Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 3 of 7 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Essential Woman Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Barlean's

Liquid Category: Fat/fatty Acid
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Essential Woman is a dietary supplement by Barlean's with 7 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for brain and cognitive health, eye and vision health, fetal and infant development.Based on those ingredients, 736 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Isoflavones, Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fat, Oleic Acid. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Essential Woman by Barlean's

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

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 8 of its 8 active ingredients.
  • “Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fat” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label doesn't break down how much of each component you get.
  • “Omega-6 Polyunsaturated Fat” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label doesn't break down how much of each component you get.
  • “Omega-9 Monounsaturated Fat” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label doesn't break down how much of each component you get.

Essential Woman is a liquid supplement with 8 active ingredients: gamma-linolenic acid, linoleic acid, oleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, polyunsaturated fat, omega-3 polyunsaturated fat, monounsaturated fat, saponins, omega-6 polyunsaturated fat, omega-9 monounsaturated fat, and isoflavones. These are fatty acids and plant compounds intended to support women's health.

The product also contains inactive ingredients including flaxseed oil, soy isoflavones, evening primrose oil, flaxseed particulate, rosemary extract, and ascorbic acid (vitamin C).

Does it work?

Not established
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
Not established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: combat fatigue and PMS, support healthy hair skin.
  • We looked for evidence on: Dysmenorrhea, Menopausal symptoms, Postmenopausal conditions, hormonal balance, skin health, hair health.
  • The closest evidence on file: Kudzu is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Menopausal symptoms (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Kudzu is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Postmenopausal conditions.

Oleic acid is possibly effective for high cholesterol and coronary heart disease based on the evidence we hold. For isoflavones (from kudzu), the data show they may be possibly effective for alcohol use disorder, but the evidence is insufficient to rate them for allergic rhinitis, angina, back pain, or other conditions.

If you're considering this product for a specific health goal, ask your doctor or pharmacist whether the evidence supports its use for your situation.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Docosahexaenoic Acid (dha) Oleic Acid Kudzu

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 1 of the 2 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 2 of 2.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 2 of 2.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Oleic acid is generally recognized as safe in the amounts found in foods like olive oil, though concentrated supplement doses haven't been well studied in pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Isoflavones are generally well tolerated in short-term studies, but long-term safety isn't established.

The safety data advise against isoflavones during pregnancy and while breastfeeding due to insufficient information and possible hormone-like effects. In clinical trials, isoflavones were associated with nausea, indigestion, bloating, dizziness, and in one case a skin reaction—though these occurred at rates similar to placebo.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Docosahexaenoic Acid (dha) Oleic Acid Kudzu

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?
  • 2 of the 2 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Kudzu, Oleic Acid.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 585 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking this product, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs (moderate risk of bleeding), antidiabetes medications (moderate risk of low blood sugar), drugs that stress the liver, estrogen therapy, methotrexate, tamoxifen, or caffeine-containing medications or beverages. No interactions are documented for the other fatty acids and compounds we could not check, but that doesn't mean none exist.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Essential Woman may support heart health through its oleic acid content, but the isoflavones and oils interact with several medication types, most notably blood thinners, diabetes drugs, and liver-affecting medications. If you take any prescription drugs—particularly estrogen therapy, methotrexate, tamoxifen, or rely on caffeine—check with your doctor or pharmacist before adding this product.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women should talk with their healthcare provider, as safety data for isoflavones in these situations is limited.

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

Assessment coverage: 2 of 8 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Oct 24, 2023.

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 Essential Woman, straight from the product label.

Brand Barlean's
Barcode (UPC) 705875000154
Net contents 12 Fluid Ounce(s); 355 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Oct 24, 2023
DSLD ID 291847
Product type Fat/fatty Acid
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, Kosher, Girls: (All), Organic, Adult Female (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 Essential Woman by Barlean's, 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:
15 mL
Maximum serving Sizes:
15 mL
Servings per container
24
UPC/BARCODE
705875000154
IngredientAmount% DV
Calories120 Calorie(s)--
Total Carbohydrates1 Gram(s)1%
Gamma-Linolenic Acid92 mg--
Total Fat12 Gram(s)16%
Saturated Fat1 Gram(s)6%
Protein1 Gram(s)--
Linoleic Acid2232 mg--
Oleic Acid1810 mg--
Alpha-Linolenic Acid6064 mg--
Polyunsaturated Fat8 Gram(s)--
Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fat0 NP--
Monounsaturated Fat2.5 Gram(s)--
Saponins23 mg--
Omega-6 Polyunsaturated Fat0 NP--
Omega-9 Monounsaturated Fat0 NP--
Isoflavones24 mg--

