Major interaction on record — check this product against your medications before combining. Based on 4 of 5 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

HeartLight Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Harmonic Innerprizes

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

HeartLight is a dietary supplement by Harmonic Innerprizes with 5 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for exercise performance and recovery, heart health, weight management.Based on those ingredients, 1,179 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are BioPerine, CoQ10, Hawthorne flowers & berries extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of HeartLight by Harmonic Innerprizes

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 2 of its 5 active ingredients.
  • “Proprietary Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (340 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

HeartLight contains five active ingredients. BioPerine is black pepper extract, included to enhance absorption.

L-carnitine tartrate is an amino acid compound; the product lists carnitine deficiency as effectively addressed by this form, and possibly effective for high cholesterol, heart failure, and chest pain. CoQ10 (coenzyme Q10) is a compound your body makes; it's listed as likely effective for CoQ10 deficiency and possibly effective for heart failure, migraines, and diabetic nerve pain.

Hawthorn flowers and berries extract is an herbal preparation — though the data shows insufficient evidence for most of its claimed cardiovascular uses, it appears in this heart-focused formula. Etherium Pink is the fifth ingredient, but we have no data on file for it.

The product also contains inactive ingredients — hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, beta-cyclodextrin, a silicon mineral complex, calcium stearate, silicon dioxide, and water — which serve as capsule material and fillers.

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: Heart health and energy production support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Angina, Arrhythmia, Atrial fibrillation, Cardiovascular disease (CVD), Coenzyme Q10 deficiency, Congestive heart failure (CHF) — and 4 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Coenzyme Q10 is rated "Likely Effective" for Coenzyme Q10 deficiency (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Coenzyme Q10 is rated "Possibly Effective" for Congestive heart failure (CHF).
  • Also on file: L-carnitine is rated "Possibly Effective" for Angina, Congestive heart failure (CHF).

The evidence for most of what's in HeartLight is mixed or limited. L-carnitine is effective for carnitine deficiency and possibly effective for high cholesterol, heart failure, and chest pain.

CoQ10 is likely effective for CoQ10 deficiency and possibly effective for heart failure, migraines, and diabetic nerve pain. BioPerine (black pepper) has insufficient evidence for hay fever, asthma, athletic performance, headache, depression, or diarrhea — so we don't know if it actually helps with those conditions.

Hawthorn similarly shows insufficient evidence for its claimed benefits: angina, anxiety, heart rhythm problems, hardening of arteries, heart disease, or brain function. The evidence is just not established in our data for most of what hawthorn is supposed to do, even though it's in a heart-support formula.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient L-carnitine Black Pepper Hawthorn Coenzyme Q10

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 4 of the 4 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 4 of 4.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 4 of 4.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Overall, the ingredients in HeartLight are generally well tolerated at typical doses, though each has caveats. BioPerine (black pepper) is safe as a food spice; concentrated supplements should be used more cautiously, and side effects from food amounts are rare — mostly burning aftertaste, upset stomach, and occasionally cough if inhaled.

A severe allergic reaction is very rare. L-carnitine commonly causes stomach upset (nausea, diarrhea, cramping, heartburn) and can produce a fish-like body odor at higher doses; seizures are rare.

CoQ10 causes gastrointestinal side effects (nausea, diarrhea, heartburn) in less than 1% of users; headache, dizziness, and insomnia have been reported, and skin rashes are uncommon. Hawthorn is generally well tolerated in studies but requires medical supervision if you have a heart condition; rare serious allergic reactions affecting multiple organs have occurred.

For pregnancy, BioPerine is listed as both likely safe and likely unsafe in the data — talk with your doctor for personalized advice. L-carnitine pregnancy safety is not rated in our data; lactation is possibly safe.

CoQ10 lactation safety is not rated. Hawthorn is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to insufficient safety information.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient L-carnitine Black Pepper Hawthorn Coenzyme Q10

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?
  • 4 of the 4 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Hawthorn, Black Pepper, Coenzyme Q10, L-carnitine.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; diabetes medications; heart-rhythm medications; lithium.
  • For scale: 1,180 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 HeartLight, double-check these medication types with your doctor or pharmacist: nitrates and erectile dysfunction drugs like sildenafil (Viagra) — hawthorn may cause dangerous blood pressure drops; blood thinners like warfarin and antiplatelet drugs — both L-carnitine and hawthorn may increase bleeding risk or reduce effectiveness; heart drugs including beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and digoxin — hawthorn may amplify their effects; blood pressure medications — CoQ10 may lower pressure further; seizure medicines like phenytoin — black pepper may raise levels dangerously; antibiotics like rifampin — black pepper may raise levels; the antiviral nevirapine — black pepper may raise levels; antidepressants and sedatives like pentobarbital — black pepper may increase effects; cholesterol drugs like atorvastatin — black pepper may raise levels; asthma medications like theophylline — black pepper may raise levels; thyroid hormone replacement — L-carnitine may reduce effectiveness; and immune suppressants like cyclosporine — black pepper may raise levels. Altogether, these interactions span 1,180 individual medications.

