Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 10 of 15 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Enzyme Complex With Herbs Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Vitamer Laboratories

Enzyme Complex With Herbs label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Other Combinations
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 Enzyme Complex With Herbs 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

Enzyme Complex With Herbs is a dietary supplement by Vitamer Laboratories with 15 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for inflammation and swelling, sinus and nasal congestion, digestion support.Based on those ingredients, 1,253 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Ginger, Fennel, Caraway. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

Jump to a section

Check Your Meds Against Enzyme Complex With Herbs by Vitamer Laboratories

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Enzyme Complex With Herbs by Vitamer Laboratories — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

Pharmacist-reviewed data Checks every ingredient Answer in seconds
Prefer a human? Send your question to our licensed pharmacists — free, answered by email within 24 hours.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Enzyme Complex With Herbs by Vitamer Laboratories

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 11, 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 15 of its 15 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Enzyme Complex With Herbs contains 15 active ingredients: six digestive enzymes (amylase, bromelain, lipase, lactase, cellulase, and protease 4.5), plus five herbal extracts (fennel, ginger, cinnamon bark, anise, and caraway) and cayenne pepper. The enzymes are designed to support the breakdown of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and other nutrients in food.

The herbal components add flavor and traditional digestive support. The product also contains rice bran, vegetable cellulose, and water as inactive ingredients.

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: digestive support and enzyme supplementation.
  • We looked for evidence on: Dyspepsia, Flatulence, Cough, Colic, Diarrhea, Constipation — and 4 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Caraway is rated "Possibly Effective" for Dyspepsia (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Capsicum is rated "Possibly Effective" for Back pain, Cluster headache.
  • Also on file: Lipase is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Dyspepsia.

Bromelain is rated insufficient evidence for the conditions listed (allergic rhinitis, burns, cancer, and others). Lipase and lactase are similarly insufficient for most uses, though lactase is rated effective for lactose intolerance—if you have trouble digesting lactose, this ingredient may help.

Ginger shows possibly effective evidence for pregnancy-related nausea, menstrual pain, and osteoarthritis, but possibly ineffective for muscle soreness. Fennel is possibly effective for menstrual cramping.

Caraway is possibly effective for indigestion. Cinnamon and anise show insufficient or possibly ineffective evidence for the conditions studied.

Cayenne pepper is rated likely effective for nerve pain after shingles and diabetic nerve pain, and possibly effective for cluster headaches and back pain. The evidence for most of these ingredients as a combined product is not established in our data.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Bromelain Lipase Lactase Fennel Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases) Ginger Ceylon Cinnamon Anise

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 10 of the 10 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 10 of 10.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 10 of 10.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Most ingredients are generally well tolerated in the doses used in supplements. Bromelain may cause diarrhea, gas, stomach upset, or headache when taken by mouth; rare allergic reactions are possible.

Lipase has no reported adverse effects in adults, though safety data is limited. Lactase is generally safe and carries a likely safe rating in pregnancy.

Ginger is well tolerated at typical amounts, though higher doses increase side effects; common ones include stomach discomfort, burping, diarrhea, and heartburn. Cinnamon, fennel, anise, caraway, and cayenne pepper may each cause mild digestive discomfort, gas, or bloating in some people.

Fennel, anise, and caraway all carry warnings against medicinal or concentrated amounts in pregnancy due to limited safety data. Ginger is likely safe in pregnancy for morning sickness but should remain moderate; cinnamon is marked likely safe but also likely unsafe (conflicting data), so discuss with your doctor.

For breastfeeding, ginger is likely safe, but bromelain, lipase, lactase, protease, fennel, anise, caraway, and cayenne all have limited or unstudied safety data—ask your pharmacist or doctor before regular use.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Bromelain Lipase Lactase Fennel Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases) Ginger Ceylon Cinnamon Anise

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

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

Why this rating?
  • 7 of the 10 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Caraway, Fennel, Ceylon Cinnamon, Anise, Bromelain, among others.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; diabetes medications; lithium.
  • For scale: 1,254 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, double-check anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs (blood thinners like warfarin, aspirin, or clopidogrel), diabetes medications, contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy, and antidepressants—all carry Moderate interactions. Also verify any blood pressure drugs, antibiotics (especially fluoroquinolones like ciprofloxacin and tetracyclines), cancer medications, and sedatives with your pharmacist.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This product may help with digestion and supports ginger, fennel, or cayenne for specific conditions—but only if you don't take blood thinners, diabetes medications, birth control, or antidepressants. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor first.

Check your exact medications with the tool below before you start.

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

Assessment coverage: 10 of 15 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jul 25, 2013.

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 Enzyme Complex With Herbs, straight from the product label.

Brand Vitamer Laboratories
Barcode (UPC) 719985706349
Net contents 90 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jul 25, 2013
DSLD ID 23703
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Enzyme Complex With Herbs by Vitamer Laboratories, 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)
Servings per container
90
UPC/BARCODE
719985706349
IngredientAmount% DV
Amylase6500 DU--
Bromelain250000 FCCPU--
Lipase250 FIP--
Lactase100 ALU--
Cellulase360 CU--
Invertase250 SU--
Glucoamylase12 AGU--
Pectinase7.5 Endo-PG--
Fennel5 mg--
Protease 4.513500 HUT--
Ginger25 mg--
Cinnamon Bark10 mg--
Anise5 mg--
Caraway5 mg--
Cayenne Pepper5 mg--

Other ingredients: Rice Bran, Vegetable Cellulose, Water

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

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

SUGGESTED USE: Take one capsule at the beginning of each meal.

Formulation

CONTAINS NO artificial colors, flavors or preservatives; no wheat, gluten, milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, crustacean shellfish or fish.

Suitable for vegans.

General Statements

Our Enzyme Complex with Herbs provides a complete, plant-based enzyme complex using only the highest quality non-GMO raw materials. Additional digestive herbs are included for support. When taken for digestive support, enzymes can optimize nutrient absorption and reduce the amount of gas and bloating that occurs when consuming foods that may be difficult to digest. WE GUARANTEE OUR SUPPLEMENTS FOR POTENCY AND PURITY

Plant-Based

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.

FDA Statement of Identity

Digestive Aid Supplement

Precautions

KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

General

VL 706-90H

Seals/Symbols

DOUBLE VERIFIED GLUTEN FREE(R)

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

See for yourself

Enzyme Complex With Herbs by Vitamer Laboratories label

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

Enzyme Complex With Herbs 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 Enzyme Complex With Herbs by Vitamer Laboratories

These are the 15 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container90 Amounts shown are per serving.

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

Amylase

6500 DU per serving

Bromelain

Interacts with
141 drugs
250000 FCCPU per serving

Bromelain is a group of protein-digesting enzymes from pineapple that people take mainly for inflammation, swelling, and sinus problems. Some early st...

Bromelain monograph & interactions

Lipase

No known
interactions
250 FIP per serving

Lipase is a digestive enzyme that helps your body break down dietary fats. It is well established as part of prescription pancreatic enzyme therapy fo...

Lipase monograph & interactions

Lactase

No known
interactions
100 ALU per serving

Lactase is a digestive enzyme supplement that helps people who lack enough natural lactase break down lactose, the sugar in milk and dairy. It can red...

Lactase monograph & interactions

Cellulase

360 CU per serving

Invertase

250 SU per serving

Glucoamylase

12 AGU per serving

Pectinase

7.5 Endo-PG per serving

Fennel

Interacts with
740 drugs
5 mg per serving

Fennel is a Mediterranean herb widely used as a food and spice, and traditionally taken for digestive complaints, colic, and menstrual cramps. Some sm...

Fennel monograph & interactions

Protease 4.5

No known
interactions
13500 HUT per serving

Proteolytic enzymes are proteins that help break down other proteins, and common examples include bromelain (from pineapple), papain (from papaya), tr...

Protease 4.5 monograph & interactions

Ginger

Interacts with
1,007 drugs
25 mg per serving

Ginger is a widely used culinary spice with a long history in traditional medicine, and it has the strongest evidence for helping with nausea and vomi...

Ginger monograph & interactions

Cinnamon Bark

Interacts with
258 drugs
10 mg per serving

Ceylon cinnamon is the so-called 'true' cinnamon, valued as a spice and used in traditional medicine for blood sugar, cholesterol, and digestion. Evid...

Cinnamon Bark monograph & interactions

Anise

Interacts with
245 drugs
5 mg per serving

Anise is a fragrant, licorice-flavored seed used for centuries to ease digestion and soothe coughs. Most of its health claims are based on tradition a...

Anise monograph & interactions

Caraway

Interacts with
413 drugs
5 mg per serving

Caraway is a common cooking spice that has long been used to ease gas, bloating, and indigestion. Some evidence suggests caraway oil—often combined wi...

Caraway monograph & interactions

Cayenne Pepper

Interacts with
239 drugs
5 mg per serving

Capsicum (chili pepper) contains capsaicin, which is best known and best studied as a topical treatment for certain types of pain. Topical capsaicin p...

Cayenne Pepper monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Rice Bran, Vegetable Cellulose, Water. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Enzyme Complex With Herbs by Vitamer Laboratories Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Enzyme Complex With Herbs?

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
1,253Drugs
1,180 Moderate 73 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Ginger 1,007
Fennel 740
Caraway 413
Cinnamon Bark 258
Anise 245

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Enzyme Complex With Herbs interact with 1,253 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

7 of the 15 ingredients in Enzyme Complex With Herbs interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Ginger Fennel Caraway Cinnamon Bark Anise Cayenne Pepper Bromelain

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Enzyme Complex With Herbs 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.