Other ingredients: Flaxseed Oil, Soy Isoflavones, Evening Primrose Oil, Flaxseed particulate, Rosemary Extract, Ascorbic Acid

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.
Formulation

True beauty comes from within That's why we created a formula for women who want their outer beauty to reflect their inner health. If you're looking for nutrients to combat common issues like fatigue and PMS, plus support healthy hair, skin and nails, we've got you covered.

Non-gmo and gluten free

Nurture

Beauty & balance from within

Made with organic lignan flaxseed & evening primrose oil

Vegan formula

Certified organic by QAI

Product of U.S.A.

Formula

Essential woman is made from flax and evening primrose oils along with special plant nutrients to help you look and feel your very best. With omegas-3,6 & 9 and GLA

Made with organic lignan flaxseed & evening primrose oil

OK (Kosher)

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use: 1-2 Tbsp daily. Can be taken straight or mixed into salad dressings, yogurt, oatmeal or smoothies.

Shake well. Natural settling may occur. Stirring suggested to fully disperse flax particulate.

Storage

Refrigerate for quality.

Precautions

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.

General Statements

From our family to yours Freshness dating

Learn more about a pathway to a better life:

Brand IP Statement(s)

Estd 1989 barlean's Pathway to a better life

FDA Statement of Identity

Essential Woman Supplement

Seals/Symbols

OK (Kosher)

See for yourself

Essential Woman by Barlean's label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Essential Woman by Barlean's

These are the 7 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size15 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container24 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.

Protein

1 Gram(s) per serving

Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fat

Interacts with
375 drugs
0 NP per serving

DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid found in fatty fish and algae that is a building block for the brain, nervous system, and eyes. It is widely used and gen...

Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fat monograph & interactions
  • › Alpha-Linolenic Acid

Omega-6 Polyunsaturated Fat

0 NP per serving
  • › Gamma-Linolenic Acid
  • › Linoleic Acid

Omega-9 Monounsaturated Fat

0 NP per serving

Other (inactive) ingredients: Flaxseed Oil, Soy Isoflavones, Evening Primrose Oil, Flaxseed particulate, Rosemary Extract, Ascorbic Acid. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Essential Woman by Barlean's Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Essential Woman?

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
736Drugs
736 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Essential Woman 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.

Isoflavones7 drug types · 584 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, kudzu may increase the risk of bleeding if used with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs.
Kudzu isoflavones are reported to have antiplatelet activity.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Caffeine

Theoretically, taking kudzu with caffeine might increase levels of caffeine.
In healthy males injected with the kudzu constituent puerarin, caffeine clearance and metabolism is inhibited. This effect has been attributed to inhibition of cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) enzyme, which is involved in caffeine metabolism. It is unclear if taking kudzu orally would have this same effect.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Estrogens

Theoretically, kudzu might alter the effects of estrogen therapy.
Some research suggests that kudzu has estrogenic effects. This may enhance or inhibit the effects of estrogen therapy.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Hepatotoxic Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use might have additive hepatotoxic effects.
There is some concern that kudzu can adversely affect the liver.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Methotrexate (Trexall, Others)

Theoretically, taking kudzu with methotrexate might increase the risk of methotrexate toxicity.
Preclinical research suggests that kudzu extract greatly reduces the elimination and increases the toxicity of methotrexate. Kudzu might inhibit organic anion transporters (OATs) that are responsible for hepatobiliary and renal excretion of anions, similar to the interaction between methotrexate and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Tamoxifen (Nolvadex)

Theoretically, kudzu might interfere with tamoxifen activity.
Some research suggests that kudzu may have estrogenic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking kudzu with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Kudzu might lower blood glucose levels and have additive effects in patients treated with antidiabetic agents. The dose of diabetes medications might need to be adjusted.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D

Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fat3 drug types · 375 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, DHA may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Although some clinical evidence suggests that DHA might reduce collagen-stimulated platelet aggregation and thromboxane release, most clinical evidence suggests that DHA alone does not affect blood clotting. However, theoretically, when given in combination with EPA as fish oil, concomitant use with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs (including aspirin) might increase risk of bleeding.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking DHA with antidiabetes drugs might reduce the effects of these medications.
In people with type 2 diabetes, including those taking oral hypoglycemic medications, DHA seems to increase fasting blood glucose levels.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, taking DHA with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Fish oils containing DHA can lower blood pressure and might have additive effects in patients treated with antihypertensives; use with caution.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B

Oleic Acid1 drug type · 86 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, oleic acid might increase the effects of antidiabetes drugs. Preliminary clinical research in patients with type 2 diabetes taking oral hypoglycemic drugs shows that eating a diet rich in oleic acid from olive oil decreases fasting blood glucose levels when compared to eating a diet rich in linoleic acid from sunflower oil. It is unknown if taking oleic acid supplements would have this effect or if this change is clinically significant. Until more is known, use caution. Dose adjustment may be necessary. Some antidiabetes drugs include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, metformin (Glucophage), pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), and others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Essential Woman, from the product label.

Barlean's

See all Barlean's products
Name
Barlean's
City
Ferndale
State
WA
ZipCode
98248
Phone Number
800-445-3529
Web Address
barleans.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Essential Woman by Barlean's: Common Questions

Does Essential Woman by Barlean's interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Essential Woman has a known interaction with 736 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Essential Woman contains 7 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Is it safe to take this while pregnant?
The safety data advise against isoflavones during pregnancy due to insufficient information and possible hormone-like effects. Oleic acid in concentrated supplement form also hasn't been well studied in pregnancy. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product if you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Can I take this while breastfeeding?
There is too little safety information to recommend isoflavones while breastfeeding. Oleic acid in supplement-level doses also lacks good safety data during lactation. Check with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice.
Will this help with high cholesterol?
Oleic acid in this product is possibly effective for high cholesterol based on the evidence we hold. That said, it's one ingredient among many, and the overall effectiveness of the full product for this goal isn't established in our data. Ask your doctor whether this supplement makes sense for your cholesterol management.
What side effects might I experience?
In clinical trials, isoflavones in this product were linked to nausea, indigestion, bloating, and dizziness, though these occurred at rates similar to placebo. One case of a skin reaction has been reported. Most people tolerate the ingredients well, but let your pharmacist know if you develop unusual symptoms.
Why can't you check some of the ingredients for drug interactions?
We don't hold interaction data for gamma-linolenic acid, linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, polyunsaturated fat, monounsaturated fat, and saponins. That doesn't mean they don't interact—only that we haven't evaluated them yet. Your pharmacist can help you assess the full picture.
Can I take this if I'm on diabetes medication?
Both oleic acid and isoflavones may increase the effects of antidiabetes drugs and lower blood sugar further. If you take diabetes medication, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting this product—your dose might need adjustment.

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

Not sure if Essential Woman 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.

Essential Woman label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Essential Woman'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 89 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.

