Major interaction on record — check this product against your medications before combining. Based on 7 of 10 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Glucosalage Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by OL Olympian Labs

Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Major
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Major

Glucosalage is a dietary supplement by OL Olympian Labs with 10 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for cancer support (popular use), arthritis and joint pain, psoriasis.Based on those ingredients, 1,345 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Cat's Claw, Valerian, Devil's Claw. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Glucosalage by OL Olympian Labs

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

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 3 of its 10 active ingredients.
  • “Proprietary Enzyme Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (100 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.
  • “Proprietary Base” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (80 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

Glucosalage contains 10 ingredients, including several plant extracts and digestive enzymes. The active components are shark cartilage, amylase, protease, and lipase (three digestive enzymes that help break down food), cellulase, valerian (a sedative herb), cat's claw (an immune-stimulating plant), glucosamine sulfate (a joint-support compound), white willow, and devil's claw (an anti-inflammatory herb).

The product also contains inactive ingredients—gelatin, rice flour, microcrystalline cellulose, silicon dioxide, and ascorbyl palmitate—which serve as binders and fillers in the capsule.

Does it work?

Strong 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
Strong

Clinical evidence supports at least one of this product's ingredients for its stated purpose.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Joint and cartilage support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Back pain, Joint pain, Knee pain, Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Cartilage degradation — and 2 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Glucosamine is rated "Likely Effective" for Osteoarthritis (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Devil's Claw is rated "Possibly Effective" for Back pain, Osteoarthritis.
  • Also on file: Cat's Claw is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Evidence for Glucosalage's ingredients is mixed. Glucosamine sulfate is rated likely effective for osteoarthritis.

Valerian is rated possibly effective for insomnia. Devil's claw is rated possibly effective for back pain and osteoarthritis.

Shark cartilage is rated likely ineffective for cancer and has insufficient evidence for AMD, diabetic retinopathy, Kaposi sarcoma, osteoarthritis, and psoriasis. Lipase, protease, and amylase have insufficient evidence for the digestive and inflammatory conditions they're claimed to address.

Cat's claw has insufficient evidence for all conditions studied.

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 7 of the 7 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 7 of 7.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 7 of 7.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Most ingredients are generally well tolerated orally, but side effects do occur. Shark cartilage commonly causes constipation, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and taste disturbance; rare serious effects include hepatitis and altered blood sugar.

Valerian causes dizziness, drowsiness, and mental slowness; chronic use followed by abrupt stopping can trigger withdrawal symptoms like anxiety and insomnia. Cat's claw may cause anemia, kidney injury, headache, fatigue, and neuropathy in some users.

Glucosamine commonly causes bloating, constipation, and nausea; rare severe allergic reactions including anaphylaxis have been reported, and asthma exacerbations have occurred. Devil's claw causes diarrhea and dyspepsia, and rarely causes gastrointestinal bleeding.

Protease and lipase generally cause few reported adverse effects but may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. For pregnancy: shark cartilage, valerian, glucosamine, and devil's claw advise against use due to insufficient safety data.

Cat's claw should be avoided because of its traditional use as an abortifacient. Protease and lipase have insufficient pregnancy data; use only under medical guidance.

For breastfeeding: shark cartilage and valerian should be avoided; protease, lipase, cat's claw, and devil's claw have insufficient safety data and require medical advice before use.

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?
  • 5 of the 7 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Cat's Claw, Glucosamine, Valerian, Shark Cartilage, Devil's Claw.
  • 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: 1,346 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 Glucosalage, check with your pharmacist if you take warfarin or other blood thinners (Major interaction with glucosamine), sedating medications or alcohol (Moderate with valerian), blood pressure or heart medications, immunosuppressants, antidiabetes drugs, or any medication metabolized by your liver—especially those involving CYP2C19, CYP2C9, CYP3A4, or glucuronidation enzymes (Moderate interactions with cat's claw and devil's claw). Also check if you use H2-blockers or proton pump inhibitors (Minor with devil's claw), acetaminophen (Minor with glucosamine), or nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (Paxlovid).

No interactions are documented for amylase, cellulase, or white willow in our data.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

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

Glucosalage is marketed for joint support and digestion, with some ingredients showing evidence (glucosamine for osteoarthritis, valerian for sleep, devil's claw for back pain). However, it carries significant interaction risks—especially with blood thinners like warfarin—and contains herbs with side effects and limited long-term safety data.

