Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 4 of 5 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Escape Restraint Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Health Concerns

Capsule Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Escape Restraint is a dietary supplement by Health Concerns with 5 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for liver and digestive complaints, fever and inflammation, anxiety, restlessness, and trouble sleeping.Based on those ingredients, 955 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Cang-zhu Atractylodes Rhizome Extract, Cyperus, Gardenia fruit extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Escape Restraint by Health Concerns

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

What’s inside

Low disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Low

Most active ingredients don't disclose an individual amount — you can't tell how much of each you're getting.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 0 of its 5 active ingredients.
  • “Proprietary Herbal Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (1,950 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

Escape Restraint contains 5 active ingredients in a proprietary herbal blend. Gardenia fruit extract, cyperus (also called Adrue), Cang-zhu atractylodes rhizome extract, and barley extract make up the formula, along with ligusticum root extract.

The product also contains two inactive ingredients — hypromellose (a capsule material) and rice bran — that don't affect the action of the active herbs.

Does it work?

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

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

Strong

Strong clinical evidence supports its ingredients for:

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.
  • Since the label doesn't commit to one use, we graded the ingredients' overall clinical evidence instead.
  • On file: Coronary heart disease (CHD) — rated "Likely Effective" (Barley) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Hypercholesterolemia — rated "Likely Effective" (Barley) (Natural Medicines).

The evidence for what this product does is limited. Gardenia, cyperus, and atractylodes all show insufficient reliable evidence to rate them for anxiety, depression, or other common uses.

Barley extract stands out — it's likely effective for high cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia) and coronary heart disease — but those uses are not the focus of this product's name or marketing. For the conditions this product appears to target, the data we hold doesn't establish effectiveness.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Gardenia Adrue Atractylodes Barley

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

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

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 3 of the 4 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 4 of 4.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 4 of 4.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Safety data for most ingredients in this formula are limited, and we can't vouch for long-term use. Gardenia in particular has minimal human safety research; orally, there's a case report of blue-gray skin pigmentation after 7 years of use, which resolved after stopping it.

A small number of people may experience allergic reactions to gardenia or barley. Atractylodes may cause nausea, dry mouth, or allergic reactions in some individuals.

Barley is generally well tolerated but contains gluten and may cause bloating or flatulence. During pregnancy, safety data advise against gardenia and cyperus; atractylodes is rated possibly unsafe.

Barley as food is likely safe in pregnancy, but concentrated supplements lack reliable safety data. During breastfeeding, gardenia and cyperus should be avoided, and concentrated barley supplements are not well studied.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product if you're pregnant or nursing.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Gardenia Adrue Atractylodes Barley

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

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

Why this rating?
  • 4 of the 4 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Adrue, Barley, Atractylodes, Gardenia.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs.
  • For scale: 956 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 you take Escape Restraint, double-check these medication types with your doctor or pharmacist: CNS depressants, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and blood thinners — all carry Moderate interaction risks. Also verify any use of aromatase inhibitors, drugs metabolized through the liver (especially CYP1A2 or CYP3A4 substrates), triclabendazole (an antiparasitic), or hexobarbital.

The interaction checker on this page can help you search your exact medications.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with strong clinical evidence behind its ingredients' uses. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This product combines several traditional herbal ingredients, but evidence for its effectiveness is thin, and safety data are limited for most of them. If you take any sedating medications, blood thinners, cancer drugs, or other prescriptions, you'll want to check them carefully before starting — the interactions here can be serious.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to see if this product makes sense for you and whether it's safe alongside anything else you're taking.

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

Assessment coverage: 4 of 5 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jan 22, 2022.

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 Escape Restraint, straight from the product label.

Brand Health Concerns
Barcode (UPC) 810034440556
Net contents 90 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jan 22, 2022
DSLD ID 259313
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Escape Restraint by Health Concerns, 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:
3 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
3 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
810034440556
IngredientAmount% DV
Proprietary Herbal Blend1950 mg--
Ligusticum Root Extract0 NP--
Gardenia fruit extract0 NP--
Cyperus0 NP--
Cang-zhu Atractylodes Rhizome Extract0 NP--
Barley extract0 NP--

Other ingredients: Hypromellose, Rice Bran

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

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

Chinese Traditional Formulas

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: Three capsules, 3 times per day between meals, or as recommended by your health care practitioner.

