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

Cherry Complex Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by GNC SuperFoods

Cherry Complex label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Botanical With Nutrients
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 Cherry 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

Cherry Complex is a dietary supplement by GNC SuperFoods with 4 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for common cold and immune support, antioxidant support, skin health and collagen formation.Based on those ingredients, 900 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Black Cherry concentrate, Indian Gooseberry fruit extract, Vitamin C. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against Cherry Complex by GNC SuperFoods

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Cherry Complex by GNC SuperFoods — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

Pharmacist-reviewed data Checks every ingredient Answer in seconds
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Cherry Complex by GNC SuperFoods

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

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

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

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 4 of its 4 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Cherry Complex contains four active ingredients. Vitamin C serves as an antioxidant and is essential for immune function and collagen formation.

CherryPURE tart cherry fruit and skin powder is a concentrate of the whole fruit. Black cherry concentrate is a processed form of the fruit.

Indian gooseberry fruit extract is derived from a traditional medicinal plant. These are combined with standard inactive ingredients — vegetable cellulose capsule, microcrystalline cellulose, rice flour, maltodextrin, and other binding and flow agents.

Does it work?

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

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

Strong

Strong clinical evidence supports its ingredients for:

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.
  • Since the label doesn't commit to one use, we graded the ingredients' overall clinical evidence instead.
  • On file: Vitamin C deficiency — rated "Effective" (Vitamin C) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Anemia of chronic disease — rated "Possibly Effective" (Vitamin C) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Athletic performance — rated "Possibly Effective" (Sour Cherry) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Atrial fibrillation — rated "Possibly Effective" (Vitamin C) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Cataracts — rated "Possibly Effective" (Vitamin C) (Natural Medicines).

Evidence for this product's active ingredients is mixed. Vitamin C is effective for vitamin C deficiency and possibly effective for anemia of chronic disease, atrial fibrillation, cataracts, and reducing respiratory infections from heavy exercise.

CherryPURE tart cherry is possibly effective for athletic performance; evidence for cognitive function, exercise muscle soreness, ADHD, respiratory infections, and fibromyalgia is insufficient. Black cherry concentrate has no established effectiveness ratings in our data.

Indian gooseberry is possibly effective for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and dyslipidemia (abnormal blood lipids); evidence for high cholesterol and hair loss is insufficient.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Vitamin C Sour Cherry Wild Cherry Indian Gooseberry

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 4 of the 4 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 4 of 4.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 4 of 4.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Vitamin C is generally well tolerated at normal dietary doses but can cause abdominal cramps, heartburn, diarrhea, nausea, and headache at doses above 2 grams daily; kidney stones have been reported in susceptible people. High-dose intravenous vitamin C has caused serious kidney problems in rare cases.

CherryPURE tart cherry is generally well tolerated as whole fruit or juice, though concentrated supplements lack extensive safety study; common side effects include abdominal pain and loose stools, with one case of possible allergic skin reaction reported. Black cherry concentrate contains cyanide-forming compounds and can cause fatal poisoning at large amounts.

Indian gooseberry is generally well tolerated; a small number of trial participants reported epigastric discomfort, fatigue, or musculoskeletal pain.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Vitamin C Sour Cherry Wild Cherry Indian Gooseberry

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?
  • 3 of the 4 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Indian Gooseberry, Wild Cherry, Vitamin C.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; cancer treatments; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 901 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking this product, check with your pharmacist if you take warfarin (blood thinner); estrogens (birth control or hormone replacement); alkylating agent or antitumor antibiotic chemotherapy drugs; levothyroxine (thyroid medication); anticoagulants, aspirin, or clopidogrel (blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs); diabetes medications; or any drug metabolized by the enzyme CYP3A4. Vitamin C and Indian gooseberry can affect how these work, and black cherry may theoretically inhibit an enzyme that processes many medications.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

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

This product is best for someone interested in cherry and gooseberry phytonutrients with vitamin C support, but it's not for you if you take warfarin, birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy, blood thinners, aspirin, diabetes medications, or certain chemotherapy drugs — talk with your pharmacist first. Black cherry and Indian gooseberry both carry safety cautions that warrant a quick check-in before you start.

