Major interaction on record — check this product against your medications before combining. Based on 6 of 8 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Formula 501 Hormone Balance Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by NESS Nutritional Enzyme Support System

Formula 501 Hormone Balance label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Other Combinations
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 Formula 501 Hormone Balance 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

Formula 501 Hormone Balance is a dietary supplement by NESS Nutritional Enzyme Support System with 8 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for joint pain and arthritis, digestive health, high cholesterol.Based on those ingredients, 678 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Alfalfa juice concentrate, Safflower, Oat. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

Jump to a section

Check Your Meds Against Formula 501 Hormone Balance by NESS Nutritional Enzyme Support System

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Formula 501 Hormone Balance by NESS Nutritional Enzyme Support System — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

Pharmacist-reviewed data Checks every ingredient Answer in seconds
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Formula 501 Hormone Balance by NESS Nutritional Enzyme Support System

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 30, 2026

What’s inside

Low disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Low

Most active ingredients don't disclose an individual amount — you can't tell how much of each you're getting.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 0 of its 8 active ingredients.
  • “Proprietary Herbal Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (550 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.
  • “Proprietary Enzyme Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (40 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

Formula 501 contains 8 active ingredients, most of them digestive enzymes. Amylase, protease, and lipase are designed to break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats respectively; cellulase breaks down plant fiber.

The product also includes oat, alfalfa juice concentrate, safflower, and Mojave yucca, plus two proprietary enzyme and herbal blends whose individual components aren't fully disclosed on the label. The remaining ingredients are inactive — plant fiber and water — which serve as fillers and capsule material.

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: support the endocrine system.
  • We looked for evidence on: Menopausal symptoms, hormonal balance, thyroid function, adrenal support.
  • The closest evidence on file: Alfalfa is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Menopausal symptoms (Natural Medicines).

The evidence for this formula's active ingredients is mixed and mostly insufficient. Oat is the standout: it's likely effective for lowering cholesterol and supporting heart health.

Alfalfa, safflower, lipase, and the other enzymes have been studied for various uses — diabetes, digestion, joint pain, bleeding — but the data we hold rates them all as having insufficient reliable evidence. Protease and Mojave yucca similarly lack established evidence of effectiveness for any condition.

Because the product contains proprietary blends, we can't assess the potency or evidence for those specific combinations.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Yucca Alfalfa Safflower Oats Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases) Lipase

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 6 of the 6 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 6 of 6.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 6 of 6.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Oats are generally well tolerated and considered safe in food amounts during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Protease, lipase, and alfalfa are generally well tolerated in adults for digestive use, but protease in particular can occasionally trigger allergic reactions — especially in people sensitive to laundry enzymes.

Alfalfa may cause digestive upset (gas, bloating, diarrhea) and, rarely, a lupus-like syndrome with chronic use. Safflower oil has been linked to liver failure in case reports, usually with overuse for weight loss, though the triggering dose is unclear.

Mojave yucca has limited safety data and has caused allergic reactions and contact skin reactions in occupational and environmental exposure. During pregnancy, alfalfa is rated possibly unsafe (it has estrogen-like activity), and safflower flower is rated likely unsafe — it may stimulate the uterus and bring on menstruation.

Protease, lipase, and Mojave yucca all lack enough safety data in pregnancy — talk with your doctor before using them. While breastfeeding, protease, lipase, alfalfa, and safflower all have insufficient data; Mojave yucca should be avoided.

Oats as food are safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding, but concentrated supplement forms are less studied.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Yucca Alfalfa Safflower Oats Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases) Lipase

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 6 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Alfalfa, Safflower, Oats.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 678 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 Formula 501, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take any blood thinner — especially warfarin — or antiplatelet drug (like aspirin or clopidogrel), since alfalfa and safflower may increase bleeding risk. Also flag any diabetes medication or insulin, any birth control or hormone therapy, any immunosuppressant drug, or any medication that makes you sun-sensitive, because alfalfa and safflower can alter how these work.

If you take a photosensitizing drug, the sun sensitivity risk may increase. Check your exact medications on this page or with your pharmacist before you start.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This is an enzyme-based formula aimed at digestive and hormone support, with oat as the only ingredient rated likely effective — for cholesterol and heart health. If you take blood thinners, diabetes medications, birth control, hormone therapy, or sun-sensitizing drugs, you need to check this product against your list with your doctor or pharmacist before you start, because several ingredients can interact with those categories.

