Ginseng Complex Ingredients & Drug Interactions
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking Ginseng Complex 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
Ginseng Complex is a dietary supplement by The Vitamin Shoppe with 5 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for stress and energy support, immune support and colds, blood sugar management.Based on those ingredients, 1,260 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Eleuthero powder, American Ginseng, Royal Jelly extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.
Check Your Meds Against Ginseng Complex by The Vitamin Shoppe
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AI summaries are generated from our interaction database for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Ginseng Complex by The Vitamin Shoppe
Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.
What’s inside
Full disclosure
This complex contains five ingredients, two of which we can assess for interactions: American ginseng, eleuthero powder, and royal jelly extract are the active components. The product also includes inactive ingredients — gelatin, magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide, and rice flour — which are fillers and capsule materials.
Red Chinese Ginseng and Korean Ginseng are the two ingredients we couldn't check for interactions because we don't hold monograph data on them.
Does it work?
Moderate evidence
American ginseng is rated possibly effective for upper respiratory tract infections (common colds, bronchitis, and similar infections of the nose, throat, and upper airways), but the evidence for anemia of chronic disease and breast cancer is insufficient to rate. Elementhero is possibly effective for genital herpes, though evidence is insufficient to rate it for familial Mediterranean fever, bipolar disorder, osteoporosis, or chronic fatigue syndrome.
Royal jelly is possibly effective for menopausal symptoms but possibly ineffective for hay fever, physical performance, and diabetes — and evidence on its use for hair loss is insufficient to rate.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
American ginseng and eleuthero are generally well tolerated short-term in healthy adults, but quality and dosing vary across products, and long-term safety hasn't been well studied. Eleuthero may cause diarrhea, stomach upset, headache, nausea, nervousness, or rash in some people — nervousness occurred in about 7.3% of people in one study, and higher doses may increase the risk.
Eleuthero has also been reported to raise blood pressure in some patients. Royal jelly is generally well tolerated but can trigger serious allergic reactions — especially breathing problems, throat swelling, and in rare cases anaphylaxis and death — in people with a history of asthma or atopy (a tendency to allergic conditions).
For pregnancy: American ginseng and eleuthero are rated possibly unsafe — safety data is insufficient, so avoidance is advised. Royal jelly also has insufficient safety information, so avoidance is the safer choice.
For breastfeeding: American ginseng, eleuthero, and royal jelly all lack enough safety data — avoidance is recommended. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this product is right for you if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.
Meds to double-check
Major interaction found
Before taking this product, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take warfarin or other blood thinners (Major interaction with American ginseng, Moderate with royal jelly). Also check if you take heart medications like digoxin, blood pressure drugs, antidiabetes drugs, immunosuppressants, or MAOI antidepressants — all have documented Moderate interactions.
If you have a history of asthma or severe allergies, mention this product to your healthcare provider because royal jelly can trigger serious allergic reactions in sensitive people.
The bottom line
Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence behind its ingredients' uses. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.
This complex may appeal to people looking for immune or energy support, but it carries significant interactions with blood thinners, heart drugs, blood pressure medications, and diabetes and immunosuppressant drugs. If you take any prescription medication — especially warfarin, digoxin, diabetes drugs, or immune-suppressing drugs — check it against the interaction tool before starting.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this product fits your health picture.
Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI
Assessment coverage: 3 of 5 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jun 24, 2019.
This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed
General information
Key facts about Ginseng Complex, straight from the product label.
| Brand | The Vitamin Shoppe |
|---|---|
| Barcode (UPC) | 766536037773 |
| Net contents | 120 Capsule(s) |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | Jun 24, 2019 |
| DSLD ID | 204156 |
| Product type | Other Combinations |
| Supplement form | Capsule |
| Dietary claims / uses | All Other, Structure/Function |
| Intended target group(s) | Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free |
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.
