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

Cortisol Benefits Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by DaVinci Benefits Line

Cortisol Benefits label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Cortisol Benefits 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

Cortisol Benefits is a dietary supplement by DaVinci Benefits Line with 4 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for anxiety and stress, sleep problems, digestive upset.Based on those ingredients, 1,484 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Shoden, Rhodiola rosea Root Extract, Magnolia officinalis bark extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

Jump to a section

Check Your Meds Against Cortisol Benefits by DaVinci Benefits Line

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Cortisol Benefits by DaVinci Benefits Line — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Cortisol Benefits by DaVinci Benefits Line

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 23, 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.

Cortisol Benefits contains 4 active ingredients: magnolia officinalis bark extract, asparagus root extract (ETAS), rhodiola rosea root extract, and ashwagandha extract (Shoden). The product also contains inactive ingredients — hypromellose, microcrystalline cellulose, and leucine — which serve as fillers and capsule materials.

Magnolia bark is traditionally used for stress and anxiety. Asparagus root is a plant extract with no established benefits in our data.

Rhodiola is an adaptogenic herb that may support stress response and energy. Ashwagandha (Shoden is a branded, concentrated extract) is included for potential benefits with anxiety, stress, sleep, and overall wellness.

Does it work?

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

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

Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports its ingredients for:

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.
  • Since the label doesn't commit to one use, we graded the ingredients' overall clinical evidence instead.
  • On file: Gingivitis — rated "Possibly Effective" (Magnolia) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Anxiety — rated "Possibly Effective" (Ashwagandha) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) — rated "Possibly Effective" (Ashwagandha) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Insomnia — rated "Possibly Effective" (Ashwagandha) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Stress — rated "Possibly Effective" (Ashwagandha) (Natural Medicines).

Ashwagandha in this product is rated Possibly Effective for insomnia, anxiety, stress, and generalized anxiety disorder — meaning some clinical evidence supports its use, though more research would strengthen confidence. Magnolia bark is rated Possibly Effective for gingivitis (gum inflammation) when applied topically or in oral rinses, but evidence for anxiety, hay fever, and dental plaque is insufficient.

Rhodiola and asparagus root lack established evidence in our data — we don't hold effectiveness ratings for them for any condition. Because this is a combination product marketed for cortisol and stress support, be aware that only ashwagandha has meaningful clinical backing for those uses.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Magnolia Asparagus Rhodiola Ashwagandha

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 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.

Ashwagandha is generally well tolerated short-term in healthy adults, though quality and long-term safety data are limited. Most common side effects are diarrhea, nausea, and gastrointestinal upset — but these are not typical at standard doses.

Rarely, serious liver injury has been reported. Magnolia bark is generally well tolerated orally, though human safety data is limited; topically it may cause contact dermatitis.

Asparagus can trigger allergic reactions in people sensitive to onions, garlic, leeks, or chives, with symptoms ranging from itching and coughing to difficulty swallowing or anaphylaxis; at medicinal doses it caused constipation, nausea, and gastrointestinal complaints in up to 50% of trial participants in one study. Rhodiola is generally well tolerated but long-term safety is not well studied; dizziness and changes in saliva production are reported.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: magnolia bark is rated unsafe in pregnancy and best avoided while breastfeeding. Ashwagandha is rated likely unsafe in pregnancy (traditionally linked to miscarriage risk) and should be avoided while breastfeeding.

Asparagus root is rated possibly unsafe in pregnancy but likely safe as food; data are mixed. Rhodiola lacks sufficient safety data and should be avoided in both pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding before taking this product.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Magnolia Asparagus Rhodiola Ashwagandha

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?
  • 4 of the 4 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Magnolia, Asparagus, Rhodiola, Ashwagandha.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; diabetes medications; lithium.
  • For scale: 1,485 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 Cortisol Benefits, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take: any liver-damaging medications (hepatotoxic drugs) — the most serious risk; CNS depressants like sedatives, sleep aids, or anxiety medications; blood pressure medications (antihypertensive drugs); diabetes medications; blood thinners (anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs); immunosuppressants; benzodiazepines; thyroid hormones; diuretics; lithium; or drugs that are metabolized by liver enzymes (CYP2C9, CYP3A4, CYP1A2, or P-glycoprotein substrates). These cover the major medication types linked to the product's ingredients.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

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

This product combines four herbal extracts, of which only ashwagandha has established clinical support for stress and anxiety — and even that evidence is moderate. The combination carries multiple documented interactions with common medication types, especially blood pressure drugs, diabetes medications, sedatives, and blood thinners, plus a serious theoretical risk with liver-damaging drugs.

