Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Fenugreek Free Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Mommy Knows Best

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

Fenugreek Free is a dietary supplement by Mommy Knows Best with 5 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for liver health and protection, hepatitis, cirrhosis.Based on those ingredients, 2,144 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Marshmallow, Milk Thistle, Goat's Rue. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Fenugreek Free by Mommy Knows Best

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 5 of its 5 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Fenugreek Free contains five active ingredients: milk thistle, marshmallow, shatavari (also known as asparagus racemosus), blessed thistle, and goat's rue. These are herbal extracts traditionally used in lactation support formulas.

The product also includes inactive ingredients — a veggie capsule, microcrystalline cellulose (a filler), silicon dioxide, and vegetable magnesium stearate — to hold the capsule together and aid absorption.

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: increased milk supply during breastfeeding.
  • We looked for evidence on: Lactation, Breast engorgement, Postpartum complications, galactagogue, milk production, nursing support.
  • The closest evidence on file: Milk Thistle is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Lactation (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Milk Thistle is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Postpartum complications.
  • Also on file: Goat's Rue is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Lactation.

The evidence for these ingredients is limited. Milk thistle is rated possibly effective for type 2 diabetes, though the other uses we have data for — acne, liver disease from alcohol, hay fever, gambling disorder, and amanita mushroom poisoning — all lack sufficient reliable evidence.

Marshmallow, shatavari, blessed thistle, and goat's rue have insufficient evidence for their listed uses, which include respiratory infections, muscle strength, lactation support, and wound healing. If you're considering this product for a specific health goal, talk it over with your doctor or pharmacist about whether the evidence supports it.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Milk Thistle Marshmallow Asparagus Racemosus Blessed Thistle Goat's Rue

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 5 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 5 of 5.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 5 of 5.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Milk thistle is generally well tolerated, though a small number of people report mild stomach upset, headache, dizziness, or sleep disturbances. Allergic reactions, though rare, can occur.

Marshmallow and shatavari are well tolerated in the short term, but human safety data are limited. Blessed thistle in small doses is often well tolerated, but higher doses can cause nausea or vomiting and may trigger allergic reactions in people sensitive to ragweed and related plants.

During pregnancy, milk thistle and marshmallow are best avoided due to insufficient safety information. Blessed thistle is likely unsafe in pregnancy — it's traditionally thought to affect the uterus and lacks reliable data.

Shatavari and goat's rue also lack established safety data in pregnancy and should be avoided unless your doctor advises otherwise. For breastfeeding, milk thistle and shatavari require caution due to limited study, blessed thistle should be used only under professional guidance, and goat's rue lacks enough data.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before using this product if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Milk Thistle Marshmallow Asparagus Racemosus Blessed Thistle Goat's Rue

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?
  • 5 of the 5 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Blessed Thistle, Milk Thistle, Goat's Rue, Marshmallow, Asparagus Racemosus.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; diabetes medications; lithium.
  • For scale: 2,145 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 Fenugreek Free, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take blood thinners (anticoagulants) like warfarin or heparin, or antiplatelet drugs like aspirin or clopidogrel — milk thistle and goat's rue may increase bleeding risk. Also confirm any diabetes medications, lithium (a mood stabilizer), acid-reducing drugs like H2-blockers or PPIs, or morphine and other pain relievers.

Milk thistle's effects on how your liver and kidneys process drugs are broad; use the checker below with your exact medication list.

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.

This product combines five herbal ingredients with a long history in lactation support, but the scientific evidence for them is sparse. If you take medications — especially blood thinners, diabetes drugs, lithium, acid reducers, or hepatitis C treatment — you need to check your specific prescriptions against the interaction tool on this page before starting.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding require a conversation with your own doctor or pharmacist, since safety data are limited for most of these herbs.

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

Assessment coverage: 5 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 Fenugreek Free, straight from the product label.

Brand Mommy Knows Best
Barcode (UPC) 857615008507
Net contents 30 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jan 22, 2022
DSLD ID 257859
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult Female (18 - 50 Years), Lactating
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 Fenugreek Free by Mommy Knows Best, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Pregnant and Lactating
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
857615008507
IngredientAmount% DV
Milk Thistle300 NP--
Marshmallow100 mg--
Shatavari100 mg--
Blessed Thistle800 mg--
Goat's Rue200 mg--

Other ingredients: Veggie Capsule, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Silicon Dioxide, Vegetable Magnesium Stearate

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 1 capsule daily. For maximum effectiveness, avoid more than 1-2 oz. of liquid before and after each dose.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have bot been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

General Statements

To reorder: visit mommyknowsbest.com

Formulation

Breastfeeding Supplement For increased milk supply

Formula

Blessed and milk thistle Goat's rue herb Marshmallow root Shatavari Root

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Precautions

Warning: Do not use if safety seal under the cap is missing. Do not exceed recommended serving. Consult your physician prior to using any dietary supplement.

