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Dietary supplement

Cardio Complex Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by California Gold Nutrition

Cardio Complex label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 9, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

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

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

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Cardio Complex is a dietary supplement by California Gold Nutrition with 8 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for high blood pressure, erectile dysfunction, athletic performance.Based on those ingredients, 1,167 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Pomegranate fruit extract, Grape Seed Extract, Beet Root Extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against Cardio Complex by California Gold Nutrition

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Cardio Complex by California Gold Nutrition — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Cardio Complex by California Gold Nutrition

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

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

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

What’s inside

Low disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Low

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

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 0 of its 8 active ingredients.
  • “CardioAmino Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (400 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.
  • “CardioPhyto Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (150 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

Cardio Complex contains 8 ingredients, of which six are active compounds with cardiovascular or nutrient-support roles. L-arginine and L-citrulline are amino acids that support nitric oxide production and blood vessel function.

Acetyl-L-carnitine and L-carnitine L-tartrate help your cells produce energy and support heart function. Grape seed extract and pomegranate fruit extract are antioxidant-rich plant compounds.

Beet root extract supplies dietary nitrates for vascular health, and Red Spinach Leaf Extract provides additional micronutrients. The product also contains inactive ingredients (rice extract, modified cellulose, maltodextrin, magnesium stearate, and silicon dioxide) that serve as fillers and binders.

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: Heart and circulation support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Angina, Arrhythmia, Atherosclerosis, Atrial fibrillation, Cardiovascular disease (CVD), Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) — and 4 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Grape is rated "Possibly Effective" for Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: L-carnitine is rated "Possibly Effective" for Angina, Congestive heart failure (CHF).
  • Also on file: Beet is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Coronary heart disease (CHD), Dyslipidemia.

Evidence for this product's ingredients is mixed. L-citrulline shows possibly effective evidence for athletic performance, while acetyl-L-carnitine is possibly effective for age-related cognitive decline, Alzheimer disease, and depression.

L-carnitine L-tartrate is effective for L-carnitine deficiency and possibly effective for congestive heart failure and angina. Grape seed extract is possibly effective for chronic venous insufficiency, and pomegranate extract is possibly effective for high blood pressure.

However, many claims lack solid evidence — L-arginine, beet root, and Red Spinach Leaf Extract either have no ratings established in our data or show insufficient evidence for cardiovascular benefit. We hold no effectiveness data for the CardioAmino Blend and CardioPhyto Blend as formulated products.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient L-arginine L-citrulline Acetyl-l-carnitine L-carnitine Grape Beet Amaranth Pomegranate

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 8 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 8 of 8.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 8 of 8.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Most individual ingredients are generally well tolerated short-term when taken by mouth. L-arginine, L-citrulline, acetyl-L-carnitine, L-carnitine L-tartrate, and beet root are generally well tolerated in the short term, though long-term safety isn't fully established.

The most common side effects are mild — gastrointestinal upset (nausea, diarrhea, bloating, abdominal pain), headache, and in some cases a fishy body odor from carnitine compounds. Grape seed extract and pomegranate are also well tolerated, with mainly gastrointestinal effects reported.

Red Spinach Leaf Extract has limited safety data at supplement doses. For pregnancy: L-citrulline should be avoided (not enough data), acetyl-L-carnitine should be avoided (not enough data), L-carnitine L-tartrate has no pregnancy data on file, and beet and pomegranate have insufficient or no data on concentrated supplements in pregnancy.

For breastfeeding: L-citrulline, acetyl-L-carnitine, and beet should be avoided due to lack of safety information; L-carnitine L-tartrate is possibly safe. Always discuss pregnancy or breastfeeding use with your doctor.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient L-arginine L-citrulline Acetyl-l-carnitine L-carnitine Grape Beet Amaranth Pomegranate

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 8 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Beet, Pomegranate, Grape, Acetyl-l-carnitine, L-arginine, among others.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 1,168 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 Cardio Complex, double-check any blood pressure medications (especially ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers), blood thinners (warfarin and antiplatelet drugs), diabetes medications, thyroid hormone replacement, and erectile dysfunction drugs. Liver enzyme interactions (CYP3A4, CYP2D6, CYP2E1) may also affect the metabolism of other medications you take.

No interactions are documented for Red Spinach Leaf Extract, but all other active ingredients carry documented interaction risks. Use the medication checker on this page.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Cardio Complex may appeal to people looking to support heart health and blood vessel function with amino acids and plant compounds. However, if you take blood pressure medications, blood thinners, diabetes drugs, thyroid hormone, or erectile dysfunction medications, you need to check your specific drugs first — interactions are significant and could affect how well your medications work or raise side-effect risk.

Talk with your pharmacist before starting.

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

Assessment coverage: 8 of 8 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Dec 14, 2023.

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 Cardio Complex, straight from the product label.