If you take any prescription or over-the-counter medication, check it against the tool on this page before starting, and talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it's right for you.

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 22, 2024.

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 Cortisol Benefits, straight from the product label.

Brand DaVinci Benefits Line
Barcode (UPC) 026664006189
Net contents 60 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Feb 22, 2024
DSLD ID 305226
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten 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 Cortisol Benefits by DaVinci Benefits Line, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
2 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
026664006189
IngredientAmount% DV
Magnolia officinalis bark extract100 mg--
ETAS200 mg--
Rhodiola rosea Root Extract150 mg--
Shoden120 mg--

Other ingredients: Hypromellose, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Leucine

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

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

Simply formulated to deliver more. The Benefits Line is designed for power. Each formula offers clinically relevant levels of evidence-based nutrients to provide more with less.

Formulation

Color of this product may vary due to color variations of the natural ingredients.

A Dietary Supplement that Supports Health Cortisol Levels and Adrenal Function

Vegetarian

Gluten free Soy free

Precautions

Warning: If hypoglycemic, diabetic, pregnant or nursing, consult your healthcare practitioner before taking this product.

Caution: Discontinue use 2 weeks prior to surgery.

Keep out of reach of children.

To obtain product information or report a serious adverse event, call 1-800-325-1776.

Not labeled for sale in California

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Shoden Shoden is a registered trademark of Arjuna Natural Pvt. Ltd. ETAS ETAS is a trademark of Amino Up Chemical Co., LTD.

FDA Statement of Identity

A Dietary Supplement that Supports Health Cortisol Levels and Adrenal Function

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement, take 2 capsules daily, or as directed by your healthcare practitioner.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

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

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

See for yourself

Cortisol Benefits by DaVinci Benefits Line label

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

Cortisol Benefits 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 Cortisol Benefits by DaVinci Benefits Line

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 container30 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Magnolia officinalis bark extract

Interacts with
351 drugs
100 mg per serving

Magnolia bark and flower buds have a long history in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine, often for stress, sleep, and digestion. Modern human r...

Magnolia officinalis bark extract monograph & interactions

ETAS

Interacts with
76 drugs
200 mg per serving Form: Asparagus officinalis Extract

Asparagus is a nutritious vegetable that is safe and healthy to eat as part of a normal diet. Most of its claimed medicinal benefits, such as use as a...

ETAS monograph & interactions

Rhodiola rosea Root Extract

Interacts with
1,271 drugs
150 mg per serving Form: Rosavins, Salidrosides

Rhodiola is an herb traditionally used to fight fatigue and help the body cope with stress. Some small studies suggest it may modestly reduce fatigue...

Rhodiola rosea Root Extract monograph & interactions

Shoden

Interacts with
1,372 drugs
120 mg per serving Form: Ashwagandha Extract

Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic herb most often taken to help with stress, anxiety, and sleep, and some small studies suggest it may help, though the evid...

Shoden monograph & interactions

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

Interaction report

Cortisol Benefits by DaVinci Benefits Line Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Cortisol Benefits?

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
1,484Drugs
1,151 Moderate 333 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Shoden 1,372
Rhodiola rosea Root Extract 1,271
Magnolia officinalis bark extract 351
ETAS 76

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Cortisol Benefits interact with 1,484 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

4 of the 4 ingredients in Cortisol Benefits interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Shoden Rhodiola rosea Root Extract Magnolia officinalis bark extract ETAS

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Cortisol Benefits 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.