Supplement Facts
The label details for Ginseng Complex by The Vitamin Shoppe, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Red Chinese Ginseng | 150 mg | -- |
| American Ginseng | 150 mg | -- |
| Eleuthero powder | 150 mg | -- |
| Royal Jelly extract | 57 mg | -- |
| Korean Ginseng | 150 mg | -- |
Other ingredients: Gelatin, Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide, Rice Flour
Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
General Statements
A blend of whole adaptogenic herbs
Herb
Energy Vitality
Visit www.vitaminshoppe.com or call 1-800-223-1216 for more information and to reorder.
FDA Statement of Identity
Dietary Supplement
Formulation
Gluten free Dairy free Soy free Nut free
Does not contain: Gluten, salt, preservatives, artificial colors or flavors.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions
Directions: Take one (1) capsule daily, preferably with meals.
Precautions
Warning: Consult your healthcare provider prior to use if you are pregnant, nursing, taking any medication or have any medical conditions.
This product contains royal jelly. Bee products can cause allergic reactions in some people.
Keep out of reach of children.
Tamper evident Do not use if outer seal is broken or missing.
Formula
This product contains royal jelly.
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.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place.
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Ginseng Complex by The Vitamin Shoppe label
The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.
Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.
View the full label (PDF)The Ingredients in Ginseng Complex by The Vitamin Shoppe
These are the 5 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.
Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule 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.
Red Chinese Ginseng
American Ginseng
Interacts with217 drugs
American ginseng is an herbal root used as an 'adaptogen' to support energy, stress, immune function, and blood sugar. Some uses—such as reducing the...
American Ginseng monograph & interactionsEleuthero powder
Interacts with1,140 drugs
Eleuthero is an herb traditionally used as an 'adaptogen' to fight fatigue, boost energy, and help the body handle stress. The scientific evidence beh...
Eleuthero powder monograph & interactionsRoyal Jelly extract
Interacts with174 drugs
Royal jelly is a nutrient-rich substance made by worker bees to feed the queen bee. People take it for menopause symptoms, energy, skin, and immune su...
Royal Jelly extract monograph & interactionsKorean Ginseng
Other (inactive) ingredients: Gelatin, Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide, Rice Flour. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
Ginseng Complex by The Vitamin Shoppe Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
Ginseng Complex by The Vitamin Shoppe interacts with medications through its American ginseng, eleuthero, and royal jelly content.
The most serious interaction is American ginseng's Major interaction with warfarin (Coumadin), a blood thinner — ginseng appears to reduce warfarin's effectiveness, which could lower your clotting protection and raise your blood clot risk.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
American ginseng also has Moderate interactions with immunosuppressants (drugs that weaken your immune system on purpose, often after transplant), antidiabetes drugs (which lower blood sugar), and MAOIs (a type of antidepressant). Eleuthero carries Moderate interactions with several drug types: CYP1A2 and CYP2C9 substrates (medications your liver breaks down via specific pathways), P-glycoprotein substrates (drugs that depend on a cellular transporter), blood thinners and antiplatelet drugs, immunosuppressants, antidiabetes drugs, and digoxin (a heart medication).
Eleuthero also has a Minor interaction with CYP2D6 substrates, though human research suggests this may not occur in practice. Royal jelly adds Moderate interactions with blood pressure medications and warfarin.
Red Chinese Ginseng and Korean Ginseng could not be checked — we don't hold interaction data for them. Altogether, these interactions span 1,261 individual medications.
If you take any prescription medication, check your exact drugs with the search tool on this page before starting this product.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
Want to check YOUR meds against Ginseng Complex?
Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.