Oleic Acid 19 references
  1. Madigan C, Ryan M, Owens D, et al. Dietary unsaturated fatty acids in type 2 diabetes: higher levels of postprandial lipoprotein on a linoleic acid-rich sunflower oil diet compared with an oleic acid-rich olive oil diet. Diabetes Care 2000;23:1472-7. PubMed
  2. Gillingham, L. G., Gustafson, J. A., Han, S. Y., Jassal, D. S., and Jones, P. J. High-oleic rapeseed (canola) and flaxseed oils modulate serum lipids and inflammatory biomarkers in hypercholesterolaemic subjects. Br J Nutr 2011;105(3):417-427. PubMed
  3. Jones PJ, Senanayake VK, Pu S, Jenkins DJ, Connelly PW, Lamarche B, Couture P, Charest A, Baril-Gravel L, West SG, Liu X, Fleming JA, McCrea CE, Kris-Etherton PM. DHA-enriched high-oleic acid canola oil improves lipid profile and lowers predicted cardiova
  4. Cater, N. B., Heller, H. J., and Denke, M. A. Comparison of the effects of medium-chain triacylglycerols, palm oil, and high oleic acid sunflower oil on plasma triacylglycerol fatty acids and lipid and lipoprotein concentrations in humans. Am.J Clin.Nutr PubMed
  5. Mozaffarian D, Clarke R. Quantitative effects on cardiovascular risk factors and coronary heart disease risk of replacing partially hydrogenated vegetable oils with other fats and oils. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2009;63(Suppl 2):S22-33. PubMed
  6. Cao Y, Hou L, Wang W. Dietary total fat and fatty acids intake, serum fatty acids and risk of breast cancer: A meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. Int J Cancer. 2016;138(8):1894-904. doi: 10.1002/ijc.29938. PubMed
  7. FDA completes review of qualified health claim petition for oleic acid and the risk of coronary heart disease. November 2018. Available at: www.fda.gov/Food/NewsEvents/ConstituentUpdates/ucm624758.htm. Accessed January 25, 2019.
  8. Liu X, Kris-Etherton PM, West SG, et al. Effects of canola and high-oleic-acid canola oils on abdominal fat mass in individuals with central obesity. Obesity. 2016;24(11):2261-2268. PubMed
  9. Bowen KJ, Kris-Etherton PM, West SG, et al. Diets enriched with conventional or high-oleic acid canola oils lower atherogenic lipids and lipoproteins compared to a diet with a western fatty acid profile in adults with central adiposity. J Nutr. 2019;149(3 PubMed
  10. Steffen BT, Duprez D, Szklo M, Guan W, Tsai MY. Circulating oleic acid levels are related to greater risks of cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis. J Clin Lipidol. 2018;12(6):1404-1412. PubMed
  11. Banim PJ, Luben R, Khaw KT, Hart AR. Dietary oleic acid is inversely associated with pancreatic cancer - Data from food diaries in a cohort study. Pancreatology. 2018;18(6):655-660. PubMed
  12. Morin SJ, Gaziano JM, Djoussé L. Relation between plasma phospholipid oleic acid and risk of heart failure. Eur J Nutr. 2018;57(8):2937-2942. PubMed
  13. Samieri C, Féart C, Proust-Lima C, et al. Olive oil consumption, plasma oleic acid, and stroke incidence: the Three-City Study. Neurology. 2011;77(5):418-25. PubMed
  14. Compher CW, Kinosian BP, Rubesin SE, Ratcliffe SJ, Metz DC. Energy absorption is reduced with oleic acid supplements in human short bowel syndrome. JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 2009;33(1):102-8. PubMed
  15. Ben Fradj MK, Ouanes Y, Hadj-Taieb S, et al. Decreased oleic acid and marine n?-?3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in Tunisian patients with urothelial bladder cancer. Nutr Cancer. 2018;70(7):1043-1050.
  16. de Silva PS, Luben R, Shrestha SS, Khaw KT, Hart AR. Dietary arachidonic and oleic acid intake in ulcerative colitis etiology: a prospective cohort study using 7-day food diaries. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2014;26(1):11-8. PubMed
  17. Higashi K, Shige H, Ito T, et al. Effect of a low-fat diet enriched with oleic acid on postprandial lipemia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Lipids. 2001;36(1):1-6. PubMed
  18. Lin HC, van Citters GW, Heimer F, Bonorris G. Slowing of gastrointestinal transit by oleic acid: a preliminary report of a novel, nutrient-based treatment in humans. Dig Dis Sci. 2001;46(2):223-9. PubMed
  19. Li D, Tong Y, Li Y. Associations between dietary oleic acid and linoleic acid and depressive symptoms in perimenopausal women: The Study of Women's Health Across the Nation. Nutrition. 2020 Mar;71:110602. PubMed

