Fermented Maca Ingredients & Drug Interactions
by New Chapter
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking Fermented Maca against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.
Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy
Fermented Maca is a dietary supplement by New Chapter with 3 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for low libido and sexual function, energy and stamina, menopause symptoms.Based on those ingredients, 803 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are organic Schizandra. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.
Check Your Meds Against Fermented Maca by New Chapter
Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Fermented Maca by New Chapter — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.
AI summaries are generated from our interaction database for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Fermented Maca by New Chapter
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.
What’s inside
Full disclosure
Fermented Maca contains three active ingredients: organic maca, organic cardamom, and organic schisandra. The product also includes proprietary ferment media and maltodextrin as inactive ingredients.
Maca is traditionally used as a food and supplement; cardamom is an herb commonly used in cooking and traditional medicine; schisandra is an adaptogenic herb used in herbal practice for stress and endurance.
Does it work?
Not established
The evidence we hold doesn't establish effectiveness for this product. Maca is rated insufficient evidence for amenorrhea, anemia, sexual dysfunction, athletic performance, and bone health.
Cardamom is rated insufficient evidence for fatty liver disease, respiratory infections, diabetes, digestion, epilepsy, and cholesterol. Schisandra is rated insufficient evidence for asthma, athletic performance, cough, diabetes, diarrhea, and liver health.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Maca and cardamom are generally well tolerated in food amounts. Maca may cause stomach pain if consumed fresh and uncooked.
Cardamom at food doses is likely fine, but we don't have strong data on concentrated supplement or essential oil doses. One trial participant reported mild skin inflammation from cardamom; a case report describes hand dermatitis in someone frequently exposed to it occupationally.
Schisandra is generally well tolerated short term in healthy adults, though high-quality safety data are limited. Common side effects include decreased appetite, heartburn, stomach upset, and urticaria (hives).
For pregnancy: maca and schisandra carry safety concerns and should be avoided; cardamom safety in pregnancy is not rated in our data. For breastfeeding: cardamom is likely safe, but there isn't enough data on maca or schisandra.
Meds to double-check
Moderate interaction found
Before you take Fermented Maca, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you're on tacrolimus, any blood thinners (especially warfarin), antifungal medications like voriconazole, sedatives like midazolam, or drugs that rely on CYP3A4 metabolism (a major liver pathway affecting hundreds of medications). Schisandra in this product can raise levels of these drugs to unsafe ranges.
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.
Fermented Maca is not established to be effective for any of the conditions listed in our data. The main concern is schisandra's potential to raise levels of several medications, especially tacrolimus and other drugs processed by the liver.
If you take any prescription medication — particularly an immunosuppressant, blood thinner, antifungal, sedative, or chemotherapy drug — talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting this product.
Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI
Assessment coverage: 3 of 3 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Sep 21, 2018.
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
General information
Key facts about Fermented Maca, straight from the product label.
| Brand | New Chapter |
|---|---|
| Barcode (UPC) | 727783901347 |
| Net contents | 2.2 oz.; 63 Gram(s) |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | Sep 21, 2018 |
| DSLD ID | 181187 |
| Product type | Botanical |
| Supplement form | Powder |
| Dietary claims / uses | All Other, Structure/Function |
| Intended target group(s) | Children 4 or More Years of Age, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Kosher, Organic, Gluten Free |
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 Fermented Maca by New Chapter, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| organic Maca | 700 mg | -- |
| organic Cardamom | 140 mg | -- |
| organic Schizandra | 210 mg | -- |
Other ingredients: Proprietary Ferment Media, Maltodextrin
Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.
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.
Brand IP Statement(s)
New Chapter booster powders are fermented in a proprietary 2-step method with clinically studied strains of probiotics and whole foods.
2017 New Chapter, Inc.
General Statements
The result: an easily digestible powder, with a nutrient-packed fermentate that delivers many beneficial factors.
Visit newchapter.com/recipes for more ideas!
New Chapter is proud to be a Certified B Corp, using business as a force for good. newchapter.com/bcorp
Please Recycle
The New Chapter Money-Back Guarantee: We proudly stand behind every product we make. However, if you are not satisfied, please visit www.newchapter.com/guarantee for refund details.