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

Assessment coverage: 4 of 4 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Feb 25, 2021.

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 Cherry Complex, straight from the product label.

Brand GNC SuperFoods
Barcode (UPC) 048107132620
Net contents 90 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Feb 25, 2021
DSLD ID 243765
Product type Botanical With Nutrients
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other
Intended target group(s) Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years)
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Cherry Complex by GNC SuperFoods, 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
45
UPC/BARCODE
048107132620
IngredientAmount% DV
Vitamin C15 mg17%
CherryPURE Tart Cherry fruit & skin powder500 mg--
Black Cherry concentrate200 mg--
Indian Gooseberry fruit extract200 mg--

Other ingredients: Vegetable Cellulose Capsule, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Rice Flour, Maltodextrin, Hydroxypropylcellulose, Silicon Dioxide, Magnesium Stearate

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.
Precautions

Keep out of reach of children.

Warning: Consult your physician prior to using this product if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, under 18 years of age or have a medical condition.

Warning: Consult your physician prior to using this product if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, under 18 years of age or have a medical condition.

Discontinue use two weeks prior to surgery.

For adult use only. Taking this product may cause tingling and flushing sensations. These sensations may be enhanced if taken close to or during exercise. Consuming this product can expose you to chemicals including lead, which is known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information, go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/food.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

Formulation

Vegetarian

Formula

Tart & black cherries Providing 3 super fruits

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: As a dietary supplement, take two capsules one to two times daily.

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

See for yourself

Cherry Complex by GNC SuperFoods label

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

Cherry 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 Cherry Complex by GNC SuperFoods

These are the 4 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container45 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.

Vitamin C

Interacts with
207 drugs
15 mg per serving Form: Ascorbic Acid

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

Vitamin C monograph & interactions

CherryPURE Tart Cherry fruit & skin powder

No known
interactions
500 mg per serving

Sour cherry (often sold as tart cherry or Montmorency cherry) is a fruit-based supplement rich in antioxidants that people use for muscle recovery, jo...

CherryPURE Tart Cherry fruit & skin powder monograph & interactions

Black Cherry concentrate

Interacts with
643 drugs
200 mg per serving

Wild cherry bark is a traditional cough remedy found in many old-fashioned cough syrups and lozenges, but there is little modern scientific evidence p...

Black Cherry concentrate monograph & interactions

Indian Gooseberry fruit extract

Interacts with
208 drugs
200 mg per serving

Indian gooseberry (amla) is a vitamin C-rich fruit used in Ayurvedic medicine for many purposes, from antioxidant support to cholesterol and digestion...

Indian Gooseberry fruit extract monograph & interactions

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

Interaction report

Cherry Complex by GNC SuperFoods Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Cherry Complex?

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
900Drugs
862 Moderate 38 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Black Cherry concentrate 643
Indian Gooseberry fruit extract 208
Vitamin C 207

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Cherry Complex interact with 900 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

3 of the 4 ingredients in Cherry Complex interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Black Cherry concentrate Indian Gooseberry fruit extract Vitamin C

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Cherry 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.

Black Cherry concentrate1 drug type · 643 drugs

Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

In vitro research suggests that wild cherry can inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) enzymes. Theoretically, wild cherry might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4. However, so far, this interaction has not been reported in humans.
Some drugs metabolized by CYP3A4 include lovastatin (Mevacor), ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox), fexofenadine (Allegra), triazolam (Halcion), and others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Black Cherry concentrate full monograph & interactions

Indian Gooseberry fruit extract4 drug types · 208 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, Indian gooseberry may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs; however, research is conflicting.
Clinical research shows that taking Indian gooseberry 500 mg as a single dose or twice daily for 10 days reduces platelet aggregation by about 24% to 36%, increases bleeding time by about 3.8-5.9 seconds, and increases clotting time by about 9.8-12.7 seconds when compared to baseline. However, taking Indian gooseberry 500 mg along with clopidogrel 75 mg or ecosprin 75 mg, as a single dose or for 10 days, does not significantly reduce platelet aggregation or increase bleeding time or clotting time when compared with clopidogrel 75 mg or ecosprin 75 mg alone. Until more is known, use caution when taking Indian gooseberry in combination with anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Antidiabetes Drugs