Ginger14 drug types · 1,007 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Ginger may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs. However, research is conflicting.
Laboratory research suggests that ginger inhibits thromboxane synthetase and decreases platelet aggregation. However, this has not been demonstrated unequivocally in humans, with mixed results from clinical trials. Theoretically, excessive amounts of ginger might increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking ginger with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Animal and human research suggests that ginger might increase insulin levels and/or decrease blood glucose levels.

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

Ginger might increase or decrease the levels of CYP3A4 substrates.
In vitro research and some case reports suggest that ginger inhibits CYP3A4 activity. Three case reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) adverse drug reaction database describe increased toxicity in patients taking ginger and cancer medications that are CYP3A4 substrates (imatinib, dabrafenib, and crizotinib). However, the causality of this interaction is unclear due to the presence of multiple interacting drugs and routes of administration.
Conversely, other in vitro research suggests that ginger induces CYP3A4 activity, leading to reduced levels of CYP3A4 substrates. However, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Losartan (Cozaar)

Theoretically, ginger might increase levels of losartan and the risk of hypotension.
In animal research, ginger increased the levels and hypotensive effects of a single dose of losartan. It is not clear if ginger alters the concentration or effects of losartan when taken continuously. Additionally, this interaction has not been shown in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Nifedipine (Procardia)

Ginger may have antiplatelet effects and increase the risk of bleeding if used with nifedipine.
Clinical research shows that combined treatment with ginger 1 gram plus nifedipine 10 mg significantly inhibits platelet aggregation when compared to nifedipine or ginger alone.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
P-Glycoprotein Substrates

Ginger might increase the absorption and blood levels of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) substrates.
In vitro research and case reports suggest that ginger inhibits drug efflux by P-gp, potentially increasing absorption and serum levels of P-gp substrates. Two case reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) adverse drug reaction database describe increased toxicity in patients taking ginger and cancer medications that are P-gp substrates (trametinib, crizotinib). However, the causality of this interaction is unclear due to the presence of multiple interacting drugs and routes of administration.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Phenprocoumon (Marcoumar, Others)

Ginger might increase the risk of bleeding with phenprocoumon.
Phenprocoumon, a warfarin-related anticoagulant, might increase the international normalized ratio (INR) when taken with ginger. There is one case report of a 76-year-old woman with a stable INR on phenprocoumon that increased to greater than 10 when she began consuming dried ginger and ginger tea.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Ginger might increase the risk of bleeding with warfarin.
Laboratory research suggests that ginger might inhibit thromboxane synthetase and decrease platelet aggregation. In one case report, ginger increased the INR when taken with phenprocoumon, which has similar pharmacological effects as warfarin. In another case report, ginger increased the INR when taken with a combination of warfarin, hydrochlorothiazide, and acetaminophen. A longitudinal analysis suggests that taking ginger increases the risk of bleeding in patients taking warfarin for at least 4 months. However, research in healthy people suggests that ginger has no effect on INR, or the pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics of warfarin. Until more is known, monitor INRs closely in patients taking large amounts of ginger.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Calcium Channel Blockers

Theoretically, taking ginger with calcium channel blockers might increase the risk of hypotension.
Some animal and in vitro research suggests that ginger has hypotensive and calcium channel-blocking effects. Another animal study shows that concomitant administration of ginger and the calcium channel blocker amlodipine leads to greater reductions in blood pressure when compared with amlodipine alone.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)

Theoretically, when taken prior to cyclosporine, ginger might decrease cyclosporine levels.
In an animal model, ginger juice taken 2 hours prior to cyclosporine administration reduced the maximum concentration and area under the curve of cyclosporine by 51% and 40%, respectively. This effect was not observed when ginger juice and cyclosporine were administered at the same time.

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

Theoretically, ginger might increase the levels of CYP1A2 substrates.
In vitro research shows that ginger inhibits CYP1A2 activity. However, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2B6 (Cyp2B6) Substrates

Theoretically, ginger might increase the levels of CYP2B6 substrates.
In vitro research shows that ginger inhibits CYP2B6 activity. However, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

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

Theoretically, ginger might increase the levels of CYP2C9 substrates.
In vitro research shows that ginger inhibits CYP2C9 activity. However, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Metronidazole (Flagyl)

Theoretically, ginger might increase levels of metronidazole.
In an animal model, ginger increased the absorption and plasma half-life of metronidazole. In addition, the elimination rate and clearance of metronidazole was significantly reduced.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Ginger full monograph & interactions

Fennel6 drug types · 740 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, fennel might increase the risk of bleeding when used with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs.

Animal research suggests that fennel oil has antithrombotic and antiplatelet effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)

Theoretically, fennel might decrease the levels and clinical effects of ciprofloxacin.

Animal research shows that fennel reduces ciprofloxacin bioavailability by nearly 50%, possibly due to the metal cations such as calcium, iron, and magnesium contained in fennel. This study also found that fennel increased tissue distribution and slowed elimination of ciprofloxacin.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Contraceptive Drugs

Theoretically, taking large amounts of fennel might decrease the effects of contraceptive drugs due to competition for estrogen receptors.

Some constituents of fennel have estrogenic activity.

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

Theoretically, fennel might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.

In vitro research suggests that fennel inhibits CYP3A4 enzyme activity. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Estrogens

Theoretically, taking large amounts of fennel might interfere with hormone replacement therapy due to competition for estrogen receptors.

Some constituents of fennel have estrogenic activity.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Tamoxifen (Nolvadex)

Theoretically, taking large amounts of fennel might decrease the antiestrogenic effect of tamoxifen.

Some constituents of fennel have estrogenic activity, which may interfere with the antiestrogenic activity of tamoxifen.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Fennel full monograph & interactions

Caraway7 drug types · 413 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, caraway might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when used with antidiabetes drugs.
Animal research suggests that caraway can reduce blood glucose levels. Monitor blood glucose levels closely. Medication dose adjustments may be necessary.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cns Depressants

Theoretically, caraway might increase the effects and adverse effects of CNS depressants.
Animal research suggests that (S)-(+)-carvone, a major constituent of caraway seed extract, has sedative effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Diuretic Drugs

Theoretically, caraway might increase the risk of hypokalemia when used with diuretics that deplete potassium.
Animal research suggests that a single dose of caraway fruit extract can promote diuresis and increase the urinary excretion of sodium and potassium. However, sub-chronic use of caraway fruit extract does not seem to significantly increase potassium excretion, although urine output continues to be increased for up to 6 days.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Lithium

Theoretically, caraway might reduce excretion and increase levels of lithium due to diuretic effects.
Animal research suggests that caraway fruit extract has diuretic properties.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Isoniazid

Theoretically, caraway might increase the effects and adverse effects of isoniazid.
Animal research suggests that a specific fraction of caraway seed extract (CC-1a) can increase plasma levels of isoniazid when administered concomitantly. This interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Pyrazinamide

Theoretically, caraway might increase the effects and adverse effects of pyrazinamide.
Animal research suggests that a specific fraction of caraway seed extract (CC-1a) can increase plasma levels of pyrazinamide when administered concomitantly. This interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Rifampin (Rifadin)

Theoretically, caraway might increase the effects and adverse effects of rifampin.
Animal research suggests that a specific fraction of caraway seed extract (CC-1a) can increase plasma levels of rifampin when administered concomitantly. This interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Caraway full monograph & interactions

Cinnamon Bark2 drug types · 258 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, Ceylon cinnamon may have additive effects with antidiabetes drugs.
Ceylon cinnamon may lower blood glucose levels. Dose adjustments might be necessary.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, Ceylon cinnamon might have additive effects with antihypertensive drugs and increase the risk of hypotension.
Animal research shows that Ceylon cinnamon extract has vasorelaxant properties and reduces blood pressure in rat models of hypertension, possibly via inhibition of calcium influx through L-type voltage-sensitive channels.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cinnamon Bark full monograph & interactions

Anise11 drug types · 245 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, anise seed might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
A small clinical study shows that anise seed powder decreases fasting blood glucose levels by 36% when compared to baseline.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Caffeine

Theoretically, anise oil might decrease the efficacy of caffeine.
Animal research shows that taking anise oil with caffeine decreases the bioavailability of caffeine. Whether this interaction will occur in humans is unclear.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Codeine

Theoretically, anise oil might increase the effects and adverse effects of codeine.
Animal research shows that anise oil increases the analgesic effects of codeine, possibly by inducing its phase I metabolism and increasing conversion to morphine. Whether this interaction occurs in humans is unclear.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Contraceptive Drugs

Theoretically, anise might interfere with contraceptive drug therapy.
Some in vitro research suggests that anise has estrogenic effects, while other in vitro research suggests that anise has antiestrogenic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Diazepam (Valium)

Theoretically, anise oil might increase the effects and adverse effects of diazepam.
Animal research shows that taking anise oil with diazepam increases the motor impairment associated with diazepam, possibly by inhibiting its breakdown by cytochrome P450 3A4. Whether this interaction occurs in humans is unclear.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Estrogens

Theoretically, anise might interfere with estrogen-based hormone replacement therapy.
Some in vitro research suggests that anise has estrogenic effects, while other in vitro research suggests that anise has antiestrogenic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Fluoxetine (Prozac)

Theoretically, anise oil might decrease the efficacy of fluoxetine.
Animal research shows that taking anise oil with fluoxetine reduces the antidepressant effects of fluoxetine, possibly by promoting its breakdown by cytochrome P450 2D6. Whether this interaction occurs in humans is unclear.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Imipramine (Tofranil)

Theoretically, anise oil might decrease the efficacy of imipramine.
Animal research shows that taking anise oil with imipramine reduces the antidepressant effects of imipramine, possibly by promoting its breakdown by cytochrome P450 2D6. Whether this interaction occurs in humans is unclear.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Midazolam (Versed)