Do not use if you are under the age of 18. Keep out of reach of children.

See for yourself

Fenugreek Free by Mommy Knows Best label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Fenugreek Free by Mommy Knows Best

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

Serving size1 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.

Milk Thistle

Interacts with
954 drugs
300 NP per serving

Milk thistle is a popular herbal supplement most often used for liver health, and its main active component is a group of compounds called silymarin....

Milk Thistle monograph & interactions

Marshmallow

Interacts with
2,040 drugs
100 mg per serving

Marshmallow root is a traditional herb rich in soothing, gel-like fibers called mucilage, which is why it has long been used for coughs, sore throats,...

Marshmallow monograph & interactions

Shatavari

Interacts with
76 drugs
100 mg per serving

Asparagus racemosus, often called shatavari, is an Ayurvedic herb traditionally used to support women's health, digestion, and overall vitality. Human...

Shatavari monograph & interactions

Blessed Thistle

Interacts with
36 drugs
800 mg per serving

Blessed thistle is a bitter herb traditionally used to stimulate appetite and ease mild digestive complaints. High-quality human studies are lacking,...

Blessed Thistle monograph & interactions

Goat's Rue

Interacts with
122 drugs
200 mg per serving

Goat's rue is a traditional herb most often used by nursing parents to try to increase milk supply, and it has a historical link to diabetes research....

Goat's Rue monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Veggie Capsule, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Silicon Dioxide, Vegetable Magnesium Stearate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Fenugreek Free by Mommy Knows Best Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Fenugreek Free?

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
2,144Drugs
438 Moderate 1,706 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Marshmallow 2,040

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Fenugreek Free 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.

Marshmallow3 drug types · 2,040 drugs

Lithium

Theoretically, due to potential diuretic effects, marshmallow might reduce excretion and increase levels of lithium.
Marshmallow is thought to have diuretic properties. To avoid lithium toxicity, the dose of lithium might need to be decreased when used with marshmallow.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, marshmallow flower might have antiplatelet effects.
Animal research suggests that marshmallow flower extract has antiplatelet effects. However, the root and leaf of marshmallow, not the flower, are the plant parts most commonly found in dietary supplements. Theoretically, use of marshmallow flower with anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs can have additive effects, and might increase the risk for bleeding in some patients.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Oral Drugs

Theoretically, mucilage in marshmallow might impair absorption of oral drugs.
Marshmallow contains mucilage which can affect oral drug absorption. To avoid changes in absorption, take marshmallow 30-60 minutes after oral medications.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Milk Thistle17 drug types · 954 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Taking milk thistle with antidiabetes drugs may increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Clinical research shows that milk thistle extract, alone or along with tree turmeric extract, can lower blood glucose levels and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in patients with type 2 diabetes, including those already taking antidiabetes drugs. Additionally, animal research shows that milk thistle extract increases the metformin maximum plasma concentration and area under the curve and decreases the renal clearance of metformin, due to inhibition of the multi-drug and toxin extrusion protein 1 (MATE1) renal tubular transport protein.

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

Theoretically, milk thistle might inhibit CYP2B6.
An in vitro study shows that silybin, a constituent of milk thistle, binds to and noncompetitively inhibits CYP2B6. Additionally, silybin might downregulate the expression of CYP2B6 by decreasing mRNA and protein levels.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Glucuronidated Drugs

Theoretically, milk thistle might affect the clearance of drugs that undergo glucuronidation.
Laboratory research shows that milk thistle constituents inhibit uridine diphosphoglucuronosyl transferase (UGT), the major phase 2 enzyme that is responsible for glucuronidation. Theoretically, this could decrease the clearance and increase levels of glucuronidated drugs. Other laboratory research suggests that a milk thistle extract of silymarin might inhibit beta-glucuronidase, although the significance of this effect is unclear.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Ledipasvir

Theoretically, milk thistle might increase the levels and clinical effects of ledipasvir.
Animal research in rats shows that milk thistle increases the area under the curve (AUC) for ledipasvir and slows its elimination.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Morphine

