Major interaction on record — check this product against your medications before combining. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

ForceLean Diet Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by AN American Nutriceuticals

ForceLean Diet label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Major
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking ForceLean Diet 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

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Major

ForceLean Diet is a dietary supplement by AN American Nutriceuticals with 3 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for weight management, asthma and breathing, high blood pressure.Based on those ingredients, 1,242 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Coleus Forskohlii Briq. Forslean(R), Paulinia Cupana H.B.K.-“Guarana”, Mucuna Pruriens L.-“Velvet Beans”. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

Jump to a section

Check Your Meds Against ForceLean Diet by AN American Nutriceuticals

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with ForceLean Diet by AN American Nutriceuticals — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

Pharmacist-reviewed data Checks every ingredient Answer in seconds
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of ForceLean Diet by AN American Nutriceuticals

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

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 11, 2026

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 3 of its 3 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

ForceLean Diet contains 3 active ingredients. Coleus Forskohlii (Forslean®) is a plant extract whose active compound, forskolin, is believed to work on cellular processes related to fat.

Mucuna Pruriens, also called velvet beans, contains levodopa (L-dopa), a compound related to dopamine, which is an active drug-like substance in the body. Guarana is a plant seed that's naturally very high in caffeine, a stimulant.

The product has no inactive other ingredients listed.

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: Weight management and body composition.
  • We looked for evidence on: Obesity, Fat loss, Metabolic support, Body composition.
  • The closest evidence on file: Guarana is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Obesity (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Coleus is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Obesity.

The evidence we hold does not establish that any of the three ingredients in ForceLean Diet work for weight loss or any other purpose. Coleus has insufficient reliable evidence for angina, asthma, cancer, congestive heart failure, eczema, and dry eye.

Cowhage has insufficient reliable evidence for anxiety, skin inflammation, high prolactin, muscle pain, Parkinson disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. Guarana has insufficient reliable evidence for cancer-related appetite loss, anxiety, athletic performance, or cancer-related fatigue.

If you're considering this product for a specific health goal, talk with your pharmacist about what the science actually supports.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Coleus Cowhage Guarana

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

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

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

Coleus seems to be well tolerated when taken by mouth, though a small number of trial participants reported constipation, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting; diarrhea and loose stools are the most commonly reported effects. Cowhage is also generally well tolerated orally, with rare reports of diarrhea, flatulence, and dry mouth; some patients taking higher doses reported nausea, abdominal bloating, and vomiting.

Guarana is typically well tolerated in small amounts but is high in caffeine — overuse can cause stomach burning, nausea, insomnia, nervousness, restlessness, dizziness, tremors, and headache. Coleus may lower blood pressure and hasn't been well studied for long-term use, so use with care and professional guidance.

The safety data for coleus during pregnancy is insufficient — avoid use. Cowhage contains levodopa, which can affect dopamine and hormones; safety data are insufficient, so avoid during pregnancy.

L-dopa can lower prolactin and reduce milk supply, so avoid while breastfeeding. Guarana's high caffeine content makes it best avoided during pregnancy; caffeine passes into breast milk, so it's best avoided or limited while breastfeeding.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Coleus Cowhage Guarana

Meds to double-check

Major interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Major identified

At least one ingredient has a documented Major-severity interaction. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 3 of the 3 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Guarana, Cowhage, Coleus.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; diabetes medications; lithium; Parkinson's medications.
  • For scale: 1,243 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 ForceLean Diet, double-check your medications if you take monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) for depression — Major risk. Also flag any heart or blood pressure drugs you're on: nitrates, calcium channel blockers (Major), or antihypertensive drugs (Moderate).

Check with your pharmacist if you take anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs, diabetes medications, antipsychotics, tricyclic antidepressants, seizure medications (valproate, felbamate, carbamazepine), clozapine, fluvoxamine, disulfiram, dipyridamole, or guanethidine. Avoid ephedrine entirely while taking this product.

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. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

ForceLean Diet carries serious risks with several classes of heart, psychiatric, and blood-pressure medications, and no established evidence that it works for weight loss. If you take any prescription drug — especially for heart, blood pressure, depression, anxiety, diabetes, or seizures — you must check your exact medications against the interaction database on this page before considering this product.

Talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting.

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 Mar 23, 2012.

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 ForceLean Diet, straight from the product label.