Shoden10 drug types · 1,372 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking ashwagandha with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
There is preliminary clinical evidence suggesting that ashwagandha might lower blood glucose levels. Theoretically, ashwagandha might have additive effects when used with antidiabetes drugs and increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, taking ashwagandha with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Animal research suggests that ashwagandha might lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Theoretically, ashwagandha might have additive effects when used with antihypertensive drugs and increase the risk of hypotension.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Benzodiazepines

Theoretically, taking ashwagandha might increase the sedative effects of benzodiazepines.
There is preliminary evidence that ashwagandha might have an additive effect with diazepam (Valium) and clonazepam (Klonopin). This may also occur with other benzodiazepines.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cns Depressants

Theoretically, taking ashwagandha might increase the sedative effects of CNS depressants.
Ashwagandha seems to have sedative effects. Theoretically, this may potentiate the effects of barbiturates, other sedatives, and anxiolytics.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Hepatotoxic Drugs

Theoretically, taking ashwagandha with hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver damage.
Ashwagandha has been linked to cases of acute hepatitis, liver failure, hepatic encephalopathy, autoimmune hepatitis, the need for liver transplantation, and death due to liver failure.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, taking ashwagandha might decrease the effects of immunosuppressants.
Ashwagandha has demonstrated immunostimulant effects in humans. Animal research has shown that ashwagandha can attenuate the immunosuppression caused by cyclophosphamide.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Thyroid Hormone

Ashwagandha might increase the effects and adverse effects of thyroid hormone.
Concomitant use of ashwagandha with thyroid hormones may cause additive therapeutic and adverse effects. Preliminary clinical research and animal studies suggest that ashwagandha boosts thyroid hormone synthesis and secretion. In one clinical study, ashwagandha increased triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) levels by 41.5% and 19.6%, respectively, and reduced serum TSH levels by 17.4% from baseline in adults with subclinical hypothyroidism.

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

Theoretically, ashwagandha might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP1A2 substrates.
In vitro research shows that ashwagandha extract induces CYP1A2 enzymes.

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

Theoretically, ashwagandha might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
In vitro research shows that ashwagandha extract induces CYP3A4 enzymes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Serotonergic Drugs

Some animal studies have reported that ashwagandha can enhance serotonergic transmission by altering certain serotonin (5-HT) receptors. However, there is no evidence to suggest that ashwagandha increases the risk of serotonin-related effects, and there have been no published case reports of serotonin syndrome when combined with other serotonergic drugs. Nevertheless, due to the lack of extensive studies on the matter and the fact that ashwagandha appears to affect serotonergic pathways, it would be prudent to exercise caution when combining it with drugs that affect serotonin. [References: - Effects of Withania somnifera (Ashwaga ndha) on Stress and the Stress-Related Neuropsychiatric Disorders Anxiety, Depression, and Insomnia. Curr Neuropharmacol. 2021 Sep 14; 19: 1468–1495. - A Prospective, Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Safety and Efficacy of a High-Concentration Full-Spectrum Extract of Ashwagandha Root in Reducing Stress and Anxiety in Adults. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3573577/]

Likelihood Possible Evidence C
Shoden full monograph & interactions

Rhodiola rosea Root Extract10 drug types · 1,271 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking rhodiola with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
In vitro and animal research shows that rhodiola extract can decrease blood glucose due to alpha-glucosidase activity.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, taking rhodiola with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
In vitro and animal research shows that rhodiola extract inhibits angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and might lower blood pressure.

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

Theoretically, rhodiola might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C9.
In vitro research shows that rhodiola inhibits CYP2C9. This effect is highly variable and appears to be dependent on the rhodiola product studied. Also, a clinical study in healthy young males found that taking rhodiola extract 290 mg daily for 14 days reduces the metabolism of losartan, a CYP2C9 substrate, by 21% after 4 hours.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, rhodiola use might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
In vitro and animal research show that rhodiola has immunostimulatory effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Losartan (Cozaar)

Rhodiola might increase the levels and adverse effects of losartan.
A clinical study in healthy young males found that taking rhodiola extract 290 mg daily for 14 days reduces the metabolism of losartan, a CYP2C9 substrate, by 21% after 4 hours.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
P-Glycoprotein Substrates

