Major interaction on record — check this product against your medications before combining. Based on 4 of 5 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Cardana Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by AOR Advanced Orthomolecular Research Advanced

Capsule Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Major
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Major

Cardana is a dietary supplement by AOR Advanced Orthomolecular Research Advanced with 5 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for heart health and circulation, digestive problems (constipation, diarrhea), cholesterol support.Based on those ingredients, 1,468 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract, Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) extract, Forskohlii (Coleus forskohlii) extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Cardana by AOR Advanced Orthomolecular Research Advanced

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 5 of its 5 active ingredients.
  • “Hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata) extract” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label gives one combined amount (400 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.
  • “Forskohlii (Coleus forskohlii) extract” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label gives one combined amount (200 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

Cardana contains five active ingredients. Arjuna extract and Ashwagandha root extract are traditional Ayurvedic herbs meant to support heart and stress resilience.

Hawthorn extract, Hyperoside (a flavonoid compound), and Forskolin (a plant alkaloid from Coleus forskohlii) are all traditionally used for cardiovascular function. The product is made up of these ingredients plus inactive fillers: microcrystalline cellulose, maltodextrin, silicon dioxide, and sodium stearyl fumarate in a capsule.

Does it work?

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

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

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: maintain healthy heart function.
  • We looked for evidence on: Angina, Arrhythmia, Atherosclerosis, Cardiovascular disease (CVD), Congestive heart failure (CHF), Coronary heart disease (CHD) — and 4 related terms.
  • The closest evidence on file: Terminalia is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Angina (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Terminalia is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Coronary heart disease (CHD), Heart failure, Hypertension.
  • Also on file: Ashwagandha is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Hypercholesterolemia.

The evidence for Cardana's ingredients is limited. Arjuna has insufficient reliable evidence for obesity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or angina.

Forskolin is also rated insufficient for angina, asthma, cancer, congestive heart failure, eczema, and dry eye. Ashwagandha does have some preliminary support — it's rated possibly effective for insomnia, anxiety, stress, and generalized anxiety disorder — but the other ingredients and the product as a whole lack established effectiveness data in our records.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Terminalia Hawthorn Coleus Ashwagandha

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

Ashwagandha and Coleus (Forskolin) are generally well tolerated short-term in healthy adults, though long-term safety data are thin. Common side effects with Coleus include diarrhea, constipation, nausea, or vomiting; some trial participants reported loose stools or gastrointestinal upset.

Ashwagandha may cause mild diarrhea, nausea, or headache at typical doses. Rare but serious concerns exist with both: Ashwagandha has been linked to acute liver damage in case reports, and Coleus can lower blood pressure.

Arjuna is generally well tolerated short-term but carries similar caveats about long-term data. The safety of Hawthorn extract, Hyperoside, and Red Spiderling extract in this product are not documented in our data.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Terminalia Hawthorn Coleus Ashwagandha

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?
  • 3 of the 3 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Terminalia, Ashwagandha, Coleus.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 1,466 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 Cardana, double-check your medications against these types in this order: nitrates (Major), calcium channel blockers (Major), antihypertensive/blood pressure drugs (Moderate), anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents like warfarin (Moderate), diabetes medications (Moderate), CNS depressants and benzodiazepines (Moderate), immunosuppressants (Moderate), thyroid hormone (Moderate), drugs metabolized by your liver's CYP2D6, CYP2C9, or CYP3A4 enzymes (Moderate), and hepatotoxic drugs or those hard on the liver (Moderate). Chlorzoxazone and omeprazole are also of concern.

If any of these apply to you, check the tool below with your specific drug names before starting.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Cardana is designed for cardiovascular and stress support, but the evidence for its effectiveness is not yet established in the data we hold. More importantly, if you take a heart medication (especially nitrates or calcium channel blockers), blood pressure drugs, blood thinners, diabetes medications, or thyroid hormone, you need to run your exact prescriptions through the checker on this page before taking it.

Talk to your pharmacist or doctor first — this product carries real interaction risks.

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

Assessment coverage: 3 of 5 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Mar 24, 2020.

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 Cardana, straight from the product label.