Brand AN American Nutriceuticals
Net contents 60 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Mar 23, 2012
DSLD ID 6713
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 ForceLean Diet by AN American Nutriceuticals, 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:
1 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
60
IngredientAmount% DV
Coleus Forskohlii Briq. Forslean(R)250 mg--
Mucuna Pruriens L.-“Velvet Beans”100 mg--
Paulinia Cupana H.B.K.-“Guarana”100 mg--

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.
Brand IP Statement(s)

Coleus Forskohlii Forslean® Formula

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use: 1 capsule two times a day

FDA Disclaimer Statement

This information has 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

General Statements

450mg each

UNITED STATES PATENT PENDING

Precautions

Consult a healthcare professional before using if taking prescription medications or if pregnant or nursing.

Keep all supplements out of reach of children.

This bottle is sealed with a printed outer film and an inner freshness seal. Do not use if either seal is broken or missing.

Storage

Store in a cool dry place.

Seals/Symbols

(AN) AMERICAN NUTRICEUTICALS

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

ForceLean Diet by AN American Nutriceuticals label

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

ForceLean Diet label

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)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in ForceLean Diet by AN American Nutriceuticals

These are the 3 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container60 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.

Coleus Forskohlii Briq. Forslean(R)

Interacts with
915 drugs
250 mg per serving

Coleus is a plant from the mint family whose root contains a compound called forskolin, often marketed for weight loss, asthma, and heart health. Whil...

Coleus Forskohlii Briq. Forslean(R) monograph & interactions

Mucuna Pruriens L.-“Velvet Beans”

Interacts with
193 drugs
100 mg per serving

Cowhage (Mucuna pruriens) is a tropical legume best known as a natural source of L-dopa, the compound the body turns into dopamine. It is most studied...

Mucuna Pruriens L.-“Velvet Beans” monograph & interactions

Paulinia Cupana H.B.K.-“Guarana”

Interacts with
655 drugs
100 mg per serving

Guarana is an Amazonian seed that is naturally high in caffeine, which explains most of its stimulant and energy effects. While it may give a short-te...

Paulinia Cupana H.B.K.-“Guarana” monograph & interactions
Interaction report

ForceLean Diet by AN American Nutriceuticals Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against ForceLean Diet?

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
1,242Drugs
54 Major 1,143 Moderate 45 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Coleus Forskohlii Briq. Forslean(R) 915
Paulinia Cupana H.B.K.-“Guarana” 655
Mucuna Pruriens L.-“Velvet Beans” 193

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in ForceLean Diet interact with 1,242 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

3 of the 3 ingredients in ForceLean Diet interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Coleus Forskohlii Briq. Forslean(R) Paulinia Cupana H.B.K.-“Guarana” Mucuna Pruriens L.-“Velvet Beans”

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in ForceLean Diet 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.

Coleus Forskohlii Briq. Forslean(R)7 drug types · 915 drugs

Calcium Channel Blockers

Theoretically, combining coleus with calcium channel blockers might increase the coronary vasodilatory effects.
Forskolin, a constituent of coleus, and calcium channel blockers both cause coronary vasodilatory effects.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Nitrates

Theoretically, combining coleus with nitrates might increase the coronary vasodilatory effects.
Forskolin, a constituent of coleus, and nitrates both cause coronary vasodilatory effects.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use of coleus and anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
In vitro and animal research shows that forskolin, a constituent of coleus, can inhibit platelet aggregation and adhesion.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, combining coleus with antihypertensive drugs might cause additive blood pressure lowering effects and increase the risk of hypotension.
Animal research shows that forskolin, a constituent of coleus, may lower blood pressure.

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

Theoretically, taking coleus may affect drugs metabolized by CYP2C9 and increase the risk of adverse effects or reduce the effectiveness.
Research on the effect of coleus on CYP2C9 is conflicting. Some animal research shows that coleus extract can induce CYP2C9, while in vitro research shows that coleus can inhibit CYP2C9. Until more is known, advise patients that taking coleus might increase or decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C9.