It's generally well tolerated in the short term, but pregnant or breastfeeding people and those with liver conditions should talk with their healthcare provider first.

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

Assessment coverage: 6 of 8 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated May 22, 2020.

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 Formula 501 Hormone Balance, straight from the product label.

Brand NESS Nutritional Enzyme Support System
Barcode (UPC) 707636033722
Net contents 90 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD May 22, 2020
DSLD ID 221273
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Sugar Free
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 Formula 501 Hormone Balance by NESS Nutritional Enzyme Support System, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
2 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Servings per container
45
UPC/BARCODE
707636033722
IngredientAmount% DV
Amylase0 NP--
Protease0 NP--
Lipase0 NP--
Cellulase0 NP--
Proprietary Herbal Blend550 mg--
Proprietary Enzyme Blend40 mg--
Mojave Yucca0 NP--
Alfalfa juice concentrate0 NP--
Safflower0 NP--
Oat0 NP--

Other ingredients: Plant Fiber, Water

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Formulation

Formulated exclusively for healthcare professionals NESS Hormone Balance is uniquely formulated to help support the endocrine system.

Non-GMO

Vegetarian

GMP Compliant

Contains No: Aspartame, sugar, salt, gluten, artificial colors or flavors, diary products, wheat, soy, yeast or corn proteins.

Precautions

Caution: If you are pregnant, nursing, have a serious medical condition, or take any medications, consult your physician before use.

Use only if tamper evident seal is unbroken.

Keep out of reach of children.

Storage

Store tightly closed in a cool, dry place.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

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

FDA Statement of Identity

Enzyme Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Recommended Use: Take two (2) capsules twice daily with meals, or as directed by your healthcare professional.

Brand IP Statement(s)

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

See for yourself

Formula 501 Hormone Balance by NESS Nutritional Enzyme Support System label

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

Formula 501 Hormone Balance 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 Formula 501 Hormone Balance by NESS Nutritional Enzyme Support System

These are the 8 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Vegetarian Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule 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.

Proprietary Herbal Blend

550 mg per serving

Proprietary Enzyme Blend

40 mg per serving

Other (inactive) ingredients: Plant Fiber, Water. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Formula 501 Hormone Balance by NESS Nutritional Enzyme Support System Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Formula 501 Hormone Balance?

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
678Drugs
2 Major 676 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Alfalfa juice concentrate 583
Safflower 208
Oat 86

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Formula 501 Hormone Balance interact with 678 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

3 of the 8 ingredients in Formula 501 Hormone Balance interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Alfalfa juice concentrate Safflower Oat

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Formula 501 Hormone Balance 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.

Alfalfa juice concentrate6 drug types · 583 drugs

Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, alfalfa might reduce the anticoagulant activity of warfarin.
Alfalfa contains a large amount of vitamin K. This could theoretically interfere with the activity of warfarin.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, alfalfa might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Animal research suggests that alfalfa decreases blood sugar in diabetic mice. Also, in one case report, a diabetic patient experienced hypoglycemia after consuming alfalfa extract. Monitor blood glucose levels closely. Dose adjustments might be necessary.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Contraceptive Drugs

Theoretically, alfalfa might interfere with the activity of contraceptive drugs.
Alfalfa contains coumestrol, a phytoestrogen, and isoflavonoids, which have estrogenic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Estrogens

Theoretically, alfalfa might interfere with hormone therapy.
Alfalfa contains coumestrol, a phytoestrogen, and isoflavonoids, which have estrogenic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, alfalfa might decrease the efficacy of immunosuppressive therapy.
In vitro research and human case reports suggest that alfalfa may have immunostimulant effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Photosensitizing Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use of alfalfa with photosensitizing drugs might have additive effects.
Animal research suggests that excessive doses of alfalfa may increase photosensitivity, possibly due to its chlorophyll content. It is unclear if this effect would be clinically relevant in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Alfalfa juice concentrate full monograph & interactions

Safflower3 drug types · 208 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