Brand California Gold Nutrition
Barcode (UPC) 898220020690
Net contents 180 Veggie Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Dec 14, 2023
DSLD ID 299596
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), No Allergies, 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 Cardio Complex by California Gold Nutrition, 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
90
UPC/BARCODE
898220020690
IngredientAmount% DV
L-Arginine0 NP--
L-Citrulline0 NP--
Grape Seed Extract0 NP--
Acetyl-L-Carnitine Hydrochloride0 NP--
L-Carnitine L-Tartrate0 NP--
Beet Root Extract0 NP--
CardioAmino Blend400 mg--
CardioPhyto Blend150 mg--
Red Spinach Leaf Extract0 NP--
Pomegranate fruit extract0 NP--

Other ingredients: Rice extract, Modified Cellulose, Maltodextrin, Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide

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

Suggested Use: Take 2 capsules daily, with food. Best when taken as directed by a qualified healthcare professional.

Precautions

Warnings: Keep out of reach of children. Pregnant or lactating women, the chronically ill, elderly, individuals under the age of 18, those taking prescription medications (e.g., blood thinners) as well as those with a physician-diagnosed medical condition should consult with a physician, pharmacist, naturopath or other qualified healthcare professional prior to taking dietary supplements.

Pregnant or lactating women, the chronically ill, elderly, individuals under the age of 18, those taking prescription medications (e.g., blood thinners) as well as those with a physician-diagnosed medical condition should consult with a physician, pharmacist, naturopath or other qualified healthcare professional prior to taking dietary supplements.

Sealed for your protection. Do not use if seal is missing or broken.

Not manufactured with milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy, sesame, or gluten. Produced in an FDA registered, third-party audited, and cGMP-compliant facility that may process other products that contain these allergens or ingredients.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place. Protect from heat, light, and moisture.

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.

Formula

Formulated with Oxystorm Red Spinach Extract

Brand IP Statement(s)

Oxystorm is a registered trademark of Arjuna Natural Extracts Limited, India. California Gold Nutrition is a registered trademark of Madre Labs, LLC

Formulation

Supports cardiovascular health

Formulated without: Gluten GMOs Soy

Not manufactured with milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy, sesame, or gluten.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

General Statements

All California Gold Nutrition products come with a 100% Gold Guarantee. If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, return the unused portion within 90 days for a full refund.

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

See for yourself

Cardio Complex by California Gold Nutrition label

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

Cardio Complex 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 Cardio Complex by California Gold Nutrition

These are the 8 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container90 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.

CardioAmino Blend

400 mg per serving

CardioPhyto Blend

150 mg per serving

Other (inactive) ingredients: Rice extract, Modified Cellulose, Maltodextrin, Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Cardio Complex by California Gold Nutrition Drug Interactions

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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
1,167Drugs
1,144 Moderate 23 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Pomegranate fruit extract 922
Grape Seed Extract 910
Beet Root Extract 861
L-Arginine 403
Acetyl-L-Carnitine Hydrochloride 203

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Cardio Complex interact with 1,167 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

7 of the 8 ingredients in Cardio Complex interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Pomegranate fruit extract Grape Seed Extract Beet Root Extract L-Arginine Acetyl-L-Carnitine Hydrochloride L-Citrulline L-Carnitine L-Tartrate

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Cardio Complex 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.

Pomegranate fruit extract9 drug types · 922 drugs

Ace Inhibitors (Aceis)

Theoretically, taking pomegranate with ACEIs might increase the risk of adverse effects.
Pomegranate juice is thought to have ACE inhibitor-like effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, taking pomegranate with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Consuming pomegranate juice can modestly lower blood pressure.

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

Theoretically, pomegranate might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
In vitro, pomegranate juice inhibits CYP2D6. However, the clinical significance of this potential interaction in humans is not known.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Rosuvastatin (Crestor)

Theoretically, taking pomegranate with rosuvastatin might increase the risk of adverse effects.
In one case, a patient taking rosuvastatin 5 mg every other day in combination with ezetimibe 10 mg daily developed rhabdomyolysis after drinking pomegranate juice 200 mL twice weekly for 3 weeks. This patient had a history of elevated creatine kinase levels while not receiving any statin treatment. This suggests a possible underlying myopathy and predisposition to rhabdomyolysis.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, pomegranate might increase warfarin levels and increase the risk of bleeding. Also, discontinuing regular consumption of pomegranate juice might decrease warfarin levels.
In one case report, a patient had a stable, therapeutic bleeding time, as measured by international normalized ratio (INR), while taking warfarin in combination with pomegranate juice 2-3 times per week. The patient became subtherapeutic within about 10 days after discontinuing pomegranate juice, which required a warfarin dose increase. In another case report, a patient with a stable INR for over one year presented with an INR of 14. The patient noted no changes to medications or diet but did report consuming around 3 liters of pomegranate juice over the previous week. The patient's INR stabilized upon moderation of pomegranate juice consumption. The mechanism of this potential interaction is unclear.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)

Theoretically, taking pomegranate with carbamazepine might increase the risk of adverse effects, although research suggests this interaction is unlikely to be clinically significant.
Animal research shows that pomegranate juice may inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) metabolism of carbamazepine and increase levels of carbamazepine by 1.5 times without prolonging the elimination half-life. This suggests that pomegranate juice inhibits intestinal CYP3A4, but might not inhibit hepatic CYP3A4. However, some human research suggests that pomegranate does not significantly inhibit CYP3A4 drug metabolism in humans.

