Cardio-Essence Ingredients & Drug Interactions
by Flora
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking Cardio-Essence 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
Cardio-Essence is a dietary supplement by Flora with 5 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for heart failure symptoms, high blood pressure, chest pain (angina).Based on those ingredients, 953 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Passionflower, Hawthorn Berry Extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.
Check Your Meds Against Cardio-Essence by Flora
Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Cardio-Essence by Flora — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.
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 Cardio-Essence by Flora
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
Cardio-Essence contains 4 active ingredients: hawthorn berry extract, passionflower, hawthorn, and hibiscus. Hawthorn (listed twice in slightly different forms) is a plant traditionally used for heart and circulation support.
Passionflower is included for its calming properties. Hibiscus adds additional plant material to the blend.
The liquid also contains inactive ingredients like water, apple juice concentrate, molasses, natural strawberry flavor, and xanthan gum as a thickener.
Does it work?
Not established
The evidence for hawthorn's use in cardiovascular conditions—angina, arrhythmia, atherosclerosis, and general heart disease—is insufficient to rate based on the data we hold. The same applies to its use for anxiety and cognitive function.
Passionflower, on the other hand, is possibly effective for insomnia and anxiety before procedures, but we have insufficient evidence for its use in alcohol use disorder or benzodiazepine withdrawal. We hold no effectiveness data for hibiscus.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Hawthorn is generally well tolerated when used appropriately, though if you have a heart condition it needs medical supervision. Serious adverse effects are rare but can include hypersensitivity reactions affecting the kidneys, and palpitations or heart rhythm changes have been reported in people with heart failure.
Passionflower is also generally well tolerated short-term but commonly causes drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion. Rare hypersensitivity reactions (rash and blood vessel inflammation) have been reported.
One case of severe nausea, vomiting, and heart rhythm changes was reported at high doses. Avoid hawthorn in pregnancy and while breastfeeding—there isn't enough safety information.
Passionflower is possibly unsafe in pregnancy and should be avoided; there isn't enough information for breastfeeding either.
Meds to double-check
Major interaction found
Check these medication types before taking Cardio-Essence: nitrates and PDE-5 inhibitors (Major severity), then blood pressure medications like beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers, blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs, and digoxin (Moderate severity). Also flag sedative medications like lorazepam (Moderate severity with passionflower), and any drugs broken down by the CYP3A4 enzyme or transported by OATP proteins (Minor severity).
The bottom line
Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.
This product is aimed at cardiovascular and relaxation support, but because hawthorn interacts strongly with common heart and blood pressure medications, and passionflower can intensify sedatives, you'll want to run it past your pharmacist first. If you have a heart condition or take any prescription drugs, check before starting.
Talk to us before using it during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI
Assessment coverage: 3 of 4 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jan 24, 2024.
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 Cardio-Essence, straight from the product label.
| Brand | Flora |
|---|---|
| Barcode (UPC) | 061998681459 |
| Net contents | 17 Fluid Ounce(s); 500 mL |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | Jan 24, 2024 |
| DSLD ID | 304746 |
| Product type | Botanical |
| Supplement form | Liquid |
| Dietary claims / uses | All Other, Structure/Function |
| Intended target group(s) | Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Kosher, Gluten 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 Cardio-Essence by Flora, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 10 Calorie(s) | -- |
| Total Carbohydrates | 2 Gram(s) | 1% |
| Sugar | 2 Gram(s) | -- |
| Hawthorn Berry Extract | 150 mg | -- |
| Passionflower | 300 mg | -- |
| Hawthorn | 750 mg | -- |
| Hibiscus | 300 mg | -- |
Other ingredients: Water, Apple juice concentrate, Blackstrap Molasses, Strawberry Flavor, Natural, Xanthan Gum
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.
Formulation
Cardio-Essence is a delicious tasting, liquid tonic that helps maintain and support cardiovascular health in adults.
Prepared utilizing a traditional extraction method for optimum strength. Support long-term cardiovascular health in adults with Cardio-Essence.
Supports cardiovascular health
Vegetarian
Gluten-free Non GMO Project Verified nongmoproject.org
Product of Canada
Formula
Cardio-Essence blends the heart-healthy benefits of hawthorn berries, leaves, & flowers, passionflower, and hibiscus flower.