If you take any prescription medications, particularly blood thinners, sedatives, diabetes drugs, or immunosuppressants, check your exact medications with our tool before starting. Talk to your pharmacist about 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: 7 of 10 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jan 22, 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 Glucosalage, straight from the product label.

Brand OL Olympian Labs
Barcode (UPC) 710013001009
Net contents 100 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jan 22, 2022
DSLD ID 259772
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), 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 Glucosalage by OL Olympian Labs, 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
50
UPC/BARCODE
710013001009
IngredientAmount% DV
Shark Cartilage400 mg--
Amylase0 NP--
Protease0 NP--
Lipase0 NP--
Cellulase0 NP--
Valerian0 NP--
Cat's Claw400 mg--
Glucosamine Sulfate 2KCl400 mg--
Proprietary Enzyme Blend100 mg--
White Willow0 NP--
Devil's Claw0 NP--
Proprietary Base80 mg--

Other ingredients: Gelatin, Rice Flour, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Silicon Dioxide, Ascorbyl Palmitate

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

Olympian Labs, Inc. products are made with the highest quality ingredients and manufactured according to current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP).

Precautions

Caution: If you are pregnant or nursing, have a medical condition, or are taking medication, consult your healthcare professional before using this or any other nutritional supplement.

Discontinue use if allergic reaction occurs.

Keep out of reach of children.

Contains: Ingredients derived from shellfish (crab, shrimp, crayfish), and fish (shark).

Formulation

We do not use ingredients that were produced using modern biotechnology.

Extra strength

Non-GMO Gluten free

Promotes healthy joint & cartilage function Supports a healthy inflammatory response Antioxidant protection

Made in USA

Storage

Store 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, cure, or prevent any disease.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement, take two (2) capsules daily, or as directed by a healthcare professional.

See for yourself

Glucosalage by OL Olympian Labs label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Glucosalage by OL Olympian Labs

These are the 10 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container50 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.

Shark Cartilage

Interacts with
121 drugs
400 mg per serving

Shark cartilage is a supplement made from the skeletal tissue of sharks that was heavily promoted for cancer and joint conditions, but good-quality cl...

Shark Cartilage monograph & interactions

Cat's Claw

Interacts with
962 drugs
400 mg per serving

Cat's claw is a South American vine traditionally used for inflammation, joint pain, and immune support. Some small studies hint it may help with arth...

Cat's Claw monograph & interactions

Glucosamine Sulfate 2KCl

Interacts with
170 drugs
400 mg per serving

Glucosamine is a natural compound found in cartilage and joint fluid, and it is one of the most popular supplements for osteoarthritis, especially of...

Glucosamine Sulfate 2KCl monograph & interactions

Proprietary Enzyme Blend

100 mg per serving

Proprietary Base

80 mg per serving

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

Interaction report

Glucosalage by OL Olympian Labs Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Glucosalage?

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
1,345Drugs
2 Major 1,197 Moderate 146 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Valerian 902

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Glucosalage 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.

Cat's Claw6 drug types · 962 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, cat's claw may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Cat's claw contains rhynchophylline and isorhynchophylline. Animal research suggests that these alkaloids can inhibit platelet aggregation. This interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, taking cat's claw with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Cat's claw contains rhynchophylline. In vitro and animal research suggests that rhynchophylline can lower blood pressure. This interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Calcium Channel Blockers

Theoretically, taking cat's claw with calcium channel blockers might increase the risk of hypotension.
Cat's claw contains various alkaloids, including rhynchophylline, isorhynchophylline, corynoxeine, and isocorynoxiene. Animal research suggests that these alkaloids can lower blood pressure by acting as calcium channel blockers. This interaction has not been reported in humans.

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

Theoretically, cat's claw might increase or decrease the levels and effects of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Cat's claw may affect the clearance of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4. In vitro research shows that cat's claw can inhibit CYP3A4 enzymes. In one case report, a patient taking cat's claw (at an unspecified dose) experienced increased serum levels of atazanavir, ritonavir, and saquinavir, all of which are CYP3A4 substrates. Levels returned to normal 15 days after discontinuation of the cat's claw supplement, suggesting inhibition of CYP3A4 by cat's claw. In contrast, animal research suggests that rhynchophylline, an alkaloid contained in cat's claw, induces CYP3A expression and accelerates the metabolism of nirmatrelvir, the active component in the nirmatrelvir/ritonavir combination product.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, cat's claw might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
In human and laboratory research, cat's claw has been shown to have immunostimulating activity. It stimulates phagocytosis and increases respiratory cellular activity and the mobility of leukocytes. Theoretically, this could interfere with the activity of immunosuppressant medications.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir (Paxlovid)