See these in context on the Oleic Acid monograph →

Docosahexaenoic Acid (dha) 49 references
  1. Akedo I, Ishikawa H, Nakamura T, et al. Three cases with familial adenomatous polyposis diagnosed as having malignant lesions in the course of a long-term trial using docosahexanoic acid (DHA)-concentrated fish oil capsules (abstract). Jpn J Clin Oncol PubMed
  2. Prisco D, Paniccia R, Bandinelli B, et al. Effect of medium-term supplementation with a moderate dose of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on blood pressure in mild hypertensive patients. Thromb Res 1998;1:105-12.
  3. Grimsgaard S, Bonaa KH, Hansen JB, Nordoy A. Highly purified eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid in humans have similar triacylglycerol-lowering effects but divergent effects on serum fatty acids. Am J Clin Nutr 1997;66:649-59.
  4. Toft I, Bonaa KH, Ingebretsen OC, et al. Effects of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on glucose homeostasis and blood pressure in essential hypertension. A randomized, controlled trial. Ann Intern Med 1995;123:911-8.
  5. Sacks FM, Hebert P, Appel LJ, et al. Short report: the effect of fish oil on blood pressure and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels in phase I of the trials of hypertension prevention. J Hypertens 1994;12:209-13.
  6. Vandongen R, Mori TA, Burke V, et al. Effects on blood pressure of omega 3 fats in subjects at increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Hypertension 1993;22:371-9. PubMed
  7. FDA. Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. Letter regarding dietary supplement health claim for omega-3 fatty acids and coronary heart disease. Available at: http://www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/dockets/95s0316/95s-0316-Rpt0272-38-Appendix-D-Reference
  8. Pedersen HS, Mulvad G, Seidelin KN, et al. N-3 fatty acids as a risk factor for haemorrhagic stroke. Lancet 1999;353:812-3. PubMed
  9. Ito Y, Suzuki K, Imai H, et al. Effects of polyunsaturated fatty acids on atrophic gastritis in a Japanese population. Cancer Lett 2001;163:171-8. PubMed
  10. Kris-Ehterton PM, Harris WS, Appel LJ, et al. Fish consumption, fish oil, omega-3 fatty acids, and cardiovascular disease. Circulation 2002;106:2747-57. PubMed
  11. Woodman RJ, Mori TA, Burke V, et al. Effects of purified eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids on glycemic control, blood pressure, and serum lipids in type 2 diabetic patients with treated hypertension. Am J Clin Nutr 2002;76:1007-15.. PubMed
  12. Marangell LB, Martinez JM, Zboyan HA, et al. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid in the treatment of major depression. Am J Psychiatry 2003;160:996-8.. PubMed
  13. Leng GC, Smith FB, Fowkes FG, et al. Relationship between plasma essential fatty acids and smoking, serum lipids, blood pressure and haemostatic and rheological factors. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 1994;51:101-8. PubMed
  14. Nelson GJ, Schmidt PS, Bartolini GL, et al. The effect of dietary docosahexaenoic acid on platelet function, platelet fatty acid composition, and blood coagulation in humans. Lipids 1997;32:1129-36. PubMed
  15. Wheaton DH, Hoffman DR, Locke KG, et al. Biological safety assessment of docosahexaenoic acid supplementation in a randomized clinical trial for X-linked retinitis pigmentosa. Arch Ophthalmol 2003;121:1269-78. PubMed
  16. Malcolm CA, McCulloch DL, Montgomery C, et al. Maternal docosahexaenoic acid supplementation during pregnancy and visual evoked potential development in term infants: a double blind, prospective, randomised trial. Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed 2003;88: DOI
