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Dietary supplement

Defense-gen Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Genestra Brands

Defense-gen label
See full label image
Liquid 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 Defense-gen 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

Defense-gen is a dietary supplement by Genestra Brands with 3 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for sore throat and mouth inflammation, skin wounds and irritation (topical), fever and general aches (traditional).Based on those ingredients, 213 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Dog Rose (Rosa canina) young shoot extract, Black Alder (Alnus glutinosa) bud extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against Defense-gen by Genestra Brands

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Defense-gen by Genestra Brands — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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Computed from our clinical databases

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Defense-gen by Genestra Brands

Four independent checks of what is known — a summary of the available information, not a grade of the product itself.

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

The stated purpose hasn't been mapped to our evidence data yet.

Why this rating?
  • We haven't mapped this product's purpose to our evidence data yet — it'll be graded on the next content refresh.
Ingredient Transparency
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 3 of its 3 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.
Known Interaction Concern
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 2 of the 2 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Black Alder, Rose Hip.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; cancer treatments; lithium.
  • For scale: 213 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.
Safety Information
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 1 of the 2 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 2 of 2.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 2 of 2.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

HelloPharmacist summaryFully disclosed formula with no assessable stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Assessment coverage: 2 of 3 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Sep 22, 2016.

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 Defense-gen, straight from the product label.

Brand Genestra Brands
Barcode (UPC) 88319611611
Net contents 0.5 fl. Oz.; 15 mL
Market status Off market
Date entered into DSLD Sep 22, 2016
DSLD ID 64775
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other
Intended target group(s) Children 4 or More Years of Age, Vegan, 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 Defense-gen by Genestra Brands, 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:
0.28 mL
Maximum serving Sizes:
0.28 mL
Servings per container
53
UPC/BARCODE
88319611611
IngredientAmount% DV
Black Alder (Alnus glutinosa) bud extract0.09 mL--
Silver Birch (Betula pendula) bud extract0.09 mL--
Dog Rose (Rosa canina) young shoot extract0.09 mL--

Other ingredients: purified Water, Ethanol, Glycerin

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

924

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

General Statements

Phyto-Gen

Formula

- Dog Rose - Black Alder - Silver Birch

Precautions

Risk Information: If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, do not use, unless directed by your healthcare practitioner.

If symptoms persist or worsen, consult your healthcare practitioner.

Quality Assurance: Safety-sealed for your protection and for product freshness. Do not use if inner seal is missing or broken.

For risk information, see outer box. Do not use if seal is missing or broken.

Formulation

Guaranteed to contain no added starch, yeast, gluten, corn, soy, sodium, sugar, artificial coloring or flavoring, antimicrobial preservatives, dairy or animal products.

Ideal for vegans.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Recommended Dose: Adults and Children (over 12 years): Take 10 drops once daily, or as recommended by your healthcare practitioner. Invert bottle to 45(0) and shake lightly allowing drops to fall directly into mouth or in 1/4 oz. of water.

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

See for yourself

Defense-gen by Genestra Brands label

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

Defense-gen 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 Defense-gen by Genestra Brands

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

Serving size0.28 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container53 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.

Black Alder (Alnus glutinosa) bud extract

Interacts with
2 drugs
0.09 mL per serving

Black Alder is a European tree whose bark and leaves have a long history in folk medicine, mainly as an astringent gargle or wound wash. There is very...

Black Alder (Alnus glutinosa) bud extract monograph & interactions

Silver Birch (Betula pendula) bud extract

0.09 mL per serving

Dog Rose (Rosa canina) young shoot extract

Interacts with
213 drugs
0.09 mL per serving

Rose hip is the vitamin C–rich fruit of the wild rose, used traditionally for colds and joint pain. A standardized rose hip powder has some research s...

Dog Rose (Rosa canina) young shoot extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Purified Water, Ethanol, Glycerin. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Defense-gen by Genestra Brands Drug Interactions

Defense-gen contains 3 ingredients, and 2 of them have known drug interactions. Altogether they interact with 213 medications. Here’s the picture, then you can look up your own drug.

Want to check YOUR meds against Defense-gen?

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
213Drugs
213 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Dog Rose (Rosa canina) young shoot extract 213
Black Alder (Alnus glutinosa) bud extract 2

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Defense-gen interact with 213 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

2 of the 3 ingredients in Defense-gen interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Dog Rose (Rosa canina) young shoot extract Black Alder (Alnus glutinosa) bud extract

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Defense-gen 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.