Theoretically, cat's claw may decrease the levels of nirmatrelvir.
Cat's claw contains rhynchophylline. Animal research suggests that this alkaloid induces CYP3A expression, thereby accelerating the metabolism of nirmatrelvir, the active component in the nirmatrelvir/ritonavir combination product. This interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Valerian6 drug types · 902 drugs

Alcohol (Ethanol)

Valerian can have additive sedative effects when used concomitantly with alcohol.
Valerian has sedative effects. Theoretically, valerian might have an additive sedative effect when combined with alcohol. Excessive sedation has been reported in an alcohol-abusing individual who took valerian and Gingko biloba. However, the potential interaction between valerian and alcohol has been disputed in other research. Limited evidence suggests that a combination of valerian 160 mg and lemon balm 80 mg (Euvegal) does not cause further deterioration in reaction ability and reaction rate when taken with alcohol as compared to the effects of alcohol alone.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Alprazolam (Xanax)

Valerian can have additive sedative effects when used with alprazolam. Also, valerian in high doses might modestly increase alprazolam levels, though this is not likely to be clinically significant.
Valerian has sedative effects. Theoretically, valerian might cause additive sedation when combined with alprazolam. Also, a small pharmacokinetic study shows that taking valerian extract 1000 mg daily (providing 11 mg valerenic acid) might increase alprazolam levels by about 19%. This might be due to valerian's mild inhibition of cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4). Despite being statistically significant, this increase is not likely to be clinically significant.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Cns Depressants

Valerian can have additive sedative effects when used concomitantly with CNS depressant drugs.
Theoretically, concomitant use of valerian and drugs with sedative and anesthetic properties may cause additive therapeutic and adverse effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Glucuronidated Drugs

Valerian might weakly inhibit glucuronidation and increase concentrations of drugs metabolized by UGT1A1 and UGT2B7.
In vitro research shows that methanolic valerian extract and valerenic acid might competitively inhibit UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) 1A1 (UGT1A1) and UGT2B7.

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

Valerian does not seem to have a clinically relevant effect on levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
Although some in vitro evidence suggests that valerian affects CYP2D6, clinical pharmacokinetic (PK) studies show that valerian is unlikely to affect the CYP2D6 enzyme. In one PK study, taking valerian 1000 mg (providing about 11 mg valerenic acid) nightly for 14 days did not affect the metabolism of dextromethorphan, a CYP2D6 substrate. In another PK study, taking valerian 125 mg three times daily for 28 days did not affect metabolism of debrisoquine, an accepted CYP2D6 probe-substrate.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Valerian does not seem to have a clinically relevant effect on levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Although some in vitro evidence suggests that valerian extract might inhibit or induce CYP3A4, clinical pharmacokinetic (PK) studies show that valerian does not have a clinically significant effect on the CYP3A4 enzyme. In one PK study, taking valerian 125 mg three times daily for 28 days did not affect metabolism of midazolam, an accepted CYP3A4 probe-substrate. In another PK study, taking valerian 1000 mg (providing about 11 mg valerenic acid) nightly for 14 days modestly increases levels of alprazolam, a CYP3A4 substrate, suggesting mild inhibition of CYP3A4. However, this mild inhibition is unlikely to be clinically relevant.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B

Devil's Claw7 drug types · 804 drugs

Cytochrome P450 2C19 (Cyp2C19) Substrates

Theoretically, devil's claw might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C19.
In vitro research shows that devil's claw might inhibit CYP2C19, although this has not been reported in humans.

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

Theoretically, devil's claw might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C9.
In vitro research shows that devil's claw might inhibit CYP2C9, although this has not been reported in humans.