Made in the USA
New
Booster powder Energy Endurance Recovery support
Formula
Fermented organic Maca
Cultivated for its adaptogenic properties, Maca root has been treasured for millennia. Our expertly formulated Maca powder is enhanced with Schizandra berry and Cardamom, then whole-food fermented with our proprietary method for an essential daily boost of energy, endurance and recovery support.
OU
Contains: Fermented soy.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions
Suggested Use: Add approx. 1/2 teaspoon to your favorite milk, juice, smoothie, or mix into your favorite recipe. For ages 12 and up.
Seals/Symbols
Certified B Corporation
100% Vegetarian
OU USDA Organic Non GMO Project Verified nongmoproject.org
FDA Disclaimer Statement
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
FDA Statement of Identity
Dietary Supplement
Precautions
Contains: Fermented soy.
Caution: As with any dietary or herbal supplement, you should advise your healthcare professional of the use of this product.
If you are nursing, pregnant, or considering pregnancy, you should consult your healthcare professional prior to using this product.
Avoid use if known sensitivity to any of the ingredients. Discontinue use and contact a healthcare professional if you experience an allergic reaction or side effect.
Carefully read label directions before use. Do not exceed suggested use.
Keep out of reach of children.
Formulation
Certified Organic by International Certification Services, Inc. Medina, ND, USA
Gluten free; 100% vegetarian; no artificial flavors or colors.
Gluten free; 100% vegetarian; no artificial flavors or colors.
General
0129-A02
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Fermented Maca by New Chapter label
The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.
Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.
View the full label (PDF)The Ingredients in Fermented Maca by New Chapter
These are the 3 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.
Serving size0.5 tsp Dosage formPowder Servings per container45 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.
Organic Maca
No knowninteractions
Maca is a nutrient-rich Andean root often used for energy, libido, and menopause symptoms. Early studies suggest it may modestly help sexual desire an...
Organic Maca monograph & interactionsOrganic Cardamom
No knowninteractions
Cardamom is a popular cooking spice that has long been used in traditional medicine for digestion and fresh breath. As a food, it is generally safe fo...
Organic Cardamom monograph & interactionsOrganic Schizandra
Interacts with803 drugs
Schisandra is a traditional Chinese medicine berry used as an adaptogen for stress, fatigue, and liver support. Human evidence is limited and most cla...
Organic Schizandra monograph & interactionsOther (inactive) ingredients: Proprietary Ferment Media, Maltodextrin. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
Fermented Maca by New Chapter Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
Fermented Maca by New Chapter contains schisandra, which interacts with a significant number of medications.
The most serious concern is with tacrolimus (an immunosuppressant used after organ transplant), which schisandra can raise to potentially unsafe levels — clinical data show increases of 183% to 268%. Schisandra also moderately interacts with several other drug types: CYP3A4 substrates (drugs metabolized by a major liver enzyme, including midazolam and certain chemotherapy drugs), P-glycoprotein substrates (medications that depend on a cellular pump for absorption), blood thinners like warfarin, and antifungal voriconazole.
Additionally, schisandra can theoretically decrease the effect of CYP2C9 substrates.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
Organic maca and organic cardamom have no documented interactions in our data.
Altogether, these interactions span 804 individual medications. Because the range is broad and some effects are serious, you'll want to run your exact medications through the interaction checker below before you start this product.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
Want to check YOUR meds against Fermented Maca?
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 checkerIngredients driving the most interactions
Individual Drug Interactions
The ingredients in Fermented Maca interact with 803 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
1 of the 3 ingredients in Fermented Maca interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. organic Schizandra
Aspirin, OmeprazoleYosprala
How Aspirin, Omeprazole interacts with Fermented Maca — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Organic SchizandraCytochrome P450 2c19 (cyp2c19) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 2c9 (cyp2c9) Substrates +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, schisandra might increase the levels and clinical effects of CYP2C19 substrates.