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

Theoretically, taking coleus might decrease serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
In vitro research shows that coleus can activate the nuclear receptor, pregnane X receptor (PXR), which results in increased expression of CYP3A4. Although the clinical significance of this is not known, use caution when considering concomitant use of coleus and other drugs affected by these enzymes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, taking coleus may affect the metabolism of warfarin and increase the risk of adverse effects or reduce the effectiveness.
Some animal research shows that coleus extract can induce cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9), an enzyme that metabolizes warfarin. However, other in vitro research shows that coleus can inhibit CYP2C9. Theoretically, taking coleus with drugs metabolized by CYP2C9 might affect drug levels and the risk of adverse effects. Until more is known, advise patients that taking coleus might increase or decrease levels of warfarin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Coleus Forskohlii Briq. Forslean(R) full monograph & interactions

Paulinia Cupana H.B.K.-“Guarana”41 drug types · 655 drugs

Ephedrine

Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk for stimulant adverse effects.
Guarana contains caffeine. Use of ephedrine with caffeine can increase the risk of stimulatory adverse effects. There is evidence that using ephedrine with caffeine might increase the risk of serious life-threatening or debilitating adverse effects such as hypertension, myocardial infarction, stroke, seizures, and death.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Adenosine (Adenocard)

Theoretically, guarana might decrease the vasodilatory effects of adenosine and interfere with its use prior to stress testing.
Guarana contains caffeine. Caffeine is a competitive inhibitor of adenosine at the cellular level. However, caffeine does not seem to affect supplemental adenosine because high interstitial levels of adenosine overcome the antagonistic effects of caffeine. It is recommended that methylxanthines and methylxanthine-containing products be stopped 24 hours prior to pharmacological stress tests. However, methylxanthines appear more likely to interfere with dipyridamole (Persantine) than adenosine-induced stress testing.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, guarana may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
In vitro and animal research suggests that guarana extract can inhibit platelet aggregation. This effect may be due to the caffeine in guarana, which is also reported to have antiplatelet activity. This interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Beta-Adrenergic Agonists

Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the clinical effects of beta-adrenergic agonists.
Guarana contains caffeine. Theoretically, concomitant use of large amounts of caffeine might increase cardiac inotropic effects of beta-agonists.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)

Theoretically, guarana might reduce the effects of carbamazepine and increase the risk for convulsions.
Animal research suggests that taking caffeine can lower the anticonvulsant effects of carbamazepine and can induce seizures when given to animals in doses above 400 mg/kg. Human research has shown that taking caffeine 300 mg in three divided doses along with carbamazepine 200 mg reduces the bioavailability of carbamazepine by 32% and prolongs the plasma half-life of carbamazepine two-fold in healthy individuals.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cimetidine (Tagamet)

Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the effects and adverse effects of caffeine in guarana.
Guarana contains caffeine. Cimetidine decreases the rate of caffeine clearance by 31% to 42%.

Likelihood Likely Evidence B
Clozapine (Clozaril)

Theoretically, guarana might increase the levels and adverse effects of clozapine and acutely exacerbate psychotic symptoms.
Guarana contains caffeine. Caffeine can increase the effects and toxicity of clozapine. Caffeine doses of 400-1000 mg per day inhibit clozapine metabolism. Clozapine is metabolized by cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2). Researchers speculate that caffeine might inhibit CYP1A2. However, there is no reliable evidence that caffeine affects CYP1A2. There is also speculation that genetic factors might make some patients more sensitive to the interaction between clozapine and caffeine.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Dipyridamole (Persantine)

Theoretically, guarana might decrease the vasodilatory effects of dipyridamole and interfere with its use prior to stress testing.
Guarana contains caffeine. Caffeine might inhibit dipyridamole-induced vasodilation. It is recommended that methylxanthines and methylxanthine-containing products be stopped 24 hours prior to pharmacological stress tests. Methylxanthines appear more likely to interfere with dipyridamole than adenosine-induced stress testing.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Disulfiram (Antabuse)

Theoretically, disulfiram might increase the risk of adverse effects from caffeine.
In human research, disulfiram decreases the clearance and increases the half-life of caffeine.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Diuretic Drugs

Theoretically, using guarana with diuretic drugs might increase the risk of hypokalemia.
Guarana contains caffeine. Caffeine, especially in excessive amounts, can reduce potassium levels due to stimulation of the sodium-potassium pump. Diuretics can also lower potassium levels.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Estrogens

Theoretically, estrogens might increase the levels and adverse effects of caffeine.
Guarana contains caffeine. Estrogen inhibits caffeine metabolism.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Ethosuximide (Zarontin)