A blend of hawthorn, hibiscus, and passionflower
Kosher Check
General Statements
We promise we won't break your heart, as we believe in creating long-term, lasting relationships.
FDA Disclaimer Statement
These statement have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Brand IP Statement(s)
Fora Premium Herbal Formulas
Seals/Symbols
Kosher Check Non GMO Project Verified nongmoproject.org
FDA Statement of Identity
Dietary Supplement
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions
Suggested use: Take 1 tablespoon 2 times daily.
Storage
Keep refrigerated after opening and use within 4 weeks.
Precautions
Caution: Not for use by children.
Consult a health care provider before using if you are taking medication, have a heart disease, or are pregnant or nursing.
Security sealed for your protection. Do not use if seal is missing or damaged.
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Cardio-Essence by Flora 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 Cardio-Essence by Flora
These are the 5 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.
Serving size15 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container33 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.
Sugar
Hawthorn Berry Extract
Interacts with191 drugs
Hawthorn is a plant traditionally used for heart-related complaints, and some studies suggest it may modestly help symptoms of mild heart failure when...
Hawthorn Berry Extract monograph & interactionsPassionflower
Interacts with836 drugs
Passion flower is a traditional calming herb that many people use for anxiety and sleep. Early studies hint it may help with mild anxiety and restless...
Passionflower monograph & interactionsHawthorn
Interacts with191 drugs
Hawthorn is a plant traditionally used for heart-related complaints, and some studies suggest it may modestly help symptoms of mild heart failure when...
Hawthorn monograph & interactionsHibiscus
Other (inactive) ingredients: Water, Apple juice concentrate, Blackstrap Molasses, Strawberry Flavor, Natural, Xanthan Gum. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
Cardio-Essence by Flora Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
Cardio-Essence by Flora contains ingredients that interact with a number of medications, particularly those affecting the heart and blood vessels.
The most serious interactions involve hawthorn (which appears twice in this formula), with Major-severity concerns for nitrates and phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE-5 inhibitors like sildenafil). Both can cause additive widening of blood vessels and dangerous drops in blood pressure when combined with hawthorn.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
Hawthorn also carries Moderate-severity interactions with blood pressure medications (beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers), blood thinners and antiplatelet drugs (like warfarin and aspirin), and digoxin, a heart medication. Passionflower adds a Moderate-severity interaction with sedative drugs like lorazepam, which could intensify drowsiness and sedation.
It also has Minor interactions with certain drugs metabolized through the CYP3A4 enzyme system and OATP transporters — potentially reducing how well those medications work.
We could not check hibiscus for interactions; we hold no data for that ingredient. Altogether, these interactions span 954 individual medications.
Check your exact medications with the search tool on this page before starting.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
Want to check YOUR meds against Cardio-Essence?
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 Cardio-Essence interact with 953 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
2 of the 5 ingredients in Cardio-Essence interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Passionflower Hawthorn Berry Extract
AvanafilStendra
How Avanafil interacts with Cardio-Essence — through 2 ingredients. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
HawthornPhosphodiesterase-5 Inhibitors Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might result in additive vasodilation and hypotension.
Read the full Hawthorn + Avanafil interactionPassionflowerCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, passion flower might decrease the effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Read the full Passionflower + Avanafil interactionFinasteride, TadalafilEntadfi
How Finasteride, Tadalafil interacts with Cardio-Essence — through 2 ingredients. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
HawthornPhosphodiesterase-5 Inhibitors Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might result in additive vasodilation and hypotension.
Read the full Hawthorn + Finasteride, Tadalafil interactionPassionflowerCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, passion flower might decrease the effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Read the full Passionflower + Finasteride, Tadalafil interactionGlyceryl TrinitrateNitronal
How Glyceryl Trinitrate interacts with Cardio-Essence — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
HawthornNitrates Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might cause additive coronary vasodilatory effects.
Read the full Hawthorn + Glyceryl Trinitrate interactionIsosorbide DinitrateAngitak, Cedocard Retard, Isoket, Isoket Retard, Isordil
How Isosorbide Dinitrate interacts with Cardio-Essence — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
HawthornNitrates Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might cause additive coronary vasodilatory effects.