Read the full Organic Schizandra + Aspirin, Omeprazole interactionAtazanavirReyataz
How Atazanavir interacts with Fermented Maca — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Organic SchizandraCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Schisandra can increase the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Organic Schizandra + Atazanavir interactionAtazanavir, CobicistatEvotaz
How Atazanavir, Cobicistat interacts with Fermented Maca — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Organic SchizandraCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Schisandra can increase the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Organic Schizandra + Atazanavir, Cobicistat interactionAtogepantQulipta
How Atogepant interacts with Fermented Maca — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Organic SchizandraCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, P-glycoprotein Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Schisandra can increase the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Organic Schizandra + Atogepant interactionAtorvastatinAtorvaliq
How Atorvastatin interacts with Fermented Maca — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Organic SchizandraCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Schisandra can increase the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Organic Schizandra + Atorvastatin interactionAtorvastatin CalciumLipitor
How Atorvastatin Calcium interacts with Fermented Maca — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Organic SchizandraCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Schisandra can increase the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Organic Schizandra + Atorvastatin Calcium interactionAtovaquone, ProguanilMalarone
How Atovaquone, Proguanil interacts with Fermented Maca — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Organic SchizandraCytochrome P450 2c19 (cyp2c19) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, schisandra might increase the levels and clinical effects of CYP2C19 substrates.
Read the full Organic Schizandra + Atovaquone, Proguanil interactionAtropine, Chlorpheniramine, Hyoscyamine, Phenylephrine, Phenylpropanolamine, ScopolamineAtrohist Plus, Pro Tuss, Ru-tuss, Stahist
How Atropine, Chlorpheniramine, Hyoscyamine, Phenylephrine, Phenylpropanolamine, Scopolamine interacts with Fermented Maca — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Organic SchizandraCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Schisandra can increase the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Organic Schizandra + Atropine, Chlorpheniramine, Hyoscyamine, Phenylephrine, Phenylpropanolamine, Scopolamine interactionAtropine, Morphine SulfateAtropine, Morphine Sulfate
How Atropine, Morphine Sulfate interacts with Fermented Maca — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Organic SchizandraP-glycoprotein Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Schisandra might increase the levels and clinical effects of P-glycoprotein substrates.
Read the full Organic Schizandra + Atropine, Morphine Sulfate interactionAvacopanTavneos
How Avacopan interacts with Fermented Maca — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Organic SchizandraCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Schisandra can increase the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Organic Schizandra + Avacopan interactionAvanafilStendra
How Avanafil interacts with Fermented Maca — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Organic SchizandraCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Schisandra can increase the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Organic Schizandra + Avanafil interactionAvapritinibAyvakit
How Avapritinib interacts with Fermented Maca — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Organic SchizandraCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Schisandra can increase the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Organic Schizandra + Avapritinib interactionAvatrombopag MaleateDoptelet
How Avatrombopag Maleate interacts with Fermented Maca — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Organic SchizandraP-glycoprotein Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Schisandra might increase the levels and clinical effects of P-glycoprotein substrates.
Read the full Organic Schizandra + Avatrombopag Maleate interactionAxitinibInlyta
How Axitinib interacts with Fermented Maca — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Organic SchizandraCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Schisandra can increase the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Organic Schizandra + Axitinib interactionAzelastine Hydrochloride, Fluticasone PropionateDymista
How Azelastine Hydrochloride, Fluticasone Propionate interacts with Fermented Maca — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Organic SchizandraCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Schisandra can increase the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Organic Schizandra + Azelastine Hydrochloride, Fluticasone Propionate interactionAzilsartanEdarbi
How Azilsartan interacts with Fermented Maca — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Organic SchizandraCytochrome P450 2c9 (cyp2c9) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, schisandra might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP2C9 substrates.
Read the full Organic Schizandra + Azilsartan interactionAzilsartan, ChlorthalidoneEdarbyclor
How Azilsartan, Chlorthalidone interacts with Fermented Maca — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Organic SchizandraCytochrome P450 2c9 (cyp2c9) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, schisandra might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP2C9 substrates.
Read the full Organic Schizandra + Azilsartan, Chlorthalidone interactionBazedoxifene Acetate, Conjugated EstrogensDuavee
How Bazedoxifene Acetate, Conjugated Estrogens interacts with Fermented Maca — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Organic SchizandraCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, P-glycoprotein Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Schisandra can increase the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Organic Schizandra + Bazedoxifene Acetate, Conjugated Estrogens interactionBeclometasone DipropionateBecotide
How Beclometasone Dipropionate interacts with Fermented Maca — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Organic SchizandraP-glycoprotein Substrates, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Schisandra might increase the levels and clinical effects of P-glycoprotein substrates.