  17. Sanjurjo P, Ruiz-Sanz JI, Jimeno P, et al. Supplementation with docosahexaenoic acid in the last trimester of pregnancy: maternal-fetal biochemical findings. J Perinat Med 2004;32:132-6.
  18. Montgomery C, Speake BK, Cameron A, et al. Maternal docosahexaenoic acid supplementation and fetal accretion. Br J Nutr 2003;90:135-45. DOI
  19. Lauritzen L, Hoppe C, Straarup EM, Michaelsen KF. Maternal fish oil supplementation in lactation and growth during the first 2.5 years of life. Pediatr Res 2005;58:235-42. PubMed
  20. Hawkes JS, Bryan DL, Makrides M, et al. A randomized trial of supplementation with docosahexaenoic acid-rich tuna oil and its effects on the human milk cytokines interleukin 1 beta, interleukin 6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha. Am J Clin Nutr 2002;75:75
  21. Uauy R, Hoffman DR, Mena P, et al. Term infant studies of DHA and ARA supplementation on neurodevelopment: Results of randomized controlled trials. J Pediatr 2003;143:S17-25. PubMed
  22. Decsi, T., Campoy, C., and Koletzko, B. Effect of N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation in pregnancy: the Nuheal trial. Adv.Exp Med Biol 2005;569:109-113. PubMed
  23. Mori, T. A., Bao, D. Q., Burke, V., Puddey, I. B., and Beilin, L. J. Docosahexaenoic acid but not eicosapentaenoic acid lowers ambulatory blood pressure and heart rate in humans. Hypertension 1999;34(2):253-260. PubMed
  24. Otto, S. J., van Houwelingen, A. C., and Hornstra, G. The effect of supplementation with docosahexaenoic and arachidonic acid derived from single cell oils on plasma and erythrocyte fatty acids of pregnant women in the second trimester. Prostaglandins Le PubMed
  25. Helland, I. B., Saugstad, O. D., Smith, L., Saarem, K., Solvoll, K., Ganes, T., and Drevon, C. A. Similar effects on infants of n-3 and n-6 fatty acids supplementation to pregnant and lactating women. Pediatrics 2001;108(5):E82. PubMed
  26. Nestel, P., Shige, H., Pomeroy, S., Cehun, M., Abbey, M., and Raederstorff, D. The n-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid increase systemic arterial compliance in humans. Am.J.Clin.Nutr. 2002;76(2):326-330. PubMed
  27. Woodman, R. J., Mori, T. A., Burke, V., Puddey, I. B., Barden, A., Watts, G. F., and Beilin, L. J. Effects of purified eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid on platelet, fibrinolytic and vascular function in hypertensive type 2 diabetic patients PubMed
  28. Jensen, C. L., Voigt, R. G., Prager, T. C., Zou, Y. L., Fraley, J. K., Rozelle, J. C., Turcich, M. R., Llorente, A. M., Anderson, R. E., and Heird, W. C. Effects of maternal docosahexaenoic acid intake on visual function and neurodevelopment in breastfed
  29. Theobald, H. E., Goodall, A. H., Sattar, N., Talbot, D. C., Chowienczyk, P. J., and Sanders, T. A. Low-dose docosahexaenoic acid lowers diastolic blood pressure in middle-aged men and women. J Nutr 2007;137(4):973-978.
  30. Mischoulon D, Best-Popescu C, Laposata M, et al. A double-blind dose-finding pilot study of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) for major depressive disorder. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol. 2008;18(9):639-645. PubMed
  31. Birch EE, Carlson SE, Hoffman DR, et al. The DIAMOND (DHA Intake And Measurement Of Neural Development) Study: a double-masked, randomized controlled clinical trial of the maturation of infant visual acuity as a function of the dietary level of docosahexa
  32. Carlson SE, Colombo J, Gajewski BJ, Gustafson KM, Mundy D, Yeast J, Georgieff MK, Markley LA, Kerling EH, Shaddy DJ. DHA supplementation and pregnancy outcomes. Am J Clin Nutr. 2013 Apr;97(4):808-15. PubMed