Theoretically, anise oil might increase the effects and adverse effects of midazolam.
Animal research shows that taking anise oil with midazolam increases the motor impairment associated with midazolam, possibly by inhibiting its breakdown by cytochrome P450 3A4. Whether this interaction occurs in humans is unclear.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Tamoxifen (Nolvadex)

Theoretically, anise might interfere with tamoxifen therapy.
Some in vitro research suggests that anise has estrogenic effects, while other in vitro research suggests that anise has antiestrogenic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Acetaminophen (Tylenol, Others)

Theoretically, anise oil might decrease the levels and clinical effects of acetaminophen.
Animal research shows that taking anise oil with acetaminophen decreases peak plasma levels of acetaminophen but does not reduce overall bioavailability. Whether this interaction will occur in humans is unclear.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Anise full monograph & interactions

Cayenne Pepper6 drug types · 239 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, capsicum may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
In vitro research shows that capsicum might increase the effects of antiplatelet drugs. Also, population research shows that capsicum is associated with an increased risk of self-reported bleeding in patients taking warfarin. However, clinical research shows that taking a single dose of capsaicin (Asian Herbex Ltd.), the active ingredient in capsicum, 400-800 mcg orally in combination with aspirin 500 mg does not decrease platelet aggregation when compared with taking aspirin 500 mg alone. Also, there was no notable effect on measures of platelet aggregation with capsaicin. It is unclear whether capsaicin must be used in more than a single dose to affect platelet aggregation.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking capsicum with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Preliminary clinical research shows that consuming capsicum 5 grams along with a glucose drink attenuates the rise in plasma glucose after 30 minutes by 21%, decreases the 2-hour postprandial area under the curve of plasma glucose by 11%, and increases the 2-hour postprandial area under the curve of plasma insulin by 58% in healthy individuals when compared with placebo. Other clinical research shows that taking capsicum 5 mg daily for 28 days significantly reduces postprandial blood glucose and insulin levels, but not fasting blood glucose and insulin levels, in patients with gestational diabetes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Aspirin

Theoretically, taking capsicum with aspirin might reduce the bioavailability of aspirin.
Animal research shows that acute or chronic intake of capsicum pepper reduces oral aspirin bioavailability. This has not been shown in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Theophylline

Theoretically, taking capsicum with theophylline might increase the levels and adverse effects of theophylline.
In animal research, oral administration of capsicum reduced excretion of theophylline. However, capsicum does not seem to affect the pharmacokinetics of theophylline when administered intravenously.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Ace Inhibitors (Aceis)

Theoretically, using topical capsaicin may increase the risk of ACE inhibitor-induced cough.
There is one case report of a topically applied capsaicin cream contributing to the cough reflex in a patient using an ACEI. However, it is unclear if this interaction is clinically significant.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)

Theoretically, taking capsicum with ciprofloxacin might increase levels and adverse effects of ciprofloxacin.
Animal research shows that concomitant use of capsaicin, the active constituent of capsicum, and ciprofloxacin increases the bioavailability of ciprofloxacin by up to 70%.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cayenne Pepper full monograph & interactions

Bromelain2 drug types · 141 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
There is one case report of a patient experiencing minor bruising while taking bromelain with naproxen. Bromelain is thought to have antiplatelet activity. Whether this interaction is of concern with topical bromelain is unclear. Interference with coagulation of burn wounds has been reported in a patient receiving bromelain-based enzymatic debridement. However, observational research has found that topical bromelain debridement is not associated with increases or decreases in laboratory markers of coagulation when compared with surgical debridement.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Tetracycline Antibiotics

Theoretically, bromelain might increase levels of tetracycline antibiotics.
Laboratory research suggests that bromelain might increase the absorption of tetracycline antibiotics. However, a study in healthy adults reported no difference in tetracycline plasma levels when a 500 mg dose was taken with or without bromelain 80 mg.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Bromelain full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Enzyme Complex With Herbs, from the product label.

Vitamer Laboratories

See all Vitamer Laboratories products
Phone Number
1-888-710-0006
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Enzyme Complex With Herbs by Vitamer Laboratories: Common Questions

Does Enzyme Complex With Herbs by Vitamer Laboratories interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Enzyme Complex With Herbs has a known interaction with 1,253 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Enzyme Complex With Herbs contains 15 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.
Does this help with digestion?
The product contains several digestive enzymes—amylase, lipase, lactase, bromelain, and proteases—which are designed to help break down food. Caraway is rated possibly effective for indigestion. However, evidence for most of these enzymes and herbs as a combined product isn't established in our data, and serious digestive conditions should be managed by your doctor.
Is it safe to take with birth control?
No, not without checking first. Fennel and anise both have Moderate interactions with contraceptive drugs because they contain estrogenic compounds that may reduce birth control effectiveness. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before combining this product with hormonal contraceptives.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant?
It depends on the ingredient. Ginger is likely safe for pregnancy-related nausea in moderate amounts, but bromelain is not safe—the data advise against it. Fennel, anise, and caraway should be avoided in medicinal amounts during pregnancy. Lactase is likely safe. Because this is a multi-ingredient product with conflicting safety profiles, discuss it with your doctor or pharmacist before use in pregnancy.
What does bromelain do?
Bromelain is an enzyme from pineapple that's included to help break down proteins during digestion. The evidence for its other uses—such as burns, cancer, or hay fever—is insufficient to rate. It's generally well tolerated by mouth, though it may cause diarrhea, gas, or stomach upset.
Will this help with period pain?
Ginger and fennel are both rated possibly effective for menstrual cramping, so there is some evidence they may help. However, effectiveness for the full product isn't established, and you should speak with your doctor if period pain is severe or if you're on any medications.
Are there any fillers or added ingredients?
Yes, the product contains rice bran, vegetable cellulose (the capsule material), and water as inactive ingredients. These are common excipients that don't contribute to the active effects but help form and fill the capsule.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Enzyme Complex With Herbs is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

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.

Enzyme Complex With Herbs label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Enzyme Complex With Herbs’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Bromelain

Interacts with 141 drugs

Bromelain is a group of protein-digesting enzymes from pineapple that people take mainly for inflammation, swelling, and sinus problems. Some early studies are promising, but the overall evi...

Read the full Bromelain monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Lipase

Lipase is a digestive enzyme that helps your body break down dietary fats. It is well established as part of prescription pancreatic enzyme therapy for people who cannot make enough of their...

Read the full Lipase monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Lactase

Lactase is a digestive enzyme supplement that helps people who lack enough natural lactase break down lactose, the sugar in milk and dairy. It can reduce gas, bloating, cramping, and diarrhe...

Read the full Lactase monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Fennel

Interacts with 740 drugs

Fennel is a Mediterranean herb widely used as a food and spice, and traditionally taken for digestive complaints, colic, and menstrual cramps. Some small studies suggest possible benefit for...

Read the full Fennel monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases)

Proteolytic enzymes are proteins that help break down other proteins, and common examples include bromelain (from pineapple), papain (from papaya), trypsin, chymotrypsin, and pancreatin. Peo...

Read the full Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases) monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Ginger

Interacts with 1,007 drugs

Ginger is a widely used culinary spice with a long history in traditional medicine, and it has the strongest evidence for helping with nausea and vomiting, including from motion sickness, pr...

Read the full Ginger monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Ceylon Cinnamon

Interacts with 258 drugs

Ceylon cinnamon is the so-called 'true' cinnamon, valued as a spice and used in traditional medicine for blood sugar, cholesterol, and digestion. Evidence for most health benefits is limited...

Read the full Ceylon Cinnamon monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Anise

Interacts with 245 drugs

Anise is a fragrant, licorice-flavored seed used for centuries to ease digestion and soothe coughs. Most of its health claims are based on tradition and small or laboratory studies rather th...

Read the full Anise monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Caraway

Interacts with 413 drugs

Caraway is a common cooking spice that has long been used to ease gas, bloating, and indigestion. Some evidence suggests caraway oil—often combined with peppermint oil—may help with indigest...

Read the full Caraway monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Capsicum

Interacts with 239 drugs

Capsicum (chili pepper) contains capsaicin, which is best known and best studied as a topical treatment for certain types of pain. Topical capsaicin products are supported by reasonable evid...

Read the full Capsicum monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Enzyme Complex With Herbs'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 239 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.