Read the full Organic Schizandra + Beclometasone Dipropionate interactionBeclomethasoneBeclovent, Vanceril
How Beclomethasone interacts with Fermented Maca — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Organic SchizandraCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, P-glycoprotein Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Schisandra can increase the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Organic Schizandra + Beclomethasone interactionBeclomethasone DipropionateQNASL, Qvar
How Beclomethasone Dipropionate interacts with Fermented Maca — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Organic SchizandraP-glycoprotein Substrates, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Schisandra might increase the levels and clinical effects of P-glycoprotein substrates.
Read the full Organic Schizandra + Beclomethasone Dipropionate interactionBedaquilineSirturo
How Bedaquiline interacts with Fermented Maca — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Organic SchizandraCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Schisandra can increase the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Organic Schizandra + Bedaquiline interactionBelinostatBeleodaq
How Belinostat interacts with Fermented Maca — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Organic SchizandraP-glycoprotein Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Schisandra might increase the levels and clinical effects of P-glycoprotein substrates.
Read the full Organic Schizandra + Belinostat interactionBelladonna Alkaloids, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine, PhenylpropanolamineRespa ARM
How Belladonna Alkaloids, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine, Phenylpropanolamine interacts with Fermented Maca — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Organic SchizandraCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Schisandra can increase the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Organic Schizandra + Belladonna Alkaloids, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine, Phenylpropanolamine interactionBelladonna Alkaloids, Ergotamine Tartrate, PhenobarbitalBel Tabs, Bellamine-S, Bellaphen-S, Duragal S, Phenarbal S, Spastrin
How Belladonna Alkaloids, Ergotamine Tartrate, Phenobarbital interacts with Fermented Maca — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Organic SchizandraCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Schisandra can increase the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Organic Schizandra + Belladonna Alkaloids, Ergotamine Tartrate, Phenobarbital interactionBelladonna, Caffeine, Ergotamine, PentobarbitalMicomp PB
How Belladonna, Caffeine, Ergotamine, Pentobarbital interacts with Fermented Maca — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Organic SchizandraCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Schisandra can increase the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Organic Schizandra + Belladonna, Caffeine, Ergotamine, Pentobarbital interactionBelladonna, Ergotamine Tartrate, Phenobarbital
How Belladonna, Ergotamine Tartrate, Phenobarbital interacts with Fermented Maca — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Organic SchizandraCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Schisandra can increase the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Organic Schizandra + Belladonna, Ergotamine Tartrate, Phenobarbital interactionBelladonna, Ergotamine, PhenobarbitalBellergal-S
How Belladonna, Ergotamine, Phenobarbital interacts with Fermented Maca — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Organic SchizandraCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Schisandra can increase the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Organic Schizandra + Belladonna, Ergotamine, Phenobarbital interactionBellafoline, Caffeine, Ergotamine Tartrate, PentobarbitalCafergot PB
How Bellafoline, Caffeine, Ergotamine Tartrate, Pentobarbital interacts with Fermented Maca — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Organic SchizandraCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Schisandra can increase the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Organic Schizandra + Bellafoline, Caffeine, Ergotamine Tartrate, Pentobarbital interactionBelumosudil MesylateRezurock
How Belumosudil Mesylate interacts with Fermented Maca — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Organic SchizandraCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Schisandra can increase the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Organic Schizandra + Belumosudil Mesylate interactionEach ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects
For each ingredient in Fermented Maca with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.
organic Schizandra
Cyclophosphamide
Theoretically, schisandra might increase the levels and clinical effects of cyclophosphamide.
In vitro research shows that schisandra increases the concentration of cyclophosphamide, likely through inhibition of cytochrome P450 3A4. After multiple doses of the schisandra constituents schisandrin A and schisantherin A, the maximum concentration of cyclophosphamide was increased by 7% and 75%, respectively, while the overall exposure to cyclophosphamide was increased by 29% and 301%, respectively.
Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)
Schisandra can increase the levels and clinical effects of cyclosporine.
A small observational study in children with aplastic anemia found that taking schisandra with cyclosporine increased cyclosporine trough levels by 93% without increasing the risk of adverse events. However, the dose of cyclosporine was reduced in 9% of children to maintain appropriate cyclosporine blood concentrations.
Cytochrome P450 2C19 (Cyp2C19) Substrates
Theoretically, schisandra might increase the levels and clinical effects of CYP2C19 substrates.
In vitro research shows that schisandra inhibits CYP2C19, and animal research shows that schisandra increases the concentration of voriconazole, a CYP2C19 substrate. Theoretically, schisandra may also inhibit the metabolism of other CYP2C19 substrates. This effect has not been reported in humans.