Read the full Hawthorn + Isosorbide Dinitrate interactionIsosorbide Dinitrate, HydralazineBiDil
How Isosorbide Dinitrate, Hydralazine interacts with Cardio-Essence — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
HawthornNitrates Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might cause additive coronary vasodilatory effects.
Read the full Hawthorn + Isosorbide Dinitrate, Hydralazine interactionIsosorbide MononitrateAngeze, Angeze SR, Chemydur 60XL, Dynamin, Elantan, Elantan LA +13 more
How Isosorbide Mononitrate interacts with Cardio-Essence — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
HawthornNitrates Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might cause additive coronary vasodilatory effects.
Read the full Hawthorn + Isosorbide Mononitrate interactionMacitentan, TadalafilOpsynvi
How Macitentan, Tadalafil interacts with Cardio-Essence — through 2 ingredients. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
HawthornPhosphodiesterase-5 Inhibitors Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might result in additive vasodilation and hypotension.
Read the full Hawthorn + Macitentan, Tadalafil interactionPassionflowerCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, passion flower might decrease the effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Read the full Passionflower + Macitentan, Tadalafil interactionNicorandilAprior, Dancor, Ikorel, Sigmart, Zynicor
How Nicorandil interacts with Cardio-Essence — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
HawthornNitrates Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might cause additive coronary vasodilatory effects.
Read the full Hawthorn + Nicorandil interactionNitroglycerinGonitro, Nitro Time, Nitro-Bid, Nitrocine Timecaps, Nitrogard, Nitrogard SR +7 more
How Nitroglycerin interacts with Cardio-Essence — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
HawthornNitrates Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might cause additive coronary vasodilatory effects.
Read the full Hawthorn + Nitroglycerin interactionPentaerythritol TetranitratePeritrate, Peritrate SA
How Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate interacts with Cardio-Essence — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
HawthornNitrates Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might cause additive coronary vasodilatory effects.
Read the full Hawthorn + Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate interactionSildenafilRevatio
How Sildenafil interacts with Cardio-Essence — through 2 ingredients. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
HawthornPhosphodiesterase-5 Inhibitors Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might result in additive vasodilation and hypotension.
Read the full Hawthorn + Sildenafil interactionPassionflowerCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, passion flower might decrease the effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Read the full Passionflower + Sildenafil interactionSildenafil CitrateViagra
How Sildenafil Citrate interacts with Cardio-Essence — through 2 ingredients. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
HawthornPhosphodiesterase-5 Inhibitors Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might result in additive vasodilation and hypotension.
Read the full Hawthorn + Sildenafil Citrate interactionPassionflowerCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, passion flower might decrease the effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Read the full Passionflower + Sildenafil Citrate interactionTadalafilCialis, Tadliq
How Tadalafil interacts with Cardio-Essence — through 2 ingredients. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
HawthornPhosphodiesterase-5 Inhibitors Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might result in additive vasodilation and hypotension.
Read the full Hawthorn + Tadalafil interactionPassionflowerCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, passion flower might decrease the effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Read the full Passionflower + Tadalafil interactionVardenafilLevitra, Staxyn
How Vardenafil interacts with Cardio-Essence — through 2 ingredients. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
HawthornPhosphodiesterase-5 Inhibitors Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might result in additive vasodilation and hypotension.
Read the full Hawthorn + Vardenafil interactionPassionflowerCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, passion flower might decrease the effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Read the full Passionflower + Vardenafil interactionAbciximabReoPro
How Abciximab interacts with Cardio-Essence — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
HawthornAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, hawthorn may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Hawthorn + Abciximab interactionAbrocitinibCibinqo
How Abrocitinib interacts with Cardio-Essence — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
HawthornAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, hawthorn may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Hawthorn + Abrocitinib interactionAcebutololRhotral, Sectral
How Acebutolol interacts with Cardio-Essence — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
HawthornBeta-blockers Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might cause additive effects on blood pressure and heart rate.
