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

Formula W Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by AdvoCare

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

First and foremost: checking Formula W 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: Moderate

Formula W is a dietary supplement by AdvoCare with 5 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for low libido and sexual function, energy and stamina, menopause symptoms.Based on those ingredients, 1,478 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Ashwagandha Root Extract, Guggul gum extract, Tinospora Stem Extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against Formula W by AdvoCare

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Formula W by AdvoCare — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Formula W by AdvoCare

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 1 of its 5 active ingredients.
  • “GenoPause herbal blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (500 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

Formula W contains five active ingredients. Ashwagandha root extract is an adaptogenic herb traditionally used to support relaxation and stress management.

Maca is a root vegetable supplement. Guggul gum extract comes from the resin of the guggul tree.

Asparagus root extract is derived from asparagus plant roots. Tinospora stem extract (also called Tinospora cordifolia) is a traditional Ayurvedic herb.

The product also lists a proprietary blend called GenoPause herbal blend as a component ingredient. The capsules contain rice flour, gelatin, magnesium stearate, and silicon dioxide as inactive ingredients.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
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
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: support for menopausal symptoms and women's balance.
  • We looked for evidence on: Menopausal symptoms, Stress, Anxiety, Fatigue, Sexual dysfunction, Hot flashes — and 2 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Ashwagandha is rated "Possibly Effective" for Anxiety (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Ashwagandha is rated "Possibly Effective" for Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), Stress.
  • Also on file: Maca is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction, Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), Fatigue.

Ashwagandha in this product is rated possibly effective for insomnia, anxiety, stress, and generalized anxiety disorder, though the evidence base is limited. For ADHD, the data we hold shows insufficient evidence to rate it.

Tinospora cordifolia is rated possibly effective for diabetes support. The other active ingredients—maca, guggul gum extract, asparagus root extract, and the GenoPause herbal blend—lack sufficient evidence in our data to rate their effectiveness for any specific use.

Before counting on this product for a health goal, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether the evidence supports its use for your situation.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Maca Ashwagandha Guggul Asparagus Tinospora Cordifolia

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

Ashwagandha is generally well tolerated short-term in healthy adults, though long-term safety data are limited. The most common side effects are mild gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea, nausea, and upset stomach, though these do not commonly occur at typical doses.

Rare but serious cases of liver damage have been reported. Ashwagandha is traditionally thought to risk miscarriage, so it should be avoided during pregnancy.

There is not enough safety data to recommend it while breastfeeding. Guggul is generally well tolerated but may cause digestive upset (belching, bloating, diarrhea, nausea) and skin reactions (rash, itching).

The risk and severity of skin reactions appear dose-dependent. Guggul should be avoided during pregnancy because it may stimulate the uterus, and there is not enough data to recommend it while breastfeeding.

Asparagus root extract is safe as food but less studied in concentrated supplement form; allergic reactions are possible, especially in people sensitive to onions, garlic, leeks, or chives. Tinospora cordifolia is generally well tolerated but reports of liver injury mean it should be used carefully; it should be avoided during pregnancy and while breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data.

Maca is generally well tolerated as a food but long-term supplement safety has not been studied; avoid medicinal amounts during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Maca Ashwagandha Guggul Asparagus Tinospora Cordifolia

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 4 of the 5 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Asparagus, Guggul, Ashwagandha, Tinospora Cordifolia.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; diabetes medications; lithium.
  • For scale: 1,479 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking Formula W if you take any blood pressure medications, diabetes drugs, benzodiazepines or other sedating medications, blood thinners, hormonal contraceptives or estrogen, thyroid hormone, immune-suppressing drugs, propranolol, diltiazem, tamoxifen, diuretics (water pills), lithium, or any drug metabolized by the liver (especially through the CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, or CYP3A4 enzyme systems). The interactions we've documented are Moderate in severity.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Formula W may appeal to people interested in traditional herbal support for stress, anxiety, and sleep, especially the ashwagandha and tinospora content. However, this product is not for anyone taking medications—particularly blood pressure drugs, diabetes medications, blood thinners, hormonal contraceptives, thyroid hormone, immune-suppressing drugs, or drugs metabolized by the liver.

People who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid it. Before starting Formula W, check with your doctor or pharmacist about your medications and whether this product is right for you.

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

Assessment coverage: 5 of 5 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jun 16, 2022.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Formula W, straight from the product label.

Brand AdvoCare
Net contents 60 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jun 16, 2022
DSLD ID 265357
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Women (not pregnant or lactating), Adult Female (18 - 50 Years), Menopause, Seniors/Mature (>50 Years) - Women ONLY
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 W by AdvoCare, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
2 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
30
IngredientAmount% DV
Ashwagandha Root Extract0 NP--
Maca800 mg--
Guggul gum extract0 NP--
GenoPause herbal blend500 mg--
Asparagus Root Extract0 NP--
Tinospora Stem Extract0 NP--

Other ingredients: Rice Flour, Gelatin, Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide

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

Whether you’re trying to cope with one of many menopausal symptoms, or just looking for a little balance in your life, Formula W fits a wide range of benefits that promote overall health and well-being.