Taking Indian gooseberry with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Clinical research shows that taking Indian gooseberry fruit or fruit extract alone or in conjunction with antidiabetes medications can lower blood glucose levels. Dose adjustments to diabetes medications might be necessary.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Aspirin

Theoretically, Indian gooseberry may increase the risk of bleeding if used with aspirin; however, research is conflicting.
Clinical research shows that taking Indian gooseberry 500 mg as a single dose or twice daily for 10 days reduces platelet aggregation by about 24% to 36%, increases bleeding time by about 3.8-5.9 seconds, and increases clotting time by about 9.8-12.7 seconds when compared to baseline. However, taking a single dose of Indian gooseberry 500 mg along with ecosprin 75 mg, or taking a combination of Indian gooseberry 500 mg twice daily plus ecosprin 75 mg once daily for 10 days, does not significantly reduce platelet aggregation or increase bleeding time or clotting time when compared with ecosprin 75 mg alone.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Clopidogrel (Plavix)

Theoretically, Indian gooseberry may increase the risk of bleeding if used with clopidogrel; however, research is conflicting.
Clinical research shows that taking Indian gooseberry 500 mg as a single dose or twice daily for 10 days reduces platelet aggregation by about 24% to 36%, increases bleeding time by about 3.8-5.9 seconds, and increases clotting time by about 9.8-12.7 seconds when compared to baseline. However, taking a single dose of Indian gooseberry 500 mg along with clopidogrel 75 mg, or taking a combination of Indian gooseberry 500 mg twice daily plus clopidogrel 75 mg once daily for 10 days, does not significantly reduce platelet aggregation or increase bleeding time or clotting time when compared with clopidogrel 75 mg alone.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Indian Gooseberry fruit extract full monograph & interactions

Vitamin C13 drug types · 207 drugs

Alkylating Agents

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

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Aluminum

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

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Antitumor Antibiotics

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

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Estrogens

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

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Fluphenazine (Prolixin)

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

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Indinavir (Crixivan)

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

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Others)

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

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Warfarin (Coumadin)

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

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Acetaminophen (Tylenol, Others)

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

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Aspirin

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

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Choline Magnesium Trisalicylate (Trilisate)

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

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Niacin

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

Likelihood Possible Evidence A
Salsalate (Disalcid)

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

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Vitamin C full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

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

GNC SuperFoods

See all GNC SuperFoods products
Name
General Nutrition Corporation
City
Pittsburgh
State
PA
ZipCode
15222
Phone Number
1-888-462-2548
Web Address
gnc.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Cherry Complex by GNC SuperFoods: Common Questions

Does Cherry Complex by GNC SuperFoods interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Cherry Complex has a known interaction with 900 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Cherry Complex contains 4 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take this while pregnant?
Vitamin C at normal dietary amounts is likely safe in pregnancy. Tart cherry is likely safe. Black cherry is rated likely unsafe in pregnancy because of its cyanide-forming compounds. Indian gooseberry has no safety rating on file for pregnancy, so there isn't enough data to know either way — talk with your doctor for personalized advice.
Is this safe while breastfeeding?
Vitamin C is likely safe during breastfeeding. Tart cherry is likely safe. Black cherry should be avoided — there isn't enough safety information. Indian gooseberry lacks sufficient safety data for breastfeeding, so talk with your healthcare provider before use.
What are the most common side effects?
From vitamin C: abdominal cramps, heartburn, diarrhea, nausea, and headache — especially at doses above 2 grams daily. From tart cherry concentrate: abdominal pain and loose stools. Indian gooseberry rarely caused epigastric discomfort or fatigue in trials. These are more likely at higher doses or in concentrated supplement form.
Does this really help with athletic performance?
Tart cherry is possibly effective for athletic performance based on the data we hold. Vitamin C is possibly effective for respiratory infections triggered by intense exercise. The other ingredients don't have established effectiveness for sports recovery in our data.
Why is black cherry listed as something to avoid?
Black cherry contains compounds that can break down into cyanide, and large amounts can cause serious toxicity — even fatal poisoning in rare cases. It's used in small amounts in some commercial cough products, but the amount in this supplement isn't clearly defined, and safety data for supplement doses is very limited.
Can this help with reflux?
Indian gooseberry is possibly effective for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) based on available data. The other ingredients in this product don't have established effectiveness for reflux.