High doses of safflower oil might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Small clinical studies show that taking safflower oil, approximately 55 grams daily for 2-3 weeks, decreases platelet aggregation. However, taking lower doses of safflower oil, such as 5 grams daily for 4 weeks, does not seem to affect platelet function. In one case report, a 74-year-old male stabilized on warfarin developed urinary tract bleeding and an elevated INR after taking a safflower extract 20 grams daily for 14 days.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, safflower oil might alter the effects of antidiabetes drugs.
Some clinical research shows that taking safflower oil 10 grams daily for 3 weeks can increase fasting blood glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, clinical research in patients with metabolic syndrome with or without impaired glucose tolerance shows that taking safflower oil 8 grams daily for 12 weeks reduces fasting glucose levels by around 8 mg/dL. Some clinical research also shows that taking safflower oil 8 grams daily for 16 weeks does not affect fasting glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Warfarin

Theoretically, safflower oil might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with warfarin.
In one case report, a 74-year-old male stabilized on warfarin developed urinary tract bleeding and an elevated INR after taking a safflower extract 20 grams daily for 14 days.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Safflower full monograph & interactions

Oat2 drug types · 86 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, oats may have additive effects with antidiabetic agents and might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Consuming oats can decrease blood glucose in patients with diabetes. In those who require insulin, taking oats 100 grams daily for 2 days reduces the insulin dose required to achieve metabolic control.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Insulin

Concomitant use of oats and insulin might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
In patients with insulin-dependent type 2 diabetes, taking oats 100 grams daily for 2 days reduces the insulin dose required to achieve metabolic control.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Oat full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Formula 501 Hormone Balance, from the product label.

NESS Nutritional Enzyme Support System

See all NESS Nutritional Enzyme Support System products
Name
Enzymes Inc.
City
Kansas City
State
MO
ZipCode
64153
Phone Number
1-800-637-7893
Web Address
www.nessenzymes.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Formula 501 Hormone Balance by NESS Nutritional Enzyme Support System: Common Questions

Does Formula 501 Hormone Balance by NESS Nutritional Enzyme Support System interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Formula 501 Hormone Balance has a known interaction with 678 medications, including 2 rated major. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Formula 501 Hormone Balance contains 8 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take this while I'm pregnant?
Not safely without talking to your doctor first. Alfalfa is rated possibly unsafe in pregnancy because it has estrogen-like activity, and safflower flower is rated likely unsafe because it may stimulate the uterus. Protease, lipase, and Mojave yucca don't have enough safety data either. Oats are considered safe as food, but concentrated supplements are less studied. Your doctor can tell you if it's right for your situation.
Is it okay while breastfeeding?
The safety data isn't solid enough to say yes without checking with your healthcare provider. Protease, lipase, alfalfa, and safflower all have little to no reliable breastfeeding data. Mojave yucca should be avoided. Oats as food are generally safe, but supplement forms are less well studied. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
What do the enzymes in this do?
Amylase, protease, and lipase are digestive enzymes that break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in food so your body can absorb them more easily. Cellulase breaks down plant fiber. These are designed to support your digestive process, though the evidence that they work as a supplement is not established in our data.
Does this really help balance hormones?
The evidence isn't there. Alfalfa and safflower have estrogenic compounds, which is why the product carries that claim, but the data we hold rates both as having insufficient reliable evidence for hormone-related conditions like menopausal symptoms. The other ingredients also lack established effectiveness for hormone balance.
What side effects should I expect?
Digestive upset is the most common — bloating, gas, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort — especially when you first start, because the enzymes and oat fiber can change how your digestive system works. These usually ease with continued use. Rarely, protease may trigger an allergic reaction if you're sensitive to enzyme proteins. Contact your pharmacist or doctor if symptoms don't settle.
I'm allergic to plants like ragweed — could this be a problem?
Possibly. Mojave yucca and safflower have both caused allergic reactions in sensitive people — yucca through skin contact and environmental exposure, and safflower in people who are allergic to plants in that family. If you have plant allergies, mention them to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this.

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

Not sure if Formula 501 Hormone Balance 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.

Formula 501 Hormone Balance label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Formula 501 Hormone Balance’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Yucca

Yucca is a desert plant traditionally used for joint pain, arthritis, and digestion, and it contains compounds called saponins thought to have anti-inflammatory effects. Human evidence for t...