Read the full Hawthorn + Acebutolol interactionAcenocoumarolSintrom
How Acenocoumarol interacts with Cardio-Essence — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
HawthornAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, hawthorn may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Hawthorn + Acenocoumarol interactionAcepromazineAtravet
How Acepromazine interacts with Cardio-Essence — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
PassionflowerCns Depressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Concomitant use of passion flower with sedative drugs might cause additive effects and side effects.
Read the full Passionflower + Acepromazine interactionAcetaminophen, AspirinGemnisyn
How Acetaminophen, Aspirin interacts with Cardio-Essence — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
HawthornAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, hawthorn may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Hawthorn + Acetaminophen, Aspirin interactionAcetaminophen, Aspirin, CaffeineExcedrin, Excedrin Extra Strength, Excedrin Migraine
How Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Caffeine interacts with Cardio-Essence — through 2 ingredients. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
HawthornAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, hawthorn may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Hawthorn + Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Caffeine interactionPassionflowerCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, passion flower might decrease the effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Read the full Passionflower + Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Caffeine interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, CodeineEsgic with Codeine, Fioricet w/ Codeine
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine interacts with Cardio-Essence — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
PassionflowerCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Cns Depressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, passion flower might decrease the effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Read the full Passionflower + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, CodeineBancap w/ Codeine
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine interacts with Cardio-Essence — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
PassionflowerCns Depressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Concomitant use of passion flower with sedative drugs might cause additive effects and side effects.
Read the full Passionflower + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine PhosphatePhrenilin #3
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine Phosphate interacts with Cardio-Essence — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
PassionflowerCns Depressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Concomitant use of passion flower with sedative drugs might cause additive effects and side effects.
Read the full Passionflower + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine Phosphate interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, PhenylephrineHycomine Compound
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, Phenylephrine interacts with Cardio-Essence — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
PassionflowerCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Cns Depressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, passion flower might decrease the effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Read the full Passionflower + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, Phenylephrine interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, CodeineGesic C15, Gesic C30, Gesic C8, Lenoltec 1, Lenoltec 2, Lenoltec 3 +1 more
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine interacts with Cardio-Essence — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
PassionflowerCns Depressants, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Concomitant use of passion flower with sedative drugs might cause additive effects and side effects.
Read the full Passionflower + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, SalicylamideCodalan No.1, Codalan No.2, Codalan No.3
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, Salicylamide interacts with Cardio-Essence — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
PassionflowerCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Cns Depressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, passion flower might decrease the effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Read the full Passionflower + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, Salicylamide interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, DihydrocodeineDHC Plus, Panlor DC, Panlor SS
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Dihydrocodeine interacts with Cardio-Essence — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
PassionflowerCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Cns Depressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, passion flower might decrease the effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Read the full Passionflower + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Dihydrocodeine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, PhenylephrineColrex
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, Phenylephrine interacts with Cardio-Essence — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
PassionflowerCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Cns Depressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, passion flower might decrease the effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Read the full Passionflower + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, Phenylephrine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, OpiumHista-Derfule
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, Opium interacts with Cardio-Essence — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
PassionflowerCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Cns Depressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, passion flower might decrease the effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Read the full Passionflower + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, Opium interactionEach ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects
For each ingredient in Cardio-Essence 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.
Passionflower
Cns Depressants
Concomitant use of passion flower with sedative drugs might cause additive effects and side effects.
Research in animals and humans shows that passion flower has sedative effects which can be additive when used with sedative medications like lorazepam.
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates
Theoretically, passion flower might decrease the effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
In vitro research suggests that passion flower can induce CYP3A4 enzymes, albeit to a much lower degree than rifampin, a known CYP3A4 inducer.
Organic Anion-Transporting Polypeptide Substrates (Oatp)
Theoretically, passion flower might reduce the bioavailability of OATP2B1 and OATP1A2 substrates.
In vitro research shows that the passion flower constituents apigenin and vitexin inhibit OATP2B1 and OATP1A2. This inhibition may be dose-dependent. One specific high-flavonoid passion flower extract (Valverde) seems to inhibit OATP2B1 and OATP1A2, while another extract with a lower flavonoid concentration (Arkocaps) shows less potent inhibition. OATPs are responsible for the uptake of drugs and other compounds into the body; however, the specific activities of OATP2B1 and OATP1A2 are not well characterized.