Theoretically, guarana might reduce the effects of ethosuximide and increase the risk for convulsions.
Guarana contains caffeine. Animal research shows that caffeine 92.4 mg/kg can decrease the anticonvulsant activity of ethosuximide. This effect has not been observed in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Felbamate (Felbatol)

Theoretically, guarana might reduce the effects of felbamate and increase the risk for convulsions.
Guarana contains caffeine. Animal research shows that a high dose of caffeine 161.7 mg/kg can decreases the anticonvulsant activity of felbamate. This effect has not been observed in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Flutamide (Eulexin)

Theoretically, guarana might increase the levels and adverse effects of flutamide.
Guarana contains caffeine. In vitro evidence shows that caffeine can inhibit the metabolism of flutamide. However, this effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Fluvoxamine (Luvox)

Theoretically, fluvoxamine might increase the levels and adverse effects of caffeine.
Guarana contains caffeine. Fluvoxamine reduces caffeine metabolism.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Lithium

Theoretically, abrupt guarana withdrawal might increase the levels and adverse effects of lithium.
Guarana contains caffeine. Theoretically, abrupt caffeine withdrawal might increase serum lithium levels. There are two case reports of lithium tremor that worsened upon abrupt coffee withdrawal.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (Maois)

Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of a hypertensive crisis.
Guarana contains caffeine. Caffeine has been shown to inhibit MAO-A and -B in laboratory studies. Concomitant intake of large amounts of caffeine with MAOIs might precipitate a hypertensive crisis. In a case report, a patient that consumed 10-12 cups of caffeinated coffee and took the MAOI tranylcypromine presented with severe hypertension. Hypertension was resolved after the patient switched to drinking decaffeinated coffee.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Nicotine

Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of hypertension.
Guarana contains caffeine. Concomitant use of caffeine and nicotine has been shown to have additive cardiovascular effects, including increased heart rate and blood pressure. Blood pressure was increased by 10.8/12.4 mmHg when the agents were used concomitantly.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Pentobarbital (Nembutal)

Theoretically, guarana might decrease the effects of pentobarbital.
Guarana contains caffeine. In vivo evidence suggests that caffeine can negate the hypnotic effects of pentobarbital in humans. However, animal research suggests that guarana does not alter the hypnotic effect of pentobarbital.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Phenobarbital (Luminal)

Theoretically, guarana might reduce the effects of phenobarbital and increase the risk for convulsions.
Guarana contains caffeine. Animal research shows that caffeine can decrease the anticonvulsant activity of phenobarbital. The exact mechanism of this interaction is unclear.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Phenylpropanolamine

Theoretically, phenylpropanolamine might increase the risk of hypertension, as well as the levels and adverse effects of caffeine.
Guarana contains caffeine. Concomitant use of phenylpropanolamine and caffeine might cause an additive increase in blood pressure. Phenylpropanolamine also seems to increase caffeine serum levels.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Phenytoin (Dilantin)

Theoretically, guarana might reduce the effects of phenytoin and increase the risk for convulsions.
Guarana contains caffeine. Animal research shows that caffeine can decrease the anticonvulsant activity of phenytoin. The effect does not seem to be related to the seizure threshold-lowering effects of caffeine. However, the exact mechanism of this interaction is unclear.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Pioglitazone (Actos)

Theoretically, guarana might increase the levels and clinical effects of pioglitazone.
Guarana contains caffeine. Animal research suggests that caffeine can modestly increase the maximum concentration, area under the curve, and half-life of pioglitazone, and also reduce its clearance. This increased the antidiabetic effects of pioglitazone. However, the exact mechanism of this interaction is unclear.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Riluzole (Rilutek)

Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the levels and adverse effects of both caffeine and riluzole.
Guarana contains caffeine. Caffeine and riluzole are both metabolized by cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2), and concomitant use might reduce the metabolism of one or both agents.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Stimulant Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use might increase stimulant adverse effects.
Guarana contains caffeine. Due to the central nervous system (CNS) stimulant effects of caffeine, concomitant use with stimulant drugs can increase the risk of adverse effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Paulinia Cupana H.B.K.-“Guarana” full monograph & all 41 interactions

Mucuna Pruriens L.-“Velvet Beans”8 drug types · 193 drugs

Levodopa

Concomitant use can increase the risk of levodopa-related adverse effects.
Cowhage contains levodopa. Some cowhage products have been standardized to contain 75-400 mg of levodopa per dose.