Go to the checkerIngredients driving the most interactions
Individual Drug Interactions
The ingredients in Ginseng Complex interact with 1,260 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
3 of the 5 ingredients in Ginseng Complex interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Eleuthero powder American Ginseng Royal Jelly extract
Ado-trastuzumab EmtansineKadcyla
How Ado-trastuzumab Emtansine interacts with Ginseng Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Eleuthero PowderCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, eleuthero might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Eleuthero Powder + Ado-trastuzumab Emtansine interactionAbemaciclibVerzenio
How Abemaciclib interacts with Ginseng Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Eleuthero PowderCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, eleuthero might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Eleuthero Powder + Abemaciclib interactionAbiraterone
How Abiraterone interacts with Ginseng Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Eleuthero PowderCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, eleuthero might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Eleuthero Powder + Abiraterone interactionAbiraterone AcetateYonsa, Zytiga
How Abiraterone Acetate interacts with Ginseng Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Eleuthero PowderCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, eleuthero might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Eleuthero Powder + Abiraterone Acetate interactionAdagrasibKrazati
How Adagrasib interacts with Ginseng Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Eleuthero PowderCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, eleuthero might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Eleuthero Powder + Adagrasib interactionAlfentanilAlfenta
How Alfentanil interacts with Ginseng Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Eleuthero PowderCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, eleuthero might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Eleuthero Powder + Alfentanil interactionAlfuzosinUroxatral
How Alfuzosin interacts with Ginseng Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Eleuthero PowderCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, eleuthero might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Eleuthero Powder + Alfuzosin interactionAlmotriptanAlmogran, Axert
How Almotriptan interacts with Ginseng Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Eleuthero PowderCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, eleuthero might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Eleuthero Powder + Almotriptan interactionAlpelisibPiqray
How Alpelisib interacts with Ginseng Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Eleuthero PowderCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, eleuthero might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Eleuthero Powder + Alpelisib interactionAlprazolamNiravam, Xanax
How Alprazolam interacts with Ginseng Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Eleuthero PowderCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, eleuthero might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Eleuthero Powder + Alprazolam interactionAmiodaroneCordarone, Pacerone
How Amiodarone interacts with Ginseng Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Eleuthero PowderCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, eleuthero might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Eleuthero Powder + Amiodarone interactionAmphetamine Aspartate, Amphetamine Sulfate, Dextroamphetamine Saccharate, Dextroamphetamine SulfateAdderall, Adderall XR
How Amphetamine Aspartate, Amphetamine Sulfate, Dextroamphetamine Saccharate, Dextroamphetamine Sulfate interacts with Ginseng Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Eleuthero PowderCytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, eleuthero might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
Read the full Eleuthero Powder + Amphetamine Aspartate, Amphetamine Sulfate, Dextroamphetamine Saccharate, Dextroamphetamine Sulfate interactionAmphetamine SulfateBenzedrine, Evekeo ODT
How Amphetamine Sulfate interacts with Ginseng Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Eleuthero PowderCytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, eleuthero might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
Read the full Eleuthero Powder + Amphetamine Sulfate interactionApalutamideErleada
How Apalutamide interacts with Ginseng Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Eleuthero PowderCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, eleuthero might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Eleuthero Powder + Apalutamide interactionApremilastOtezla
How Apremilast interacts with Ginseng Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Eleuthero PowderCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, eleuthero might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Eleuthero Powder + Apremilast interactionAprepitantCinvanti, Emend
How Aprepitant interacts with Ginseng Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Eleuthero PowderCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, eleuthero might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Eleuthero Powder + Aprepitant interactionAripiprazoleAbilify, Abilify Maintena, Abilify Mycite
How Aripiprazole interacts with Ginseng Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Eleuthero PowderCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, eleuthero might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Eleuthero Powder + Aripiprazole interactionAripiprazole LauroxilAristada, Aristada Initio Kit
How Aripiprazole Lauroxil interacts with Ginseng Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Eleuthero PowderCytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, eleuthero might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
Read the full Eleuthero Powder + Aripiprazole Lauroxil interactionAtazanavirReyataz
How Atazanavir interacts with Ginseng Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Eleuthero PowderCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, eleuthero might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Eleuthero Powder + Atazanavir interactionAtazanavir, CobicistatEvotaz
How Atazanavir, Cobicistat interacts with Ginseng Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Eleuthero PowderCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, eleuthero might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Eleuthero Powder + Atazanavir, Cobicistat interactionAtomoxetineStrattera
How Atomoxetine interacts with Ginseng Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Eleuthero PowderCytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, eleuthero might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
Read the full Eleuthero Powder + Atomoxetine interactionAtorvastatinAtorvaliq
How Atorvastatin interacts with Ginseng Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Eleuthero PowderCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Organic Anion-transporting Polypeptide Substrates (oatp) Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, eleuthero might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Eleuthero Powder + Atorvastatin interactionAtorvastatin CalciumLipitor
How Atorvastatin Calcium interacts with Ginseng Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Eleuthero PowderOrganic Anion-transporting Polypeptide Substrates (oatp), Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, eleuthero might decrease levels of drugs metabolized by OATP.