Bromelain 19 references
  1. Nettis E, Napoli G, Ferrannini A, Tursi A. IgE-mediated allergy to bromelain. Allergy 2001;56:257-8. PubMed
  2. Taussig SJ, Batkin S. Bromelain, the enzyme complex of pineapple (Ananas comosus) and its clinical application. An update. J Ethnopharmacol 1988;22:191-203.. PubMed
  3. Bradbrook ID, Morrison PJ, Rogers HJ. The effect of bromelain on the absorption of orally administered tetracycline. Br J Clin Pharmacol 1978;6:552-4. PubMed
  4. Bush TM, Rayburn KS, Holloway SW, et al. Adverse interactions between herbal and dietary substances and prescription medications: a clinical survey. Altern Ther Health Med 2007;13:30-5.
  5. Brien S, Lewith G, Walker AF, et al. Bromelain as an adjunctive treatment for moderate-to-severe osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized placebo-controlled pilot study. QJM 2006;99:841-50. PubMed
  6. Mori S, Ojima Y, Hirose T, et al. The clinical effect of proteolytic enzyme containing bromelain and trypsin on urinary tract infection evaluated by double blind method. Acta Obstet Gynaecol Jpn 1972;19:147-53.
  7. Glaser D, Hilberg T. The influence of bromelain on platelet count and platelet activity in vitro. Platelets 2006;17:37-41. PubMed
  8. Heinicke R M, van der Wal L, Yokoyama M. Effect of bromelain (Ananase) on human platelet aggregation. Experientia 1972;28:844-5. PubMed
  9. Gailhofer, G., Wilders-Truschnig, M., Smolle, J., and Ludvan, M. Asthma caused by bromelain: an occupational allergy. Clin Allergy 1988;18(5):445-450. PubMed
  10. Mattei, O., Fabri, G., and Farina, G. [Occupational health experience regarding four cases of asthma due to bromelain (author's transl)]. Medicina del Lavoro 1979;70(5):404-409.
  11. Galleguillos, F. and Rodriguez, J. C. Asthma caused by bromelin inhalation. Clin Allergy 1978;8(1):21-24. PubMed
  12. Perez-Camo I, Quirce S, Duran MA, and et al. Latex allergy: evidence of cross-reactivity with papain and bromelain [abstract]. Allergy 1996;51(suppl 31):48.
  13. Martin GJ, Ehrenreich J, and Asbell N. Bromelain: pineapple proteases with anti-edema activity. Exp Med Surg 1962;20:227-247.
  14. Kasemsuk T, Saengpetch N, Sibmooh N, Unchern S. Improved WOMAC score following 16-week treatment with bromelain for knee osteoarthritis. Clin Rheumatol. 2016 Oct;35(10):2531-40. PubMed
  15. Kutlu Ö, DemirbaS A, Elmas ÖF, Güvenç U, Metin A. Fixed drug eruption: a new side effect of bromelain. Contact Dermatitis 2020. Online ahead of print. PubMed
  16. Shoham Y, Shapira E, Haik J, et al. Bromelain-based enzymatic debridement of chronic wounds: Results of a multicentre randomized controlled trial. Wound Repair Regen 2021;29(6):899-907. PubMed
  17. Pfister P, Garcia Wendel PD, Kim BS, et al. Coagulation side effects of enzymatic debridement in burned patients. Burns 2022. PubMed
  18. Hasham S, Riyat H, Fletcher A, O'Boyle CP, Alexander S. To bleed or not to bleed? Case series and discussion of haemorrhage risk with enzymatic debridement in burn injuries. Scars Burn Heal 2023;9:20595131231168333. PubMed
  19. Leelakanok N, Petchsomrit A, Janurai T, Saechan C, Sunsandee N. Efficacy and safety of bromelain: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutr Health 2023. PubMed

See these in context on the Bromelain monograph →

Lipase 1 reference
  1. Casper C, Hascoet JM, Ertl T, et al. Recombinant bile salt-stimulated lipase in preterm infant feeding: A randomized phase 3 study. PLoS One. 2016;11(5):e0156071. PubMed

See these in context on the Lipase monograph →

Lactase 1 reference
  1. Laukkanen A, Ruoppi P, Remes S, Koistinen T, Mäkinen-Kiljunen S. Lactase-induced occupational protein contact dermatitis and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis. Contact Dermatitis. 2007;57(2):89-93. PubMed

See these in context on the Lactase monograph →

Fennel 17 references
  1. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1996.
  2. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
  3. Zhu M, Wong PY, Li RC. Effect of oral administration of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) on ciprofloxacin absorption and disposition in the rat. J Pharm Pharmacol 1999;51:1391-6.
  4. Gral N, Beani JC, Bonnot D, et al. [Plasma levels of psoralens after celery ingestion]. Ann Dermatol Venereol 1993;120:599-603.
  5. Burkhard PR, Burkhardt K, Haenggeli CA, Landis T. Plant-induced seizures: reappearance of an old problem. J Neurol 1999;246:667-70. PubMed
  6. Rosti L, Nardini A, Bettinelli ME, Rosti D. Toxic effects of a herbal tea mixture in two newborns. Acta Paediatrica 1994;83:683. PubMed
  7. Cuzzolin L, Zaffani S, and Benoni G. Safety implications regarding use of phytomedicines. Eur.J Clin Pharmacol. 2006;62:37-42. PubMed
  8. Tognolini, M., Ballabeni, V., Bertoni, S., Bruni, R., Impicciatore, M., and Barocelli, E. Protective effect of Foeniculum vulgare essential oil and anethole in an experimental model of thrombosis. Pharmacol.Res 2007;56(3):254-260. PubMed
  9. Subehan, Usia, T., Iwata, H., Kadota, S., and Tezuka, Y. Mechanism-based inhibition of CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 by Indonesian medicinal plants. J Ethnopharmacol. 5-24-2006;105(3):449-455. PubMed
  10. Tognolini, M., Barocelli, E., Ballabeni, V., Bruni, R., Bianchi, A., Chiavarini, M., and Impicciatore, M. Comparative screening of plant essential oils: phenylpropanoid moiety as basic core for antiplatelet activity. Life Sci. 2-23-2006;78(13):1419-1432. PubMed
  11. Subehan, Zaidi, S. F., Kadota, S., and Tezuka, Y. Inhibition on human liver cytochrome P450 3A4 by constituents of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare): identification and characterization of a mechanism-based inactivator. J Agric.Food Chem. 12-12-2007;55(25):101 PubMed
  12. LEVY, S. B. Bronchial asthma due to ingestion of fennel and fennel seed. Ann.Allergy 1948;6(4):415.
  13. Ottolenghi, A., De Chiara, A., Arrigoni, S., Terracciano, L., and De Amici, M. [Diagnosis of food allergy caused by fruit and vegetables in children with atopic dermatitis]. Pediatr Med Chir 1995;17(6):525-530.
  14. Trabace L, Tucci P, Ciuffreda L, et al. "Natural" relief of pregnancy-related symptoms and neonatal outcomes: above all do no harm. J Ethnopharmacol. 2015;174:396-402. PubMed
  15. Denaxa D, Arkwright PD. Fennel as a cause of immediate hypersensitivity to toothpaste. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2020;125(1):99-100. PubMed
  16. Lee HW, Ang L, Lee MS, Alimoradi Z, Kim E. Fennel for reducing pain in primary dysmenorrhea: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Nutrients 2020;12(11):3438. PubMed
  17. Mathew T, John SK, Javali M, Vasireddy M, Nadig R, Sarma GRK. Substance use related cluster headache: A case series. Headache 2022;62(7):908-910. PubMed

See these in context on the Fennel monograph →

Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases) 3 references
  1. Weeks JA, Harper RA, Simon RA, Burdick JD. Assessment of sensitization risk of a laundry pre-spotter containing protease. Cutan Ocul Toxicol. 2011;30(4):272-9. PubMed
  2. Marquès LI, Lara S, Abós T, Bartolomé B. Occupational rhinitis due to pepsin. J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol. 2006;16(2):136-7. DOI
  3. Cartier A, Malo JL, Pineau L, Dolovich J. Occupational asthma due to pepsin. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 1984;73(5 Pt 1):574-7. PubMed

See these in context on the Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases) monograph →