Hawthorn Berry Extract
Nitrates
Theoretically, concomitant use might cause additive coronary vasodilatory effects.
Some evidence shows that hawthorn might lower blood pressure due to vasodilatory effects.
Phosphodiesterase-5 Inhibitors
Theoretically, concomitant use might result in additive vasodilation and hypotension.
Hawthorn might inhibit PDE-5 and cause vasodilation.
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs
Theoretically, hawthorn may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
In vitro and animal research shows that hawthorn can inhibit platelet aggregation. However, its effect in humans is unclear. One observational study shows that patients taking hawthorn shortly before undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery or valve replacement surgery have a 10% incidence of postoperative bleeding, compared with 1% in those who never consumed hawthorn extract. However, clinical research shows that taking a specific preparation of dried hawthorn leaves and flowers (Crataesor, Soria Natural Lab) 800 mg three times daily for 15 days does not affect platelet aggregation or levels of thromboxane B2, the metabolite of thromboxane A2, in healthy humans.
Beta-Blockers
Theoretically, concomitant use might cause additive effects on blood pressure and heart rate.
Some evidence shows that hawthorn might lower blood pressure and heart rate.
Calcium Channel Blockers
Theoretically, concomitant use might cause additive coronary vasodilation and hypotensive effects.
Some evidence shows that hawthorn might lower blood pressure due to vasodilatory effects.
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Theoretically, hawthorn might potentiate the effects and adverse effects of digoxin.
Hawthorn appears to improve cardiac output; however, hawthorn does not appear to affect digoxin pharmacokinetics. Case reports suggest that at least one species of hawthorn root extract (Crataegus mexicana) may produce adverse effects similar to digoxin and can cross-react with digoxin assays, leading to falsely elevated plasma digoxin levels.
Brand information
Manufacturer and brand details for Cardio-Essence, from the product label.
Flora
See all Flora products- Name
- Flora, Inc.
- Street Address
- 805 E. Badger Rd.
- City
- Lynden
- State
- WA
- ZipCode
- 98264
- Phone Number
- 1.800.446.2110
Cardio-Essence by Flora: Common Questions
Does Cardio-Essence by Flora interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
Can I take this if I'm on a blood thinner like warfarin?
I take a beta-blocker for blood pressure. Is this product safe for me?
Does passionflower make you drowsy?
Can I take this while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Does this product actually work for heart health?
What's the difference between the two hawthorn ingredients listed?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Not sure if Cardio-Essence is safe with your meds?
Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.
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 Cardio-Essence’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
Hawthorn
Interacts with 191 drugsHawthorn is a plant traditionally used for heart-related complaints, and some studies suggest it may modestly help symptoms of mild heart failure when added to standard care. However, the ev...
Read the full Hawthorn monograph → Herb & supplement monographPassion Flower
Interacts with 836 drugsPassion flower is a traditional calming herb that many people use for anxiety and sleep. Early studies hint it may help with mild anxiety and restlessness, but the evidence is limited and mo...
Read the full Passion Flower monograph →Sources & How We Checked
Cardio-Essence'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 44 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.
Hawthorn 25 references
- Tauchert M. Efficacy and safety of crataegus extract WS 1442 in comparison with placebo in patients with chronic stable New York Heart Association class-III heart failure. Am Heart J 2002;143:910-5. PubMed
- Pittler MH, Schmidt K, Ernst E. Hawthorn extract for treating chronic heart failure: meta-analysis of randomized trials. Am J Med 2003;114:665-74.. PubMed
- Chang Q, Zuo Z, Harrison F, Chow MS. Hawthorn. J Clin Pharmacol 2002;42:605-12.