Theoretically, concomitant use of milk thistle with morphine might affect serum levels of morphine and either increase or decrease its effects.
Animal research shows that milk thistle reduces serum levels of morphine by up to 66%. In contrast, laboratory research shows that milk thistle constituents inhibit uridine diphosphoglucuronosyl transferase (UGT), the major phase 2 enzyme that is responsible for glucuronidation. Theoretically, this could decrease the clearance and increase morphine levels. The effect of taking milk thistle on morphine metabolism in humans is not known.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Raloxifene (Evista)

Theoretically, milk thistle might decrease the clearance and increase levels of raloxifene.
Laboratory research suggests that the milk thistle constituents silibinin and silymarin inhibit the glucuronidation of raloxifene in the intestines.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Sirolimus (Rapamune)

Milk thistle might decrease the clearance of sirolimus.
Pharmacokinetic research shows that a milk thistle extract of silymarin decreases the apparent clearance of sirolimus in hepatically impaired renal transplant patients. It is unclear if this interaction occurs in patients without hepatic impairment.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Sofosbuvir (Solvaldi)

Theoretically, milk thistle might decrease the levels and clinical effects of sofosbuvir.
Animal research in rats shows that milk thistle reduces the metabolism of sofosbuvir, as well as the hepatic uptake of its active metabolite.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Tamoxifen (Nolvadex)

Theoretically, the milk thistle constituent silibinin might increase tamoxifen levels and interfere with its conversion to an active metabolite.
Animal research suggests that the milk thistle constituent silibinin might increase plasma levels of tamoxifen and alter its conversion to an active metabolite. The mechanism appears to involve inhibition of pre-systemic metabolism of tamoxifen by cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C9 and CYP3A4, and inhibition of P-glycoprotein-mediated efflux of tamoxifen into the intestine for excretion. Whether this interaction occurs in humans is not known.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, milk thistle might increase the effects of warfarin.
In one case report, a man stabilized on warfarin experienced an increase in INR from 2.64 to 4.12 after taking a combination product containing milk thistle 200 mg daily, as well as dandelion, wild yam, niacinamide, and vitamin B12. Levels returned to normal after stopping the supplement. Although a direct correlation between milk thistle and the change in INR cannot be confirmed, some in vitro research suggests that milk thistle might inhibit cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9), an enzyme involved in the metabolism of various drugs, including warfarin.

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

It is unclear if milk thistle inhibits CYP2C9; research is conflicting.
In vitro research suggests that milk thistle might inhibit CYP2C9. Additionally, 3 case reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) adverse drug reaction database describe increased toxicity in patients taking milk thistle and cancer medications that are CYP2C9 substrates, including imatinib and capecitabine. However, contradictory clinical research shows that milk thistle extract does not inhibit CYP2C9 or significantly affect levels of the CYP2C9 substrate tolbutamide. Differences in results could be due to differences in dosages or formulations utilized.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

It is unclear if milk thistle inhibits CYP3A4; research is conflicting.
While laboratory research shows conflicting results, pharmacokinetic research shows that taking milk thistle extract 420-1350 mg daily does not significantly affect the metabolism of the CYP3A4 substrates irinotecan, midazolam, or indinavir. However, 8 case reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) adverse drug reaction database describe increased toxicity in patients taking milk thistle and cancer medications that are CYP3A4 substrates, including gefitinib, sorafenib, doxorubicin, and vincristine.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Estrogens

Theoretically, milk thistle might interfere with estrogen therapy through competition for estrogen receptors.
Animal research suggests that a milk thistle extract of silymarin binds to estrogen receptor beta.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Hmg-Coa Reductase Inhibitors ("Statins")

Theoretically, milk thistle might interfere with statin therapy by decreasing the activity of organic anion transporting polypeptide 1B1 (OATB1B1) and inhibiting breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP).
Preliminary evidence suggests that a milk thistle extract of silymarin can decrease the activity of the OATP1B1, which transports HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors into the liver to their site of action, and animal research shows this increases the maximum plasma concentration of pitavastatin and pravastatin. The silibinin component also inhibits BCRP, which transports statins from the liver into the bile for excretion. However, in a preliminary study in healthy males, silymarin 140 mg three times daily had no effect on the pharmacokinetics of a single 10 mg dose of rosuvastatin.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Indinavir (Crixivan)