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

Theoretically, devil's claw might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
In vitro research shows that devil's claw might inhibit CYP3A4, although this has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, Devil's claw might increase the activity of warfarin.
In one case report, purpura occurred in a patient taking warfarin and devil's claw concurrently. This might indicate over-anticoagulation. It is unclear if this was due to Devil's claw or other contributing factors.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
H2-Blockers

Theoretically, devil's claw might decrease the effectiveness of H2-blockers.
Devil's claw has been reported to increase stomach acid, which might interfere with the effects of H2-blockers.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
P-Glycoprotein Substrates

Theoretically, devil's claw might increase levels of P-glycoprotein substrates.
In vitro research shows that devil's claw inhibits P-glycoprotein, which transports many drugs out of cells. This might increase intracellular levels of P-glycoprotein substrates, although it is unclear if this effect would be clinically important.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Proton Pump Inhibitors (Ppis)

Theoretically, devil's claw might decrease the effectiveness of PPIs.
Devil's claw has been reported to increase stomach acid, which might interfere with the effects of PPIs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Glucosamine Sulfate 2KCl4 drug types · 170 drugs

Warfarin (Coumadin)

Glucosamine might increase the anticoagulant effects of warfarin and increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
In two individual case reports, glucosamine/chondroitin combinations were associated with a significant increase in international normalized ratio (INR) in patients previously stabilized on warfarin. In one case, the increase in INR occurred only after tripling the dose of a glucosamine/chondroitin supplement from 500 mg/400 mg daily to 1500/1200 mg daily. Additionally, 20 voluntary case reports to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) have linked glucosamine plus chondroitin with increased INR, bruising, and bleeding in patients who were also taking warfarin. There have also been 20 additional case reports to the World Health Organization (WHO) that link glucosamine alone to increased INR in patients taking warfarin. The mechanism of this interaction is unclear. Glucosamine is a small component of heparin, but is not thought to have anticoagulant activity; however, animal research suggests that it might have antiplatelet activity.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Topoisomerase Ii Inhibitors

Theoretically glucosamine may induce resistance to topoisomerase II inhibitors.
In vitro research suggests that glucosamine might induce resistance to etoposide (VP16, VePesid) and doxorubicin (Adriamycin) by reducing inhibition of topoisomerase II, an enzyme required for DNA replication in tumor cells. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Acetaminophen (Tylenol, Others)

Acetaminophen might interfere with the activity of glucosamine sulfate by interacting with the sulfate portion.
Anecdotal reports suggest that adding glucosamine to an acetaminophen regimen might decrease pain control in patients with osteoarthritis. Some research suggests that the sulfate portion of glucosamine sulfate might contribute to its effect in osteoarthritis. Since acetaminophen metabolism requires sulfur and reduces serum sulfate concentrations, acetaminophen could theoretically interfere with the action of glucosamine sulfate. Conversely, the administration of sulfate could theoretically decrease the effectiveness of acetaminophen in sulfate-deficient people by increasing its clearance.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Antidiabetes Drugs

Despite initial concerns, it is unlikely that glucosamine will interfere with the effects of antidiabetes drugs.
In vitro and animal research has suggested that glucosamine might increase insulin resistance or decrease insulin production. This has raised concerns that taking glucosamine might worsen diabetes and decrease the effectiveness of diabetes drugs. However, clinical research suggests that glucosamine does not have adverse effects on blood glucose or glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) in healthy, obese, or type 2 diabetes patients.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B

Shark Cartilage1 drug type · 121 drugs

Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, shark cartilage might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
In vitro evidence suggests that shark cartilage might stimulate immune responses. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

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

OL Olympian Labs

See all OL Olympian Labs products
Name
Olympian Labs, Inc.
City
Phoenix
State
AZ
ZipCode
85027
Phone Number
1-800-473-5883
Web Address
www.olympianlabs.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Glucosalage by OL Olympian Labs: Common Questions