- Holubarsch CJ, Colucci WS, Meinertz T, et al. The efficacy and safety of Crataegus extract WS 1442 in patients with heart failure: the SPICE trial. Eur J Heart Fail 2008;10:1255-63. PubMed
- Pittler MH, Guo R, and Ernst E. Hawthorn extract for treating chronic heart failure. Cochrane.Database.Syst Rev 2008:CD005312. PubMed
- Zick SM, Vautaw BM, Gillespie B, Aaronson KD. Hawthorn Extract Randomized Blinded Chronic Heart Failure (HERB CHF) trial. Eur J Heart Fail. 2009;11:990-99. PubMed
- Werner NS, Duschek S, and Schandry R. D-camphor-crataegus berry extract combination increases blood pressure and cognitive functioning in the elderly - a randomized, placebo controlled double blind study. Phytomedicine. 2009;16:1077-82. PubMed
- Dalli E, Colomer E, Tormos MC, et al. Crataegus laevigata decreases neutrophil elastase and has hypolipidemic effect: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Phytomedicine. 6-15-2011;18:769-75. PubMed
- Maek-a-nantawat W, Phonrat B, Dhitavat J, et al. Safety and efficacy of CKBM-A01, a Chinese herbal medicine, among asymptomatic HIV patients. Southeast Asian J Trop.Med Public Health 2009;40:494-501.
- Asher GN, Viera AJ, Weaver MA, et al. Effect of hawthorn standardized extract on flow mediated dilation in prehypertensive and mildly hypertensive adults: a randomized, controlled cross-over trial. BMC.Complement Altern.Med 2012;12:26. PubMed
- Walker AF, Marakis G, Simpson E, et al. Hypotensive effects of hawthorn for patients with diabetes taking prescription drugs: a randomised controlled trial. Br J Gen.Pract 2006;56:437-43.
- Daniele C, Mazzanti G, Pittler MH, et al. Adverse-event profile of Crataegus spp.: a systematic review. Drug Saf 2006;29:523-35. PubMed
- Tankanow R, Tamer HR, Streetman DS, et al. Interaction study between digoxin and a preparation of hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha). J.Clin.Pharmacol. 2003;43:637-42. DOI
- Tauchert, M., Gildor, A., and Lipinski, J. [High-dose Crataegus extract WS 1442 in the treatment of NYHA stage II heart failure]. Herz 1999;24(6):465-474.
- Horoz, M., Gok, E., Genctoy, G., Ozcan, T., Olmaz, R., Akca, M., Kiykim, A., and Gurses, I. Crataegus orientalis associated multiorgan hypersensitivity reaction and acute renal failure. Intern.Med 2008;47(23):2039-2042. PubMed
- Dalli, E., Valles, J., Cosin-Sales, J., Santos, M. T., Moscardo, A., Milara, J., and Sotillo, J. F. Effects of hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata) on platelet aggregation in healthy volunteers. Thromb.Res 2011;128(4):398-400. PubMed
- Rogov VD. [Toxiderma due to the fruits of the hawthorn]. Vestn Dermatol Venerol 1984;7(7):46-47.
- Loew D, Albrecht M, and Podzuweit H. Efficacy and tolerability of a Hawthorn preparation in patients with heart failure Stage I and II according to NYHA - a surveillance study. Phytomedicine 1996;3(Suppl 1):92.
- Rababa'h AM, Altarabsheh SE, Haddad O, Deo SV, Obeidat Y, Al-Azzam S. Hawthorn Herb Increases the Risk of Bleeding after Cardiac Surgery: An Evidence-Based Approach. Heart Surg Forum 2016;19(4):E175-9. PubMed
- Shatoor AS, Soliman H, Al-Hashem F, Gamal BE, Othman A, El-Menshaw N. Effect of hawthorn (Crataegus aronia syn. Azarolus (L)) on platelet function in albino wistar rats. Thromb Res 2012;130(1):75-80. PubMed
- Vibes J, Lasserre B, Gleye J, Declume C. Inhibition of thromboxane A2 biosynthesis in vitro by the main components of Crataegus oxyacantha (hawthorn) flower heads. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 1994;50(4):173-5. PubMed
- Rogers KL, Grice ID, Griffiths LR. Inhibition of platelet aggregation and 5-HT release by extracts of Australian plants used traditionally as headache treatments. Eur J Pharm Sci 2000;9(4):355-63. PubMed
- Zhou CC, Huang XX, Gao PY, et al. Two new compounds from Crataegus pinnatifida and their antithrombotic activities. J Asian Nat Prod Res 2014;16(2):169-74.