Helps balance menopausal swings Aids in reduction of hot flashes

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions For Use: Take two capsules daily with food, preferably in the morning.

Precautions

Caution: Check with your healthcare professional before using this product.

This product is not intended for pregnant or nursing women.

Keep out of reach of children.

Storage

Store away from excessive heat, light and humidity.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

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

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement For Women

Brand IP Statement(s)

GenoPause is a trademark of Gencor Nutrients, Inc.

General Statements

For more information go to advocare.com

Formula

Helps support female health

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

See for yourself

Formula W by AdvoCare label

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

Formula W 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 W by AdvoCare

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

Serving size2 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container30 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Maca

No known
interactions
800 mg per serving

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...

Maca monograph & interactions

GenoPause herbal blend

500 mg per serving

Other (inactive) ingredients: Rice Flour, Gelatin, Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Formula W by AdvoCare Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Formula W?

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
1,478Drugs
1,439 Moderate 39 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Ashwagandha Root Extract 1,372
Guggul gum extract 757
Tinospora Stem Extract 612
Asparagus Root Extract 76

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Formula W interact with 1,478 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

4 of the 5 ingredients in Formula W interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Ashwagandha Root Extract Guggul gum extract Tinospora Stem Extract Asparagus Root Extract

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Formula W 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.

Ashwagandha Root Extract10 drug types · 1,372 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking ashwagandha with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
There is preliminary clinical evidence suggesting that ashwagandha might lower blood glucose levels. Theoretically, ashwagandha might have additive effects when used with antidiabetes drugs and increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, taking ashwagandha with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Animal research suggests that ashwagandha might lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Theoretically, ashwagandha might have additive effects when used with antihypertensive drugs and increase the risk of hypotension.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Benzodiazepines

Theoretically, taking ashwagandha might increase the sedative effects of benzodiazepines.
There is preliminary evidence that ashwagandha might have an additive effect with diazepam (Valium) and clonazepam (Klonopin). This may also occur with other benzodiazepines.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cns Depressants

Theoretically, taking ashwagandha might increase the sedative effects of CNS depressants.
Ashwagandha seems to have sedative effects. Theoretically, this may potentiate the effects of barbiturates, other sedatives, and anxiolytics.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Hepatotoxic Drugs

Theoretically, taking ashwagandha with hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver damage.
Ashwagandha has been linked to cases of acute hepatitis, liver failure, hepatic encephalopathy, autoimmune hepatitis, the need for liver transplantation, and death due to liver failure.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, taking ashwagandha might decrease the effects of immunosuppressants.
Ashwagandha has demonstrated immunostimulant effects in humans. Animal research has shown that ashwagandha can attenuate the immunosuppression caused by cyclophosphamide.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Thyroid Hormone

Ashwagandha might increase the effects and adverse effects of thyroid hormone.
Concomitant use of ashwagandha with thyroid hormones may cause additive therapeutic and adverse effects. Preliminary clinical research and animal studies suggest that ashwagandha boosts thyroid hormone synthesis and secretion. In one clinical study, ashwagandha increased triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) levels by 41.5% and 19.6%, respectively, and reduced serum TSH levels by 17.4% from baseline in adults with subclinical hypothyroidism.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates

Theoretically, ashwagandha might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP1A2 substrates.
In vitro research shows that ashwagandha extract induces CYP1A2 enzymes.

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

Theoretically, ashwagandha might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
In vitro research shows that ashwagandha extract induces CYP3A4 enzymes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Serotonergic Drugs

Some animal studies have reported that ashwagandha can enhance serotonergic transmission by altering certain serotonin (5-HT) receptors. However, there is no evidence to suggest that ashwagandha increases the risk of serotonin-related effects, and there have been no published case reports of serotonin syndrome when combined with other serotonergic drugs. Nevertheless, due to the lack of extensive studies on the matter and the fact that ashwagandha appears to affect serotonergic pathways, it would be prudent to exercise caution when combining it with drugs that affect serotonin. [References: - Effects of Withania somnifera (Ashwaga ndha) on Stress and the Stress-Related Neuropsychiatric Disorders Anxiety, Depression, and Insomnia. Curr Neuropharmacol. 2021 Sep 14; 19: 1468–1495. - A Prospective, Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Safety and Efficacy of a High-Concentration Full-Spectrum Extract of Ashwagandha Root in Reducing Stress and Anxiety in Adults. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3573577/]

Likelihood Possible Evidence C
Ashwagandha Root Extract full monograph & interactions

Guggul gum extract9 drug types · 757 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, guggul might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs.
In vitro research and preliminary clinical studies suggest that guggul might have antiplatelet and anticoagulant effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Contraceptive Drugs

Theoretically, guggul might increase the risk of adverse effects when taken with contraceptive drugs.
In vitro research shows that guggul has estrogen-alpha receptor agonist activity.