Read the full Eleuthero Powder + Atorvastatin Calcium interactionAtropine, Chlorpheniramine, Hyoscyamine, Phenylephrine, Phenylpropanolamine, ScopolamineAtrohist Plus, Pro Tuss, Ru-tuss, Stahist
How Atropine, Chlorpheniramine, Hyoscyamine, Phenylephrine, Phenylpropanolamine, Scopolamine interacts with Ginseng Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Eleuthero PowderCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, eleuthero might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Eleuthero Powder + Atropine, Chlorpheniramine, Hyoscyamine, Phenylephrine, Phenylpropanolamine, Scopolamine interactionAtropine, MeperidineAtropine, Meperidine
How Atropine, Meperidine interacts with Ginseng Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Eleuthero PowderCytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, eleuthero might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
Read the full Eleuthero Powder + Atropine, Meperidine interactionAvacopanTavneos
How Avacopan interacts with Ginseng Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Eleuthero PowderCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, eleuthero might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Eleuthero Powder + Avacopan interactionAvanafilStendra
How Avanafil interacts with Ginseng Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Eleuthero PowderCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, eleuthero might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Eleuthero Powder + Avanafil interactionAvapritinibAyvakit
How Avapritinib interacts with Ginseng Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Eleuthero PowderCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, eleuthero might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Eleuthero Powder + Avapritinib interactionAxitinibInlyta
How Axitinib interacts with Ginseng Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Eleuthero PowderCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, eleuthero might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Eleuthero Powder + Axitinib interactionAzelastine Hydrochloride, Fluticasone PropionateDymista
How Azelastine Hydrochloride, Fluticasone Propionate interacts with Ginseng Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Eleuthero PowderCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, eleuthero might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Eleuthero Powder + Azelastine Hydrochloride, Fluticasone Propionate interactionEach ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects
For each ingredient in Ginseng Complex 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.
Eleuthero powder
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs
Theoretically, eleuthero may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
In vitro and animal research shows that a constituent of eleuthero, dihydroxybenzoic acid, appears to inhibit platelet aggregation. Concomitant use with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs might increase the risk of bleeding. This effect has not been reported in humans.
Antidiabetes Drugs
Theoretically, eleuthero might have additive effects when used with antidiabetes drugs.
Animal research suggests that certain constituents of eleuthero have hypoglycemic activity in both healthy and diabetic animals. A small study in adults with type 2 diabetes also shows that taking eleuthero for 3 months can lower blood glucose levels. However, one very small study in healthy individuals shows that taking powdered eleuthero 3 grams, 40 minutes prior to a 75-gram oral glucose tolerance test, significantly increases postprandial blood glucose levels when compared with placebo. These contradictory findings might be due to patient-specific variability and variability in active ingredient ratios.
Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates
Theoretically, eleuthero might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2.
In vitro and animal research suggest that standardized extracts of eleuthero inhibit CYP1A2. This effect has not been reported in humans.
Cytochrome P450 2C9 (Cyp2C9) Substrates
Theoretically, eleuthero might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C9.
In vitro and animal research suggest that standardized extracts of eleuthero might inhibit CYP2C9. This effect has not been reported in humans.