Read the full Yucca monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Alfalfa

Interacts with 583 drugs

Alfalfa is a nutrient-rich legume that people use for high cholesterol, menopause symptoms, and general wellness, but solid human evidence for most of these uses is limited. It is best avoid...

Read the full Alfalfa monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Safflower

Interacts with 208 drugs

Safflower is a thistle-like plant used mainly for its seed oil (a common cooking oil) and its colorful flowers. Safflower oil is a reasonable source of unsaturated fats, but strong proof tha...

Read the full Safflower monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Oats

Interacts with 86 drugs

Oats are a well-studied whole grain whose soluble fiber (beta-glucan) can help lower cholesterol and support heart health when eaten regularly. As a food, oats are safe for most people, and...

Read the full Oats monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases)

Proteolytic enzymes are proteins that help break down other proteins, and common examples include bromelain (from pineapple), papain (from papaya), trypsin, chymotrypsin, and pancreatin. Peo...

Read the full Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases) monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Lipase

Lipase is a digestive enzyme that helps your body break down dietary fats. It is well established as part of prescription pancreatic enzyme therapy for people who cannot make enough of their...

Read the full Lipase monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Formula 501 Hormone Balance'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 66 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.

Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases) 3 references
  1. Weeks JA, Harper RA, Simon RA, Burdick JD. Assessment of sensitization risk of a laundry pre-spotter containing protease. Cutan Ocul Toxicol. 2011;30(4):272-9. PubMed
  2. Marquès LI, Lara S, Abós T, Bartolomé B. Occupational rhinitis due to pepsin. J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol. 2006;16(2):136-7. DOI
  3. Cartier A, Malo JL, Pineau L, Dolovich J. Occupational asthma due to pepsin. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 1984;73(5 Pt 1):574-7. PubMed

See these in context on the Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases) monograph →

Lipase 1 reference
  1. Casper C, Hascoet JM, Ertl T, et al. Recombinant bile salt-stimulated lipase in preterm infant feeding: A randomized phase 3 study. PLoS One. 2016;11(5):e0156071. PubMed

See these in context on the Lipase monograph →

Yucca 3 references
  1. <p><span>Kanerva, L., Estlander, T., Petman, L., Makinen-Kiljunen, S. Occupational allergic contact urticaria to yucca (Yucca aloifolia), weeping fig (Ficus benjamina), and spathe flower (Spathiphyllum wallisii). Allergy. 2001;56(10): 1008-11.</span></p>
  2. Poljacki, M., Paravina, M., Jovanovic, M., Subotic, M., and Duran, V. [Contact allergic dermatitis caused by plants]. Med Pregl. 1993;46(9-10):371-375.
  3. Mahillon, V., Saussez, S., and Michel, O. High incidence of sensitization to ornamental plants in allergic rhinitis. Allergy 2006;61(9):1138-1140. PubMed