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

Theoretically, pomegranate might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C9.
Some animal and in vitro research shows that pomegranate juice inhibits intestinal, but not hepatic, CYP2C9 isoenzyme activity. However, clinical research shows that neither pomegranate juice nor pomegranate extract have a significant effect on CYP2C9 activity in humans.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, pomegranate might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4, but most research suggests this interaction is unlikely to be clinically significant.
Pomegranate contains several polyphenols that have individually been shown to inhibit CYP3A4. However, there is contradictory evidence about the effect of whole pomegranate juice on CYP3A4 activity. In vitro, pomegranate juice significantly inhibits the CYP3A4 enzyme, with comparable inhibition to grapefruit juice. In an animal model, pomegranate juice inhibits CYP3A4 metabolism of carbamazepine and increases levels of carbamazepine by 1.5 times; however, in human volunteers, drinking a single glass of pomegranate juice 240 mL or taking 200 mL daily for 2 weeks does not significantly affect levels of the CYP3A4 substrate midazolam after oral or intravenous administration. Another study in healthy volunteers shows that consuming pomegranate juice 300 mL three times daily for three days also does not significantly affect levels of simvastatin, a CYP3A4 substrate This suggests that pomegranate is unlikely to significantly affect levels of CYP3A4 substrates in humans.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B
Tolbutamide (Orinase)

Theoretically, pomegranate might increase levels of tolbutamide, although research suggests this interaction is unlikely to be clinically significant.
Animal research shows that pomegranate juice inhibits the cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) metabolism of tolbutamide. Pomegranate juice increased tolbutamide levels by 1.2 times without prolonging the elimination half-life. This suggests that pomegranate juice inhibits intestinal CYP2C9, but might not inhibit hepatic CYP2C9. Despite this evidence, clinical research shows that neither pomegranate juice nor pomegranate extract have a significant effect on CYP2C9 activity in humans. This interaction does not appear to be clinically significant in humans.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Pomegranate fruit extract full monograph & interactions

Grape Seed Extract9 drug types · 910 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, grape extracts may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
In vitro evidence suggests that grape extracts might decrease platelet aggregation.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)

Ingesting grape juice with cyclosporine can reduce cyclosporine absorption.
A small pharmacokinetic study in healthy young adults shows that intake of purple grape juice 200 mL along with cyclosporine can decrease the absorption of cyclosporine by up to 30% when compared with water. Separate doses of grape juice and cyclosporine by at least 2 hours to avoid this interaction.

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

Theoretically, grape juice might reduce the levels of CYP1A2 substrates.
A small pharmacokinetic study in healthy adults shows that ingestion of 200 mL of grape juice decreases phenacetin plasma levels. This is thought to be due to induction of CYP1A2.

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

Theoretically, grape seed extract may increase the levels of CYP2D6 substrates.
In vitro evidence suggests that grape seed extract might inhibit CYP2D6 enzymes. However, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2E1 (Cyp2E1) Substrates

Theoretically, grape seed extract might increase the levels of CYP2E1 substrates.
In vitro and animal research suggests that grape seed proanthocyanidin extract inhibits CYP2E1 enzymes. However, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

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

It is unclear if grape seed extract inhibits or induces CYP3A4; research is conflicting.
In vitro evidence suggests that grape seed extract might inhibit CYP3A4 enzymes. However, evidence from animal research shows that grape seed extract may induce CYP3A4 in the liver. So far, these interactions have not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Midazolam (Versed)

Theoretically, long-term intake of grape seed extract might decrease the effects of midazolam.
Animal research shows that subchronic ingestions of grape seed extract can increase the elimination of intravenous midazolam by increasing hepatic CYP3A4 activity. Single doses of grape seed extract do not appear to affect midazolam elimination.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Phenacetin

Grape juice might decrease phenacetin absorption.
A small pharmacokinetic study in healthy adults shows that ingestion of 200 mL of grape juice decreases phenacetin plasma levels. This is thought to be due to induction of cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2).

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

It is unclear if grape juice or grape seed extract inhibits CYP2C9; research is conflicting.
In vitro evidence shows that grape seed extract or grape juice might inhibit CYP2C9 enzymes. However, a small pharmacokinetic study in healthy adults shows that drinking 8 ounces of grape juice once does not affect the clearance of flurbiprofen, a probe-drug for CYP2C9 metabolism. The effects of continued grape juice consumption are unclear.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Grape Seed Extract full monograph & interactions

Beet Root Extract3 drug types · 861 drugs

Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, beet might increase the levels of CYP3A4 substrates.
In vitro research suggests that betanin, the major pigment in beet, competitively inhibits CYP3A4 in a dose-dependent manner similarly to strong CYP3A4 inhibitor ketoconazole.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antihypertensive Drugs

Beet and beetroot contain nitrates, which can cause vasodilation, potentially leading to lower blood pressure. However, a study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition using concentrated beetroot juice found no significant impact on blood pressure or heart rate in different age groups. Other small clinical studies suggest that while beet consumption might transiently lower blood pressure due to vessel dilation, there's no consistent evidence of a lasting effect. Overall, the theoretical risk of reduced blood pressure due to beet's nitrate content exists, but studies generally indicate a low and temporary impact rather than a sustained decrease.

