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Dietary supplement

Cortisol Control Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Vitamin Research Products

Cortisol Control 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 Control 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 Control is a dietary supplement by Vitamin Research Products with 3 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for anxiety and stress, sleep problems, digestive upset.Based on those ingredients, 1,459 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Sensoril(R), proprietary extract from Phellodendron, a patented extract from Magnolia. 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 Control by Vitamin Research Products

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Cortisol Control by Vitamin Research Products — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Cortisol Control by Vitamin Research Products

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

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 3 active ingredients.
  • “Relora” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label gives one combined amount (250 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.
  • “Sensoril(R)” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label gives one combined amount (85 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

Cortisol Control contains 3 active ingredients. The two main players are a patented extract from magnolia bark and a proprietary extract from phellodendron (a traditional Chinese plant), both of which contain compounds thought to promote calm.

The third is ashwagandha, an adaptogenic herb used in Ayurvedic medicine to help manage stress and support sleep. All three are botanicals chosen to help lower stress hormones like cortisol.

The capsule also contains hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, an inactive ingredient that forms the capsule shell.

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: support the body's stress response.
  • We looked for evidence on: Stress, Anxiety, Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), Fatigue, Insomnia, Psychological well-being — and 3 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Ashwagandha is rated "Possibly Effective" for Anxiety (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Ashwagandha is rated "Possibly Effective" for Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), Insomnia, Stress.
  • Also on file: Magnolia is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Anxiety, Stress.

Magnolia has been rated possibly effective for gingivitis, though evidence for anxiety and other uses is insufficient. Ashwagandha is possibly effective for insomnia, anxiety, stress, and generalized anxiety disorder—the purposes most relevant to a cortisol-control supplement.

Phellodendron's effectiveness is not established in our data for any of the conditions we hold information on. Overall, ashwagandha carries the strongest evidence base for the stress and sleep support this product seems designed for, while magnolia and phellodendron have limited or unconfirmed effects.

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

Ashwagandha and magnolia are generally well tolerated in the short term, though long-term and quality safety data are limited. The most common side effects from ashwagandha are diarrhea, nausea, and gastrointestinal upset, though these don't typically occur at normal doses.

Rare serious effects have been reported, including liver damage and reversible changes to brain blood vessels. One case describes a patient who developed hyperthyroidism after taking ashwagandha for two years alongside thyroid medication—symptoms resolved after stopping it.

In clinical trials of a combination product containing both magnolia and phellodendron, a few participants reported sexual dysfunction, shaking hands, perilabial numbness, fatigue, and headache, though it's unclear which ingredient caused these or if they were coincidental. Magnolia is unsafe in pregnancy and best avoided while breastfeeding.

Phellodendron (due to its berberine content) is unsafe in pregnancy and likely unsafe while breastfeeding. Ashwagandha is likely unsafe in pregnancy and should be avoided while breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Magnolia Phellodendron 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?
  • 3 of the 3 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Magnolia, Ashwagandha, Phellodendron.
  • 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: 1,460 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 doctor or pharmacist if you take blood thinners (anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs), blood pressure medications, sedatives or sleep aids, diabetes drugs, benzodiazepines (anti-anxiety or sleep medications), drugs broken down by your liver's CYP2D6, CYP2C9, or CYP3A4 enzymes, thyroid hormone, metformin, immunosuppressants, or any medication that can damage the liver. The product's three active ingredients interact with multiple drug classes, and combining them increases the risk.

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.

This product may be worth discussing with your doctor if you're looking for botanical support for stress and sleep, and if you don't take medications that interact with magnolia, phellodendron, or ashwagandha. Because it combines three interacting ingredients, the risk of medication conflicts is real—especially if you take blood thinners, blood pressure pills, diabetes medications, CNS depressants, or thyroid hormone.

Check your medications with the tool on this page, and talk it through with your own doctor or pharmacist before starting.

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

Assessment coverage: 3 of 3 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jun 25, 2014.

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 Control, straight from the product label.

Brand Vitamin Research Products
Barcode (UPC) 810832013518
Net contents 90 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jun 25, 2014
DSLD ID 33988
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Cortisol Control by Vitamin Research Products, 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:
1 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
UPC/BARCODE
810832013518
IngredientAmount% DV
Relora250 mg--
a patented extract from Magnolia0 NP--
proprietary extract from Phellodendron0 NP--
Sensoril(R)85 mg--
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root and leaf extract0 NP--

Other ingredients: Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose

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.
Brand IP Statement(s)

Relora(R) is a registered trademark of NPI, LLC. U.S. Patent #6,582,735. Sensoril(R) is protected under U.S. Patent #6,153,198 and #6,713,092 and is a registered trademark of Natreon, Inc.