Theoretically, milk thistle may induce cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) enzymes and increase the metabolism of indinavir; however, results are conflicting.
One pharmacokinetic study shows that taking milk thistle (Standardized Milk Thistle, General Nutrition Corp.) 175 mg three times daily in combination with multiple doses of indinavir 800 mg every 8 hours decreases the mean trough levels of indinavir by 25%. However, results from the same pharmacokinetic study show that milk thistle does not affect the overall exposure to indinavir. Furthermore, two other pharmacokinetic studies show that taking specific milk thistle extract (Legalon, Rottapharm Madaus; Thisilyn, Nature's Way) 160-450 mg every 8 hours in combination with multiple doses of indinavir 800 mg every 8 hours does not reduce levels of indinavir.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B
Organic Anion-Transporting Polypeptide Substrates (Oatp)

Milk thistle may inhibit one form of OATP, OATP-B1, which could reduce the bioavailability and clinical effects of OATP-B1 substrates.
In vitro research shows that milk thistle inhibits OATP-B1. Two case reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) adverse drug reaction database describe increased toxicity in patients taking milk thistle and cancer medications that are OATP substrates, including sorafenib and methotrexate. OATPs are expressed in the small intestine and liver and are responsible for the uptake of drugs and other compounds into the body. Inhibition of OATP may reduce the bioavailability of oral drugs that are substrates of OATP.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
P-Glycoprotein Substrates

Theoretically, milk thistle might increase the absorption of P-glycoprotein substrates. However, this effect does not seem to be clinically significant.
In vitro research shows that milk thistle can inhibit P-glycoprotein activity and 1 case report from the World Health Organization (WHO) adverse drug reaction database describes increased abdominal pain in a patient taking milk thistle and the cancer medication vincristine, a P-glycoprotein substrate, though this patient was also taking methotrexate. However, a small pharmacokinetic study in healthy volunteers shows that taking milk thistle (Enzymatic Therapy Inc.) 900 mg, standardized to 80% silymarin, in 3 divided doses daily for 14 days does not affect absorption of digoxin, a P-glycoprotein substrate.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B

Goat's Rue1 drug type · 122 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Laboratory research suggests that goat's rue extract can inhibit platelet aggregation. Theoretically, goat's rue might increase the risk of bleeding when used with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs. Some anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, ticlopidine (Ticlid), warfarin (Coumadin), and others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Shatavari2 drug types · 76 drugs

Diuretic Drugs

Theoretically, asparagus racemosus root might increase diuresis and electrolyte loss when used with diuretic drugs.
Animal studies show that asparagus racemosus root has diuretic effects when used in high doses. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Lithium

Theoretically, Asparagus racemosus root could reduce excretion and increase levels of lithium.
Animal research suggests that Asparagus racemosus root has diuretic properties when used in high doses. Therefore, it might reduce excretion and increase levels of lithium. The dose of lithium might need to be decreased.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D

Blessed Thistle3 drug types · 36 drugs

Antacids

Theoretically, blessed thistle might decrease the effectiveness of antacids.
There are reports that blessed thistle increases stomach acid.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
H2-Blockers

Theoretically, blessed thistle might decrease the effectiveness of H2-blockers.
There are reports that blessed thistle increases stomach acid.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Proton Pump Inhibitors (Ppis)

Theoretically, blessed thistle might decrease the effectiveness of PPIs.
There are reports that blessed thistle increases stomach acid.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Fenugreek Free, from the product label.

Mommy Knows Best

See all Mommy Knows Best products
Name
Mommy Knows Best
Street Address
224 W Judd St. Suite 7B
City
Woodstock
State
IL
ZipCode
60098
Phone Number
(800) 323-2510
Web Address
mommyknowsbest.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Fenugreek Free by Mommy Knows Best: Common Questions

Does Fenugreek Free by Mommy Knows Best interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Fenugreek Free has a known interaction with 2,144 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Fenugreek Free 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.
Does this product contain fenugreek?
No. The product name 'Fenugreek Free' indicates it does not contain fenugreek seed. It contains milk thistle, marshmallow, shatavari, blessed thistle, and goat's rue instead.
What are these ingredients supposed to do?
These are traditional herbal ingredients used in lactation support formulas. However, the scientific evidence for most of them is insufficient to confirm they work. Milk thistle is possibly effective for blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes, but the others lack reliable evidence for their intended uses.
Can I take this while breastfeeding?
There isn't enough data to know for sure. Shatavari and milk thistle require caution because safety studies in breastfeeding are limited; blessed thistle and goat's rue should only be used under professional guidance. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it's right for you.
What side effects should I expect?
Milk thistle may cause mild stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, bloating, headache, or dizziness — though these don't typically occur more often than with placebo. Blessed thistle in high doses can cause nausea or vomiting. Allergic reactions are rare but possible. Most people tolerate these herbs without problems.
Is this safe to use with my medications?
That depends on which medications you take. Milk thistle, marshmallow, shatavari, blessed thistle, and goat's rue all interact with certain drug types — blood thinners, diabetes drugs, lithium, acid reducers, and others. Use the interaction checker on this page with your exact prescriptions to see if there's a concern, and confirm any interactions with your own doctor or pharmacist.