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

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

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Beet Root Extract full monograph & interactions

L-Arginine9 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 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

L-Carnitine L-Tartrate3 drug types · 19 drugs

Acenocoumarol (Sintrom)

Theoretically, L-carnitine might increase the anticoagulant effects of acenocoumarol.
L-carnitine might enhance the anticoagulant effects of acenocoumarol, an oral anticoagulant similar to warfarin, but shorter-acting. There are at least two case reports of INR elevation with concomitant use. 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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Thyroid Hormone

Theoretically, 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.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, L-carnitine might increase the anticoagulant effects of warfarin.
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 L-carnitine and warfarin.

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

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Cardio Complex, from the product label.

California Gold Nutrition

See all California Gold Nutrition products
Name
Madre Labs, LLC
Street Address
301 North Lake Avenue, Suite 500
City
Pasadena
State
CA
ZipCode
91101
Web Address
www.calgn.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Cardio Complex by California Gold Nutrition: Common Questions

Does Cardio Complex by California Gold Nutrition interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Cardio Complex has a known interaction with 1,167 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Cardio Complex contains 8 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.
Will Cardio Complex help lower my blood pressure?
Some ingredients like L-arginine, L-citrulline, pomegranate, and beet root may lower blood pressure in certain people. However, the product was not tested as a whole, and evidence for individual ingredients varies from possibly effective to insufficient. If you have high blood pressure, talk to your doctor first — the ingredients can interact with blood pressure drugs.
What are the most common side effects?
Mild gastrointestinal upset — nausea, bloating, diarrhea, abdominal pain, or heartburn — is most common. Headache, insomnia, and flushing have been reported with L-arginine. Some carnitine compounds may cause a fishy body odor. Beet can turn your urine and stool red, which is harmless.
Can I take this while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Safety data are incomplete or lacking for most ingredients at supplement doses during pregnancy and breastfeeding. L-arginine is possibly safe in pregnancy, but L-citrulline and acetyl-L-carnitine should be avoided. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice before taking this product.
What is L-carnitine, and why is it in a heart product?
L-carnitine is an amino acid that helps your cells produce energy. It's included because it's possibly effective for congestive heart failure and angina, and the body uses it in heart and muscle function. The product contains two forms: acetyl-L-carnitine and L-carnitine L-tartrate.
Do I need to separate this from my medications?
Yes, potentially. Grape seed extract may interact with cyclosporine if taken at the same time — they should be separated by at least 2 hours. For other drugs, timing may not help much because the interactions are about how strongly the drug works, not absorption. Your pharmacist can advise on your specific medications.
Is there anything in this product besides active ingredients?
Yes — there are inactive ingredients (rice extract, modified cellulose, maltodextrin, magnesium stearate, and silicon dioxide) that are fillers and binders to form the capsule. They don't have a therapeutic role.

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.

Cardio Complex label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Cardio Complex’s Ingredients

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

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

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

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

L-carnitine

Interacts with 19 drugs

L-carnitine is a compound your body makes naturally and also gets from foods like meat. It helps cells turn fat into energy, and supplements are most clearly useful for people with a true ca...

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

Grape

Interacts with 910 drugs

Grapes and grape products like grape seed extract contain antioxidant compounds such as resveratrol and proanthocyanidins that may support heart and blood vessel health. While the food is he...

Read the full Grape monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Beet

Interacts with 861 drugs

Beet, especially beetroot juice, is a nitrate-rich food that may modestly lower blood pressure and slightly improve exercise performance in some people. It is generally safe as a food, but s...

Read the full Beet monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Amaranth

Amaranth is a nutritious plant whose seeds are used as a gluten-free pseudocereal and whose leaves are eaten as a vegetable. It is generally considered safe as a food, but evidence for its m...

Read the full Amaranth monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Pomegranate

Interacts with 922 drugs

Pomegranate is a nutrient-rich fruit that is high in antioxidants and is widely enjoyed as food and juice. Early research suggests it may support heart health and blood pressure, but the evi...