Description: Cortisol Control is a combination of two patented stress management ingredients, Relora(R) and Sensoril(R), which support the body's stress response.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: Take 1 capsule three time per day.

Precautions

Caution: Not for use by children or pregnant or nursing women.

Caution: Not for use by children or pregnant or nursing women.

Do not combine with alcohol.

If currently taking psychiatric medication, consult your physician before use.

Excessive consumption may impair the ability to drive or operate heavy machinery.

Keep out of reach of children.

Storage

Keep container tightly closed in a cool, dry and dark place.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

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

Seals/Symbols

Relora(R) Sensoril(R)

LABORATORY TESTED QUALITY & PURITY

VRP

General

300-VRP7380-B

General Statements

Since 1979

New & Improved!

This product is manufactured in accordance with current Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).

TESTED FOR QUALITY & PURITY

Code Number: 7380

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

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

See for yourself

Cortisol Control by Vitamin Research Products label

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

Cortisol Control 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 Control by Vitamin Research Products

These are the 3 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule 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.

Sensoril(R)

Interacts with
1,372 drugs
85 mg per serving

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

Sensoril(R) monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Cortisol Control by Vitamin Research Products Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Cortisol Control?

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
1,459Drugs
1,406 Moderate 53 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Sensoril(R) 1,372
proprietary extract from Phellodendron 1,160
a patented extract from Magnolia 351

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Cortisol Control interact with 1,459 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

3 of the 3 ingredients in Cortisol Control interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Sensoril(R) proprietary extract from Phellodendron a patented extract from Magnolia

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Cortisol Control 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.

Sensoril(R)10 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
Sensoril(R) full monograph & interactions

proprietary extract from Phellodendron14 drug types · 1,160 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, phellodendron might increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Phellodendron contains berberine. In vitro and in vivo research suggest that berberine can inhibit platelet aggregation. Theoretically, phellodendron might also inhibit platelet aggregation.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, phellodendron may increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Phellodendron contains berberine. Clinical research shows that berberine may lower blood glucose levels. Theoretically, phellodendron might also lower blood glucose levels.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, phellodendron might have additive effects with antihypertensive drugs.
Phellodendron contains berberine. Animal research suggests that berberine can have hypotensive effects. Also, a clinical study suggests that taking berberine in combination with amlodipine can lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure when compared with amlodipine alone. Theoretically, phellodendron might also reduce blood pressure.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cns Depressants

Theoretically, phellodendron might increase the sedative effects of CNS depressants.
Phellodendron contains berberine. Animal research suggests that berberine may have sedative effects. Theoretically, phellodendron might also have CNS depressants effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)

Theoretically, phellodendron might increase blood levels of cyclosporine.
Phellodendron contains berberine. Preliminary clinical research shows that berberine can reduce metabolism of cyclosporine and increase serum levels, likely through inhibition of cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4), which metabolizes cyclosporine. Theoretically, phellodendron might also reduce the metabolism of cyclosporine.

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

Theoretically, phellodendron might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C9.
Phellodendron contains berberine. Preliminary clinical research shows that berberine can inhibit CYP2C9. Theoretically, phellodendron might also inhibit CYP2C9.

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

Theoretically, phellodendron might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
Phellodendron contains berberine. In vitro research and preliminary clinical evidence show that berberine can inhibit CYP2D6. Theoretically, phellodendron might also inhibit CYP2D6.

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

Theoretically, phellodendron might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Phellodendron contains berberine. In vitro research and preliminary clinical research show that berberine moderately inhibits CYP3A4. Theoretically, phellodendron might also inhibit CYP3A4.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Dextromethorphan (Robitussin Dm, Others)

Theoretically, phellodendron may increase serum levels of dextromethorphan.
Phellodendron contains berberine. Preliminary clinical research shows that berberine can inhibit cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) activity and reduce the metabolism of dextromethorphan. Theoretically, phellodendron may also inhibit the metabolism of dextromethorphan.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Losartan (Cozaar)