Dog Rose (Rosa canina) young shoot extract8 drug types · 213 drugs

Alkylating Agents

Theoretically, the antioxidant effects of rose hip might reduce the effectiveness of alkylating agents but might also reduce the oxidative damage caused by certain alkylating agents.
Rose hip contains vitamin C. 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. Further, some animal research suggests that the antioxidant effects of rose hip might attenuate cyclophosphamide-induced testicular toxicity. More evidence is needed to determine what effect, if any, antioxidants found in rose hip, such as vitamin C, have on the effectiveness and adverse effects of chemotherapy.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Aluminum

Theoretically, rose hip might increase the amount of aluminum absorbed from aluminum compounds.
Rose hip contains vitamin C. Theoretically, vitamin C increases the absorption of aluminum. Concomitant use might increase aluminum absorption, but the clinical significance of this is unknown. Administer rose hip two hours before or four hours after antacids.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, rose hip might reduce the effectiveness of anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
In vitro and animal research suggests that a constituent of rose hip, rugosin E, can induce platelet aggregation. This has not been shown in humans. Theoretically, concomitant use of rose hip might reduce the effectiveness of antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antitumor Antibiotics

Theoretically, the antioxidant effects of rose hip might reduce the effectiveness of antitumor antibiotics.
Rose hip contains the antioxidant vitamin C. There is concern that antioxidants might reduce the activity of chemotherapy drugs that generate free radicals, such as antitumor antibiotics. In contrast, other researchers theorize that antioxidants might make antitumor antibiotic 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 antitumor antibiotic chemotherapy.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Estrogens

Theoretically, rose hip might increase blood levels of estrogens.
Rose hip contains vitamin C. Increases in plasma estrogen levels of up to 55% have occured 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. However, increases in plasma estrogen levels may occur when women who are deficient in vitamin C take supplements.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Lithium

Theoretically, rose hip might increase blood levels of lithium.
Rose hip is thought to have diuretic properties. Theoretically, due to these potential diuretic effects, rose hip might reduce excretion and increase levels of lithium. The dose of lithium might need to be decreased.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Aspirin

Theoretically, rose hip might reduce the clearance of aspirin; however, its vitamin C content is likely too low to produce clinically significant effects.
Rose hip contains vitamin C. It has been suggested that acidification of the urine by vitamin C can decrease the urinary excretion of salicylates, increasing 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. The vitamin C content of rose hip is typically about 500 mg per 100 grams. Thus, a clinically significant interaction between rose hip and aspirin is unlikely.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, rose hip might reduce the effectiveness of warfarin; however, its vitamin C content is likely too low to produce clinically significant effects.
Rose hip contains vitamin C. High doses of vitamin C may reduce the response to warfarin, possibly by causing diarrhea and reducing warfarin absorption. This occurred in two people who took up to 16 grams daily of vitamin C, and resulted in decreased prothrombin time. Lower doses of 5-10 grams daily of vitamin C can also reduce warfarin absorption, but this does not seem to be clinically significant. The vitamin C content of rose hip is typically about 500 mg per 100 grams. Thus, a clinically significant interaction between rose hip and warfarin is unlikely.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Dog Rose (Rosa canina) young shoot extract full monograph & interactions

Black Alder (Alnus glutinosa) bud extract2 drug types · 2 drugs

Cisplatin (Platinol-Aq)

Laboratory research shows that black alder bark extracts can antagonize the chemotherapeutic effects of cisplatin. This interaction has not been evaluated in humans. Until more is known, use this combination with caution.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Doxorubicin (Adriamycin, Others)

Laboratory research shows that black alder bark extracts can antagonize the chemotherapeutic effects of doxorubicin. This interaction has not been evaluated in humans. Until more is known, use this combination with caution.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Black Alder (Alnus glutinosa) bud extract full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Defense-gen, from the product label.

Genestra Brands

Name
Seroyal USA
City
Pittsburgh
State
PA
ZipCode
15275
Phone Number
1-888-737-6925
Web Address
seroyal.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Defense-gen by Genestra Brands: Common Questions

Does Defense-gen by Genestra Brands interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Defense-gen has a known interaction with 213 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Defense-gen 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.

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.

Defense-gen label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Defense-gen’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Black Alder

Interacts with 2 drugs

Black Alder is a European tree whose bark and leaves have a long history in folk medicine, mainly as an astringent gargle or wound wash. There is very little modern human research to confirm...

Read the full Black Alder monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Rose Hip

Interacts with 213 drugs

Rose hip is the vitamin C–rich fruit of the wild rose, used traditionally for colds and joint pain. A standardized rose hip powder has some research support for easing osteoarthritis symptom...