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Eleuthero might increase serum digoxin levels and increase the risk of side effects.
In one case report, a 74-year-old male who was stabilized on digoxin presented with an elevated serum digoxin level after starting an eleuthero supplement, without symptoms of toxicity. After stopping the supplement, serum digoxin levels returned to normal. It is not clear whether this was due to a pharmacokinetic interaction or to interference with the digoxin assay. Although the product was found to be free of digoxin and digitoxin, it was not tested for other contaminants.
Immunosuppressants
Theoretically, eleuthero might interfere with immunosuppressive drugs because of its immunostimulant activity.
Animal and in vitro research shows that eleuthero extracts have immunomodulatory effects, including increasing cellular and humoral activity.
P-Glycoprotein Substrates
Theoretically, eleuthero might increase levels of P-glycoprotein substrates.
In vitro research suggests that eleuthero can inhibit the multi-drug transporter protein, P-glycoprotein. However, it is too soon to tell if this is clinically important. This interaction has not been reported in humans.
Cytochrome P450 2D6 (Cyp2D6) Substrates
Theoretically, eleuthero might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
In vitro and animal research suggest that standardized extracts of eleuthero might inhibit CYP2D6. However, research in healthy human volunteers has found that taking eleuthero 485 mg twice daily for 14 days does not inhibit CYP2D6 drug metabolism.
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates
Theoretically, eleuthero might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
In vitro and animal research suggest that standardized extracts of eleuthero might inhibit CYP3A4. However, research in healthy human volunteers has found that taking eleuthero 485 mg twice daily for 14 days does not inhibit CYP3A4 drug metabolism.
Organic Anion-Transporting Polypeptide Substrates (Oatp)
Theoretically, eleuthero might decrease levels of drugs metabolized by OATP.
In vitro research suggests that eleuthero inhibits OATP2B1, which might reduce the bioavailability of oral drugs that are substrates of OATP2B1. Due to the weak inhibitory effect identified in this study, this interaction is not likely to be clinically significant.
American Ginseng
Warfarin (Coumadin)
American ginseng seems to decrease the effectiveness of warfarin therapy.
Healthy patients receiving warfarin 5 mg daily, who also take American ginseng 1 gram twice daily, seem to have a significantly reduced international normalized ratio (INR).
Antidiabetes Drugs
Theoretically, taking American ginseng with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
American ginseng seems to lower postprandial blood glucose. Theoretically, concomitant use with antidiabetes drugs might enhance blood glucose lowering effects and possibly cause hypoglycemia.
Immunosuppressants
Theoretically, American ginseng use might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
American ginseng seems to stimulate immune function. Theoretically, American ginseng might decrease the effectiveness of immunosuppressant drugs.
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (Maois)
Theoretically, American ginseng can interfere with MAOI therapy.
There is one case report of insomnia, headache, and tremors when an unspecified ginseng product was used with phenelzine (Nardil), an MAOI. There is also one case report of hypomania when an unspecified ginseng product was used with phenelzine. Theoretically, American ginseng may interfere with MAOI therapy.
Royal Jelly extract
Antihypertensive Drugs
Theoretically, royal jelly might increase the risk of hypotension when taken with antihypertensive drugs.
Animal research suggests that royal jelly might lower blood pressure.
Warfarin (Coumadin)
Royal jelly might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with warfarin.
In one case, an 87-year-old male who was previously stabilized on warfarin developed hematuria and was found to have an INR of 7.29 after taking a royal jelly supplement for one week.
Brand information
Manufacturer and brand details for Ginseng Complex, from the product label.
The Vitamin Shoppe
See all The Vitamin Shoppe products- Name
- Vitamin Shoppe, Inc.
- City
- Secaucus
- State
- NJ
- ZipCode
- 07094
- Phone Number
- 1-800-223-1216
- Web Address
- www.vitaminshoppe.com
Ginseng Complex by The Vitamin Shoppe: Common Questions
Does Ginseng Complex by The Vitamin Shoppe interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
Does this product work for colds?
