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Dietary supplement

False Unicorn & Lobelia Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Christopher's Original Formulas

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

False Unicorn & Lobelia is a dietary supplement by Christopher's Original Formulas with 2 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for asthma and breathing problems, cough and bronchitis, smoking cessation aid.Based on those ingredients, 740 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are False Unicorn, Lobelia. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of False Unicorn & Lobelia by Christopher's Original Formulas

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 2 active ingredients.
  • “Proprietary Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (950 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

This product contains 2 active ingredients in a proprietary blend: lobelia and false unicorn root. Lobelia is traditionally used for respiratory support, though the evidence for smoking cessation is weak.

False unicorn root is a traditional botanical with limited human safety data. The capsule itself is plant-derived.

Does it work?

Couldn't assess
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 assessable

The label doesn't state a purpose we can grade — see each ingredient's own graded uses on its monograph instead.

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.

The evidence we hold rates lobelia as possibly ineffective for smoking cessation. We have no effectiveness data on file for false unicorn, so we can't tell you whether it works for the conditions it's traditionally used for.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Lobelia False Unicorn

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 2 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.

Lobelia carries real toxicity risk. At doses as low as 50 mg, it can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, tremors, and throat irritation.

At 600 mg or higher, it can trigger sweating, rapid heart rate, seizures, dangerously low body temperature and blood pressure, and even death. False unicorn seems generally well tolerated in small amounts, though large doses may cause nausea and vomiting.

Do not use this product during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Lobelia is rated likely unsafe in both because of toxicity concerns and inadequate safety data.

False unicorn is also likely unsafe in pregnancy due to its traditional use affecting the uterus and lack of safety data, and should be avoided while breastfeeding due to insufficient information.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Lobelia False Unicorn

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 — False Unicorn, Lobelia.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: lithium.
  • For scale: 741 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.

Check your medications against this product if you take lithium (a mood stabilizer) — both ingredients may raise its level. Also double-check if you take drugs processed by liver enzymes CYP2D6 or CYP3A4, which include antidepressants, pain relievers like codeine or fentanyl, heart medications such as diltiazem or verapamil, and chemotherapy agents.

False unicorn can slow how your liver clears these drugs.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with no assessable stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This product carries significant interaction and safety concerns. The two ingredients can raise blood levels of many common medications and both interact with lithium.

Lobelia also has real toxicity risk at even modest doses. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor before starting this, especially if you take any prescription medications, mood stabilizers, heart drugs, or chemotherapy.

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

Assessment coverage: 2 of 2 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Apr 25, 2019.

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 False Unicorn & Lobelia, straight from the product label.

Brand Christopher's Original Formulas
Barcode (UPC) 084783891260
Net contents 100 Vegetarian Cap(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Apr 25, 2019
DSLD ID 200249
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 False Unicorn & Lobelia by Christopher's Original Formulas, 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:
2 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
50
UPC/BARCODE
084783891260
IngredientAmount% DV
Proprietary Blend950 mg--
Lobelia0 NP--
False Unicorn0 NP--

Other ingredients: plant-derived Capsule

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

Directions: As a dietary supplement, take two capsules twice daily or as directed by your health care professional.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

Precautions

Warning: Do not use during pregnancy except as directed by your health care professional.

Brand IP Statement(s)

2010 Wholistic Botanicals L.L.C. All Rights Reserved

John R. Christopher

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

General Statements

475 mg each

Formulation

No added fillers or chemicals.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.

See for yourself

False Unicorn & Lobelia by Christopher's Original Formulas label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in False Unicorn & Lobelia by Christopher's Original Formulas

These are the 2 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container50 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 Blend

950 mg per serving

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

Interaction report

False Unicorn & Lobelia by Christopher's Original Formulas Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against False Unicorn & Lobelia?

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
740Drugs
740 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in False Unicorn & Lobelia 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.

False Unicorn3 drug types · 740 drugs

Cytochrome P450 2D6 (Cyp2D6) Substrates

In vitro, false unicorn extract inhibits cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) activity. Theoretically, false unicorn might increase the levels of CYP2D6 substrates. Some of drugs that are CYP2D6 substrates include amitriptyline (Elavil), clozapine (Clozaril), codeine, desipramine (Norpramin), donepezil (Aricept), fentanyl (Duragesic), flecainide (Tambocor), fluoxetine (Prozac), meperidine (Demerol), methadone (Dolophine), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), olanzapine (Zyprexa), ondansetron (Zofran), tramadol (Ultram), trazodone (Desyrel), and others.