Brand AOR Advanced Orthomolecular Research Advanced
Barcode (UPC) 624917082692
Net contents 120 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Mar 24, 2020
DSLD ID 214543
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, Women (not pregnant or lactating), Adult Male (18-50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free
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 Cardana by AOR Advanced Orthomolecular Research Advanced, 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
60
UPC/BARCODE
624917082692
IngredientAmount% DV
Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) extract452 mg, 226 mg--
Hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata) extract400 mg, 200 mg--
Hyperoside Flavonoid12.8 mg, 6.4 mg--
Forskohlii (Coleus forskohlii) extract200 mg, 100 mg--
Forskolin20 mg, 10 mg--
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract200 mg, 100 mg--
Red Spiderling (Boerhavia diffusa) extract200 mg, 100 mg--

Other ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Capsule, Maltodextrin, Silicon Dioxide, Sodium Stearyl Fumarate

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.
Formulation

GMP Manufacturing Quality assured Independent testing

Discussion: Cardana is a formulation of botanicals used in traditional Ayurvedic Medicine to help maintain healthy heart function.

A powerful Ayurvedic formula for the heart

Vegan

Non-GMO Gluten free

AOR guarantees that all ingredients have been declared on the label.

Made without wheat, gluten, nuts, peanuts, sesame seeds, sulfites, mustard, soy, dairy, eggs, fish, or shellfish.

Precautions

Do not use if safety seal is broken

Warning: Do not use if you are pregnant or lactating. Consult a physician if have medical condition, or if taking medications like cardiac glycosides such as digitalis/digoxin, blood pressure medication, diuretics or anticoagulants/blood thinners.

Keep out of reach of children.

To report a serious adverse event or obtain product information, call 1-866-215-0450

Storage

Store tightly sealed in a cool, dry place

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: Take 2 capsules twice a day with/without food, or as directed by a qualified health care practitioner.

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

General Statements

Product of Canada

See for yourself

Cardana by AOR Advanced Orthomolecular Research Advanced label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Cardana by AOR Advanced Orthomolecular Research Advanced

These are the 5 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container60 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.

Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) extract

Interacts with
933 drugs
452 mg per serving

Terminalia is a group of traditional Ayurvedic tree species (most notably Terminalia arjuna) used for heart, digestive, and general wellness purposes....

Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) extract monograph & interactions

Hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata) extract

Interacts with
191 drugs
400 mg per serving

Hawthorn is a plant traditionally used for heart-related complaints, and some studies suggest it may modestly help symptoms of mild heart failure when...

Hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata) extract monograph & interactions
  • › Hyperoside Flavonoid

Forskohlii (Coleus forskohlii) extract

Interacts with
915 drugs
200 mg per serving

Coleus is a plant from the mint family whose root contains a compound called forskolin, often marketed for weight loss, asthma, and heart health. Whil...

Forskohlii (Coleus forskohlii) extract monograph & interactions
200 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 (Withania somnifera) root extract monograph & interactions

Red Spiderling (Boerhavia diffusa) extract

200 mg per serving

Other (inactive) ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Capsule, Maltodextrin, Silicon Dioxide, Sodium Stearyl Fumarate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Cardana by AOR Advanced Orthomolecular Research Advanced Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Cardana?

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
1,468Drugs
36 Major 1,379 Moderate 53 Minor

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Cardana 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 (Withania somnifera) 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

Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) extract7 drug types · 933 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use of Terminalia arjuna with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs may increase the risk of bleeding in some patients.
In vitro, Terminalia arjuna bark extract inhibits platelet aggregation, decreases platelet activation, and shows antithrombotic properties.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use of Terminalia bellirica or Terminalia chebula with antidiabetes drugs could affect blood sugar control and increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Animal and in vitro research shows that Terminalia bellirica and Terminalia chebula fruit and seed extract have hypoglycemic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Chlorzoxazone (Parafon Forte, Paraflex)

Theoretically, use of Terminalia chebula may increase the risk of adverse effects from chlorzoxazone.
Animal research shows that enteral administration of Terminalia chebula for 15 days prior to administration of chlorzoxazone increases blood levels of chlorzoxazone and decreases chlorzoxazone clearance. It is speculated that Terminalia chebula reduces the metabolism of chlorzoxazone by inhibiting cytochrome P450 2E1.

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

Theoretically, use of Terminalia arjuna may increase the levels and clinical effects of CYP2C9 substrates.
In vitro research shows that Terminalia arjuna extract inhibits CYP2C9 enzymes and reduces CYP2C9 substrate metabolism.

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

Theoretically, use of Terminalia arjuna may increase the levels and clinical effects of CYP2D6 substrates.
In vitro research shows that Terminalia arjuna extract inhibits CYP2D6 enzymes and reduces CYP2D6 substrate metabolism.