Likelihood Likely Evidence D
Methyldopa (Aldomet)

Theoretically, concomitant use of cowhage and methyldopa might increase the risk of hypotension.
Cowhage contains levodopa. Use of levodopa with methyldopa might cause additive hypotension. In addition, methyldopa may inhibit peripheral decarboxylation of levodopa and increase levodopa levels in the central nervous system; avoid using.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (Maois)

Theoretically, concomitant use of cowhage and non-selective MAOIs might increase the risk of hypertensive crisis.
Cowhage contains levodopa. Use of levodopa with non-selective MAOIs might cause hypertensive crisis. However, this interaction has not been reported with MAO-B selective inhibitors such as selegiline.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Anesthesia

Theoretically, concomitant use of cowhage and anesthesia might increase the risk of arrhythmias.
Cowhage contains levodopa. Use of levodopa with cyclopropane or halogenated hydrocarbon anesthesia has led to arrhythmias. Other anesthetics have not been implicated. Use other anesthetics in patients taking cowhage or tell patients to stop taking cowhage at least 2 weeks before surgery.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use of cowhage and antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Animal research shows that cowhage might have hypoglycemic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antipsychotic Drugs

Theoretically, use of cowhage might decrease the clinical effects of antipsychotic drugs.
Cowhage contains levodopa. Use of levodopa might counteract the antidopaminergic effects of antipsychotic medications.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Guanethidine (Ismelin)

Theoretically, concomitant use of cowhage and guanethidine might increase the risk of hypotension.
Cowhage contains levodopa. Use of levodopa with guanethidine might cause additive hypotension; avoid using.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Tricyclic Antidepressants (Tcas)

Theoretically, use of TCAs might reduce the levels and clinical effects of cowhage.
Cowhage contains levodopa. Use of TCAs might reduce the absorption of levodopa. Some case reports describe patients that developed hypertension and dyskinesia when taking both levodopa and TCAs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Mucuna Pruriens L.-“Velvet Beans” full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for ForceLean Diet, from the product label.

AN American Nutriceuticals

See all AN American Nutriceuticals products
Name
AMERICAN NUTRICEUTICALS
Phone Number
1-888-848-2546
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

ForceLean Diet by AN American Nutriceuticals: Common Questions

Does ForceLean Diet by AN American Nutriceuticals interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, ForceLean Diet has a known interaction with 1,242 medications, including 54 rated major. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
ForceLean Diet contains 3 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 ForceLean Diet if I'm pregnant?
No. The safety data for coleus during pregnancy is insufficient, so it's best avoided. Cowhage contains levodopa, which affects dopamine and has insufficient safety data in pregnancy, so avoid it too. Guarana's high caffeine content makes it best avoided during pregnancy as well. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about what's safe for you.
Can I take ForceLean Diet while breastfeeding?
Not safely based on the data we have. Coleus safety while breastfeeding isn't established. Cowhage contains L-dopa, which can lower prolactin and reduce your milk supply — avoid it. Guarana is high in caffeine, which passes into breast milk; it's best avoided or limited. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about safer options.
Does ForceLean Diet actually help with weight loss?
The evidence we hold doesn't establish that the ingredients work for weight loss or any other purpose. All three ingredients have insufficient reliable evidence supporting their use. If you're looking for evidence-based approaches to weight management, your pharmacist or doctor can point you toward options with stronger science.
What are the most common side effects I might experience?
The most likely issues are gastrointestinal — diarrhea, nausea, constipation, or stomach upset — from coleus and cowhage. Guarana's caffeine can cause insomnia, nervousness, dizziness, tremors, headache, and anxiety, especially if you're sensitive to stimulants. If you're on blood pressure medication, coleus may lower your pressure further.
Is ForceLean Diet safe to take long-term?
Coleus hasn't been well studied for long-term use and may lower blood pressure, so it's not recommended without professional guidance. Cowhage contains levodopa, an active drug-like compound that requires careful monitoring. Guarana's high caffeine content makes long-term use risky for most people. Talk with your pharmacist about safer, evidence-based approaches.
What is levodopa in the cowhage ingredient?
Levodopa (L-dopa) is a compound related to dopamine, a chemical messenger in your brain and body. It's an active, drug-like substance — not just a passive plant extract. Some cowhage products contain 75 to 400 mg of levodopa per dose, and it interacts with many medications used for depression, blood pressure, and other conditions, so it requires careful medical oversight.