Theoretically, phellodendron might reduce the therapeutic effects of losartan by decreasing its conversion to its active form.
Phellodendron contains berberine. Preliminary clinical research suggests that berberine can inhibit cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) activity and reduce metabolism of losartan. Theoretically, phellodendron might also inhibit the metabolism of losartan.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Metformin (Glucophage)

Theoretically, phellodendron might increase the therapeutic and adverse effects of metformin.
Phellodendron contains berberine. In vitro and animal studies show that berberine can increase the systemic exposure and half-life of metformin, potentially increasing metformin's effects and side effects. This interaction seems to be most apparent when berberine is administered 2 hours prior to metformin. Taking berberine and metformin at the same time does not appear to increase systemic exposure to metformin. It is unclear if phellodendron might have this same effect.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Midazolam (Versed)

Theoretically, phellodendron might reduce metabolism of midazolam, which might increase the risk of severe adverse effects.
Phellodendron contains berberine. Preliminary clinical research shows that berberine can inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) activity and reduce metabolism of midazolam. Theoretically, phellodendron might also inhibit the metabolism of midazolam.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Pentobarbital (Nembutal)

Theoretically, phellodendron might increase the sedative effect of pentobarbital.
Phellodendron contains berberine. Animal research shows that berberine can prolong pentobarbital-induced sleeping time. Theoretically, phellodendron might increase the sedative effects of pentobarbital.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Tacrolimus (Prograf)

Theoretically, phellodendron might increase blood levels of tacrolimus.
Phellodendron contains berberine. In a 16-year-old patient with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome who was being treated with tacrolimus 6.5 mg twice daily, intake of berberine 200 mg three times daily increased the blood concentration of tacrolimus from 8 to 22 ng/mL. Following a reduction of the tacrolimus dose to 3 mg daily, blood levels of tacrolimus decreased to 12 ng/mL. It is unclear if phellodendron might have this same effect.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
proprietary extract from Phellodendron full monograph & interactions

a patented extract from Magnolia2 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
a patented extract from Magnolia full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

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

Vitamin Research Products

See all Vitamin Research Products products
Name
VRP Brand, LLC
Street Address
4610 Arrowhead Dr.
City
Carson City
State
NV
ZipCode
89706
Phone Number
1-800-877-2447
Web Address
www.vrp.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Cortisol Control by Vitamin Research Products: Common Questions

Does Cortisol Control by Vitamin Research Products interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Cortisol Control has a known interaction with 1,459 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Cortisol Control contains 3 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Is this safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
No—magnolia is unsafe in pregnancy, and phellodendron and ashwagandha are both likely unsafe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The safety data advises against all three ingredients during these times. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about alternatives if you're pregnant or nursing.
Can ashwagandha really help my thyroid?
Ashwagandha may boost thyroid hormone levels, which could be helpful if your thyroid is underactive—but there's a risk. One patient taking ashwagandha with thyroid medication ended up with too much thyroid hormone and developed hyperthyroidism. If you take thyroid medication, your doctor needs to know you're considering ashwagandha.
What side effects might I notice?
The most common are diarrhea, nausea, and upset stomach from ashwagandha, though these don't usually happen at typical doses. In clinical trials, a few people reported fatigue, headache, and sexual dysfunction, though it's unclear which ingredient was responsible. Rare but serious liver damage has been linked to ashwagandha.
Does this product actually lower cortisol?
The facts we hold don't include clinical studies showing this product lowers cortisol levels. Ashwagandha is possibly effective for stress and anxiety, and magnolia may help with anxiety, but we don't have specific cortisol data for the combination.
Why does this interact with so many medications?
Two of the three active ingredients—phellodendron and ashwagandha—contain compounds that either mimic the effects of other drugs (like sedatives or blood pressure pills) or change how your liver breaks down medications. When you layer multiple interacting ingredients, the risk multiplies. That's why checking your specific medicines is important.
Is one of these ingredients checked for interactions and one isn't?
All three active ingredients have been evaluated for interactions. Magnolia and phellodendron each carry Moderate interactions with several drug types, and ashwagandha has both Moderate and Minor interactions. No ingredient in this product is free of documented medication interactions.

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 Control label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Cortisol Control’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

Phellodendron

Interacts with 1,160 drugs

Phellodendron is a traditional Chinese medicine bark (Huang Bai) that contains berberine and other plant compounds with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity in lab studies. Human evi...

Read the full Phellodendron 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 Control'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 63 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.

See these in context on the Magnolia monograph →

Phellodendron 22 references
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