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

Theoretically, use of Terminalia arjuna may increase the levels and clinical effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
In vitro research shows that Terminalia arjuna extract inhibits CYP3A4 enzymes and reduces CYP3A4 substrate metabolism.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Omeprazole (Prilosec)

Theoretically, use of Terminalia chebula may increase the risk of adverse effects from omeprazole.
Animal research shows that enteral administration of Terminalia chebula for 15 days prior to administration of omeprazole increases blood levels of omeprazole and decreases omeprazole clearance. It is speculated that Terminalia chebula reduces the metabolism of omeprazole by inhibiting cytochrome P450 2C19.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Forskohlii (Coleus forskohlii) extract7 drug types · 915 drugs

Calcium Channel Blockers

Theoretically, combining coleus with calcium channel blockers might increase the coronary vasodilatory effects.
Forskolin, a constituent of coleus, and calcium channel blockers both cause coronary vasodilatory effects.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Nitrates

Theoretically, combining coleus with nitrates might increase the coronary vasodilatory effects.
Forskolin, a constituent of coleus, and nitrates both cause coronary vasodilatory effects.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use of coleus and anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
In vitro and animal research shows that forskolin, a constituent of coleus, can inhibit platelet aggregation and adhesion.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, combining coleus with antihypertensive drugs might cause additive blood pressure lowering effects and increase the risk of hypotension.
Animal research shows that forskolin, a constituent of coleus, may lower blood pressure.

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

Theoretically, taking coleus may affect drugs metabolized by CYP2C9 and increase the risk of adverse effects or reduce the effectiveness.
Research on the effect of coleus on CYP2C9 is conflicting. Some animal research shows that coleus extract can induce CYP2C9, while in vitro research shows that coleus can inhibit CYP2C9. Until more is known, advise patients that taking coleus might increase or decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C9.

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

Theoretically, taking coleus might decrease serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
In vitro research shows that coleus can activate the nuclear receptor, pregnane X receptor (PXR), which results in increased expression of CYP3A4. Although the clinical significance of this is not known, use caution when considering concomitant use of coleus and other drugs affected by these enzymes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, taking coleus may affect the metabolism of warfarin and increase the risk of adverse effects or reduce the effectiveness.
Some animal research shows that coleus extract can induce cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9), an enzyme that metabolizes warfarin. However, other in vitro research shows that coleus can inhibit CYP2C9. Theoretically, taking coleus with drugs metabolized by CYP2C9 might affect drug levels and the risk of adverse effects. Until more is known, advise patients that taking coleus might increase or decrease levels of warfarin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata) extract6 drug types · 191 drugs

Nitrates

Theoretically, concomitant use might cause additive coronary vasodilatory effects.
Some evidence shows that hawthorn might lower blood pressure due to vasodilatory effects.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Phosphodiesterase-5 Inhibitors

Theoretically, concomitant use might result in additive vasodilation and hypotension.
Hawthorn might inhibit PDE-5 and cause vasodilation.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, hawthorn may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
In vitro and animal research shows that hawthorn can inhibit platelet aggregation. However, its effect in humans is unclear. One observational study shows that patients taking hawthorn shortly before undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery or valve replacement surgery have a 10% incidence of postoperative bleeding, compared with 1% in those who never consumed hawthorn extract. However, clinical research shows that taking a specific preparation of dried hawthorn leaves and flowers (Crataesor, Soria Natural Lab) 800 mg three times daily for 15 days does not affect platelet aggregation or levels of thromboxane B2, the metabolite of thromboxane A2, in healthy humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Beta-Blockers

Theoretically, concomitant use might cause additive effects on blood pressure and heart rate.
Some evidence shows that hawthorn might lower blood pressure and heart rate.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Calcium Channel Blockers

Theoretically, concomitant use might cause additive coronary vasodilation and hypotensive effects.
Some evidence shows that hawthorn might lower blood pressure due to vasodilatory effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Theoretically, hawthorn might potentiate the effects and adverse effects of digoxin.
Hawthorn appears to improve cardiac output; however, hawthorn does not appear to affect digoxin pharmacokinetics. Case reports suggest that at least one species of hawthorn root extract (Crataegus mexicana) may produce adverse effects similar to digoxin and can cross-react with digoxin assays, leading to falsely elevated plasma digoxin levels.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Cardana, from the product label.

