term safety is not fully established.
Is Carda Lean safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
No. The ingredients should be avoided during pregnancy — most either lack safety data or are possibly unsafe. Similarly, avoid during breastfeeding unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Talk with your OB or midwife before considering it.
Does Carda Lean really improve athletic performance?
L-Citrulline is possibly effective for athletic performance. Puncture Vine Extract is possibly ineffective for that purpose. The other ingredients in this formula don't have established effectiveness ratings for athletic performance in our data.
What does L-Arginine do?
L-Arginine is an amino acid that increases nitric oxide in your body, which widens blood vessels and improves blood flow. We don't have a specific effectiveness rating for L-Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate in this product, but it works similarly to plain L-arginine.
I'm on lithium for bipolar disorder — can I take this?
No, not without checking with your doctor. Puncture Vine Extract in this product may increase lithium levels and effects, which could be dangerous. Your prescriber needs to know before you start any new supplement.

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.

Carda Lean label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Carda Lean’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

L-citrulline

Interacts with 178 drugs

L-citrulline is an amino acid that the body turns into L-arginine to help make nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels and may improve blood flow. It is popular for exercise performance an...

Read the full L-citrulline monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

L-arginine

Interacts with 403 drugs

L-arginine is an amino acid that the body uses to make nitric oxide, a substance that helps blood vessels relax and widen. It is popularly used for blood pressure, erectile dysfunction, and...

Read the full L-arginine monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Acetyl-l-carnitine

Interacts with 203 drugs

Acetyl-L-carnitine is a form of the amino acid carnitine that the body uses to help produce energy in cells. It is most studied for nerve pain and memory-related conditions, though the evide...

Read the full Acetyl-l-carnitine monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

American Ginseng

Interacts with 217 drugs

American ginseng is an herbal root used as an 'adaptogen' to support energy, stress, immune function, and blood sugar. Some uses—such as reducing the chance or length of colds and modestly l...

Read the full American Ginseng monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Tribulus

Interacts with 259 drugs

Tribulus is a plant supplement most often marketed to boost libido, testosterone, and athletic performance, but the human evidence behind these claims is weak and inconsistent. It is general...

Read the full Tribulus monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Carda Lean'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 118 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.

L-citrulline 8 references
  1. Cheng JW, Balwin SN. L-arginine in the management of cardiovascular diseases. Ann Pharmacother 2001;35:755-64. PubMed
  2. Schwedhelm E, Maas R, Freese R, et al. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of oral L-citrulline and L-arginine: impact on nitric oxide metabolism. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2008;65:51-9. PubMed
  3. Romero MJ, Platt DH, Caldwell RB, Caldwell RW. Therapeutic use of citrulline in cardiovascular disease. Cardiovasc Drug Rev 2006;24:275-90. PubMed
  4. Balderas-Munoz K, Castillo-Martínez L, Orea-Tejeda A, et al. Improvement of ventricular function in systolic heart failure patients with oral L-citrulline supplementation. Cardiol J 2012;19:612-7. PubMed
  5. Sharif Kashani B, Tahmaseb Pour P, Malekmohammad M, et al. Oral l-citrulline malate in patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension and Eisenmenger Syndrome: a clinical trial. J Cardiol 2014;64:231-5. PubMed
  6. Pérez-Guisado J, Jakeman PM. Citrulline malate enhances athletic anaerobic performance and relieves muscle soreness. J Strength Cond Res 2010;24:1215-22. PubMed
  7. Mirenayat MS, Moradi S, Mohammadi H, Rouhani MH. Effect of L-citrulline supplementation on blood pressure: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials. Curr Hypertens Rep. 2018;20(11):98. PubMed
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L-arginine 66 references
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American Ginseng 12 references
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