Ginger 64 references
  1. Fischer-Rasmussen W, Kjaer SK, Dahl C, Asping U. Ginger treatment of hyperemesis gravidarum. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 1991;38:19-24. PubMed
  2. Jewell D, Young G. Interventions for nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2000;(2):CD000145. PubMed
  3. Vutyavanich T, Kraisarin T, Ruangsri R. Ginger for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy: randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled trial. Obstet Gynecol 2001;97:577-82. DOI
  4. Backon J. Ginger in preventing nausea and vomiting of pregnancy; a caveat due to its thromboxane synthetase activity and effect on testosterone binding. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 1991;42:163-4. PubMed
  5. Srivastava KC. Effect of onion and ginger consumption on platelet thromboxane production in humans. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 1989;35:183-5. PubMed
  6. Stewart JJ, Wood MJ, Wood CD, Mims ME. Effects of ginger on motion sickness susceptibility and gastric function. Pharmacology 1991;42:111-20. PubMed
  7. Smith C, Crowther C, Willson K, et al. A randomized controlled trial of ginger to treat nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol 2004;103:639-45. PubMed
  8. Portnoi G, Chng LA, Karimi-Tabesh L, et al. Prospective comparative study of the safety and effectiveness of ginger for the treatment of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2003;189:1374-7.. PubMed
  9. Wigler I, Grotto I, Caspi D, Yaron M. The effects of Zintona EC (a ginger extract) on symptomatic gonarthritis. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2003;11:783-9. PubMed
  10. Ghayur MN, Gilani AH. Ginger lowers blood pressure through blockade of voltage-dependent calcium channels. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 2005;45:74-80. PubMed
  11. Thomson M, Al-Qattan KK, Al-Sawan SM, et al. The use of ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) as a potential anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic agent. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 2002;67:475-8. PubMed
  12. Kanerva L, Estlander T, Jolanki R. Occupational allergic contact dermatitis from spices. Contact Dermatitis 1996;35:157-62. PubMed
  13. Akhani SP, Vishwakarma SL, Goyal RK. Anti-diabetic activity of Zingiber officinale in streptozotocin-induced type I diabetic rats. J Pharm Pharmacol 2004;56:101-5.
  14. Kruth P, Brosi E, Fux R, et al. Ginger-associated overanticoagulation by phenprocoumon. Ann Pharmacother 2004;38:257-60. PubMed
  15. Jiang X, Williams KM, Liauw WS, et al. Effect of ginkgo and ginger on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of warfarin in healthy subjects. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2005;59:425-32. PubMed
  16. Borrelli F, Capasso R, Aviello G, et al. Effectiveness and safety of ginger in the treatment of pregnancy-induced nausea and vomiting. Obstet Gynecol 2005;105:849-56. PubMed
  17. Smith C, Crowther C, Wilson K et al. A randomized controlled trial of ginger to treat nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol 2004;103:639-45. PubMed
  18. Jiang X, Blair EY, McLachlan AJ. Investigation of the effects of herbal medicines on warfarin response in healthy subjects: a population pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modeling approach. J Clin Pharmacol 2006;46:1370-8. PubMed
  19. Chittumma P, Kaewkiattikun K, Wiriyasiriwach B. Comparison of the effectiveness of ginger and vitamin B6 for treatment of nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy: a randomized double-blind controlled trial. J Med Assoc Thai 2007;90:15-20.
  20. Ozgoli G, Goli M, Moattar F. Comparison of effects of ginger, mefenamic acid, and ibuprofen on pain in women with primary dysmenorrhea. J Altern Complement Med 2009;15:129-32. PubMed
  21. Black CD, Herring MP, Hurley DJ, O'Connor PJ. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) reduces muscle pain caused by eccentric exercise. J Pain 2010;11:894-903. PubMed
  22. Heitmann K, Nordeng H, Holst L. Safety of ginger use in pregnancy: results from a large population-based cohort study. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2012 Jun 17. PubMed
  23. Ryan JL, Heckler CE, Roscoe JA, et al. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) reduces acute chemotherapy-induced nausea: a URCC CCOP study of 576 patients. Support Care Cancer. 2012;20:1479-89. PubMed
  24. Backon J. Ginger as an antiemetic: possible side effects due to its thromboxane synthetase activity. Anaesthesia. 1991;46(8):705-6.. PubMed
  25. Abebe W. Herbal medication: potential for adverse interactions with analgesic drugs. J Clin Pharm Ther. 2002;27:391-401. PubMed
  26. Argento A, Tiraferri E, Marzaloni M. [Oral anticoagulants and medicinal plants. An emerging interaction]. Ann Ital Med Int. 2000;15:139-43.
  27. Young HY, Liao JC, Chang YS, et al. Synergistic effect of ginger and nifedipine on human platelet aggregation: a study in hypertensive patients and normal volunteers. Am J Chin Med. 2006;34:545-51. PubMed
  28. Greenway FL, Liu Z, Martin CK, et al. Safety and efficacy of NT, an herbal supplement, in treating human obesity. Int J Obes (Lond). 2006;30:1737-41. PubMed
  29. Shalansky S, Lynd L, Richardson K, et al. Risk of warfarin-related bleeding events and supratherapeutic international normalized ratios associated with complementary and alternative medicine: a longitudinal analysis. Pharmacotherapy. 2007;27:1237-47. PubMed
  30. Lesho EP, Saullo L, Udvari-Nagy S. A 76-year-old woman with erratic anticoagulation. Cleve Clin J Med. 2004;71:651-6. PubMed
  31. Okonta JM, Uboh M, Obonga WO. Herb-Drug Interaction: A Case Study of Effect of Ginger on the Pharmacokinetic of Metronidazole in Rabbit. Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences (India) 2008;70(230):232. PubMed
  32. Chiang HM, Chao PD, Hsiu SL, et al. Ginger significantly decreased the oral bioavailability of cyclosporine in rats. Am J Chin Med. 2006;34:845-55. PubMed
  33. Bhandari U, Kanojia R, Pillai KK. Effect of ethanolic extract of Zingiber officinale on dyslipidaemia in diabetic rats. J Ethnopharmacol. 2005;97:227-30. PubMed
  34. Ojewole JA. Analgesic, antiinflammatory and hypoglycaemic effects of ethanol extract of Zingiber officinale (Roscoe) rhizomes (Zingiberaceae) in mice and rats. Phytother Res. 2006;20:764-72.
  35. Al-Amin ZM, Thomson M, Al-Qattan KK, et al. Anti-diabetic and hypolipidaemic properties of ginger (Zingiber officinale) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Br J Nutr. 2006;96:660-6.
  36. Islam MS, Choi H. Comparative effects of dietary ginger (Zingiber officinale) and garlic (Allium sativum) investigated in a type 2 diabetes model of rats. J Med Food. 2008;11:152-9.
  37. Cady RK, Goldstein J, Nett R, et al. A double-blind placebo-controlled pilot study of sublingual feverfew and ginger (LipiGesic M) in the treatment of migraine. Headache 2011;51:1078-86.
  38. Futrell, J. M. and Rietschel, R. L. Spice allergy evaluated by results of patch tests. Cutis 1993;52(5):288-290.
  39. Sripramote, M. and Lekhyananda, N. A randomized comparison of ginger and vitamin B6 in the treatment of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy. J Med Assoc.Thai. 2003;86(9):846-853.
  40. Lohsiriwat, S., Rukkiat, M., Chaikomin, R., and Leelakusolvong, S. Effect of ginger on lower esophageal sphincter pressure. J.Med.Assoc.Thai. 2010;93(3):366-372.
  41. Liu, P. H. and Ho, H. L. Ginger and drug bezoar induced small bowel obstruction. J R.Coll.Surg.Edinb. 1983;28(6):397-398.
  42. Maghbooli M, Golipour F, Moghimi Esfandabadi A, Yousefi M. Comparison between the efficacy of ginger and sumatriptan in the ablative treatment of the common migraine. Phytother Res 2014;28(3):412-5. PubMed
  43. Mahluji S, Attari VE, Mobasseri M, Payahoo L, Ostadrahimi A, Golzari SE. Effects of ginger (Zingiber officinale) on plasma glucose level, HbA1c and insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetic patients. Int J Food Sci Nutr 2013;64(6):682-6.
  44. Mozaffari-Khosravi H, Talaei B, Jalali BA, Najarzadeh A, Mozayan MR. The effect of ginger powder supplementation on insulin resistance and glycemic indices in patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Complement PubMed
  45. Paramdeep G. Efficacy and tolerability of ginger (Zingiber officinale) in patients of osteoarthritis of knee. Indian J Physiol Pharmacol 2013;57(2):177-83.
  46. Rahnama P, Montazeri A, Huseini HF, Kianbakht S, Naseri M. Effect of Zingiber officinale R. rhizomes (ginger) on pain relief in primary dysmenorrhea: a placebo randomized trial. BMC Complement Altern Med 2012;12:92. PubMed
  47. Viljoen E, Visser J, Koen N, Musekiwa A. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect and safety of ginger in the treatment of pregnancy-associated nausea and vomiting. Nutr J 2014;13:20. PubMed
  48. Bartels EM, Folmer VN, Bliddal H, et al. Efficacy and safety of ginger in osteoarthritis patients: a meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2015;23(1):13-21. PubMed
  49. Choi JS, Han JY, Ahn HK, et al. Assessment of fetal and neonatal outcomes in the offspring of women who had been treated with dried ginger (Zingiberis rhizoma siccus) for a variety of illnesses during pregnancy. J Obstet Gynaecol. 2015;35(2):125-30.
  50. Marx W, McKavanagh D, McCarthy AL, Bird R, Ried K, Chan A, Isenring L. The effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale) on platelet aggregation: A systematic literature review. PLoS One. 2015;10(10):e0141119. PubMed
  51. Crichton M, Marshall S, Marx W, McCarthy AL, Isenring E. Efficacy of ginger (Zingiber officinale) in ameliorating chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting and chemotherapy-related outcomes: A systematic review update and meta-analysis. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2 PubMed
  52. Martins LB, Rodrigues AMDS, Monteze NM, et al. Double-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial of ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) in the prophylactic treatment of migraine. Cephalalgia. 2020;40(1):88-95.
  53. Martins LB, Rodrigues AMDS, Rodrigues DF, Dos Santos LC, Teixeira AL, Ferreira AVM. Double-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial of ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) addition in migraine acute treatment. Cephalalgia. 2019;39(1):68-76.
  54. Ahad A, Raish M, Bin Jardan YA, Alam MA, Al-Mohizea AM, Al-Jenoobi FI. Effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa and Zingiber officinale on the antihypertensive activity and pharmacokinetic of losartan in hypertensive rats. Xenobiotica. 2020:1-11.
  55. Okuhira H, Nakatani Y, Furukawa F, Kanazawa N. Anaphylaxis to ginger induced by herbal medicine. Allergol Int. 2020;69(1):159-160. PubMed
  56. Yamprasert R, Chanvimalueng W, Mukkasombut N, Itharat A. Ginger extract versus Loratadine in the treatment of allergic rhinitis: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2020;20(1):116. PubMed
  57. Ebrahimzadeh A, Ebrahimzadeh A, Mirghazanfari SM, Hazrati E, Hadi S, Milajerdi A. The effect of ginger supplementation on metabolic profiles in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. PubMed
  58. Alam MA, Bin Jardan YA, Alzenaidy B, et al. Effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa and Zingiber officinale on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of amlodipine. J Pharm Pharmacol 2021;73(9):1151-60.
  59. Akbarzadeh E, Heydari M, Atarzadeh F, Jaladat AM. Chronic dysuria following ginger (Zingiber officinale) use: a case report. Galen Med J 2018;7:e1086. DOI
  60. Haron MH, Dale O, Martin K, et al. Evaluation of the Herb-Drug Interaction Potential of Commonly Used Botanicals on the US Market with Regard to PXR- and AhR-Mediated Influences on CYP3A4 and CYP1A2. J Diet Suppl 2022. PubMed
  61. Rostamkhani H, Veisi P, Niknafs B, Jafarabadi MA, Ghoreishi Z. The effect of zingiber officinale on prooxidant-antioxidant balance and glycemic control in diabetic patients with ESRD undergoing hemodialysis: a double-blind randomized control trial. BMC Co PubMed
  62. Husain I, Dale OR, Idrisi M, et al. Evaluation of the Herb-Drug Interaction (HDI) Potential of Zingiber officinale and Its Major Phytoconstituents. J Agric Food Chem. 2023;71(19):7521-7534.
  63. Committee on Practice Bulletins-Obstetrics. ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 189: Nausea And Vomiting Of Pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol. 2018;131(1):e15-e30. PubMed
  64. Pochet S, Lechon AS, Lescrainier C, et al. Herb-anticancer drug interactions in real life based on VigiBase, the WHO global database. Sci Rep 2022;12(1):14178. PubMed