Theoretically, rhodiola might increase levels of P-glycoprotein substrates.
In vitro research shows that rhodiola inhibits P-glycoprotein. Theoretically, using rhodiola with P-glycoprotein substrates might increase drug levels and potentially increase the risk of adverse effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidepressant Drugs

Theoretically, rhodiola might increase the risk of adverse effects when taken with antidepressants.
A review of adverse event reports in Poland identified cases of tachyarrhythmias, myalgia, arthralgia, gum pain, restless leg syndrome, swallowing disorders, and changes in consciousness when rhodiola was taken in combination with paroxetine, escitalopram, fluoxetine, sertraline, trazodone, and/or duloxetine.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cns Depressants

Theoretically, rhodiola might increase the risk of adverse effects when taken with CNS depressants.
A review of adverse event reports in Poland identified cases of excessive sedation, myoclonus, hypotension, and hallucinations when rhodiola was taken with haloperidol, diazepam, or alprazolam.

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

Theoretically, rhodiola might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2.
In vitro research shows that rhodiola inhibits CYP1A2. This effect is highly variable and appears to be dependent on the rhodiola product studied. However, a clinical study in healthy young males found that taking rhodiola extract 290 mg daily for 14 days does not inhibit the metabolism of caffeine, a CYP1A2 substrate.

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

Theoretically, rhodiola might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
In vitro research shows that rhodiola inhibits CYP3A4. This effect is highly variable and appears to be dependent on the rhodiola product studied. However, a clinical study in healthy young males found that taking rhodiola extract 290 mg daily for 14 days does not inhibit the metabolism of midazolam, a CYP3A4 substrate.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Rhodiola rosea Root Extract full monograph & interactions

Magnolia officinalis bark extract2 drug types · 351 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, magnolia might have additive effects and increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
In vitro research shows that the chemicals magnolol and honokiol, isolated from magnolia bark, inhibit platelet aggregation that is experimentally induced by collagen and arachidonic acid. However, they do not inhibit platelet aggregation that is induced by adenosine diphosphate, platelet-activating factor, or thrombin. This interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cns Depressants

Theoretically, concomitant use of large doses of magnolia bark and CNS depressants might have additive effects.
In vitro and animal research shows that constituents extracted from magnolia bark, especially honokiol and magnolol, have sedative effects. These effects may be due to the inhibition of catecholamine release and modulation of gamma-aminobutyric acid-A (GABA-A) receptors.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Magnolia officinalis bark extract full monograph & interactions

ETAS2 drug types · 76 drugs

Diuretic Drugs

Theoretically, asparagus root might increase diuresis and electrolyte loss when used with diuretic drugs.
Animal studies show that asparagus root extracts have diuretic effects. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Lithium

Theoretically, asparagus root might cause diuresis, reducing lithium clearance.
Animal studies show that asparagus root extracts have diuretic effects. Theoretically, this might reduce excretion and increase levels of lithium. The dose of lithium might need to be decreased.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
ETAS full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Cortisol Benefits, from the product label.

DaVinci Benefits Line

See all DaVinci Benefits Line products
Name
DaVinci Laboratories of Vermont a division of FoodScience LLC
Street Address
929 Harvest Lane
City
Williston
State
VT
ZipCode
05495
Phone Number
1-800-325-1776
Web Address
www.davincilabs.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Cortisol Benefits by DaVinci Benefits Line: Common Questions