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

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The Full Monographs Behind ForceLean Diet’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Coleus

Interacts with 915 drugs

Coleus is a plant from the mint family whose root contains a compound called forskolin, often marketed for weight loss, asthma, and heart health. While early lab and small human studies are...

Read the full Coleus monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Cowhage

Interacts with 193 drugs

Cowhage (Mucuna pruriens) is a tropical legume best known as a natural source of L-dopa, the compound the body turns into dopamine. It is most studied for Parkinson's disease symptoms and ma...

Read the full Cowhage monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Guarana

Interacts with 655 drugs

Guarana is an Amazonian seed that is naturally high in caffeine, which explains most of its stimulant and energy effects. While it may give a short-term boost in alertness and reduce fatigue...

Read the full Guarana monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

ForceLean Diet'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 142 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.

Coleus 16 references
  1. Baumann G, Felix S, Sattelberger U, Klein G. Cardiovascular effects of forskolin (HL-362) in patients with idiopathic congestiv cardiomyopathy. A comparative study with dobutamine and sodium nitroprusside. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 1990;16:93-100.
  2. Kramer W, Thormann J, Kindler M, Schlepper M. Effects of forskolin on left ventricular function in dilated cardiomyopathy. Arzneimittelforschung 1987;37:364-7.
  3. Bauer K, Dietersdorfer F, Kaspar S, et al. Pharmacodynamic effects of inhaled dry powder formulations of fenoterol and colforsin in asthma. Clin Pharmacol Ther 1993;53:76-83. PubMed
  4. Christenson JT, Thulesius O, Nazzal MM. The effect of forskolin on blood flow, platelet metabolism, aggregation and ATP release. Vasa 1995;24:56-61.
  5. Agarwal KC, Zielinski BA, Maitra RS. Significance of plasma adenosine in the antiplatelet activity of forskolin: potentiation by dipyridamole and dilazep. Thromb Haemost 1989;61:106-10. DOI
  6. Agarwal KC, Parks RE. Forskolin: a potential antimetastatic agent. Int J Cancer 1983;32:801-4. PubMed
  7. Almeida, F. C. and Lemonica, I. P. The toxic effects of Coleus barbatus B. on the different periods of pregnancy in rats. J Ethnopharmacol 2000;73(1-2):53-60. PubMed
  8. Ding, X. and Staudinger, J. L. Induction of drug metabolism by forskolin: the role of the pregnane X receptor and the protein kinase a signal transduction pathway. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2005;312(2):849-856. PubMed
  9. Staudinger, J. L., Ding, X., and Lichti, K. Pregnane X receptor and natural products: beyond drug-drug interactions. Expert.Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2006;2(6):847-857. PubMed
  10. van Hecke, E., Hindryckx, P., Geuns, J. M., and Devriese, E. Airborne contact dermatitis from coleus in a housewife. Contact Dermatitis 1991;25(2):128-129. PubMed
  11. Schlepper, M., Thormann, J., and Mitrovic, V. Cardiovascular effects of forskolin and phosphodiesterase-III inhibitors. Basic Res Cardiol 1989;84 Suppl 1:197-212. PubMed
  12. Dooms-Goossens, A., Borghijs, A., Degreef, H., Devriese, E. G., and Geuns, J. M. Airborne contact dermatitis to Coleus. Contact Dermatitis 1987;17(2):109-110. PubMed
  13. Lindner, E., Dohadwalla, A. N., and Bhattacharya, B. K. Positive inotropic and blood pressure lowering activity of a diterpene derivative isolated from Coleus forskohli: Forskolin. Arzneimittelforschung 1978;28(2):284-289.
  14. Loftus HL, Astell KJ, Mathai ML, et al. Coleus forskohlii Extract Supplementation in Conjunction with a Hypocaloric Diet Reduces the Risk Factors of Metabolic Syndrome in Overweight and Obese Subjects: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Nutrients. 2015;7(11): PubMed
  15. Yokotani K, Chiba T, Sato Y, et al. Hepatic cytochrome P450 mediates interaction between warfarin and Coleus forskohlii extract in vivo and in vitro. J Pharm Pharmacol. 2012;64(12):1793-801.
  16. Nishijima C, Chiba T, Sato Y, Umegaki K. Nationwide Online Survey Enables the Reevaluation of the Safety of Coleus forskohlii Extract Intake Based on the Adverse Event Frequencies. Nutrients. 2019;11(4). pii: E866. PubMed