  33. Escamilla-Nuñez MC, Barraza-Villarreal A, Hernández-Cadena L, Navarro-Olivos E, Sly PD, Romieu I. Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation during pregnancy and respiratory symptoms in children. Chest. 2014 Aug;146(2):373-82. PubMed
  34. Fu YQ, Zheng JS, Yang B, Li D. Effect of individual omega-3 fatty acids on the risk of prostate cancer: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. J Epidemiol. 2015;25(4):261-74. PubMed
  35. Imhoff-Kunsch B, Stein AD, Villalpando S, Martorell R, Ramakrishnan U. Docosahexaenoic acid supplementation from mid-pregnancy to parturition influenced breast milk fatty acid concentrations at 1 month postpartum in Mexican women. J Nutr. 2011 Feb;141(2): PubMed
  36. Judge MP, Cong X, Harel O, Courville AB, Lammi-Keefe CJ. Maternal consumption of a DHA-containing functional food benefits infant sleep patterning: an early neurodevelopmental measure. Early Hum Dev. 2012 Jul;88(7):531-7. PubMed
  37. Mulder KA, King DJ, Innis SM. Omega-3 fatty acid deficiency in infants before birth identified using a randomized trial of maternal DHA supplementation in pregnancy. PLoS One. 2014 Jan 10;9(1):e83764. PubMed
  38. Richardson AJ, Burton JR, Sewell RP, Spreckelsen TF, Montgomery P. Docosahexaenoic acid for reading, cognition and behavior in children aged 7-9 years: a randomized, controlled trial (the DOLAB Study). PLoS One. 2012;7(9):e43909. PubMed
  39. Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation 2012;25(4);3-4
  40. FDA announces qualified health claims for omega-3 fatty acids. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/Food/LabelingNutrition/ucm072756.htm. Accessed April 15 2019.
  41. Breastfeeding and the use of human milk. Section on Breastfeeding. Pediatrics. 2012;129(3):e827-41. PubMed
  42. Zhang Z, Fulgoni VL, Kris-Etherton PM, Mitmesser SH. Dietary Intakes of EPA and DHA Omega-3 Fatty Acids among US Childbearing-Age and Pregnant Women: An Analysis of NHANES 2001-2014. Nutrients. 2018;10(4). PubMed
  43. Montgomery P, Spreckelsen TF, Burton A, Burton JR, Richardson AJ. Docosahexaenoic acid for reading, working memory and behavior in UK children aged 7-9: A randomized controlled trial for replication (the DOLAB II study). PLoS One. 2018;13(2):e0192909. PubMed
  44. Marc I, Piedboeuf B, Lacaze-Masmonteil T, et al. Effect of maternal docosahexaenoic acid supplementation on bronchopulmonary dysplasia-free survival in breastfed preterm infants: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2020;324(2):157-167. PubMed
  45. Fougère H, Bilodeau JF, Lavoie PM, et al. Docosahexaenoic acid-rich algae oil supplementation on breast milk fatty acid profile of mothers who delivered prematurely: a randomized clinical trial. Sci Rep 2021;11(1):21492. PubMed
  46. Garmendia ML, Casanello P, Flores M, Kusanovic JP, Uauy R. The effects of a combined intervention (docosahexaenoic acid supplementation and home-based dietary counseling) on metabolic control in obese and overweight pregnant women: the MIGHT study. Am J O PubMed
  47. Christifano DN, Gustafson KM, Carlson SE, et al. Maternal docosahexaenoic acid exposure needed to achieve maternal-newborn EQ. Nutrients 2022;14(16):3300. PubMed
  48. Vizzari G, Morniroli D, Alessandretti F, et al. Comparative analysis of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) content in mother's milk of term and preterm mothers. Nutrients 2022;14(21):4595. PubMed
  49. Yang Y, Li G, Li F, et al. Impact of DHA from algal oil on the breast milk DHA levels of lactating women: A randomized controlled trial in China. Nutrients 2022;14(16):3410. PubMed