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

Theoretically, guggul might reduce the effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
In vitro research shows that guggul constituents known as guggulsterones can induce CYP3A4.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Diltiazem (Cardizem, Others)

Guggul might reduce the effects of diltiazem.
A small pharmacokinetic study shows that concomitant use of guggul with diltiazem reduces the bioavailability of diltiazem.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Estrogens

Theoretically, guggul might increase the risk of adverse effects when taken with estrogens.
In vitro research shows that guggul constituents known as guggulsterones have estrogen-alpha receptor agonist activity.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Propranolol (Inderal)

Guggul might reduce the effects of propranolol.
A small pharmacokinetic study shows that concomitant use of guggul with propranolol reduces the bioavailability of propranolol.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Rosuvastatin (Crestor)

Theoretically, guggul might increase the effects and adverse effects of rosuvastatin.
Animal research shows that guggul increases the bioavailability and hypolipidemic effects of rosuvastatin. The mechanism of this interaction is unclear.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Tamoxifen (Nolvadex)

Theoretically, guggul might interfere with tamoxifen therapy.
In vitro research shows that guggul has estrogen-alpha receptor agonist activity.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Thyroid Hormone

Theoretically, guggul might increase the risk for adverse effects when taken with thyroid hormone therapy.
Animal research suggests that guggul has thyroid-stimulating effects.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Guggul gum extract full monograph & interactions

Tinospora Stem Extract6 drug types · 612 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, Tinospora cordifolia might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Clinical research in adults with type 2 diabetes shows that Tinospora cordifolia can reduce fasting blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin. Additionally, animal research shows that Tinospora cordifolia has hypoglycemic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence A
Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates

Theoretically, Tinospora cordifolia might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2.
In vitro research shows that Tinospora cordifolia extract inhibits CYP1A2 at high concentrations. However, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2C19 (Cyp2C19) Substrates

Theoretically, Tinospora cordifolia might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C19.
In vitro research shows that Tinospora cordifolia extract inhibits CYP2C19 at high concentrations. However, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

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

Theoretically, Tinospora cordifolia might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C9.
In vitro research shows that Tinospora cordifolia extract inhibits CYP2C9. Animal research shows that Tinospora cordifolia extract 400 mg/kg twice daily for 14 days reduces the clearance and increases plasma levels of glyburide, a CYP2C9 substrate. However, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2D6 (Cyp2D6) Substrates

Theoretically, Tinospora cordifolia might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
In vitro research shows that Tinospora cordifolia extract inhibits CYP2D6 at high concentrations. However, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, Tinospora cordifolia might reduce the effectiveness of immunosuppressants.
In vitro and animal research shows that Tinospora cordifolia has immunostimulant effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Tinospora Stem Extract full monograph & interactions

Asparagus Root Extract2 drug types · 76 drugs

Diuretic Drugs

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

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Lithium

Theoretically, asparagus root might cause diuresis, reducing lithium clearance.
Animal studies show that asparagus root extracts have diuretic effects. Theoretically, this might reduce excretion and increase levels of lithium. The dose of lithium might need to be decreased.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Asparagus Root Extract full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Formula W, from the product label.

AdvoCare

Name
AdvoCare International L.P.
City
Richardson
State
TX
ZipCode
75082
Phone Number
800-542-4800
Web Address
advocare.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Formula W by AdvoCare: Common Questions

Does Formula W by AdvoCare interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Formula W has a known interaction with 1,478 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Formula W contains 5 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Is it safe to take Formula W while I'm pregnant?
No. Ashwagandha and guggul both carry a rating of Likely Unsafe in pregnancy—ashwagandha is traditionally thought to risk miscarriage, and guggul may stimulate the uterus. Asparagus root shows mixed data (one source rates it Likely Safe, another Possibly Unsafe), and tinospora safety has not been established. Talk with your doctor before taking any supplement in pregnancy.
What is ashwagandha in this product supposed to do?
Ashwagandha is rated possibly effective for insomnia, anxiety, stress, and generalized anxiety disorder. It's an adaptogen, meaning it's traditionally used to help the body manage stress and support relaxation.
Can I take Formula W if I'm on thyroid medication?
You need to check with your doctor first. Both ashwagandha and guggul can increase the effects of thyroid hormone, which could cause problems like heart palpitations or tremor. Your doctor may need to adjust your dose or monitor you more closely if you take this product.
What are the most common side effects?
Ashwagandha may cause mild gastrointestinal upset like diarrhea, nausea, or stomach upset, though these are not common at typical doses. Guggul may cause belching, bloating, diarrhea, nausea, headache, and skin reactions like rash or itching. Asparagus root and tinospora are generally well tolerated.
Does maca have any drug interactions?
We could not check maca for medication interactions in our data. Before combining it with any medications, talk with your pharmacist or doctor.
Is Formula W safe to take long-term?
The safety data for ashwagandha and tinospora are limited long-term, and both have rare reports of liver injury. Guggul's long-term safety is also not well studied. You should use this product under guidance from a healthcare provider and have your liver function checked if you plan to take it for an extended period.