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

In vitro, false unicorn extract inhibits cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) activity. Theoretically, false unicorn might increase the levels of CYP3A4 substrates. Drugs that might be affected include some calcium channel blockers (diltiazem, nicardipine, verapamil), chemotherapeutic agents (etoposide, paclitaxel, vinblastine, vincristine, vindesine), antifungals (ketoconazole, itraconazole), glucocorticoids, cisapride (Propulsid), alfentanil (Alfenta), fentanyl (Sublimaze), losartan (Cozaar), fluoxetine (Prozac), midazolam (Versed), omeprazole (Prilosec), ondansetron (Zofran), propranolol (Inderal), fexofenadine (Allegra), and numerous others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Lithium

False unicorn is thought to have diuretic properties. Theoretically, due to these potential diuretic effects, false unicorn might reduce excretion and increase levels of lithium. The dose of lithium might need to be decreased.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D

Lobelia1 drug type · 1 drug

Lithium

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

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for False Unicorn & Lobelia, from the product label.

Christopher's Original Formulas

See all Christopher's Original Formulas products
Name
Wholistic Botanicals L.L.C.
City
Spanish Fork
State
UT
ZipCode
84660
Phone Number
1-800-453-1406
Web Address
www.drchristopher.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

False Unicorn & Lobelia by Christopher's Original Formulas: Common Questions

Does False Unicorn & Lobelia by Christopher's Original Formulas interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, False Unicorn & Lobelia has a known interaction with 740 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
False Unicorn & Lobelia contains 2 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 while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. Lobelia is rated likely unsafe in both pregnancy and breastfeeding because of toxicity concerns. False unicorn is also likely unsafe in pregnancy due to its traditional uterine effects and lack of safety data, and should be avoided while breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for alternatives.
What side effects might I get from lobelia?
At low doses, you might experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, tremors, or throat irritation. These have been reported at doses as low as 50 mg. At higher doses (600 mg or more), lobelia can cause serious toxicity including rapid heart rate, seizures, dangerously low blood pressure, and life-threatening effects.
Does this product actually help with smoking cessation?
Lobelia is rated possibly ineffective for smoking cessation based on our evidence. We have no data on file for false unicorn's effectiveness for any condition.
Why does this product interact with so many medications?
False unicorn inhibits two major liver enzymes (CYP2D6 and CYP3A4) that your body uses to break down hundreds of different drugs across many medication classes. When an enzyme is slowed, drug levels in your blood can rise, sometimes causing unwanted effects.
What if I take lithium — should I avoid this product?
Both ingredients in this product may reduce how your body clears lithium, raising its level to potentially unsafe amounts. If you take lithium, talk to your pharmacist or doctor before using this product; your lithium dose might need to be adjusted or you may need to choose a different supplement.

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

Not sure if False Unicorn & Lobelia is safe with your meds?

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

False Unicorn & Lobelia label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

False Unicorn & Lobelia'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 10 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.

Lobelia 6 references
  1. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
  2. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1996.
  3. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
  4. McChargue DE, Collins FL Jr, Cohen LM. Effect of non-nicotinic moist snuff replacement and lobeline on withdrawal symptoms during 48-h smokeless tobacco deprivation. Nicotine Tob Res 2002;4:195-200. PubMed
  5. Stead LF, Hughes JR. Lobeline for smoking cessation. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2000;2:CD000124. PubMed
  6. Plakun, A. L., Ambrus, J., Bross, I., Graham, S., Levin, M. L., and Ross, C. A. Clinical factors in smoking withdrawal: preliminary report. Am J Public Health Nations.Health 1966;56(3):434-441. PubMed

See these in context on the Lobelia monograph →

False Unicorn 4 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. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
  4. Ho SH, Singh M, Holloway AC, Crankshaw DJ. The effects of commercial preparations of herbal supplements commonly used by women on the biotransformation of fluorogenic substrates by human cytochromes P450. Phytother Res. 2011;25(7):983-9. PubMed

See these in context on the False Unicorn monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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