See these in context on the Ginger monograph →

Ceylon Cinnamon 22 references
  1. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
  2. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
  3. Choi HK, Jung GW, Moon KH, et al. Clinical study of SS-Cream in patients with lifelong premature ejaculation. Urology 2000;55:257-61. PubMed
  4. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 182 -- Substances Generally Recognized As Safe. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=182
  5. Anderson RA, Broadhurst CL, Polansky MM, et al. Isolation and Characterization of Polyphenol Type-A Polymers from Cinnamon with Insulin-like Biological Activity. J Agric Food Chem 2004;52:65-70. PubMed
  6. Jarvill-Taylor KJ, Anderson RA, Graves DJ. A hydroxychalcone derived from cinnamon functions as a mimetic for insulin in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. J Am Coll Nutr 2001;20:327-36. PubMed
  7. Onderoglu S, Sozer S, Erbil KM, et al. The evaluation of long-term effcts of cinnamon bark and olive leaf on toxicity induced by streptozotocin administration to rats. J Pharm Pharmacol 1999;51:1305-12.
  8. Kanerva L, Estlander T, Jolanki R. Occupational allergic contact dermatitis from spices. Contact Dermatitis 1996;35:157-62. PubMed
  9. Ranasinghe P, Jayawardena R, Galappaththy P, et al. Response to Akilen et al. Efficacy and safety of 'true' cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) as a pharmaceutical agent in diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Diabet Med 2013 Apr;30(4):506-7.
  10. Oliveira JdA, da Silva IC, Trindade LA, et al. Safety and tolerability of essential oil from Cinnamomum zeylanicum blume leaves with action on oral candidosis and its effect on the physical properties of the acylic resin. Evid Based Complement Alternat Me
  11. Ranasinghe P, Pigera S, Premakumara GA, et al. Medicinal properties of 'true' cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum): a systematic review. BMC Complement Altern Med 2013;13:275. PubMed
  12. Ranasinghe P, Galappaththy P. Health benefits of Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum): a summary of the current evidence. Ceylon Med J 2016;61(1):1-5. PubMed
  13. Nyadjeu P, Dongmo A, Nguelefack TB, Kamanyi A. Antihypertensive and vasorelaxant effects of Cinnamomum zeylanicum stem bark aqueous extracts. J Complement Integr Med 2011;8.
  14. Wansi SL, Nyadjeu P, Ngamga D, et al. Blood pressure lowering effect of the ethanol extract from the stembark of Cinnamomum zeylanicum (lauraceae) in rats. Pharmacol online 2007;3:166-76.
  15. Admani S, Hill H, Jacob SE. Cinnamon Sugar Scrub Dermatitis: "Natural" Is Not Always Best. Pediatr Dermatol. 2017;34(1):e42-e43. PubMed
  16. Isaac-Renton M, Li MK, Parsons LM. Cinnamon spice and everything not nice: many features of intraoral allergy to cinnamic aldehyde. Dermatitis. 2015;26(3):116-21. PubMed
  17. Vandersall A, Katta R. Eyelid dermatitis as a manifestation of systemic contact dermatitis to cinnamon. Dermatitis. 2015 Jul-Aug;26(4):189. PubMed
  18. Brancheau D, Patel B, Zughaib M. Do cinnamon supplements cause acute hepatitis? Am J Case Rep 2015;16:250-4. PubMed
  19. Ranasinghe P, Jayawardena R, Pigera S, et al. Evaluation of pharmacodynamic properties and safety of Cinnamomum zeylanicum (Ceylon cinnamon) in healthy adults: a phase I clinical trial. BMC Complement Altern Med 2017;17(1):550. PubMed
  20. Zareie A, Sahebkar A, Khorvash F, Bagherniya M, Hasanzadeh A, Askari G. Effect of cinnamon on migraine attacks and inflammatory markers: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Phytother Res 2020;34(11):2945-52. PubMed
  21. Zobeiri M, Parvizi F, Shahpiri Z, et al. Evaluation of the effectiveness of cinnamon oil soft capsule in patients with functional dyspepsia: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2021;2021:6634115. PubMed
  22. Chase C, Doyle A, John SS, Laurent T, Griffith S. Post-operative haemorrhage secondary to cinnamon use. A case report. Int J Surg Case Rep 2022;95:107179. PubMed

See these in context on the Ceylon Cinnamon monograph →

Anise 12 references
  1. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 182 -- Substances Generally Recognized As Safe. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=182
  2. Kassi E, Papoutsi Z, Fokialakis N, et al. Greek plant extracts exhibit selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM)-like properties. J Agric Food Chem 2004;52:6956-61. PubMed
  3. Mumcuoglu KY, Miller J, Zamir C, et al. The in vivo pediculicidal efficacy of a natural remedy. Isr Med Assoc J 2002;4:790-3.
  4. Garcia-Gonzalez JJ, Bartolome-Zavala B, Fernandez-Melendez S, et al. Occupational rhinoconjunctivitis and food allergy because of aniseed sensitization. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2002;88:518-22. . PubMed
  5. Tabanca N, Khan SI, Bedir E, et al. Estrogenic activity of isolated compounds and essential oils of Pimpinella species from Turkey, evaluated using a recombinant yeast screen. Planta Med 2004;70:728-35.
  6. Gonzalez-Gutierrez, M. L., Sanchez-Fernandez, C., Esteban-Lopez, M. I., Sempere-Ortells, J. M., and Diaz-Alperi, P. Allergy to anis. Allergy 2000;55(2):195-196.
  7. Anliker, M. D., Borelli, S., and Wuthrich, B. Occupational protein contact dermatitis from spices in a butcher: a new presentation of the mugwort-spice syndrome. Contact Dermatitis 2002;46(2):72-74. PubMed
  8. Poon, T. S. and Freeman, S. Cheilitis caused by contact allergy to anethole in spearmint flavoured toothpaste. Australas.J Dermatol. 2006;47(4):300-301. PubMed
  9. Andersen, K. E. Contact allergy to toothpaste flavors. Contact Dermatitis 1978;4(4):195-198. PubMed
  10. Samojlik I, Mijatovic V, Petkovic S, et al. The influence of essential oil of aniseed (Pimpinella anisum, L.) on drug effects on the central nervous system. Fitoterapia 2012;83:1466-73. PubMed
  11. Samojlik I, Petkovic S, Stilinovic N, et al. Pharmacokinetic herb-drug interaction between essential oil of aniseed (Pimpinella anisum L., Apiaceae) and acetaminophen and caffeine: A potential risk for clinical practice. Phytother Res 2016;30:253-9.
  12. Rajeshwari U, Shobha I, Andallu B. Comparison of aniseeds and coriander seeds for antidiabetic, hypolipidemic and antioxidant activities. Spatula DD-Peer Reviewed Journal on Complementary Medicine and Drug Discovery 2011;1:9-16. DOI

See these in context on the Anise monograph →

Caraway 11 references
  1. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 182 -- Substances Generally Recognized As Safe. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=182
  2. May B, Kuntz HD, Kieser M, Kohler S. Efficacy of a fixed peppermint oil/caraway oil combination in non-ulcer dyspepsia. Arzneimittelforschung 1996;46:1149-53.
  3. Micklefield GH, Greving I, May B. Effects of peppermint oil and caraway oil on gastroduodenal motility. Phytother Res 2000;14:20-3. DOI
  4. Herb Info Canada. Caraway website. www.herb.plant.org/caraway.htm (Accessed 11 September 2000).
  5. May B, Kohler S, Schneider B. Efficacy and tolerability of a fixed combination of peppermint oil and caraway oil in patients suffering from functional dyspepsia. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2000;14:1671-7. PubMed
  6. Eddouks M, Lemhardri A, Michel JB. Caraway and caper: potential anti-hyperglycaemic plants in diabetic rats. J Ethnopharmacol 2004;94:143-8. PubMed
  7. Sachin BS, Monica P, Sharma SC, et al. Pharmacokinetic interaction of some antitubercular drugs with caraway: implications in the enhancement of drug bioavailability. Hum Exp Toxicol. 2009;28(4):175-84. PubMed
  8. Lahlou, S., Tahraoui, A., Israili, Z., and Lyoussi, B. Diuretic activity of the aqueous extracts of Carum carvi and Tanacetum vulgare in normal rats. J Ethnopharmacol. 4-4-2007;110(3):458-463. PubMed
  9. de Sousa, D. P., Farias Nobrega, F. F., and de Almeida, R. N. Influence of the chirality of (R)-(-)- and (S)-(+)-carvone in the central nervous system: a comparative study. Chirality 5-5-2007;19(4):264-268.
  10. Modu S, Gohla K Umar IA. The hypoglycaemic and hypocholrsterolaemic properties of black caraway (Carum carvi L.) oil in alloxan diabetic rats. Biokemistri (Nigeria) 1997;7:91-97.
  11. Rich G, Shah A, Koloski N, et al. A randomized placebo-controlled trial on the effects of Menthacarin, a proprietary peppermint- and caraway-oil-preparation, on symptoms and quality of life in patients with functional dyspepsia. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2 PubMed