Precautions

Notice: As with any dietary supplement, do not take without first consulting your health care practitioner, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or are under medical supervision for any reason.

Keep out of reach of children.

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.

Formulation

Made in the U.S.A.

Formula

Yue Ju Wan

Pinyin: Cang Zhu, Xiang Fu, Shen Qu, Chuan Xiong, Zhi Zi.

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

Brand IP Statement(s)

Health Concerns Combining Modern Research and Ancient Wisdom

See for yourself

Escape Restraint by Health Concerns label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Escape Restraint by Health Concerns

These are the 5 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size3 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container30 Amounts shown are per serving.

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

Proprietary Herbal Blend

1950 mg per serving

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

Interaction report

Escape Restraint by Health Concerns Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Escape Restraint?

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
955Drugs
384 Moderate 571 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Cyperus 256

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Escape Restraint 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.

Cang-zhu Atractylodes Rhizome Extract5 drug types · 801 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, atractylodes might increase the risk of bleeding when used concomitantly with anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs.
Laboratory research suggests that atractylenolides II and III, constituents of atractylodes, reduce platelet activation. So far, this has not been shown in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Aromatase Inhibitors

Theoretically, atractylodes may have an additive effect when used with other aromatase inhibitors.
Laboratory research suggests that atractylodes and its constituents exhibit aromatase inhibitor effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Hexobarbital

Theoretically, taking atractylodes may prolong the therapeutic and adverse effects of hexobarbital.
In animals, atractylodes has been shown to prolong the effects of hexobarbital. These effects have not been shown in humans.

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

Theoretically, atractylodes might decrease the levels of CYP1A2 substrates.
In animals, atractylodes administered at high doses has been shown to induce CYP1A2 activity. This effect has not been shown in humans.

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

Theoretically, atractylodes might increase the levels of CYP3A4 substrates.
In animals, atractylodes administered at high doses has been shown to inhibit CYP3A1 activity, which is a homolog to the human CYP3A4 enzyme. This effect has not been shown in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Cyperus3 drug types · 256 drugs

Barbiturates

Animal research suggests that taking adrue in combination with sodium thiopental increases total sleep time three-fold compared to the effects of sodium thiopental alone. Theoretically, concomitant use of adrue and barbiturates might increase the risk of drowsiness and motor reflex depression. Some barbiturates include amobarbital (Amytal), butabarbital (Butisol), mephobarbital (Mebaral), pentobarbital (Nembutal), phenobarbital (Luminal), secobarbital (Seconal), and others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Benzodiazepines

Animal research suggests that taking adrue in combination with diazepam increases total sleep time four-fold compared to the effects of diazepam alone. Theoretically, concomitant use adrue and benzodiazepines might increase the risk of drowsiness and motor reflex depression. Some benzodiazepines include clonazepam (Klonopin), diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), and others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cns Depressants

Animal research suggests that taking adrue in combination with sodium thiopental or diazepam increases total sleep time up to four-fold compared to the effects of the drugs alone. Theoretically, concomitant use of adrue with CNS depressants might cause additive sedation. Some CNS depressants include benzodiazepines, such as diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), triazolam (Halcion), and estazolam (ProSom); barbiturates, such as mephobarbital (Mebaral), phenobarbital (Luminal Sodium), and pentobarbital sodium (Nembutal); zolpidem (Ambien); and others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Gardenia fruit extract1 drug type · 21 drugs

Stimulant Laxatives

Theoretically, gardenia might increase the effects and adverse effects of stimulant laxatives.
Animal research shows that geniposide, a glucoside found in gardenia fruit, may function as a laxative and cause diarrhea when taken orally.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Barley extract1 drug type · 1 drug

Triclabendazole (Egaten)

Theoretically, barley might decrease the clinical effects of triclabendazole.
Animal research suggests that a diet supplemented with barley can reduce the bioavailability of triclabendazole when taken concomitantly. This effect has not been shown in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Escape Restraint, from the product label.