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

Not sure if Fenugreek Free 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.

Fenugreek Free label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Fenugreek Free’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Milk Thistle

Interacts with 954 drugs

Milk thistle is a popular herbal supplement most often used for liver health, and its main active component is a group of compounds called silymarin. While it is generally well tolerated, th...

Read the full Milk Thistle monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Marshmallow

Interacts with 2,040 drugs

Marshmallow root is a traditional herb rich in soothing, gel-like fibers called mucilage, which is why it has long been used for coughs, sore throats, and stomach irritation. Evidence for th...

Read the full Marshmallow monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Asparagus Racemosus

Interacts with 76 drugs

Asparagus racemosus, often called shatavari, is an Ayurvedic herb traditionally used to support women's health, digestion, and overall vitality. Human evidence for most of these uses is limi...

Read the full Asparagus Racemosus monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Blessed Thistle

Interacts with 36 drugs

Blessed thistle is a bitter herb traditionally used to stimulate appetite and ease mild digestive complaints. High-quality human studies are lacking, so its benefits are not well proven. It...

Read the full Blessed Thistle monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Goat's Rue

Interacts with 122 drugs

Goat's rue is a traditional herb most often used by nursing parents to try to increase milk supply, and it has a historical link to diabetes research. Solid human evidence for either use is...

Read the full Goat's Rue monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Fenugreek Free'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 83 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.

Milk Thistle 69 references
  1. Ferenci P, Dragosics B, Dittrich H, et al. Randomized controlled trial of silymarin treatment in patients with cirrhosis of the liver. J Hepatol 1989;9:105-13. PubMed
  2. Anon. Milk thistle: Effects on liver disease and cirrhosis and clinical adverse effects. Summary, Evidence Report/Technology Assessment: Number 21, September 2000. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD. Available at: http://www.ahrq.g
  3. Beckmann-Knopp S, Rietbrock S, Weyhenmeyer R, et al. Inhibitory effects of silibinin on cytochrome P-450 enzymes in human liver microsomes. Pharmacol Toxicol 2000;86:250-6. PubMed
  4. Venkataramanan R, Ramachandran V, Komoroski BJ, et al. Milk thistle, a herbal supplement, decreases the activity of CYP3A4 and uridine diphosphoglucuronosyl transferase in human hepatocyte cultures. Drug Metab Dispos 2000;28:1270-3. DOI
  5. Kim DH, Jin YH, Park JB, Kobashi K. Silymarin and its components are inhibitors of beta-glucuronidase. Biol Pharm Bull 1994;17:443-5. PubMed
  6. Pares A, Planas R, Torres M, et al. Effects of silymarin in alcoholic patients with cirrhosis of the liver: results of a controlled, double-blind, randomized and multicenter trial. J Hepatol 1998;28:615-21. PubMed
  7. Piscitelli SC, Formentini E, Burstein AH, et al. Effect of milk thistle on the pharmacokinetics of indinavir in healthy volunteers. Pharmacotherapy 2002;22:551-6. PubMed
  8. Boerth J, Strong KM. The clinical utility of milk thistle (Silybum marianum) in cirrhosis of the liver. J Herb Pharmacother 2002;2:11-7.
  9. Tanamly MD, Tadros F, Labeeb S, et al. Randomised double-blinded trial evaluating silymarin for chronic hepatitis C in an Egyptian village: study description and 12-month results. Dig Liver Dis 2004;36:752-9. PubMed
  10. Gurley BJ, Gardner SF, Hubbard MA, et al. In vivo assessment of botanical supplementation on human cytochrome P450 phenotypes: Citrus aurantium, Echinacea purpurea, milk thistle, and saw palmetto. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2004;76:428-40. .
  11. Huseini HF, Larijani B, Heshmat R, et al. The efficacy of Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. (silymarin) in the treatment of type II diabetes: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial. Phytother Res 2006;20;1036-9.
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Marshmallow 5 references
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Asparagus Racemosus 1 reference
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Goat's Rue 6 references
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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.

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