See these in context on the Coleus monograph →

Cowhage 12 references
  1. McEvoy GK, ed. AHFS Drug Information. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 1998.
  2. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
  3. Anon. Epidemiological notes and reports: Mucuna pruriens-associated pruritus--New Jersey. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 1985;34:732-3.
  4. HP-200 in Parkinson's Disease study group. An alternative medicine treatment for Parkinson's disease: Results of a multicenter clinical trial. J Alt Comp Med 1995;1:249-55. DOI
  5. Infante ME, Perez AM, Simao MR, et al. Outbreak of acute toxic psychosis attributed to Mucuna pruriens. Lancet 1990;336:1129. PubMed
  6. Vaidya AB, Rajagopalan TG, Mankodi NA, et al. Treatment of Parkinson's disease with the cowhage plant-Mucuna pruriens Bak. Neurol India 1978;26:171-6.
  7. Vadivel V, Janardhanan K. Nutritional and anti-nutritional composition of velvet bean: an under-utilized food legume in south India. Int J Food Sci Nutr 2000;51:279-87. PubMed
  8. Akhtar MS, Qureshi AQ, Iqbal J. Antidiabetic evaluation of Mucuna pruriens, Linn seeds. J Pak Med Assoc 1990;40:147-50.
  9. Prakash, D., Niranjan, A., and Tewari, S. K. Some nutritional properties of the seeds of three Mucuna species. Int.J.Food Sci.Nutr. 2001;52(1):79-82.
  10. Vadivel, V. and Janardhanan, K. Nutritional and antinutritional characteristics of seven South Indian wild legumes. Plant Foods Hum.Nutr 2005;60(2):69-75. PubMed
  11. Creapure (Creatine Monohydrate). Toxicological Datasheet. Degussa BioActives. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/ohrms/DOCKETS/.../95s-0316-rpt0154-54-Ref-50-vol112.pdf.
  12. Pulikkalpura H, Kurup R, Mathew PJ, Baby S. Levodopa in Mucuna pruriens and its degradation. Sci Rep 2015;5:11078. PubMed

See these in context on the Cowhage monograph →

Guarana 114 references
  1. McEvoy GK, ed. AHFS Drug Information. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 1998.
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  3. Carbo M, Segura J, De la Torre R, et al. Effect of quinolones on caffeine disposition. Clin Pharmacol Ther 1989;45:234-40. PubMed
  4. Healy DP, Polk RE, Kanawati L, et al. Interaction between oral ciprofloxacin and caffeine in normal volunteers. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 1989;33:474-8. PubMed
  5. Mester R, Toren P, Mizrachi I, et al. Caffeine withdrawal increases lithium blood levels. Biol Psychiatry 1995;37:348-50. PubMed
  6. Jefferson JW. Lithium tremor and caffeine intake: two cases of drinking less and shaking more. J Clin Psychiatry 1988;49:72-3.
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  8. Vahedi K, Domingo V, Amarenco P, Bousser MG. Ischemic stroke in a sportsman who consumed MaHuang extract and creatine monohydrate for bodybuilding. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatr 2000;68:112-3.
  9. Wakabayashi K, Kono S, Shinchi K, et al. Habitual coffee consumption and blood pressure: A study of self-defense officials in Japan. Eur J Epidemiol 1998;14:669-73. PubMed
  10. Hodgson JM, Puddey IB, Burke V, et al. Effects on blood pressure of drinking green and black tea. J Hypertens 1999;17:457-63. PubMed
  11. Rapuri PB, Gallagher JC, Kinyamu HK, Ryschon KL. Caffeine intake increases the rate of bone loss in elderly women and interacts with vitamin D receptor genotypes. Am J Clin Nutr 2001;74:694-700. PubMed
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  14. Eskenazi B. Caffeine—filtering the facts. N Engl J Med 1999;341:1688-9. PubMed
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  16. Pollock BG, Wylie M, Stack JA, et al. Inhibition of caffeine metabolism by estrogen replacement therapy in postmenopausal women. J Clin Pharmacol 1999;39:936-40. PubMed
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  22. Hagg S, Spigset O, Mjorndal T, Dahlqvist R. Effect of caffeine on clozapine pharmacokinetics in healthy volunteers. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2000;49:59-63. PubMed
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See these in context on the Guarana monograph →

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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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