See these in context on the Yucca monograph →

Alfalfa 32 references
  1. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
  2. The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
  3. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1996.
  4. Kurzer MS, Xu X. Dietary phytoestrogens. Annu Rev Nutr 1997;17:353-81. PubMed
  5. Farber JM, Carter AO, Varughese PV, et al. Listeriosis traced to the consumption of alfalfa tablets and soft cheese [Letter to the Editor]. N Engl J Med 1990;322:338. PubMed
  6. Molgaard J, von Schenck H, Olsson AG. Alfalfa seeds lower low density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein B concentrations in patients with type II hyperlipoproteinemia. Atherosclerosis 1987;65:173-9. PubMed
  7. Light TD, Light JA. Acute renal transplant rejection possibly related to herbal medications. Am J Transplant 2003;3:1608-9. PubMed
  8. Prete PE. The mechanism of action of L-canavanine in inducing autoimmune phenomena. Arthritis Rheum 1985;28:1198-200. PubMed
  9. Alcocer-Varela J, Iglesias A, Llorente L, Alarcon-Segovia D. Effects of L-canavanine on T cells may explain the induction of systemic lupus erythematosus by alfalfa. Arthritis Rheum 1985;28:52-7. PubMed
  10. Roberts JL, Hayashi JA. Exacerbation of SLE associated with alfalfa ingestion. N Engl J Med 1983;308:1361. DOI
  11. Feingold, R. M. Should we fear "health foods"? Arch Intern Med 7-12-1999;159(13):1502. PubMed
  12. Taormina, P. J., Beuchat, L. R., and Slutsker, L. Infections associated with eating seed sprouts: an international concern. Emerg.Infect.Dis 1999;5(5):626-634. PubMed
  13. Backer, H. D., Mohle-Boetani, J. C., Werner, S. B., Abbott, S. L., Farrar, J., and Vugia, D. J. High incidence of extra-intestinal infections in a Salmonella Havana outbreak associated with alfalfa sprouts. Public Health Rep. 2000;115(4):339-345. PubMed
  14. Mohle-Boetani J, Werner B, Polumbo M, and et al. From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Alfalfa sprouts-- Arizona, California, Colorado, and New Mexico, February-April, 2001. JAMA 2-6-2002;287(5):581-582.
  15. Howard, M. B. and Hutcheson, S. W. Growth dynamics of Salmonella enterica strains on alfalfa sprouts and in waste seed irrigation water. Appl.Environ.Microbiol. 2003;69(1):548-553.
  16. Winthrop, K. L., Palumbo, M. S., Farrar, J. A., Mohle-Boetani, J. C., Abbott, S., Beatty, M. E., Inami, G., and Werner, S. B. Alfalfa sprouts and Salmonella Kottbus infection: a multistate outbreak following inadequate seed disinfection with heat and chl
  17. Strapp, C. M., Shearer, A. E., and Joerger, R. D. Survey of retail alfalfa sprouts and mushrooms for the presence of Escherichia coil O157:H7, Salmonella, and Listeria with BAX, and evaluation of this polymerase chain reaction-based system with experimen
  18. Akaogi, J., Barker, T., Kuroda, Y., Nacionales, D. C., Yamasaki, Y., Stevens, B. R., Reeves, W. H., and Satoh, M. Role of non-protein amino acid L-canavanine in autoimmunity. Autoimmun.Rev 2006;5(6):429-435. PubMed
  19. Burden and causes of foodborne disease in Australia: Annual report of the OzFoodNet network, 2005. Commun.Dis Intell. 2006;30(3):278-300.
  20. Shemesh, M., Lindner, H. R., and Ayalon, N. Affinity of rabbit uterine oestradiol receptor for phyto-oestrogens and its use in a competitive protein-binding radioassay for plasma coumestrol. J Reprod.Fertil. 1972;29(1):1-9. PubMed
  21. Elakovich, S. D. and Hampton, J. M. Analysis of coumestrol, a phytoestrogen, in alfalfa tablets sold for human consumption. J Agric.Food Chem. 1984;32(1):173-175. PubMed
  22. Malinow, M. R., Bardana, E. J., Jr., Pirofsky, B., Craig, S., and McLaughlin, P. Systemic lupus erythematosus-like syndrome in monkeys fed alfalfa sprouts: role of a nonprotein amino acid. Science 4-23-1982;216(4544):415-417. PubMed
  23. Malinow, M. R., McLaughlin, P., and Stafford, C. Alfalfa seeds: effects on cholesterol metabolism. Experientia 5-15-1980;36(5):562-564. PubMed
  24. Farnsworth, N. R. Alfalfa pills and autoimmune diseases. Am J Clin Nutr. 1995;62(5):1026-1028. DOI
  25. Herbert, V. and Kasdan, T. S. Alfalfa, vitamin E, and autoimmune disorders. Am J Clin Nutr 1994;60(4):639-640.
  26. Mahon, B. E., Ponka, A., Hall, W. N., Komatsu, K., Dietrich, S. E., Siitonen, A., Cage, G., Hayes, P. S., Lambert-Fair, M. A., Bean, N. H., Griffin, P. M., and Slutsker, L. An international outbreak of Salmonella infections caused by alfalfa sprouts grow
  27. Gray, A. M. and Flatt, P. R. Pancreatic and extra-pancreatic effects of the traditional anti- diabetic plant, Medicago sativa (lucerne). Br J Nutr. 1997;78(2):325-334.
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Safflower 14 references
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Oats 13 references
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  2. Pick ME, Hawrysh ZJ, Gee MI, et al. Oat bran concentrate bread products improve long-term control of diabetes: a pilot study. J Am Diet Assoc 1996;96:1254-61. PubMed
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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.

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