Read the full Pomegranate monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Cardio Complex'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 218 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-arginine 66 references
  1. Sapienza MA, Kharitonov SA, Horvath I, et al. Effect of inhaled L-arginine on exhaled nitric oxide in normal and asthmatic subjects. Thorax 1998;53:172-5.
  2. Clarkson P, Adams MR, Powe AJ, et al. Oral L-arginine improves endothelium-dependent dilation in hypercholesterolemic young adults. J Clin Invest 1996;97:1989-94. PubMed
  3. Tenenbaum A, Fisman EZ, Motro M. L-arginine: Rediscovery in progress. Cardiology 1998;90:153-9.
  4. Brittenden J, Park KGM, Heys SD, et al. L-Arginine stimulates host defenses in patients with breast cancer. Surgery 1994;115:205-12.
  5. Korting GE, Smith SD, Wheeler MA, et al. A randomized double-blind trial of oral L-arginine for treatment of interstitial cystitis. J Urol 1999;161:558-65. DOI
  6. Rector TS, Bank AJ, Mullen KA, et al. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of supplemental oral L-arginine in patients with heart failure. Circulation 1996;93:2135-41.
  7. Siani A, Pagano E, Iacone R, et al. Blood pressure and metabolic changes during dietary L-arginine supplementation in humans. Am J Hypertens 2000;13:547-51. PubMed
  8. Cheng JW, Balwin SN. L-arginine in the management of cardiovascular diseases. Ann Pharmacother 2001;35:755-64. PubMed
  9. Wallace AW, Tom WL. Interaction of L-arginine and phosphodiesterase inhibitors in vasodilation of the porcine internal mammary artery. Anesth Analg 2000;90:840-6. DOI
  10. Huynh NT, Tayek JA. Oral arginine reduces systemic blood pressure in type 2 diabetes: its potential role in nitric oxide generation. J Am Coll Nutr 2002;21:422-7.. PubMed
  11. Staff AC, Berge L, Haugen G, et al. Dietary supplementation with L-arginine or placebo in women with pre-eclampsia. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2004;83:103-7.
  12. Resnick DJ, Softness B, Murphy AR, et al. Case report of an anaphylactoid reaction to arginine. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2002;88:67-8. PubMed
  13. Anon. Arginine hydrochloride injection (marketed as R-Gene 10). FDA Drug Safety Newsletter 2009;2(2):16-18. Available at: www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/DrugSafetyNewsletter/default.htm.
  14. Higashi Y, Oshima T, Sasaki S, et. al. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition, but not calcium antagonism, improves a response of the renal vasculature to L-arginine in patients with essential hypertension. Hypertension. 1998 Jul;32(1):16-24.
  15. Facchinetti, F., Longo, M., Piccinini, F., Neri, I., and Volpe, A. L-arginine infusion reduces blood pressure in preeclamptic women through nitric oxide release. J Soc Gynecol.Investig. 1999;6(4):202-207. DOI
  16. de Gouw, H. W., Verbruggen, M. B., Twiss, I. M., and Sterk, P. J. Effect of oral L-arginine on airway hyperresponsiveness to histamine in asthma. Thorax 1999;54(11):1033-1035. PubMed
  17. Komers, R., Komersova, K., Kazdova, L., Ruzickova, J., and Pelikanova, T. Effect of ACE inhibition and angiotensin AT1 receptor blockade on renal and blood pressure response to L-arginine in humans. J Hypertens. 2000;18(1):51-59. PubMed
  18. Cartledge, J. J., Davies, A. M., and Eardley, I. A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover trial of the efficacy of L-arginine in the treatment of interstitial cystitis. BJU.Int. 2000;85(4):421-426.
  19. Sozykin, A. V., Noeva, E. A., Balakhonova, T. V., Pogorelova, O. A., and Men'shikov, M. I. [Effect of L-arginine on platelet aggregation, endothelial function adn exercise tolerance in patients with stable angina pectoris]. Ter.Arkh. 2000;72(8):24-27.
  20. Nagaya, N., Uematsu, M., Oya, H., Sato, N., Sakamaki, F., Kyotani, S., Ueno, K., Nakanishi, N., Yamagishi, M., and Miyatake, K. Short-term oral administration of L-arginine improves hemodynamics and exercise capacity in patients with precapillary pulmona
  21. Stokes, G. S., Barin, E. S., Gilfillan, K. L., and Kaesemeyer, W. H. Interactions of L-arginine, isosorbide mononitrate, and angiotensin II inhibitors on arterial pulse wave. Am J Hypertens. 2003;16(9 Pt 1):719-724.
  22. Park, K. G., Heys, S. D., Blessing, K., Kelly, P., McNurlan, M. A., Eremin, O., and Garlick, P. J. Stimulation of human breast cancers by dietary L-arginine. Clin.Sci.(Lond) 1992;82(4):413-417.
  23. Palloshi, A., Fragasso, G., Piatti, P., Monti, L. D., Setola, E., Valsecchi, G., Galluccio, E., Chierchia, S. L., and Margonato, A. Effect of oral L-arginine on blood pressure and symptoms and endothelial function in patients with systemic hypertension,
  24. Schlaich, M. P., Ahlers, B. A., Parnell, M. M., and Kaye, D. M. beta-Adrenoceptor-mediated, nitric-oxide-dependent vasodilatation is abnormal in early hypertension: restoration by L-arginine. J Hypertens. 2004;22(10):1917-1925. PubMed