Can I take this while pregnant or breastfeeding?
What side effects might I get?
Why can't you check Red Chinese Ginseng and Korean Ginseng?
Does royal jelly actually do anything?
Is this product safe to take for a long time?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.
The Full Monographs Behind Ginseng Complex’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
American Ginseng
Interacts with 217 drugsAmerican ginseng is an herbal root used as an 'adaptogen' to support energy, stress, immune function, and blood sugar. Some uses—such as reducing the chance or length of colds and modestly l...
Read the full American Ginseng monograph → Herb & supplement monographEleuthero
Interacts with 1,140 drugsEleuthero is an herb traditionally used as an 'adaptogen' to fight fatigue, boost energy, and help the body handle stress. The scientific evidence behind these uses is limited and mixed, so...
Read the full Eleuthero monograph → Herb & supplement monographRoyal Jelly
Interacts with 174 drugsRoyal jelly is a nutrient-rich substance made by worker bees to feed the queen bee. People take it for menopause symptoms, energy, skin, and immune support, but solid human evidence is limit...
Read the full Royal Jelly monograph →Sources & How We Checked
Ginseng Complex's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.
- NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD) — The official product label on file for this supplement.
- Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) — Evidence-graded clinical reference behind the ingredient interaction data.
Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.
The 50 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.
American Ginseng 12 references
- Shader RI, Greenblatt DJ. Phenelzine and the dream machine-ramblings and reflections. J Clin Psychopharmacol 1985;5:65. PubMed
- Jones BD, Runikis AM. Interaction of ginseng with phenelzine. J Clin Psychopharmacol 1987;7:201-2. PubMed
- Janetzky K, Morreale AP. Probable interaction between warfarin and ginseng. Am J Health Syst Pharm 1997;54:692-3. PubMed
- Vuksan V, Sievenpiper JL, Koo VY, et al. American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L) reduces postprandial glycemia in nondiabetic subjects and subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Arch Intern Med 2000;160:1009-13. PubMed
- Vuksan V, Stavro MP, Sievenpiper JL, et al. Similar postprandial glycemic reductions with escalation of dose and administration time of American ginseng in type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care 2000;23:1221-6. PubMed
- Chan LY, Chiu PY, Lau TK. An in-vitro study of ginsenoside Rb(1)-induced teratogenicity using a whole rat embryo culture model. Hum Reprod 2003;18:2166-8..
- McElhaney JE, Gravenstein S, Cole SK, et al. A Placebo-Controlled Trial of a Proprietary Extract of North American Ginseng (CVT-E002) to Prevent Acute Respiratory Illness in Institutionalized Older Adults. J Am Geriatr Soc 2004;52:13-9. PubMed
- Yuan CS, Wei G, Dey L, et al. American ginseng reduces warfarin's effect in healthy patients: a randomized, controlled trial. Ann Intern Med 2004;141:23-7.
- Predy GN, Goel V, Lovlin R, et al. Efficacy of an extract of North American ginseng containing poly-furanosyl-pyranosyl-saccharides for preventing upper respiratory tract infections: a randomized controlled trial. CMAJ 2005;173:1043-8.. PubMed
- McElhaney JE, Goel V, Toane B, et al. Efficacy of COLD-fX in the prevention of respiratory symptoms in community-dwelling adults: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo controlled trial. J Altern Complement Med 2006;12:153-7. PubMed
- Predy GN, Goel V, Lovlin RE, et al. Immune modulating effects of daily supplementation of COLD-fX (a proprietary extract of North American ginseng) in healthy adults. J Clin Biochem Nutr 2006;39:162-167. DOI
- Stavro PM, Woo M, Leiter LA, et al. Long-term intake of North American ginseng has no effect on 24-hour blood pressure and renal function. Hypertension 2006;47(4):791-6. PubMed
Eleuthero 24 references
- McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
- McRae S. Elevated serum digoxin levels in a patient taking digoxin and Siberian ginseng. CMAJ 1996;155:293-5.