AOR Advanced Orthomolecular Research Advanced

See all AOR Advanced Orthomolecular Research Advanced products
Name
AOR Inc.
Street Address
30 Industrial West
City
Clifton
State
NJ
ZipCode
07012
Phone Number
1-866-215-0450
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Cardana by AOR Advanced Orthomolecular Research Advanced: Common Questions

Does Cardana by AOR Advanced Orthomolecular Research Advanced interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Cardana has a known interaction with 1,468 medications, including 36 rated major. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Cardana contains 5 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 Cardana safe to take while I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. Arjuna is not recommended in pregnancy due to insufficient safety data. Ashwagandha is rated likely unsafe in pregnancy — it has traditionally been thought to raise miscarriage risk — and should be avoided. Coleus (Forskolin) is rated possibly unsafe in pregnancy. For breastfeeding, neither Ashwagandha nor Coleus have enough safety data, so they're best avoided. Talk to your doctor before considering this product if you're pregnant, planning pregnancy, or nursing.
What does Ashwagandha in this product do?
Ashwagandha is rated possibly effective for insomnia, anxiety, stress, and generalized anxiety disorder. The other ingredients — Arjuna, Hawthorn, Hyperoside, and Coleus — are included for their traditional use in supporting heart health, though their effectiveness is not yet established in our data.
Can Cardana cause diarrhea or upset stomach?
Yes. Coleus (Forskolin) commonly causes diarrhea, nausea, constipation, or other gastrointestinal symptoms — roughly one in 15 trial participants reported loose stools. Ashwagandha can also cause mild diarrhea or nausea at typical doses. These are usually dose-related and often resolve, but if you have a sensitive stomach, take it cautiously and with food.
Does Cardana lower blood pressure?
Theoretically, yes. Both Ashwagandha and Coleus (Forskolin) may lower blood pressure based on animal research, and Arjuna may also have blood vessel effects. If you already take blood pressure medication or have low blood pressure, this product could push your numbers down further — another reason to talk with your pharmacist or doctor first.
What is Hyperoside in Cardana?
Hyperoside is a flavonoid — a plant compound — included in Cardana for its traditional cardiovascular use. We have no interaction data for it, so we could not check whether it affects your medications.
Are there any fillers in Cardana?
Yes. The product contains inactive ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose (a binder), maltodextrin (a thickener), silicon dioxide (an anti-caking agent), and sodium stearyl fumarate (a flow agent), plus the capsule itself. These are standard excipients and don't count as active ingredients.

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.

Cardana label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Cardana'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 82 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.

Terminalia 9 references
  1. Sabu, M. C. and Kuttan, R. Anti-diabetic activity of medicinal plants and its relationship with their antioxidant property. J Ethnopharmacol. 2002;81(2):155-160. PubMed
  2. Rao, N. K. and Nammi, S. Antidiabetic and renoprotective effects of the chloroform extract of Terminalia chebula Retz. seeds in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. BMC.Complement Altern.Med 2006;6:17. PubMed
  3. Murali, Y. K., Anand, P., Tandon, V., Singh, R., Chandra, R., and Murthy, P. S. Long-term effects of Terminalia chebula Retz. on hyperglycemia and associated hyperlipidemia, tissue glycogen content and in vitro release of insulin in streptozotocin induced
  4. Senthilkumar, G. P. and Subramanian, S. Evaluation of antioxidant potential of Terminalia chebula fruits studies in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Pharmaceutical Biology (Netherlands) 2007;45:511-518.
  5. Malik N, Dhawan V, Bahl A, Kaul D. Inihbitory effects of Terminalia arjuna on platelet activation in vitro in healthy subjects and patients with coronary artery disease. Platelets. 2009;20(3):183-1190.
  6. Varghese A, Savai J, Pandita N, Gaud RS. In vitro modulatory effects of Terminalia arjuna, arjunic acid, arjunetin, and arjungenin on CYP3A4, CYP2D6, and CYP2C9 enzyme activity in human liver microsomes. Toxicology Reports. 2015(2):806-16. PubMed
  7. Wu G, Dong Z, Dong J, et al. Effects of mongolian medicine Terminalia chebula Retz. on 6 CYP450 enzymes in rats. Int J Clin Exp Pathol 2020;13(12):3128-3138.
  8. Das A, Naveen J, Sreerama YN, Gnanesh Kumar BS, Baskaran V. Low-glycemic foods with wheat, barley and herbs (Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellerica and Emblica officinalis) inhibit a-amylase, a-glucosidase and DPP-IV activity in high fat and low dose st
  9. Eltimamy M, Elshamarka M, Aboelsaad M, Sayed M, Moawad H. Effects of alcoholic extract of Terminalia Chebula dried fruit on blood biochemical profile in diabetic rats. J Diabetes Metab Disord 2022;21(1):159-170. PubMed

See these in context on the Terminalia monograph →

Hawthorn 25 references
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Coleus 16 references
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Ashwagandha 32 references
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DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

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