Does Glucosalage by OL Olympian Labs interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Glucosalage has a known interaction with 1,345 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?
Glucosalage contains 10 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 Glucosalage safe to take during pregnancy?
Several key ingredients—shark cartilage, valerian, glucosamine, and devil's claw—advise against use in pregnancy due to lack of safety data. Cat's claw should be avoided because of its traditional use as an abortifacient. Protease and lipase have insufficient safety information during pregnancy. Do not use this product in pregnancy without talking to your doctor or pharmacist first.
Can I breastfeed while taking Glucosalage?
Shark cartilage and valerian should be avoided while breastfeeding. Protease, lipase, cat's claw, and devil's claw have very limited safety data during breastfeeding. Talk with your healthcare provider before using this product if you're breastfeeding.
Does Glucosalage actually work for joint pain?
Glucosamine sulfate in this product is rated likely effective for osteoarthritis. Devil's claw is rated possibly effective for both back pain and osteoarthritis. Shark cartilage shows insufficient evidence for osteoarthritis. Results vary from person to person.
What are the most common side effects?
The most frequently reported side effects come from shark cartilage—constipation, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and taste disturbance. Glucosamine commonly causes bloating, constipation, and nausea. Valerian may cause drowsiness and mental slowness. Devil's claw can cause diarrhea and indigestion. Most people tolerate the product well, but digestive upset is the most likely issue.
Why does this product contain valerian if it's for joint support?
Valerian is an herb traditionally used for sleep and relaxation. Its inclusion here may be intended to address pain-related sleep disruption, though valerian is rated only possibly effective for insomnia. The product is a multi-purpose formula rather than a targeted joint supplement.
Will Glucosalage interfere with my diabetes medication?
Glucosamine has a Minor interaction with antidiabetes drugs, but current evidence suggests this is unlikely to cause clinically significant problems. However, check your exact medications with our tool and discuss with your pharmacist before starting, especially if your diabetes is not well controlled.

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.

Glucosalage label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Glucosalage’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Shark Cartilage

Interacts with 121 drugs

Shark cartilage is a supplement made from the skeletal tissue of sharks that was heavily promoted for cancer and joint conditions, but good-quality clinical trials have not shown meaningful...

Read the full Shark Cartilage monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Cat's Claw

Interacts with 962 drugs

Cat's claw is a South American vine traditionally used for inflammation, joint pain, and immune support. Some small studies hint it may help with arthritis symptoms, but the overall evidence...

Read the full Cat's Claw monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Glucosamine

Interacts with 170 drugs

Glucosamine is a natural compound found in cartilage and joint fluid, and it is one of the most popular supplements for osteoarthritis, especially of the knee. The evidence is mixed, with so...

Read the full Glucosamine 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 →
Herb & supplement monograph

Valerian

Interacts with 902 drugs

Valerian is an herb whose root is widely used as a natural sleep aid and for calming nerves. The evidence is mixed and often weak, so it may help some people sleep but does not work reliably...

Read the full Valerian monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Devil's Claw

Interacts with 804 drugs

Devil's claw is a southern African plant used mainly for arthritis and back pain, and some studies suggest it may help ease these types of discomfort. The evidence is moderate at best, and p...

Read the full Devil's Claw monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Glucosalage'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 145 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.

Shark Cartilage 12 references
  1. Ashar B, Vargo E. Shark cartilage-induced hepatitis [letter]. Ann Intern Med 1996;125:780-1. PubMed
  2. Lane IW, Comac L. Sharks don't get cancer. Garden City, NY: Avery Publishing Group; 1992.
  3. Miller DR, Anderson GT, Stark JJ, et al. Phase I/II trial of the safety and efficacy of shark cartilage in the treatment of advanced cancer. J Clin Oncol 1998;16:3649-55. PubMed
  4. Leitner SP, Rothkopf MM, Haverstick L, et al. Two phase II studies of oral dry shark cartilage powder (SCP) in patients (pts) with either metastatic breast or prostate cancer refractory to standard treatment. Proc Am Soc Clinical Oncol 1998;17:A240.
  5. Batist G, Patenaude F, Champagne P, et al. Neovastat (AE-941) in refractory renal cell carcinoma patients: report of a phase II trial with two dose levels. Ann Oncol 2002;13:1259-63..
  6. Merly, L., Simjee, S., and Smith, S. L. Induction of inflammatory cytokines by cartilage extracts. Int Immunopharmacol. 2007;7(3):383-391. PubMed
  7. Bargahi, A., Hassan, Z. M., Rabbani, A., Langroudi, L., Noori, S. H., and Safari, E. Effect of shark cartilage derived protein on the NK cells activity. Immunopharmacol.Immunotoxicol. 2011;33(3):403-409. PubMed
  8. Leitner SP, Rothkopf MM, Haverstick DD, and et al. Two phase II studies of oral dry shark cartilage powder (SCP) in patients with either metastatic breast or prostate cancer refractory to standard treatment. Amer Soc Clin Oncol 1998;17:A240.
  9. Milner M. A guide to the use of shark cartilage in the treatment of arthritis and other inflammatory joint diseases. Amer Chiropractor 1999;21:40-42.
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Cat's Claw 16 references
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Glucosamine 58 references
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Devil's Claw 18 references
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See these in context on the Devil's Claw monograph →

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

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