See these in context on the Caraway monograph →

Capsicum 89 references
  1. Covington TR, et al. Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs. 11th ed. Washington, DC: American Pharmaceutical Association, 1996.
  2. Cooper RL, Cooper MM. Red pepper-induced dermatitis in breast-fed infants. Dermatol 1996;93:61-2. PubMed
  3. Millqvist E. Cough provocation with capsaicin is an objective way to test sensory hyperreactivity in patients with asthma-like symptoms. Allergy 2000;55:546-50. DOI
  4. Locock RA. Capsicum. Can Pharm J 1985;118:517-9.
  5. Mason L, Moore RA, Derry S, et al. Systematic review of topical capsaicin for the treatment of chronic pain. BMJ 2004;328:991. PubMed
  6. Schmulson MJ, Valdovinos MA, Milke P. Chili pepper and rectal hyperalgesia in irritable bowel syndrome. Am J Gastroenterol 2003;98:1214-5. PubMed
  7. Surh YJ, Lee SS. Capsaicin in hot chili pepper: carcinogen, co-carcinogen or anticarcinogen? Food Chem Toxicol 1996;34:313-6. PubMed
  8. Bouraoui A, Brazier JL, Zouaghi H, Rousseau M. Theophylline pharmacokinetics and metabolism in rabbits following single and repeated administration of Capsicum fruit. Eur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet 1995;20:173-8.
  9. Hogaboam CM, Wallace JL. Inhibition of platelet aggregation by capsaicin. An effect unrelated to actions on sensory afferent neurons. Eur J Pharmacol 1991;202:129-31. PubMed
  10. Wang JP, Hsu MF, Teng CM. Antiplatelet effect of capsaicin. Thromb Res 1984;36:497-507. PubMed
  11. Williams SR, Clark RF, Dunford JV. Contact dermatitis associated with capsaicin: Hunan hand syndrome. Ann Emerg Med 1995;25:713-5. PubMed
  12. Zollman TM, Bragg RM, Harrison DA. Clinical effects of oleoresin capsicum (pepper spray) on the human cornea and conjunctiva. Ophthalmology 2000;107:2186-9. PubMed
  13. Bortolotti M, Coccia G, Grossi G, Miglioli M. The treatment of functional dyspepsia with red pepper. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2002;16:1075-82. PubMed
  14. Hakas JF Jr. Topical capsaicin induces cough in patient receiving ACE inhibitor. Ann Allergy 1990;65:322-3.
  15. Rapoport AM, Bigal ME, Tepper SJ, Sheftell FD. Intranasal medications for the treatment of migraine and cluster headache. CNS Drugs 2004;18:671-85. PubMed
  16. Stjarne P, Rinder J, Heden-Blomquist E, et al. Capsaicin desensitization of the nasal mucosa reduces symptoms upon allergen challenge in patients with allergic rhinitis. Acta Otolaryngol 1998;118:235-9. PubMed
  17. Levy RL. Intranasal capsaicin for acute abortive treatment of migraine without aura. Headache 1995;35:277.
  18. Fusco BM, Marabini S, Maggi CA, et al. Preventative effect of repeated nasal applications of capsaicin in cluster headache. Pain 1994;59:321-5. PubMed
  19. Sicuteri F, Fusco BM, Marabini S, et al. Beneficial effect of capsaicin application to the nasal mucosa in cluster headache. Clin J Pain 1989;5:49-53. PubMed
  20. Marabini S, Ciabatti PG, Polli G, et al. Beneficial effects of intranasal applications of capsaicin in patients with vasomotor rhinitis. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 1991;248:191-4. PubMed
  21. Frerick H, Keitel W, Kuhn U, et al. Topical treatment of chronic low back pain with a capsicum plaster. Pain 2003;106:59-64. PubMed
  22. Keitel W, Frerick H, Kuhn U, et al. Capsicum pain plaster in chronic non-specific low back pain. Arzneimittelforschung 2001;51:896-903. PubMed
  23. Shalansky S, Lynd L, Richardson K, et al. Risk of warfarin-related bleeding events and supratherapeutic international normalized ratios associated with complementary and alternative medicine: a longitudinal analysis. Pharmacotherapy. 2007;27:1237-47. PubMed
  24. Sumano-López H, Gutiérrez-Olvera L, Aguilera-Jiménez R, et al. Administration of ciprofloxacin and capsaicin in rats to achieve higher maximal serum concentrations. Arzneimittelforschung. 2007;57(5):286-90. PubMed
  25. Wanwimolruk S, Nyika S, Kepple M, et al. Effects of capsaicin on the pharmacokinetics of antipyrine, theophylline and quinine in rats. J Pharm Pharmacol. 1993;45(7):618-21. PubMed
  26. Cruz L, Castañeda-Hernández G, Navarrete A. Ingestion of chilli pepper (Capsicum annuum) reduces salicylate bioavailability after oral asprin administration in the rat. Can J Physiol Pharmacol.
  27. Rodriguez-Stanley, S., Collings, K. L., Robinson, M., Owen, W., and Miner, P. B., Jr. The effects of capsaicin on reflux, gastric emptying and dyspepsia. Aliment.Pharmacol.Ther. 2000;14(1):129-134. PubMed
  28. Brown, L., Takeuchi, D., and Challoner, K. Corneal abrasions associated with pepper spray exposure. Am.J.Emerg.Med. 2000;18(3):271-272. PubMed
  29. Vesaluoma, M., Muller, L., Gallar, J., Lambiase, A., Moilanen, J., Hack, T., Belmonte, C., and Tervo, T. Effects of oleoresin capsicum pepper spray on human corneal morphology and sensitivity. Invest Ophthalmol.Vis.Sci. 2000;41(8):2138-2147.
  30. Stam, C., Bonnet, M. S., and van Haselen, R. A. The efficacy and safety of a homeopathic gel in the treatment of acute low back pain: a multi-centre, randomised, double-blind comparative clinical trial. Br Homeopath J 2001;90(1):21-28. PubMed
  31. Olajos, E. J. and Salem, H. Riot control agents: pharmacology, toxicology, biochemistry and chemistry. J.Appl.Toxicol. 2001;21(5):355-391. PubMed
  32. Fett, D. D. Botanical briefs: Capsicum peppers. Cutis 2003;72(1):21-23.
  33. McCarthy, G. M. and McCarty, D. J. Effect of topical capsaicin in the therapy of painful osteoarthritis of the hands. J.Rheumatol. 1992;19(4):604-607.
  34. Chaiyata, P., Puttadechakum, S., and Komindr, S. Effect of chili pepper (Capsicum frutescens) ingestion on plasma glucose response and metabolic rate in Thai women. J.Med.Assoc.Thai. 2003;86(9):854-860.
  35. Petruzzi, M., Lauritano, D., De Benedittis, M., Baldoni, M., and Serpico, R. Systemic capsaicin for burning mouth syndrome: short-term results of a pilot study. J.Oral Pathol.Med. 2004;33(2):111-114. PubMed
  36. Misra, M. N., Pullani, A. J., and Mohamed, Z. U. Prevention of PONV by acustimulation with capsicum plaster is comparable to ondansetron after middle ear surgery: [La prevention des NVPO par acustimulation avec un emplatre de Capsicum est comparable a ce PubMed
  37. Milke, P., Diaz, A., Valdovinos, M. A., and Moran, S. Gastroesophageal reflux in healthy subjects induced by two different species of chilli (Capsicum annum). Dig.Dis. 2006;24(1-2):184-188.
  38. de Jong, N. W., van der Steen, J. J., Smeekens, C. C., Blacquiere, T., Mulder, P. G., van Wijk, R. G., and de Groot, H. Honeybee interference as a novel aid to reduce pollen exposure and nasal symptoms among greenhouse workers allergic to sweet bell pepp
  39. Final report on the safety assessment of capsicum annuum extract, capsicum annuum fruit extract, capsicum annuum resin, capsicum annuum fruit powder, capsicum frutescens fruit, capsicum frutescens fruit extract, capsicum frutescens resin, and capsaicin.
  40. Tandan, R., Lewis, G. A., Krusinski, P. B., Badger, G. B., and Fries, T. J. Topical capsaicin in painful diabetic neuropathy. Controlled study with long-term follow-up. Diabetes Care 1992;15(1):8-14. PubMed
  41. Gupta, P. J. Red hot chilli consumption is harmful in patients operated for anal fissure - a randomized, double-blind, controlled study. Dig.Surg. 2007;24(5):354-357. PubMed
  42. Patane, S., Marte, F., Di Bella, G., Cerrito, M., and Coglitore, S. Capsaicin, arterial hypertensive crisis and acute myocardial infarction associated with high levels of thyroid stimulating hormone. Int.J Cardiol. 5-1-2009;134(1):130-132. PubMed
  43. Gupta, P. J. Consumption of red-hot chili pepper increases symptoms in patients with acute anal fissures. A prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double blind, crossover trial. Arq Gastroenterol. 2008;45(2):124-127. PubMed
  44. Gupta, P. J. Consumption of red-hot chili pepper increases symptoms in patients with acute anal fissures. Ann.Ital.Chir 2008;79(5):347-351.
  45. Patane, S., Marte, F., La Rosa, F. C., and La, Rocca R. Capsaicin and arterial hypertensive crisis. Int J Cardiol. 10-8-2010;144(2):e26-e27. PubMed
  46. Chaiyasit, K., Khovidhunkit, W., and Wittayalertpanya, S. Pharmacokinetic and the effect of capsaicin in Capsicum frutescens on decreasing plasma glucose level. J Med.Assoc.Thai. 2009;92(1):108-113.
  47. Blanc, P., Liu, D., Juarez, C., and Boushey, H. A. Cough in hot pepper workers. Chest 1991;99(1):27-32. PubMed
  48. Akcay, A. B., Ozcan, T., Seyis, S., and Acele, A. Coronary vasospasm and acute myocardial infarction induced by a topical capsaicin patch. Turk.Kardiyol.Dern.Ars 2009;37(7):497-500.