  25. Neri, I., Blasi, I., and Facchinetti, F. Effects of acute L-arginine infusion on non-stress test in hypertensive pregnant women. J Matern.Fetal Neonatal Med. 2004;16(1):23-26. PubMed
  26. Rytlewski, K., Olszanecki, R., Korbut, R., and Zdebski, Z. Effects of prolonged oral supplementation with l-arginine on blood pressure and nitric oxide synthesis in preeclampsia. Eur.J Clin.Invest 2005;35(1):32-37.
  27. Mansoor, J. K., Morrissey, B. M., Walby, W. F., Yoneda, K. Y., Juarez, M., Kajekar, R., Severinghaus, J. W., Eldridge, M. W., and Schelegle, E. S. L-arginine supplementation enhances exhaled NO, breath condensate VEGF, and headache at 4,342 m. High Alt.M
  28. Neri, I., Jasonni, V. M., Gori, G. F., Blasi, I., and Facchinetti, F. Effect of L-arginine on blood pressure in pregnancy-induced hypertension: a randomized placebo-controlled trial. J Matern.Fetal Neonatal Med. 2006;19(5):277-281.
  29. Lucotti, P., Setola, E., Monti, L. D., Galluccio, E., Costa, S., Sandoli, E. P., Fermo, I., Rabaiotti, G., Gatti, R., and Piatti, P. Beneficial effects of a long-term oral L-arginine treatment added to a hypocaloric diet and exercise training program in
  30. Savoye, G., Jemaa, Y., Mosni, G., Savoye-Collet, C., Morcamp, P., Dechelotte, P., Bouin, M., Denis, P., and Ducrotte, P. Effects of intragastric L-arginine administration on proximal stomach tone under basal conditions and after an intragastric diet. Dig PubMed
  31. Facchinetti, F., Saade, G. R., Neri, I., Pizzi, C., Longo, M., and Volpe, A. L-arginine supplementation in patients with gestational hypertension: a pilot study. Hypertens.Pregnancy. 2007;26(1):121-130. PubMed
  32. Jovanovic, A., Gerrard, J., and Taylor, R. The second-meal phenomenon in type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care 2009;32(7):1199-1201. PubMed
  33. Fontanive P, Saponati G, Iurato A, et al. Effects of L-arginine on the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire quality-of-life score in patients with chronic systolic heart failure. Med.Sci.Monit. 2009;15:CR606-11.
  34. Doutreleau, S., Rouyer, O., Di, Marco P., Lonsdorfer, E., Richard, R., Piquard, F., and Geny, B. L-arginine supplementation improves exercise capacity after a heart transplant. Am J Clin.Nutr. 2010;91(5):1261-1267. PubMed
  35. Ast, J., Jablecka, A., Bogdanski, P., Smolarek, I., Krauss, H., and Chmara, E. Evaluation of the antihypertensive effect of L-arginine supplementation in patients with mild hypertension assessed with ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. Med.Sci.Monit. 2
  36. Saleh, A. I., Abdel Maksoud, S. M., El-Maraghy, S. A., and Gad, M. Z. Protective effect of L-arginine in experimentally induced myocardial ischemia: comparison with aspirin. J Cardiovasc.Pharmacol.Ther 2011;16(1):53-62. PubMed
  37. Dong, J. Y., Qin, L. Q., Zhang, Z., Zhao, Y., Wang, J., Arigoni, F., and Zhang, W. Effect of oral L-arginine supplementation on blood pressure: a meta-analysis of randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials. Am.Heart J 2011;162(6):959-965. PubMed
  38. Hertz, P. and Richardson, J. A. Arginine-induced hyperkalemia in renal failure patients. Arch.Intern.Med. 1972;130(5):778-780. DOI
  39. Bushinsky, D. A. and Gennari, F. J. Life-threatening hyperkalemia induced by arginine. Ann.Intern.Med. 1978;89(5 Pt 1):632-634. PubMed
  40. Adams, M. R., Forsyth, C. J., Jessup, W., Robinson, J., and Celermajer, D. S. Oral L-arginine inhibits platelet aggregation but does not enhance endothelium-dependent dilation in healthy young men. J Am Coll.Cardiol 1995;26(4):1054-1061. PubMed
  41. Dell'Omo, G., Catapano, G., Ebel, M., Gazzano, A., Ducci, M., Del, Chicca M., Clerico, A., and Pedrinelli, R. [Pressor, renal and endocrine effects of systemic infusion of L-arginine in hypertensive patients]. Ann.Ital Med.Int. 1995;10(2):107-112.
  42. Higashi, Y., Oshima, T., Ozono, R., Watanabe, M., Matsuura, H., and Kajiyama, G. Effects of L-arginine infusion on renal hemodynamics in patients with mild essential hypertension. Hypertension 1995;25(4 Pt 2):898-902.
  43. Bode-Boger, S. M., Boger, R. H., Creutzig, A., Tsikas, D., Gutzki, F. M., Alexander, K., and Frolich, J. C. L-arginine infusion decreases peripheral arterial resistance and inhibits platelet aggregation in healthy subjects. Clin.Sci.(Lond) 1994;87(3):303
  44. Marfella, R., Acampora, R., Verrazzo, G., Ziccardi, P., De, Rosa N., Giunta, R., and Giugliano, D. Metformin improves hemodynamic and rheological responses to L-arginine in NIDDM patients. Diabetes Care 1996;19(9):934-939. PubMed
  45. Giugliano, D., Marfella, R., Verrazzo, G., Acampora, R., Coppola, L., Cozzolino, D., and D'Onofrio, F. The vascular effects of L-Arginine in humans. The role of endogenous insulin. J Clin.Invest 2-1-1997;99(3):433-438. PubMed