See these in context on the Docosahexaenoic Acid (dha) monograph →

Kudzu 21 references
  1. Woo J, Lau E, Ho SC, et al. Comparison of Pueraria lobata with hormone replacement therapy in treating the adverse health consequences of menopause. Menopause 2003;10:352-61. PubMed
  2. Akita H, Sowa J, Makiura M, et al. Maculopapular drug eruption due to the Japanese herbal medicine Kakkonto (kudzu or arrowroot decoction). Contact Dermatitis 2003;48:348-9. PubMed
  3. Luo ZR, Zheng B. [Effect of Puerarin on platelet activating factors CD63 and CD62P, plasminogen activator inhibitor and C-reactive protein in patients with unstable angia pectoris]. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi 2001;21:31-3 .
  4. Lee KT, Sohn IC, Kim DH, et al. Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of tectorigenin and kaikasaponin III in the streptozotocin-lnduced diabetic rat and their antioxidant activity in vitro. Arch Pharm Res 2000;23:461-6.
  5. Yu Z, Zhang G, Zhao H. [Effects of Puerariae isoflavone on blood viscosity, thrombosis and platelet function]. Zhong Yao Cai 1997;20:468-9.
  6. Hsu FL, Liu IM, Kuo DH, et al. Antihyperglycemic effect of puerarin in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. J Nat Prod 2003;66:788-92. PubMed
  7. Chiang HM, Fang SH, Wen KC, et al. Life-threatening interaction between the root extract of Pueraria lobata and methotrexate in rats. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2005;209:263-8.
  8. Zheng, J., Chen, B., Jiang, B., Zeng, L., Tang, Z. R., Fan, L., and Zhou, H. H. The effects of puerarin on CYP2D6 and CYP1A2 activities in vivo. Arch Pharm Res 2010;33(2):243-246. PubMed
  9. Hsu, H. H., Chang, C. K., Su, H. C., Liu, I. M., and Cheng, J. T. Stimulatory effect of puerarin on alpha1A-adrenoceptor to increase glucose uptake into cultured C2C12 cells of mice. Planta Med 2002;68(11):999-1003.
  10. Zheng, G., Zhang, X., Zheng, J., Meng, Q., and Zheng, D. [Estrogen-like effects of puerarin and total isoflavones from Pueraria lobata]. Zhong.Yao Cai. 2002;25(8):566-568.
  11. Qi, B. L. and Qi, B. M. [Effect of the purariae-isofiavones on estrogen level in normal and ovariectomized rats]. Zhongguo Zhong.Yao Za Zhi. 2002;27(11):850-852.
  12. Akita, H., Sowa, J., Makiura, M., Akamatsu, H., and Matsunaga, K. Maculopapular drug eruption due to the Japanese herbal medicine Kakkonto (kudzu or arrowroot decoction). Contact Dermatitis 2003;48(6):348-349. PubMed
  13. Manonai, J., Chittacharoen, A., Theppisai, U., and Theppisai, H. Effect of Pueraria mirifica on vaginal health. Menopause. 2007;14(5):919-924. PubMed
  14. Chandeying, V. and Sangthawan, M. Efficacy comparison of Pueraria mirifica (PM) against conjugated equine estrogen (CEE) with/without medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) in the treatment of climacteric symptoms in perimenopausal women: phase III study. J M
  15. Virojchaiwong, P., Suvithayasiri, V., and Itharat, A. Comparison of Pueraria mirifica 25 and 50 mg for menopausal symptoms. Arch.Gynecol.Obstet. 2011;284(2):411-419. PubMed
  16. Hou, Q., Ao, X., Li, G., and Zhang, Y. [Puerarin combined with avandia for diabetic nephropathy]. Zhong.Nan.Da.Xue Xue Bao Yi Xue Ban. 2012;37(1):73-77.
  17. Kim HJ, Kim H, Ahn JH, Suk JH. Liver injury induced by herbal extracts containing mistletoe and kudzu. J Altern Complement Med 2015;21(3):180-5. PubMed
  18. Santosh N, Mohan K, Royana S, Yamini TB. Hepatotoxicity of tubers of Indian Kudzu (Pueraria tuberosa) in rats. Food Chem Toxicol. 2010 Apr;48(4):1066-71. PubMed
  19. Teschke R, Zhang L, Long H, Schwarzenboeck A, Schmidt-Taenzer W, Genthner A, Wolff A, Frenzel C, Schulze J, Eickhoff A. Traditional Chinese Medicine and herbal hepatotoxicity: a tabular compilation of reported cases. Ann Hepatol. 2015 Jan-Feb;14(1):7-19. DOI
  20. Wang D, Qiu L, Wu X, Wei H, Xu F. Evaluation of kudzu root extract-induced hepatotoxicity. J Ethnopharmacol. 2015 Dec 24;176:321-6. PubMed
  21. Warinsiriruk P, Tantitham C, Cherdshewasart W, Shobeiri SA, Manonai J. Effects of Pueraria mirifica on vaginal artery vascularization in postmenopausal women with genitourinary syndrome of menopause. Maturitas 2022;160:4-10. PubMed

See these in context on the Kudzu 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