  49. van Boxel, O. S., ter Linde, J. J., Siersema, P. D., and Smout, A. J. Role of chemical stimulation of the duodenum in dyspeptic symptom generation. Am J Gastroenterol. 2010;105(4):803-811. PubMed
  50. Niemcunowicz-Janica, A., Ptaszynska-Sarosiek, I., and Wardaszka, Z. [Sudden death caused by an oleoresin capsicum spray]. Arch.Med.Sadowej.Kryminol. 2009;59(3):252-254.
  51. Reuter, J., Merfort, I., and Schempp, C. M. Botanicals in dermatology: an evidence-based review. Am J Clin Dermatol 2010;11(4):247-267. PubMed
  52. McCormack, P. L. Capsaicin dermal patch: in non-diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain. Drugs 10-1-2010;70(14):1831-1842. PubMed
  53. Bortolotti, M. and Porta, S. Effect of red pepper on symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome: preliminary study. Dig.Dis.Sci 2011;56(11):3288-3295. PubMed
  54. Webster, L. R., Peppin, J. F., Murphy, F. T., Lu, B., Tobias, J. K., and Vanhove, G. F. Efficacy, safety, and tolerability of NGX-4010, capsaicin 8% patch, in an open-label study of patients with peripheral neuropathic pain. Diabetes Res Clin Pract. 2011 PubMed
  55. Gerber, S., Frueh, B. E., and Tappeiner, C. Conjunctival proliferation after a mild pepper spray injury in a young child. Cornea 2011;30(9):1042-1044. PubMed
  56. Lim, L. G., Tay, H., and Ho, K. Y. Curry induces acid reflux and symptoms in gastroesophageal reflux disease. Dig.Dis.Sci 2011;56(12):3546-3550. PubMed
  57. Ludy, M. J., Moore, G. E., and Mattes, R. D. The effects of capsaicin and capsiate on energy balance: critical review and meta-analyses of studies in humans. Chem Senses 2012;37(2):103-121. PubMed
  58. Sayin, M. R., Karabag, T., Dogan, S. M., Akpinar, I., and Aydin, M. A case of acute myocardial infarction due to the use of cayenne pepper pills. Wien.Klin.Wochenschr. 2012;124(7-8):285-287. PubMed
  59. Bley, K., Boorman, G., Mohammad, B., McKenzie, D., and Babbar, S. A comprehensive review of the carcinogenic and anticarcinogenic potential of capsaicin. Toxicol.Pathol. 2012;40(6):847-873. PubMed
  60. Derry, S. and Moore, R. A. Topical capsaicin (low concentration) for chronic neuropathic pain in adults. Cochrane.Database.Syst.Rev. 2012;9:CD010111. PubMed
  61. Tominack, R. L. and Spyker, D. A. Capsicum and capsaicin--a review: case report of the use of hot peppers in child abuse. J.Toxicol.Clin.Toxicol. 1987;25(7):591-601. PubMed
  62. Schuurs, A. H., Abraham-Inpijn, L., van Straalen, J. P., and Sastrowijoto, S. H. An unusual case of black teeth. Oral Surg.Oral Med.Oral Pathol. 1987;64(4):427-431. PubMed
  63. Kumar, N., Vij, J. C., Sarin, S. K., and Anand, B. S. Do chillies influence healing of duodenal ulcer? Br.Med.J.(Clin.Res.Ed) 6-16-1984;288(6433):1803-1804. PubMed
  64. Steffee, C. H., Lantz, P. E., Flannagan, L. M., Thompson, R. L., and Jason, D. R. Oleoresin capsicum (pepper) spray and "in-custody deaths". Am.J.Forensic Med.Pathol. 1995;16(3):185-192. PubMed
  65. Knight, T. E. and Hayashi, T. Solar (brachioradial) pruritus--response to capsaicin cream. Int.J.Dermatol. 1994;33(3):206-209. DOI
  66. Watson, W. A., Stremel, K. R., and Westdorp, E. J. Oleoresin capsicum (Cap-Stun) toxicity from aerosol exposure. Ann.Pharmacother. 1996;30(7-8):733-735. PubMed
  67. Busker, R. W. and van Helden, H. P. Toxicologic evaluation of pepper spray as a possible weapon for the Dutch police force: risk assessment and efficacy. Am.J.Forensic Med.Pathol. 1998;19(4):309-316. PubMed
  68. Sausenthaler, S., Koletzko, S., Schaaf, B., Lehmann, I., Borte, M., Herbarth, O., von Berg, A., Wichmann, H. E., and Heinrich, J. Maternal diet during pregnancy in relation to eczema and allergic sensitization in the offspring at 2 y of age. Am J Clin Nu PubMed
  69. Bleuel I, Zinkernagel M, Tschopp M, Tappeiner C. Association of bilateral acute anterior uveitis with a capsaicin patch. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2013;21(5):394-5. PubMed
  70. Casanueva B, Rodero B, Quintial C, Llorca J, González-Gay MA. Short-term efficacy of topical capsaicin therapy in severely affected fibromyalgia patients. Rheumatol Int 2013;33(10):2665-70. PubMed
  71. Copeland S, Nugent K. Persistent respiratory symptoms following prolonged capsaicin exposure. Int J Occup Environ Med. 2013;4(4):211-5.
  72. García-Menaya JM, Cordobés -Durán C, Bobadilla-González P, et al. Anaphylactic reaction to bell pepper (Capsicum annuum) in a patient with a latex-fruit syndrome. Allergol Immunopathol (Madr). 2014;42(3):263-5. PubMed
  73. Kim DH, Yoon KB, Park S, et al. Comparison of NSAID patch given as monotherapy and NSAID patch in combination with transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation, a heating pad, or topical capsaicin in the treatment of patients with myofascial pain syndrome o
  74. Kulkantrakorn K, Lorsuwansiri C, Meesawatsom P. 0.025% capsaicin gel for the treatment of painful diabetic neuropathy: a randomized, double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled trial. Pain Pract. 2013;13(6):497-503. PubMed
  75. Pabalan N, Jarjanazi H, Ozcelik H. The impact of capsaicin intake on risk of developing gastric cancers: a meta-analysis. J Gastrointest Cancer. 2014;45(3):334-41. PubMed
  76. Sandor B, Papp J, Mozsik G, et al. Orally given gastroprotective capsaicin does not modify aspirin-induced platelet aggregation in healthy male volunteers (human phase I examination). Acta Physiol Hung. 2014 Dec;101(4):429-37. PubMed
  77. Van Nooten F, Treur M, Pantiri K, Stoker M, Charokopou M. Capsaicin 8% patch versus oral neuropathic pain medications for the treatment of painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy: a systematic literature review and network meta-analysis. Clin Ther. 2017 Ap PubMed
  78. Simpson DM, Robinson-Papp J, Van J, et al. Capsaicin 8% patch in painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. J Pain. 2017 Jan;18(1):42-53. PubMed
  79. Campbell CM, Diamond E, Schmidt WK, et al. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of injected capsaicin for pain in Morton's neuroma. Pain. 2016 Jun;157(6):1297-304. PubMed
  80. Jorgensen MR, Pedersen AM. Analgesic effect of topical oral capsaicin gel in burning mouth syndrome. Acta Odontol Scand. 2017 Mar;75(2):130-6.
  81. Yuan LJ, Qin Y, Wang L, et al. Capsaicin-containing chili improved postprandial hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, and fasting lipid disorders in women with gestational diabetes mellitus and lowered the incidence of large-for-gestational-age newborns. Clin PubMed
  82. Dean DJ, Sabagha N, Rose K, et al. A pilot trial of topical capsaicin cream for treatment of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. Acad Emerg Med. 2020;27(11):1166-1172. PubMed
  83. Jang HH, Lee J, Lee SH, Lee YM. Effects of Capsicum annuum supplementation on the components of metabolic syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sci Rep. 2020;10(1):20912. PubMed
  84. Joseph MSc A, John PhD F, Thomas MSc JV, Sivadasan SDP, Maliakel PhD B, Mohan PhD R, I M K. Influence of a novel food-grade formulation of red chili extract (Capsicum annum) on overweight subjects: Randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study. J D
  85. Kocak AO, Dogruyol S, Akbas I, et al. Comparison of topical capsaicin and topical piroxicam in the treatment of acute trauma-induced pain: A randomized double-blind trial. Am J Emerg Med. 2020;38(9):1767-1771. PubMed
  86. Lassen CL, Meyer K, Bredthauer A, Klier TW. Facial and oral cross-contamination of a 3-year-old child with high concentration capsaicin: A case report. A A Pract. 2020;14(9):e01258. PubMed
  87. Predel HG, Ebel-Bitoun C, Peil B, Weiser TW, Lange R. Efficacy and safety of diclofenac?+?capsaicin gel in patients with acute back/neck pain: A multicenter randomized controlled study. Pain Ther. 2020;9(1):279-296. PubMed
  88. Umigai N, Kozai Y, Saito T, Takara T. Effects of paprika carotenoid supplementation on bone turnover in postmenopausal women: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group comparison study. Food Nutr Res. 2020;64. PubMed
  89. Trin K, Perino J, Allouchery M, Géniaux H, Miremont G, Salvo F. Second-degree burn induced by high-concentration topical capsaicin with mobility sequelae: A case report. Pain Pract 2023;23(2):216-219. PubMed

See these in context on the Capsicum 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

Keep exploring
Supplement interaction checker › Check any supplement or product against your medications Drug–drug interactions › Check two or more of your medications against each other Browse medications A–Z › Every drug we've checked against herbs & supplements NDC & pricing lookup › Find a drug’s NDCs, packaging and costs Ask a pharmacist › Free, personal answer from our licensed team