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.

Formula W label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Formula W’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

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 monograph

Ashwagandha

Interacts with 1,372 drugs

Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic herb most often taken to help with stress, anxiety, and sleep, and some small studies suggest it may help, though the evidence is still limited. It is generally w...

Read the full Ashwagandha monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Guggul

Interacts with 757 drugs

Guggul is a gum resin from the Commiphora wightii tree, long used in Ayurvedic medicine for cholesterol, joint, and skin problems. Modern studies are mixed and often low-quality, and it can...

Read the full Guggul monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Asparagus

Interacts with 76 drugs

Asparagus is a nutritious vegetable that is safe and healthy to eat as part of a normal diet. Most of its claimed medicinal benefits, such as use as a diuretic or for urinary health, come fr...

Read the full Asparagus monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Tinospora Cordifolia

Interacts with 612 drugs

Tinospora cordifolia, known as Guduchi or Giloy in Ayurvedic medicine, is a climbing plant traditionally used to support immunity and treat fevers. Early laboratory and small human studies s...

Read the full Tinospora Cordifolia monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Formula W'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 84 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.

Ashwagandha 32 references
  1. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
  2. Upton R, ed. Ashwagandha Root (Withania somnifera): Analytical, quality control, and therapuetic monograph. Santa Cruz, CA: American Herbal Pharmacopoeia 2000:1-25.
  3. Davis L, Kuttan G. Effect of Withania somnifera on cyclophosphamide-induced urotoxicity. Cancer Lett 2000;148:9-17. PubMed
  4. Davis L, Kuttan G. Suppressive effect of cyclophosphamide-induced toxicity by Withania somnifera extract in mice. J Ethnopharmacol 1998;62:209-14. PubMed
  5. Mishra LC, Singh BB, Dagenais S. Scientific basis for the therapeutic use of Withania somnifera (ashwagandha): a review. Altern Med Rev 2000;5:334-46. DOI
  6. Andallu B, Radhika B. Hypoglycemic, diuretic and hypocholesterolemic effect of winter cherry (Withania somnifera, Dunal) root. Indian J Exp Biol 2000;38:607-9.
  7. Kulkarni RR, Patki PS, Jog VP, et al. Treatment of osteoarthritis with a herbomineral formulation: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study. J Ethnopharmacol 1991;33:91-5. PubMed
  8. Ahumada F, Aspee F, Wikman G, Hancke J. Withania somnifera exract. Its effects on arterial blood pressure in anaesthetized dogs. Phytother Res 1991;5:111-14.
  9. Panda S, Kar A. Withania somnifera and Bauhinia purpurea in the regulation of circulating thyroid hormone concentrations in female mice. J Ethnopharmacol 1999;67:233-39. PubMed
  10. Panda S, Kar A. Changes in thyroid hormone concentrations after administration of ashwagandha root extract to adult male mice. J Pharm Pharmacol 1998;50:1065-68. PubMed
  11. Sehgal, V. N., Verma, P., and Bhattacharya, S. N. Fixed-drug eruption caused by ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): a widely used Ayurvedic drug. Skinmed. 2012;10(1):48-49.
  12. Agnihotri AP, Sontakke SD, Thawani VR, Saoji A, Goswami VS. Effects of Withania somnifera in patients of schizophrenia: a randomized, double blind, placebo controlled pilot trial study. Indian J Pharmacol. 2013;45(4):417-8. PubMed
  13. Biswal BM, Sulaiman SA, Ismail HC, Zakaria H, Musa KI. Effect of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) on the development of chemotherapy-induced fatigue and quality of life in breast cancer patients. Integr Cancer Ther. 2013;12(4):312-22.
  14. Sharma AK, Basu I, Singh S. Efficacy and safety of Ashwagandha root extract in subclinical hypothyroid patients: a double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial. J Altern Complement Med. 2018 Mar;24(3):243-248. PubMed
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Maca 1 reference
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Guggul 21 references
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Asparagus 14 references
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Tinospora Cordifolia 16 references
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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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