Health Concerns

See all Health Concerns products
Name
Health Concerns
City
Springville
State
Utah
Phone Number
1 (800) 233-9355
Web Address
www.healthconcerns.com/pro
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Escape Restraint by Health Concerns: Common Questions

Does Escape Restraint by Health Concerns interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Escape Restraint has a known interaction with 955 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Escape Restraint contains 5 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take this if I'm on a sleep aid or anti-anxiety medication?
Not without checking first. Cyperus in this product may dangerously increase the sedating effects of benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and other CNS depressants, raising the risk of excessive drowsiness and loss of coordination. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before combining them.
Is this safe during pregnancy?
The safety data advise against it. Gardenia and cyperus should be avoided in pregnancy, and atractylodes is rated possibly unsafe. Barley as food is likely safe, but concentrated supplements lack reliable data. Talk with your doctor before taking this product if you're pregnant.
What is gardenia fruit extract supposed to do?
Gardenia is used traditionally for anxiety and depression, but the evidence we hold shows insufficient reliable data to rate it for these uses. We can't confirm it works for its intended purpose in this product.
Does barley extract in this product work for cholesterol?
Barley extract is likely effective for high cholesterol and heart disease, but that's not the focus of this product's name or claims. The other ingredients in the formula don't have established evidence for the same effects.
What are the most common side effects I might notice?
Atractylodes may cause nausea, dry mouth, or allergic reactions. Barley can cause bloating, flatulence, or unpleasant taste in some people. Gardenia side effects in humans are poorly documented, but allergic skin reactions have been reported. Stop and talk to your pharmacist if you notice unusual symptoms.
Does this product contain gluten?
Yes — barley, one of the active ingredients, contains gluten. If you're sensitive to gluten or have celiac disease, you'll need to avoid this product.

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

Not sure if Escape Restraint 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.

Escape Restraint label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Escape Restraint'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 27 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.

Gardenia 5 references
  1. Kubo, Y., Nonaka, S., and Yoshida, H. Allergic contact dermatitis from gardenia fruit. Contact Dermatitis 1990;22(2):65-7. PubMed
  2. Yamauchi, K., Fujimoto, N., Kuwano, S., Inouye, H., and Inoue, K. The mechanism of purgative action of geniposide, an iridoid glucoside of the fruit of Gardenia, in mice. Planta Med 1976;30(1):39-47.
  3. Paulsen, E., Skov, P. S., and Andersen, K. E. Immediate skin and mucosal symptoms from pot plants and vegetables in gardeners and greenhouse workers. Contact Dermatitis 1998;39(4):166-170. PubMed
  4. Mizawa M, Andoh T, Shimizu T. Gardenia fruit-related blue-gray skin pigmentation. JAMA Dermatol. 2020. PubMed
  5. Tong T, Fu J, Kong Y. Recurrent Abdominal Pain in a 61-Year-Old Woman. Gastroenterology 2023;164(6):887-890. PubMed

See these in context on the Gardenia monograph →

Adrue 1 reference
  1. Rakotonirina, V. S., Bum, E. N., Rakotonirina, A., and Bopelet, M. Sedative properties of the decoction of the rhizome of Cyperus articulatus. Fitoterapia 2001;72(1):22-29. PubMed