Cytochrome P450 2C9 (Cyp2C9) Substrates
Theoretically, schisandra might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP2C9 substrates.
In vitro and animal research suggests that schisandra induces CYP2C9 enzymes. This effect has not been reported in humans.
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates
Schisandra can increase the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Most clinical and laboratory research shows that schisandra, administered either as a single dose or up to twice daily for 14 days, inhibits CYP3A4 and increases the concentration of CYP3A4 substrates such as cyclophosphamide, midazolam, tacrolimus, and talinolol. Although one in vitro and animal study shows that schisandra may induce CYP3A4 metabolism, this effect appears to be overpowered by schisandra's CYP3A4 inhibitory activity and has not been reported in humans.
Midazolam (Versed)
Schisandra can increase the levels and clinical effects of midazolam.
A small pharmacokinetic study in healthy adults shows that taking schisandra extract (Hezheng Pharmaceutical Co.) containing deoxyschizandrin 33.75 mg twice daily for 8 days and a single dose of midazolam 15 mg on day 8 increases the overall exposure to midazolam by about 119%, increases the peak plasma level of midazolam by 86%, and decreases midazolam clearance by about 52%. This effect has been attributed to inhibition of CYP3A4 by schisandra.
P-Glycoprotein Substrates
Schisandra might increase the levels and clinical effects of P-glycoprotein substrates.
In vitro research shows that schisandra extracts and constituents such as schisandrin B inhibit P-glycoprotein mediated efflux in intestinal cells and in P-glycoprotein over-expressing cell lines. Additionally, a small clinical study shows that schisandra increases the peak concentration and overall exposure to talinolol, a P-glycoprotein probe substrate. Theoretically, schisandra might inhibit the efflux of other P-glycoprotein substrates.
Sirolimus (Rapamune)
Schisandra can increase the levels and clinical effects of sirolimus.
A small pharmacokinetic study in healthy volunteers shows that taking 3 capsules of schisandra (Hezheng Pharmaceutical Company) containing a total of 33.75 mg deoxyschizandrin twice daily for 13 days and then taking a single dose of sirolimus 2 mg increases the overall exposure and peak level of sirolimus by two-fold. This effect is thought to be due to inhibition of cytochrome P450 3A4 by schisandra, as well as possible inhibition of the P-glycoprotein drug transporter.
Tacrolimus (Prograf)
Schisandra can increase the levels and clinical effects of tacrolimus.
Clinical research in healthy children and adults, transplant patients, and patients with nephrotic syndrome and various rheumatic immunologic disorders shows that taking schisandra with tacrolimus increases tacrolimus peak levels by 183% to 268%, prolongs or delays time to peak tacrolimus concentrations, increases overall exposure to tacrolimus by 126% to 343%, and decreases tacrolimus clearance by 19% to 73%. This effect is thought to be due to inhibition of P-glycoprotein drug transporter and CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 by schisandra. Some clinical and observational studies suggest that schisandra increases tacrolimus levels similarly in both expressors and non-expressors of CYP3A5, while other studies suggest it does so to a greater degree in CYP3A5 expressors than non-expressors. Animal research suggests that the greatest increase in tacrolimus levels occurs when schisandra is taken either concomitantly or up to 2 hours before tacrolimus, and clinical and observational research in humans suggests that schisandra may increase whole blood levels of tacrolimus and decrease clearance of tacrolimus in a dose-dependent manner.
Talinolol
Schisandra can increase the levels and clinical effects of talinolol.
A small pharmacokinetic study in healthy volunteers shows that taking schisandra extract 300 mg twice daily for 14 days with a single dose of talinolol 100 mg on day 14 increases the peak talinolol level by 51% and the overall exposure to talinolol by 47%. This effect is thought to be due to the possible inhibition of cytochrome P450 3A4 and P-glycoprotein by schisandra.
tly.
Voriconazole (Vfend)
Theoretically, schisandra might increase the levels and clinical effects of voriconazole.
Animal research shows that oral schisandra given daily for 1 or 14 days increases levels of intravenously administered voriconazole, a cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C19 substrate. This effect is thought to be due to inhibition of CYP2C19 by schisandra. However, this interaction has not been reported in humans.