- Palmer KG, Lebin JA, Cronin MT, Mazor SS, Burns RA. Crataegus mexicana (Tejocote) Exposure Associated with Cardiotoxicity and a Falsely Elevated Digoxin Level. J Med Toxicol. 2019;15(4):295-298. PubMed
- Espinosa J, Bassett R, Lucerna A, Finn D. Hawthorne root (Crataegus mexicana) toxicity. Am J Emerg Med. 2024;78:242.e5-242.e6. PubMed
Passion Flower 19 references
- Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
- The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
- Fisher AA, Purcell P, Le Couteur DG. Toxicity of Passiflora incarnata L. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 2000;38:63-6.
- Akhondzadeh S, Naghavi HR, Shayeganpour A, et al. Passionflower in the treatment of generalized anxiety: a pilot double-blind randomized controlled trial with oxazepam. J Clin Pharm Ther 2001;26:363-7. PubMed
- Farnsworth N, Bingel A, Cordell G, et al. Potential value of plants as sources of new antifertility agents I. J Pharm Sci 1975;64:535-98. DOI
- Mori A, Hasegawa K, Murasaki M, et al. Clinical evaluation of Passiflamin (passiflora extract) on neurosis - multicenter double blind study in comparison with mexazolam. Rinsho Hyoka (Clinical Evaluation) 1993;21:383-440.
- Miyasaka LS, Atallah AN, Soares BG. Passiflora for anxiety disorder. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2007;(1):CD004518. DOI
- Speroni E., Minghetti A. Neuropharmacological activity of extracts from Passiflora incarnata. Planta Med. 1988;54:488-91.
- Capasso A., Sorrentino L. Pharmacological studies on the sedative and hypnotic effect of Kava kava and Passiflora extracts combination. Phytomedicine. 2005;12:39-45. PubMed
- Carrasco MC, Vallejo JR, Pardo-de-Santayana M, et al. Interactions of Valeriana officinalis L. and Passiflora incarnata L. in a patient treated with lorazepam. Phytother Res. 2009 Dec;23:1795-6.
- Smith, G. W., Chalmers, T. M., and Nuki, G. Vasculitis associated with herbal preparation containing Passiflora extract. Br J Rheumatol. 1993;32(1):87-88.
- Soulimani, R., Younos, C., Jarmouni, S., Bousta, D., Misslin, R., and Mortier, F. Behavioural effects of Passiflora incarnata L. and its indole alkaloid and flavonoid derivatives and maltol in the mouse. J Ethnopharmacol. 1997;57(1):11-20. PubMed
- Nojoumi M, Ghaeli P, Salimi S, Sharifi A, Raisi F. Effects of Passion Flower Extract, as an Add-On Treatment to Sertraline, on Reaction Time in Patients ?with Generalized Anxiety Disorder: A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study. Iran J Psychiatry. 2016;1
- Rokhtabnak F, Ghodraty MR, Kholdebarin A, et al. Comparing the Effect of Preoperative Administration of Melatonin and Passiflora incarnata on Postoperative Cognitive Disorders in Adult Patients Undergoing Elective Surgery. Anesth Pain Med. 2016;7(1):e4123 PubMed
- Dantas LP, de Oliveira-Ribeiro A, de Almeida-Souza LM, Groppo FC. Effects of passiflora incarnata and midazolam for control of anxiety in patients undergoing dental extraction. Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal. 2017;22(1):e95-e101. PubMed
- Ozturk Z, Kalayci CC. Pregnancy outcomes in psychiatric patients treated with passiflora incarnata. Complement Ther Med. 2018 Feb;36:30-32. PubMed
- da Cunha RS, Amorim KS, Gercina AC, et al. Herbal medicines as anxiolytics prior to third molar surgical extraction. A randomized controlled clinical trial. Clin Oral Investig. 2020. PubMed
- Schäfer AM, Gilgen PM, Spirgi C, et al. Constituents of Passiflora incarnata, but Not of Valeriana officinalis, Interact with the Organic Anion Transporting Polypeptides (OATP)2B1 and OATP1A2. Planta Med. 2021. PubMed
- Mazzari ALDA, Lacerda MG, Milton FA, et al. In vitro effects of European and Latin-American medicinal plants in CYP3A4 gene expression, glutathione levels, and P-glycoprotein activity. Front Pharmacol 2022;13:826395. 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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