  46. Khan, F., Litchfield, S. J., McLaren, M., Veale, D. J., Littleford, R. C., and Belch, J. J. Oral L-arginine supplementation and cutaneous vascular responses in patients with primary Raynaud's phenomenon. Arthritis Rheum. 1997;40(2):352-357.
  47. Wolf, A., Zalpour, C., Theilmeier, G., Wang, B. Y., Ma, A., Anderson, B., Tsao, P. S., and Cooke, J. P. Dietary L-arginine supplementation normalizes platelet aggregation in hypercholesterolemic humans. J Am Coll.Cardiol 3-1-1997;29(3):479-485. PubMed
  48. Schellong, S. M., Boger, R. H., Burchert, W., Bode-Boger, S. M., Galland, A., Frolich, J. C., Hundeshagen, H., and Alexander, K. Dose-related effect of intravenous L-arginine on muscular blood flow of the calf in patients with peripheral vascular disease
  49. Marietta, M., Facchinetti, F., Neri, I., Piccinini, F., Volpe, A., and Torelli, G. L-arginine infusion decreases platelet aggregation through an intraplatelet nitric oxide release. Thromb.Res 10-15-1997;88(2):229-235. PubMed
  50. Bauer JD, Isenring E, Waterhouse M. The effectiveness of a specialised oral nutrition supplement on outcomes in patients with chronic wounds: a pragmatic randomised study. J Hum Nutr Diet. 2013 Oct;26(5):452-8. PubMed
  51. Vadillo-Ortega F, Perichart-Perera O, Espino S, et al. Effect of supplementation during pregnancy with L-arginine and antioxidant vitamins in medical food on pre-eclampsia in high risk population: randomised controlled trial. BMJ. 2011 May 19;342:d2901. PubMed
  52. Camarena Pulido EE, García Benavides L, Panduro Barón JG, et al. Efficacy of L-arginine for preventing preeclampsia in high-risk pregnancies: A double-blind, randomized, clinical trial. Hypertens Pregnancy. 2016;35(2):217-25. PubMed
  53. Yokota T, Hamauchi S, Yoshida Y, et al. A phase II study of HMB/Arg/Gln against oral mucositis induced by chemoradiotherapy for patients with head and neck cancer. Support Care Cancer. 2018;26(9):3241-3248. PubMed
  54. Binet Q, Dufour I, Agneessens E, et al. The second case of a young man with L-arginine-induced acute pancreatitis. Clin J Gastroenterol. 2018;11(5):424-427. PubMed
  55. El Taieb M, Hegazy E, Ibrahim A. Daily oral l-arginine plus tadalafil in diabetic patients with erectile dysfunction: A double-blinded, randomized, controlled clinical trial. J Sex Med. 2019;16(9):1390-1397.
  56. Gallo L, Pecoraro S, Sarnacchiaro P, Silvani M, Antonini G. The daily therapy with L-arginine 2,500 mg and tadalafil 5 mg in combination and in monotherapy for the treatment of erectile dysfunction: A prospective, randomized multicentre study. Sex Med. 20 PubMed
  57. de la Parra PR, González-Cruz MÁ, Ferreiro-Marin A, Casaubón-Garcín PR. L-arginine-induced esophagitis, report of six cases. Bol Med Hosp Infant Mex. 2020;77(1):38-41. PubMed
  58. El-Wakeel LM, Fouad FA, Saleem MD, Saber-Khalaf M. Efficacy and tolerability of sildenafil/l-arginine combination relative to sildenafil alone in patients with organic erectile dysfunction. Andrology. 2020;8(1):143-147.
  59. Abu El-Hamd M, Hegazy EM. Comparison of the clinical efficacy of daily use of L-arginine, tadalafil and combined L-arginine with tadalafil in the treatment of elderly patients with erectile dysfunction. Andrologia. 2020;52(7):e13640. PubMed
  60. Liao SY, Showalter MR, Linderholm AL, et al. l-Arginine supplementation in severe asthma. JCI Insight. 2020;5(13):e137777. PubMed
  61. Yousefi Rad E, Nazarian B, Saboori S, Falahi E, Hekmatdoost A. Effects of l-arginine supplementation on glycemic profile: Evidence from a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials. J Integr Med. 2020;18(4):284-291. PubMed
  62. Xu Z, Liu C, Liu S, Zhou Z. Comparison of efficacy and safety of daily oral L-arginine and PDE5Is alone or combination in treating erectile dysfunction: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Andrologia. 2021:e14007. PubMed
  63. Goto E. Effects of prenatal oral L-arginine on birth outcomes: a meta-analysis. Sci Rep 2021;11(1):22748. PubMed
  64. Monari F, Menichini D, Pignatti L, Basile L, Facchinetti F, Neri I. Effect of L-arginine supplementation in pregnant women with chronic hypertension and previous placenta vascular disorders receiving Aspirin prophylaxis: a randomized control trial. Minerv PubMed
  65. Li H, Liu Q, Zou Z, et al. L-arginine supplementation to mitigate cardiovascular effects of walking outside in the context of traffic-related air pollution in participants with elevated blood pressure: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. PubMed
  66. Shiraseb F, Asbaghi O, Bagheri R, Wong A, Figueroa A, Mirzaei K. The Effect of L-arginine Supplementation On Blood Pressure in Adults: A Systematic Review and Dose-response Meta-analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. Adv Nutr 2021. PubMed