Read the full Rose Hip monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Defense-gen'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 25 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.

Black Alder 1 reference
  1. Dinic J, Novakovic M, Podolski-Renic A, et al. Antioxidative activity of diarylheptanoids from the bark of black alder (Alnus glutinosa) and their interaction with anticancer drugs. Planta Med 2014;80(13):1088-96. doi: 10.1055/s-0034-1382993. Epub 2014 Au PubMed

See these in context on the Black Alder monograph →

Rose Hip 24 references
  1. Foster S, Tyler VE. Tyler's Honest Herbal: A Sensible Guide to the Use of Herbs and Related Remedies. 3rd ed., Binghamton, NY: Haworth Herbal Press, 1993.
  2. McEvoy GK, ed. AHFS Drug Information. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 1998.
  3. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
  4. 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.
  5. Morris JC, Beeley L, Ballantine N. Interaction of ethinyloestradiol with ascorbic acid in man [letter]. Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1981;283:503.
  6. Labriola D, Livingston R. Possible interactions between dietary antioxidants and chemotherapy. Oncology 1999;13:1003-8.
  7. Hansten PD, Horn JR. Drug Interactions Analysis and Management. Vancouver, WA: Applied Therapeutics Inc., 1997 and updates.
  8. 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/.
  9. Rosenthal G. Interaction of ascorbic acid and warfarin. JAMA 1971;215:1671. DOI
  10. Hume R, Johnstone JM, Weyers E. Interaction of ascorbic acid and warfarin. JAMA 1972;219:1479. DOI
  11. Smith EC, Skalski RJ, Johnson GC, Rossi GV. Interaction of ascorbic acid and warfarin. JAMA 1972;221:1166. DOI
  12. Mc Leod DC, Nahata MC. Inefficacy of ascorbic acid as a urinary acidifier (letter). N Engl J Med 1977;296:1413. DOI
  13. Hansten PD, Hayton WL. Effect of antacid and ascorbic acid on serum salicylate concentration. J Clin Pharmacol 1980;20:326-31. PubMed
  14. Vihtamaki T, Parantainen J, Koivisto AM, et al. Oral ascorbic acid increases plasma oestradiol during postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy. Maturitas 2002;42:129-35. PubMed
  15. Feetam CL, Leach RH, Meynell MJ. Lack of a clinically important interaction between warfarin and ascorbic acid. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 1975;31:544-7. PubMed
  16. Weintraub M, Griner PF. Warfarin and ascorbic acid: lack of evidence for a drug interaction. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 1974;28:53-6. PubMed
  17. Prasad KN. Rationale for using high-dose multiple dietary antioxidants as an adjunct to radiation therapy and chemotherapy. J Nutr 2004;134:3182S-3S. PubMed
  18. Conklin KA. Cancer chemotherapy and antioxidants. J Nutr 2004;134:3201S-3204S. PubMed
  19. Andersson U, Berger K, Hogberg A, et al. Effects of rose hip intake on risk markers of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease: a randomized, double-blind, cross-over investigation in obese persons. Eur J Clin Nutr 2012;66:585-90. PubMed
  20. Rein, E., Kharazmi, A., and Winther, K. A herbal remedy, Hyben Vital (stand. powder of a subspecies of Rosa canina fruits), reduces pain and improves general wellbeing in patients with osteoarthritis--a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised trial. PubMed
  21. Winther, K., Apel, K., and Thamsborg, G. A powder made from seeds and shells of a rose-hip subspecies (Rosa canina) reduces symptoms of knee and hip osteoarthritis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Scand J Rheumatol. 2005;34
  22. Teng, C. M., Kang, Y. F., Chang, Y. L., Ko, F. N., Yang, S. C., and Hsu, F. L. ADP-mimicking platelet aggregation caused by rugosin E, an ellagitannin isolated from Rosa rugosa Thunb. Thromb.Haemost. 1997;77(3):555-561. DOI
  23. Seifi M, Abbasalizadeh S, Mohammad-Alizadeh-Charandabi S, Khodaie L, Mirghafourvand M. The effect of Rosa (L. Rosa canina) on the incidence of urinary tract infection in the puerperium: a randomized placebo-controlled trial. Phytother Res 2018;32(1):76-83
  24. Parandin R, Ghowsi M, Dadbod A. Protective effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Rosa canina L. fruit on cyclophosphamide-induced testicular toxicity in mice. Avicenna J Phytomed 2023;13(1):7-17.

See these in context on the Rose Hip 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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