- Awang DVC. Siberian ginseng toxicity may be case of mistaken identity (letter). CMAJ 1996;155:1237.
- Mills S, Bone K. Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy. London: Churchill Livingstone, 2000.
- Harkey MR, Henderson GL, Zhou L, et al. Effects of Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) on c-DNA-expressed P450 drug metabolizing enzymes. Alt Ther 2001;7:S14.
- Hikino H, Takahashi M, Otake K, Konno C. Isolation and hypoglycemic activity of eleutherans A, B, C, D, E, F, and G: glycans of Eleutherococcus senticosus roots. J Nat Prod 1986;49:293-7. PubMed
- Yun-Choi HS, Kim JH, Lee JR. Potential inhibitors of platelet aggregation from plant sources, III. J Nat Prod 1987;50:1059-64. PubMed
- Donovan JL, DeVane CL, Chavin KD, et al. Siberian Ginseng (Eleutheroccus senticosus) Effects on CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 Activity in Normal Volunteers. Drug Metab Dispos 2003;31:519-22.. PubMed
- Hartz AJ, Bentler S, Noyes R et al. Randomized controlled trial of Siberian ginseng for chronic fatigue. Psychol Med 2004;34:51-61. PubMed
- Sievenpiper JL, Arnason JT, Leiter LA, Vuksan V. Decreasing, null and increasing effects of eight popular types of ginseng on acute postprandial glycemic indices in healthy humans: the role of ginsenosides. J Am Coll Nutr 2004;23:248-58. PubMed
- Dasgupta A, Wu S, Actor J, et al. Effect of Asian and Siberian ginseng on serum digoxin measurement by five digoxin immunoassays. Significant variation in digoxin-like immunoreactivity among commercial ginsengs. Am J Clin Pathol 2003;119:298-303. DOI
- Takahashi T, Kaku T, Sato T, et al. Effects of Acanthopanax senticosus HARMS extract on drug transport in human intestinal cell line Caco-2. J Nat Med. 2010;64(1):55-62. PubMed
- Fuchikami H, Satoh H, Tsujimoto M, Ohdo S, Ohtani H, Sawada Y. Effects of herbal extracts on the function of human organic anion-transporting polypeptide OATP-B. Drug Metab Dispos 2006;34:577-82. PubMed
- Friedman, J. A., Taylor, S. A., McDermott, W., and Alikhani, P. Multifocal and recurrent subarachnoid hemorrhage due to an herbal supplement containing natural coumarins. Neurocrit.Care 2007;7(1):76-80. PubMed
- Molokovskii, D. S., Davydov, V. V., and Tiulenev, V. V. [The action of adaptogenic plant preparations in experimental alloxan diabetes]. Probl.Endokrinol.(Mosk) 1989;35(6):82-87.
- Schmolz, M. W., Sacher, F., and Aicher, B. The synthesis of Rantes, G-CSF, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-12 and IL-13 in human whole-blood cultures is modulated by an extract from Eleutherococcus senticosus L. roots. Phytother.Res 2001;15(3):268-270.
- Huang, D. B., Ran, R. Z., and Yu, Z. F. [Effect of Acanthopanax senticosus injection on the activities of human tumor necrosis factor and natural killer cell in blood in the patients with lung cancer]. Zhongguo Zhong.Yao Za Zhi. 2005;30(8):621-624.