Does Cortisol Benefits by DaVinci Benefits Line interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Cortisol Benefits has a known interaction with 1,484 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Cortisol Benefits 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 if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
No — magnolia bark and ashwagandha are not safe in pregnancy, and the product should be avoided while breastfeeding. Rhodiola also lacks sufficient safety data for both. If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or nursing, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product.
Does ashwagandha actually help with stress and sleep?
Ashwagandha is rated Possibly Effective for anxiety, stress, and insomnia — meaning some clinical studies support its use, though the evidence isn't ironclad. It's the only ingredient in this product with established backing for those purposes.
What are the most common side effects?
Ashwagandha may cause diarrhea, nausea, or gastrointestinal upset, though these are not typical at standard doses. Asparagus can cause constipation and gastrointestinal discomfort. Rhodiola may cause dizziness or changes in saliva production. Magnolia bark is generally well tolerated orally.
Can asparagus in this product trigger allergies?
Yes — asparagus can cause allergic reactions in people sensitive to onions, garlic, leeks, or chives. Reactions range from itching and runny nose to difficulty swallowing or anaphylaxis in sensitive individuals.
Is this safe to take long-term?
Long-term safety data are limited for all four ingredients. The product is better studied for short-term use. Talk with your pharmacist or doctor about how long it's safe for you to take it.
What does each ingredient do?
Ashwagandha is included for stress, anxiety, and sleep support. Magnolia bark traditionally supports stress and anxiety. Rhodiola is an adaptogenic herb for stress response. Asparagus root has no established benefits in our data — its role in this product is not clear.

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.

Cortisol Benefits label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Cortisol Benefits’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Magnolia

Interacts with 351 drugs

Magnolia bark and flower buds have a long history in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine, often for stress, sleep, and digestion. Modern human research is still limited, so we can't be...

Read the full Magnolia monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Asparagus

Interacts with 76 drugs

Asparagus is a nutritious vegetable that is safe and healthy to eat as part of a normal diet. Most of its claimed medicinal benefits, such as use as a diuretic or for urinary health, come fr...

Read the full Asparagus monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Rhodiola

Interacts with 1,271 drugs

Rhodiola is an herb traditionally used to fight fatigue and help the body cope with stress. Some small studies suggest it may modestly reduce fatigue and improve mood, but the evidence is li...

Read the full Rhodiola monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Ashwagandha

Interacts with 1,372 drugs

Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic herb most often taken to help with stress, anxiety, and sleep, and some small studies suggest it may help, though the evidence is still limited. It is generally w...

Read the full Ashwagandha monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Cortisol Benefits'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 68 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.

Magnolia 9 references
  1. Kuribara H, Kishi E, Hattori N, et al. The anxiolytic effect of two oriental herbal drugs in Japan attributed to honokiol from magnolia bark. J Pharm Pharmacol 2000;52:1425-9. PubMed
  2. Tachikawa E, Takahashi M, Kashimoto T. Effects of extract and ingredients isolated from Magnolia obovata thunberg on catecholamine secretion from bovine adrenal chromaffin cells. Biochem Pharmacol 2000;60:433-40. PubMed
  3. Jung KY, Kim DS, Oh SR, et al. Magnone A and B, novel anti-PAF tetrahydrofuran lignans from the flower buds of Magnolia fargesii. J Nat Prod 1998;61:808-11.
  4. Garrison R, Chambliss WG. Effect of a proprietary Magnolia and Phellodendron extract on weight management: a pilot, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Altern Ther Health Med 2006;12:50-4.
  5. Teng CM, Chen CC, Ko FN, et al. Two antiplatelet agents from Magnolia officinalis. Thromb Res 1988;50:757-65. PubMed
  6. Ghys K, De Palma A, Vandevenne A, Werbrouck J, Goossens A. Magnolia officinalis bark extract, a recently identified contact allergen in 'anti-ageing' cosmetics. Contact Dermatitis. 2015 Aug;73(2):130-2.
  7. Raison-Peyron N, Césaire A, Du-Thanh A, Dereure O. Allergic contact dermatitis caused by Magnolia officinalis bark extract in a facial anti-ageing cream. Contact Dermatitis. 2015 Jun;72(6):416-7.
  8. Nilausen TD, Johansen JD, Thyssen JP. Allergic contact dermatitis of the face caused by Magnolia officinalis bark extract. Contact Dermatitis. 2016;75(6):385-87.
  9. Amat-Samaranch V, López-Sánchez C, Tubau C, Puig L, Serra-Baldrich E. Vulvar allergic contact dermatitis caused by Magnolia officinalis bark extract. Contact Dermatitis 2022;87(1):96-97.

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Asparagus 14 references
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Ashwagandha 32 references
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DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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