See these in context on the Adrue monograph →

Atractylodes 6 references
  1. Liu Y, Jia Z, Dong L, et al. A randomized pilot study of atractylenolide I on gastric cancer cachexia patients. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2008;5:337-44. PubMed
  2. Chen Y, Yang W, Guo L, Wu X, Zhang T, Liu J, Zhang J. Atractylodes lactone compounds inhibit platelet activation. Platelets. 2017 Mar;28(2):194-202. PubMed
  3. Jiang H, Shi J, Li Y. Screening for compounds with aromatase inhibiting activities from Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz. Molecules. 2011 Apr 14;16(4):3146-51. PubMed
  4. Koonrungsesomboon N, Na-Bangchang K, Karbwang J. Therapeutic potential and pharmacological activities of Atractylodes lancea (Thunb.) DC. Asian Pac J Trop Med. 2014 Jun;7(6):421-8. PubMed
  5. Li L, Tang LY, Man GC, Yeung BH, Lau CB, Leung PC, Wang CC. Potential reproductive toxicity of Largehead Atractylodes Rhizome, the most commonly used Chinese medicine for threatened miscarriage. Hum Reprod. 2011 Dec;26(12):3280-8. PubMed
  6. Muhamad N, Plengsuriyakarn T, Na-Bangchang K. Atractylodes lancea for cholangiocarcinoma: Modulatory effects on CYP1A2 and CYP3A1 and pharmacokinetics in rats and biodistribution in mice. PLoS One 2022;17(11):e0277614. PubMed

See these in context on the Atractylodes monograph →

Barley 15 references
  1. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
  2. Fernandez-Anaya S, Crespo JF, Rodriguez JR, et al. Beer anaphylaxis. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1999;103:959-60.
  3. Lembo A, Camilleri M. Chronic constipation. N Engl J Med 2003;349:1360-8. . PubMed
  4. Ferre, I., Giraldez, F. J., Alvarez-Bujidos, M. L., and Mantecon, A. R. Influence of barley supplement on plasma concentration of triclabendazole metabolites in sheep. Vet.Rec. 11-22-1997;141(21):549-551. PubMed
  5. Curioni, A., Santucci, B., Cristaudo, A., Canistraci, C., Pietravalle, M., Simonato, B., and Giannattasio, M. Urticaria from beer: an immediate hypersensitivity reaction due to a 10- kDa protein derived from barley. Clin Exp Allergy 1999;29(3):407-413. PubMed
  6. Fernandez-Anaya, S., Crespo, J. F., Rodriguez, J. R., Daroca, P., Carmona, E., Herraez, L., and Lopez-Rubio, A. Beer anaphylaxis. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 1999;103(5 Pt 1):959-960.
  7. Cronin, E. Contact dermatitis from barley dust. Contact Dermatitis 1979;5(3):196. PubMed
  8. Block, G., Tse, K. S., Kijek, K., Chan, H., and Chan-Yeung, M. Baker's asthma. Studies of the cross-antigenicity between different cereal grains. Clin Allergy 1984;14(2):177-185.
  9. van Ketel, W. G. Immediate type allergy to malt in beer. Contact Dermatitis 1980;6(4):297-298. PubMed
  10. Ellis, H. J., Doyle, A. P., Day, P., Wieser, H., and Ciclitira, P. J. Demonstration of the presence of coeliac-activating gliadin-like epitopes in malted barley. Int Arch Allergy Immunol. 1994;104(3):308-310. PubMed
  11. Vidal, C. and Gonzalez-Quintela, A. Food-induced and occupational asthma due to barley flour. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 1995;75(2):121-124.
  12. Gutgesell, C. and Fuchs, T. Contact urticaria from beer. Contact Dermatitis 1995;33(6):436-437. PubMed
  13. Baker, P. G. and Read, A. E. Oats and barley toxicity in coeliac patients. Postgrad.Med J 1976;52(607):264-268. PubMed
  14. Nakase, M., Usui, Y., Alvarez-Nakase, A. M., Adachi, T., Urisu, A., Nakamura, R., Aoki, N., Kitajima, K., and Matsuda, T. Cereal allergens: rice-seed allergens with structural similarity to wheat and barley allergens. Allergy 1998;53(46 Suppl):55-57. PubMed
  15. Pereira, F., Rafael, M., and Lacerda, M. H. Contact dermatitis from barley. Contact Dermatitis 1998;39(5):261-262. PubMed

See these in context on the Barley 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