Warfarin (Coumadin)
Theoretically, schisandra might decrease the levels and clinical effects of warfarin.
Animal research suggests that oral schisandra extract, given daily for 6 days, reduces levels of intravenously administered warfarin. This effect might be due to the induction of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C9 metabolism by schisandra. However, this interaction has not been reported in humans.
Brand information
Manufacturer and brand details for Fermented Maca, from the product label.
New Chapter
See all New Chapter products- Name
- New Chapter, Inc.
- Street Address
- 90 Technology Drive
- City
- Brattleboro
- State
- VT
- ZipCode
- 05301
- Phone Number
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Fermented Maca by New Chapter: Common Questions
Does Fermented Maca by New Chapter interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
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Is maca safe to use if I'm pregnant?
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What's schisandra supposed to do?
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Does maca work for sexual dysfunction?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
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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.
The Full Monographs Behind Fermented Maca’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
Maca
Maca is a nutrient-rich Andean root often used for energy, libido, and menopause symptoms. Early studies suggest it may modestly help sexual desire and some menopause symptoms, but the evide...
Read the full Maca monograph → Herb & supplement monographCardamom
Cardamom is a popular cooking spice that has long been used in traditional medicine for digestion and fresh breath. As a food, it is generally safe for most people, but high-dose supplements...
Read the full Cardamom monograph → Herb & supplement monographSchisandra
Interacts with 803 drugsSchisandra is a traditional Chinese medicine berry used as an adaptogen for stress, fatigue, and liver support. Human evidence is limited and most claims are not well proven, but it appears...
Read the full Schisandra monograph →Sources & How We Checked
Fermented Maca'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.
- NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD) — The official product label on file for this supplement.
- Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) — Evidence-graded clinical reference behind the ingredient interaction data.
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 29 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.
Maca 1 reference
- Valerio, L. G., Jr. and Gonzales, G. F. Toxicological aspects of the South American herbs cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa) and Maca (Lepidium meyenii) : a critical synopsis. Toxicol.Rev 2005;24(1):11-35. PubMed
Cardamom 2 references
- Mobacken, H. and Fregert, S. Allergic contact dermatitis from cardamom. Contact Dermatitis 1975;1(3):175-176. PubMed
- Aghasi M, Koohdani F, Qorbani M, et al. Beneficial effects of green cardamom on serum SIRT1, glycemic indices and triglyceride levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized double-blind placebo controlled clinical trial. J Sci Food Agri PubMed
Schisandra 26 references
- Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1996.
- Iwata H, Tezuka Y, Kadota S, et al. Identification and characterization of potent CYP3A4 inhibitors in Schisandra fruit extract. Drug Metab Dispos 2004;32:1351-8. PubMed
- Mu Y, Zhang J, Zhang S, et al. Traditional Chinese medicines Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra chinensis Baill) and Gan Cao (Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch) activate pregnane X receptor and increase warfarin clearance in rats. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2006;316:1369-77. PubMed
- Xin HW, Wu XC, Li Q, et al. Effects of Schisandra sphenanthera extract on the pharmacokinetics of tacrolimus in healthy volunteers. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2007;64:469-75.
- Qin XL, Bi HC, Wang XD, et al. Mechanistic understanding of the different effects of Wuhzi Tablet (Schisandra sphenanthera extract) on the absorption and first-pass intestinal and hepatic metabolism of tacrolimus (FK506). Int J Pharm 2010;389:114-21.
- Makino, T., Mizuno, F., and Mizukami, H. Does a kampo medicine containing schisandra fruit affect pharmacokinetics of nifedipine like grapefruit juice? Biol.Pharm.Bull. 2006;29(10):2065-2069. PubMed
- Fan L, Mao XQ, Tao GY, Wang G, Jiang F, Chen Y, Li Q, Zhang W, Lei HP, Hu DL, Huang YF, Wang D, Zhou HH. Effect of Schisandra chinensis extract and Ginkgo biloba extract on the pharmacokinetics of talinolol in healthy volunteers. Xenobiotica. 2009 Mar;39(
- Jiang W, Wang X, Xu X, Kong L. Effect of Schisandra sphenanthera extract on the concentration of tacrolimus in the blood of liver transplant patients. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2010 Mar;48(3):224-9. PubMed
- Xin HW, Wu XC, Li Q, Yu AR, Xiong L. Effects of Schisandra sphenanthera extract on the pharmacokinetics of midazolam in healthy volunteers. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2009 May;67(5):541-6.