See these in context on the L-arginine monograph →

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
  8. Xu Z, Liu C, Liu S, Zhou Z. Comparison of efficacy and safety of daily oral L-arginine and PDE5Is alone or combination in treating erectile dysfunction: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Andrologia. 2021:e14007. PubMed

See these in context on the L-citrulline monograph →

Grape 34 references
  1. Kiesewetter H, Koscielny J, Kalus U, et al. Efficacy of orally administered extract of red vine leaf AS 195 (folia vitis viniferae) in chronic venous insufficiency (stages I-II). A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Arzneimittelforschung
  2. Xiao Dong S, Zhi Ping Z, Zhong Xiao W, et al. Possible enhancement of the first-pass metabolism of phenacetin by ingestion of grape juice in Chinese subjects. Br J Clin Pharmacol 1999;48:638-40. PubMed
  3. Vaswani SK, Hamilton RG, Carey RN, et al. Anaphylaxis recurrent urticaria and angioedema from grape hypersensitivity. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1998;101:S31.
  4. Chevallier A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. London, UK: Dorling Kindersley, Ltd., 1996.
  5. Bernstein DI, Bernstein CK, Deng C, et al. Evaluation of the clinical efficacy and safety of grapeseed extract in the treatment of fall seasonal allergic rhinitis: a pilot study. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2002;88:272-8.. PubMed
  6. Greenblatt DJ, von Moltke LL, Perloff ES, et al. Interaction of flurbiprofen with cranberry juice, grape juice, tea, and fluconazole: in vitro and clinical studies. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2006;79:125-33. PubMed
  7. 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
  8. Ray, S. D., Parikh, H., Hickey, E., Bagchi, M., and Bagchi, D. Differential effects of IH636 grape seed proanthocyanidin extract and a DNA repair modulator 4-aminobenzamide on liver microsomal cytochrome 4502E1-dependent aniline hydroxylation. Mol Cell B PubMed
  9. O'Byrne, D. J., Devaraj, S., Grundy, S. M., and Jialal, I. Comparison of the antioxidant effects of Concord grape juice flavonoids alpha-tocopherol on markers of oxidative stress in healthy adults. Am J Clin.Nutr. 2002;76(6):1367-1374.
  10. Schaefer, E., Peil, H., Ambrosetti, L., and Petrini, O. Oedema protective properties of the red vine leaf extract AS 195 (Folia vitis viniferae) in the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency. A 6-week observational clinical trial. Arzneimittelforschun PubMed
  11. Nishikawa, M., Ariyoshi, N., Kotani, A., Ishii, I., Nakamura, H., Nakasa, H., Ida, M., Nakamura, H., Kimura, N., Kimura, M., Hasegawa, A., Kusu, F., Ohmori, S., Nakazawa, K., and Kitada, M. Effects of continuous ingestion of green tea or grape seed extra
  12. de Lange, D. W., Scholman, W. L., Kraaijenhagen, R. J., Akkerman, J. W., and van de Wiel, A. Alcohol and polyphenolic grape extract inhibit platelet adhesion in flowing blood. Eur.J Clin.Invest 2004;34(12):818-824. PubMed
  13. Samet, J. M. and Coultas, D. B. Reduced forced vital capacity in California grape workers. What does it mean? Am Rev.Respir.Dis 1992;145(2 Pt 1):255-256. PubMed
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L-carnitine 41 references
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Beet 14 references
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  20. Forest, C. P., Padma-Nathan, H., and Liker, H. R. Efficacy and safety of pomegranate juice on improvement of erectile dysfunction in male patients with mild to moderate erectile dysfunction: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover study PubMed
  21. Wright, H. and Pipkin F. B. Pomegranates (Punica granatum), kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa) and blood pressure: a pilot study. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society 2008;67(8):1.
  22. Sohrab G, Sotoodeh G, Siasi F, et al. Effect of pomegranate juice consumption on blood pressure in type 2 diabetic patients. Iranian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2008;9:399-405, 470.
  23. Enrique E, Utz M, De Mateo JA, et al. Allergy to lipid transfer proteins: cross-reactivity among pomegranate, hazelnut, and peanut. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2006;96(1):122-3. PubMed
  24. Hanley MJ, Masse G, Harmatz JS, et al. Pomegranate juice and pomegranate extract do not impair oral clearance of flurbiprofen in human volunteers: divergence from in vitro results. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2012;92(5):651-7. PubMed
  25. Paller CJ, Ye X, Wozniak PJ, et al. A randomized phase II study of pomegranate extract for men with rising PSA following initial therapy for localized prostate cancer. Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis 2013;16(1):50-5. PubMed
  26. Park SJ, Yeo CW, Shim EJ, et al. Pomegranate juice does not affect the disposition of simvastatin in healthy subjects. Eur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet 2016;41(4):339-44. PubMed
  27. Ross MM, Cherkerzian S, Mikulis ND, et al. A randomized controlled trial investigating the impact of maternal dietary supplementation with pomegranate juice on brain injury in infants with IUGR. Sci Rep. 2021;11(1):3569. PubMed

See these in context on the Pomegranate monograph →

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

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

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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