- Niu, H. S., Hsu, F. L., Liu, I. M., and Cheng, J. T. Increase of beta-endorphin secretion by syringin, an active principle of Eleutherococcus senticosus, to produce antihyperglycemic action in type 1-like diabetic rats. Horm.Metab Res 2007;39(12):894-898
- Watanabe, K., Kamata, K., Sato, J., and Takahashi, T. Fundamental studies on the inhibitory action of Acanthopanax senticosus Harms on glucose absorption. J Ethnopharmacol. 10-28-2010;132(1):193-199. PubMed
- Bazaz'ian, G. G., Liapina, L. A., Pastorova, V. E., and Zvereva, E. G. [Effect of Eleutherococcus on the functional status of the anticoagulation system in older animals]. Fiziol.Zh.SSSR Im I.M.Sechenova 1987;73(10):1390-1395.
- Kaloeva, Z. D. [Effect of the glycosides of Eleutherococcus senticosus on the hemodynamic indices of children with hypotensive states]. Farmakol.Toksikol. 1986;49(5):73.
- Martinez, B. and Staba, E. J. The physiological effects of Aralia, Panax and Eleutherococcus on exercised rats. Jpn J Pharmacol 1984;35(2):79-85. DOI
- Medon, P. J., Thompson, E. B., and Farnsworth, N. R. Hypoglycemic effect and toxicity of Eleutherococcus senticosus following acute and chronic administration in mice. Zhongguo Yao Li Xue.Bao. 1981;2(4):281-285.
- Freye E, GLeske J. Siberian ginseng results in beneficial effects on glucose metabolism in diabetes type 2 patients: a double blind placebo-controlled study in comparison to panax ginseng. Int J Clin Nutr. 2013;1(1):11-17.
Royal Jelly 14 references
- Takahashi M, Matsuo I, Ohkido M. Contact dermatitis due to honeybee royal jelly. Contact Dermatitis 1983;9:452-5.
- Bullock RJ, et al. Fatal royal jelly-induced asthma. Med J Aust 1994;160:44. DOI
- Thien FC, Leung R, Baldo BA, et al. Asthma and anaphylaxis induced by royal jelly. Clin Exp Allergy 1996;26:216-22. PubMed
- Yonei Y, Shibagaki K, Tsukada N, et al. Case report: haemorrhagic colitis associated with royal jelly intake. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 1997;12:495-9.
- Harwood M, Harding S, Beasley R, Frankish PD. Asthma following royal jelly. N Z Med J 1996;109:325.
- Laporte JR, Ibaanez L, Vendrell L, Ballarin E. Bronchospasm induced by royal jelly. Allergy 1996;51:440. DOI
- Leung R, Thien FC, Baldo B, et al. Royal jelly-induced asthma and anaphylaxis: clinical characteristics and immunologic correlations. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1995;96:1004-7. PubMed
- Peacock S, Murray V, Turton C. Respiratory distress and royal jelly. BMJ 1995;311:1472. DOI
- Winther K, Hedman C. Assessment of the Effects of the Herbal Remedy Femal on the Symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. Curr Ther Res Clin Exp 2002;63:344-53. DOI
- Lee NJ, Fermo JD. Warfarin and royal jelly interaction. Pharmacotherapy 2006;26:583-6. PubMed
- Tokunaga, K. H., Yoshida, C., Suzuki, K. M., Maruyama, H., Futamura, Y., Araki, Y., and Mishima, S. Antihypertensive effect of peptides from royal jelly in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Biol.Pharm.Bull. 2004;27(2):189-192. PubMed
- Sultana, A., Nabi, A. H., Nasir, U. M., Maruyama, H., Suzuki, K. M., Mishima, S., and Suzuki, F. A dipeptide YY derived from royal jelly proteins inhibits renin activity. Int.J.Mol.Med. 2008;21(6):677-681. DOI
- Gómez Torrijos E, Méndez Diaz Y, Borja Segade JM, et al. Occupational allergic respiratory disease due to royal jelly. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2016;117(1):102-3. PubMed
- Li JD, Cui L, Xu YY, Guan K. A case of anaphylaxis caused by major royal jelly protein 3 of royal jelly and its cross-reactivity with honeycomb. J Asthma Allergy 2021;14:1555-7. 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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