- Li J, Chen S, Qin X, et at. Wuzhi Tablet (<i>Schisandra sphenanthera</i> Extract) is a Promising Tacrolimus-Sparing Agent for Renal Transplant Recipients Who are CYP3A5 Expressers: a Two-Phase Prospective Study. Drug Metab Dispos. 2017;45(11):1114-1119.
- Qin XL, Li JL, Wang SH, Chen X, Huang M, Bi HC. Co-administration of Wuzhi tablet (Schisandra sphenanthera extract) alters tacrolimus pharmacokinetics in a dose- and time-dependent manner in rats. J Ethnopharmacol. 2020;263:113233. PubMed
- Yuan F, Liang X, Chen X, Qin X, Tan C, Wang L. CYP2C19 is involved in the effect of Wuzhi tablet (Schisandra sphenanthera extract) and its constituents on the pharmacokinetics of intravenous voriconazole. Pharmazie. 2020;75(11):559-564. DOI
- Zhang Z, Lu X, Dong L, Ma J, Fan X. Clinical observation on the effect of Wuzhi soft capsule on FK506 concentration in membranous nephropathy patients. Medicine (Baltimore). 2019;98(48):e18150. PubMed
- Yoo HH, Lee M, Lee MW, Lim SY, Shin J, Kim DH. Effects of Schisandra lignans on P-glycoprotein-mediated drug efflux in human intestinal Caco-2. Planta Med. 2007;73(5):444-50.
- Qiangrong P, Wang T, Lu Q, Hu X. Schisandrin B--a novel inhibitor of P-glycoprotein. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2005;335(2):406-11. PubMed
- Chen L, Ji N, Zhang M, Chen W. The influence of Wuzhi capsule on the pharmacokinetics of cyclophosphamide. Recent Pat Anticancer Drug Discov 2021. PubMed
- Cheng X, Ma J, Xu X, Zhang L, Wang X, Wu R. Effect of Wuzhi capsules on cyclosporine A concentration in children with aplastic anemia immunotherapy: a single-center observational study. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2022:1-5. PubMed
- Cheng F, Li Q, Wang J, Zeng F, Zhang Y. Effects and safety evaluation of Wuzhi capsules combined with tacrolimus for the treatment of kidney transplantation recipients. J Clin Pharm Ther 2021;46(6):1636-49. PubMed
- Teng F, Wang W, Zhang W, et al. Effect of hepar-protecting Wuzhi capsule on pharmacokinetics and dose-effect character of tacrolimus in healthy volunteers. Biopharm Drug Dispos 2022.
- Kou K, Sun X, Li M, et al. Beneficial effects of Wuzhi capsule on tacrolimus blood concentrations in liver transplant patients with different donor-recipient CYP3A5 genotypes. J Clin Pharm Ther 2022;47(2):200-10. PubMed
- Peng Y, Jiang F, Zhou R, et al. Clinical evaluation of the efficacy and safety of co-administration of Wuzhi capsule and tacrolimus in adult Chinese patients with myasthenia gravis. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2021;17:2281-9. PubMed
- Chen P, Dai R, She Y, et al. Prediction of tacrolimus and Wuzhi tablet pharmacokinetic interaction magnitude in renal transplant recipients. Clin Transplant 2022;36(12):e14807. PubMed
- Qu J, Bian R, Liu B, et al. The pharmacokinetic study of tacrolimus and Wuzhi capsule in Chinese liver transplant patients. Front Pharmacol 2022;13:956166. PubMed
- Zhou Y, Huang X, Liu L, et al. Effect of Wuzhi preparations on tacrolimus in CYP3A5 expressers during the early period after transplantation: A real-life experience from heart transplant recipients. Transpl Immunol 2023;76:101748. PubMed
- Huang Q, Lin X, Wang Y, et al. Tacrolimus pharmacokinetics in pediatric nephrotic syndrome: A combination of population pharmacokinetic modelling and machine learning approaches to improve individual prediction. Front Pharmacol 2022;13:942129. PubMed
- Wang CB, Zhang YJ, Zhao MM, Zhao LM. Population pharmacokinetic analyses of tacrolimus in non-transplant patients: a systematic review. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2023;79(7):897-913. PubMed
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