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.

Cherry Complex label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Cherry Complex’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Vitamin C

Interacts with 207 drugs

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

Read the full Vitamin C monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Sour Cherry

Sour cherry (often sold as tart cherry or Montmorency cherry) is a fruit-based supplement rich in antioxidants that people use for muscle recovery, joint and gout symptoms, and sleep. Early...

Read the full Sour Cherry monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Wild Cherry

Interacts with 643 drugs

Wild cherry bark is a traditional cough remedy found in many old-fashioned cough syrups and lozenges, but there is little modern scientific evidence proving it works. The bark, leaves, and s...

Read the full Wild Cherry monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Indian Gooseberry

Interacts with 208 drugs

Indian gooseberry (amla) is a vitamin C-rich fruit used in Ayurvedic medicine for many purposes, from antioxidant support to cholesterol and digestion. Early research is promising for some u...

Read the full Indian Gooseberry monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Cherry 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 65 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.

Vitamin C 51 references
  1. McEvoy GK, ed. AHFS Drug Information. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 1998.
  2. Back DJ, Breckenridge AM, MacIver M, et al. Interaction of ethinyloestradiol with ascorbic acid in man. Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1981;282:1516.
  3. Morris JC, Beeley L, Ballantine N. Interaction of ethinyloestradiol with ascorbic acid in man [letter]. Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1981;283:503.
  4. Labriola D, Livingston R. Possible interactions between dietary antioxidants and chemotherapy. Oncology 1999;13:1003-8.
  5. Dwyer JH, Merz NB, Shirocre AM, et al. Progression of early atherosclerosis and intake of vitamin C and vitamin E from supplements and food. The Los Angeles Atherosclerosis Study. 41st Annual Conference on Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology and Prevent
  6. Levine M, Rumsey SC, Daruwala R, et al. Criteria and recommendations for vitamin C intake. JAMA 1999;281:1415-23. PubMed
  7. Hansten PD, Horn JR. Drug Interactions Analysis and Management. Vancouver, WA: Applied Therapeutics Inc., 1997 and updates.
  8. Segal S, Kaminski S. Drug-nutrient interactions. American Druggist 1996 Jul;42-8.
  9. Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium, and Carotenoids. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2000. Available at: http://www.nap.edu/books/0309069351/html/.
  10. Houston JB, Levy G. Drug biotransformation interactions in man VI: Acetaminophen and ascorbic acid. J Pharm Sci 1976;65:1218-21. PubMed
  11. Brown BG, Zhao XQ, Chait A, et al. Simvastatin and niacin, antioxidant vitamins, or the combination for the prevention of coronary disease. N Engl J Med 2001;345:1583-93. DOI
  12. Rosenthal G. Interaction of ascorbic acid and warfarin. JAMA 1971;215:1671. DOI
  13. Hume R, Johnstone JM, Weyers E. Interaction of ascorbic acid and warfarin. JAMA 1972;219:1479. DOI
  14. Smith EC, Skalski RJ, Johnson GC, Rossi GV. Interaction of ascorbic acid and warfarin. JAMA 1972;221:1166. DOI
  15. Traxer O, Huet B, Poindexter J, et al. Effect of ascorbic acid consumption on urinary stone risk factors. J Urol 2003;170:397-401.. PubMed
  16. Domingo JL, Gomez M, Llobet JM, Richart C. Effect of ascorbic acid on gastrointestinal aluminum absorption (letter). Lancet 1991;338:1467.
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Sour Cherry 4 references
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See these in context on the Sour Cherry monograph →

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See these in context on the Wild Cherry monograph →

Indian Gooseberry 6 references
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See these in context on the Indian Gooseberry 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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