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Dietary supplement

Forsythia Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Hawaii Pharm

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

Forsythia is a dietary supplement by Hawaii Pharm with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for colds and flu symptoms, sore throat, fever.Based on those ingredients, 123 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are certified organic Forsythia extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Forsythia by Hawaii Pharm

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This liquid contains one active ingredient: certified organic forsythia extract. The formula also includes vegetable palm glycerin, pharmaceutical-grade alcohol, and artesian Hawaiian purified water as inactive ingredients.

Does it work?

Couldn't assess
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 assessable

This is a single-ingredient Forsythia product and its label doesn't state a use — see Forsythia's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.

The evidence we hold on forsythia for bronchiolitis is insufficient to rate — we don't have enough reliable data to say whether it works for this condition.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Forsythia

How safe is it?

Limited data
Safety Information · database check
Limited information

Little studied safety information is available for these ingredients — that is not the same as being safe.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 0 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 0 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Forsythia has been used short-term in traditional medicine, but human safety data are limited. The safety information on file advises against use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding due to not enough safety data.

Since this is a liquid extract that contains alcohol, that's also worth noting if you need to avoid alcohol for any reason.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Forsythia

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?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Forsythia.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs.
  • For scale: 123 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.

Blood thinners and antiplatelet drugs (aspirin, clopidogrel, dalteparin, enoxaparin, heparin, and similar medications) carry a moderate interaction risk — forsythia may increase bleeding. Also check if you're taking azithromycin (Zithromax), which has a minor interaction.

Run your full medication list through the tool on this page before you start.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no assessable stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is limited.

Forsythia extract is worth considering if you're looking for a traditional remedy, but the evidence for its effectiveness isn't established yet. If you take any blood thinners, antiplatelet drugs, or azithromycin, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting — the interaction risks are real.

Pregnant or breastfeeding? Skip this one and check with your healthcare provider about alternatives.

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

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Oct 23, 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 Forsythia, straight from the product label.

Brand Hawaii Pharm
Barcode (UPC) 650905457586
Net contents 4 Fluid Ounce(s); 120 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Oct 23, 2020
DSLD ID 237859
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Organic, Gluten 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 Forsythia by Hawaii Pharm, 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:
0.7 mL
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 mL
Servings per container
120
UPC/BARCODE
650905457586
IngredientAmount% DV
certified organic Forsythia extract970 mg--

Other ingredients: Vegetable Palm Glycerin, pharmaceutical grade Alcohol, artesian Hawaiian purified 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.
General Statements

Hawaii Pharm Herbal Extract Highest quality since 2008

Made with Aloha!

Formulation

Contains no GMO, gluten, artificial colors, heavy metals, preservatives, pesticides, fertilizers.

Super concentrated liquid herbal extract. Dry herb/menstruum ratio: 1:3.

Manufactured in an FDA registered facility.

Non GMO Gluten free

Made in USA, Hawaii

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions for use: Shake well before using. Take about 20-30 drops (0.7-1 ml, one full squeeze of the dropper bulb) to 2-4 oz of juice or water up to 4 times per day.

Precautions

Warning: Keep out of the reach of children.

May have contraindications. We recommend to seek expert medical advice before taking.

Do not use if you are allergic to any ingredients.

Consult a physician before using during pregnancy, if nursing or taking any medications.

Do not use if seal is broken or missing.

Storage

Store in a cool dry place.

Formula

(Forsythia suspensa)

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Dietary Supplement

FDA Disclaimer Statement

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

Seals/Symbols

FDA Registered Facility Made in United States of America USA

See for yourself

Forsythia by Hawaii Pharm label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Forsythia by Hawaii Pharm

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size0.7 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container120 Amounts shown are per serving.

Certified organic Forsythia extract

Interacts with
123 drugs
970 mg per serving

Forsythia is a traditional Chinese herb, used mainly for cold and flu symptoms and as part of multi-herb formulas. Most evidence comes from laboratory...

Certified organic Forsythia extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Vegetable Palm Glycerin, Pharmaceutical grade Alcohol, Artesian Hawaiian purified Water. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Forsythia by Hawaii Pharm Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Forsythia?

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
123Drugs
122 Moderate 1 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Forsythia with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

certified organic Forsythia extract2 drug types · 123 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, taking forsythia with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs might increase the risk of bleeding due to decreased platelet aggregation. Forsythia might reduce platelet aggregation by inhibiting platelet activating factor. Some of these drugs include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, ticlopidine (Ticlid), warfarin (Coumadin), and others.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Azithromycin (Zithromax)

Theoretically, taking forsythia with azithromycin might increase the risk of adverse effects. Animal research in rats shows that taking a single dose of forsythia with azithromycin decreases the clearance and increases the area under the curve of both forsythiaside, a constituent of forsythia, and azithromycin. The mechanism of this interaction is not well understood.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Forsythia, from the product label.

Hawaii Pharm

See all Hawaii Pharm products
Name
Hawaii Pharm LLC
City
Honolulu
State
HI
ZipCode
96815
Web Address
www.hawaiipharm.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Forsythia by Hawaii Pharm: Common Questions

Does Forsythia by Hawaii Pharm interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Forsythia has a known interaction with 123 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Forsythia contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism 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 if I'm on aspirin or another blood thinner?
No — not without checking first. Forsythia may increase your bleeding risk when combined with blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs like aspirin, clopidogrel, or enoxaparin. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product alongside any of these medications.
Does forsythia actually work for bronchiolitis?
The evidence we hold on forsythia for bronchiolitis is insufficient to rate — there isn't enough reliable data to say whether it works.
Can I take this while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No — the safety data advises against use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding because there isn't enough information about safety in those situations. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about what's appropriate for you.
Does this liquid contain alcohol?
Yes — it's made with pharmaceutical-grade alcohol as part of the extraction. If you need to avoid alcohol, this product isn't right for you.
What is forsythia extract supposed to do?
Forsythia has been used in traditional medicine, typically for short-term support, but the evidence for specific conditions isn't well established in the data we hold.

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.

Forsythia label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Forsythia'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 3 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.

Forsythia 3 references
  1. Kong XT, Fang HT, Jiang GQ, et al. Treatment of acute bronchiolitis with Chinese herbs. Arch Dis Child 1993;68:468-71. PubMed
  2. Iwakami S, Wu JB, Ebizuka Y, Sankawa U. Platelet activating factor (PAF) antagonists contained in medicinal plants: lignans and sesquiterpenes. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) 1992;40:1196-8. PubMed
  3. Li XG, Ni J, Shen S, Wang XP, Tian JC. Pharmacokinetic interaction of Forsythia suspensa extract and azithromycin injection after single and co-intravenous administration in rats. Chin J Nat Med 2020;18(3):234-240. PubMed

See these in context on the Forsythia monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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