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.

HeartLight brings together supplements with some evidence for heart and circulation support — chiefly L-carnitine and CoQ10 — but the hawthorn and black pepper components lack strong evidence for the claims made here. The real concern is that hawthorn interacts dangerously with blood pressure and heart medications, and black pepper can raise blood levels of many drugs.

If you take any prescription medication, especially heart drugs, blood thinners, seizure medicines, antibiotics, or thyroid hormone, you need to check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting this product. Even if you don't take medications now, talk it over with your healthcare provider first — some of these ingredients can change how your heart and blood vessels respond to treatment.

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

Assessment coverage: 4 of 5 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Dec 22, 2017.

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 HeartLight, straight from the product label.

Brand Harmonic Innerprizes
Barcode (UPC) 640627451207
Net contents 120 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Dec 22, 2017
DSLD ID 81612
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Dairy 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 HeartLight by Harmonic Innerprizes, 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 Vegetable Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Vegetable Capsule(s)
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
640627451207
IngredientAmount% DV
BioPerine0 NP--
L-Carnitine Tartrate500 mg--
Proprietary Blend340 mg--
CoQ10120 mg--
Hawthorne flowers & berries extract0 NP--
Etherium Pink0 NP--

Other ingredients: Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, Beta-Cyclodextrin, Silicon Mineral Complex, Calcium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide, Water

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Formula

As we age, our body loses its ability to produce CoQ10; a powerful antioxidant and along with Carnitine which forms ATP, necessary for the body's energy production. HeartLight provides patented MicroActive CoQ10 for its superior absorption and is time released over 24 hours.

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.

Precautions

Warning: Consult your physician before use if you are pregnant, lactating, have a medical condition or are taking any medication.

Keep out of reach of children.

Formulation

Hypoallergenic: This product does not contain soy, milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, yeast, salt, preservatives, artificial color, flavor, or fragrances.

GMO free

Brand IP Statement(s)

BioPerine is a trademark of Sabinsa

MicroActive CoQ10 is a registered trademark of BioActive, LLC

2015 HarmonicInnerprizes, Inc.

General Statements

300% better absorption of CoQ10

Cardio Care Series

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement, take 2 capsules with a meal, preferably breakfast.

See for yourself

HeartLight by Harmonic Innerprizes label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in HeartLight by Harmonic Innerprizes

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

Serving size2 Vegetable Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container60 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.

L-Carnitine Tartrate

Interacts with
19 drugs
500 mg per serving

L-carnitine is a compound your body makes naturally and also gets from foods like meat. It helps cells turn fat into energy, and supplements are most...

L-Carnitine Tartrate monograph & interactions

Proprietary Blend

340 mg per serving

CoQ10

Interacts with
198 drugs
120 mg per serving Form: MicroActive CoQ10

CoQ10 is a vitamin-like substance your body makes naturally that helps cells produce energy and acts as an antioxidant. It is generally well tolerated...

CoQ10 monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, Beta-Cyclodextrin, Silicon Mineral Complex, Calcium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide, Water. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

HeartLight by Harmonic Innerprizes Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against HeartLight?

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
1,179Drugs
14 Major 1,015 Moderate 150 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

BioPerine 1,019
CoQ10 198

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in HeartLight 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.

BioPerine17 drug types · 1,019 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, black pepper might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs.
In vitro research shows that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, seems to inhibit platelet aggregation. This has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, black pepper might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Animal research shows that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, can reduce blood glucose levels. Monitor blood glucose levels closely. Dose adjustments might be necessary.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Atorvastatin (Lipitor)

Theoretically, black pepper might increase blood levels of atorvastatin.
Animal research shows that taking piperine, a constituent of black pepper, 35 mg/kg can increase the maximum serum concentration of atorvastatin three-fold. This has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)

Theoretically, black pepper might increase the effects and side effects of cyclosporine.
In vitro research shows that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, increases the bioavailability of cyclosporine. This has not been reported in humans.

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

Theoretically, black pepper might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
In vitro research suggests that some constituents of black pepper inhibit CYP2D6. This has not been reported in humans.

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

Theoretically, black pepper might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
In vitro research and pharmacokinetic simulation data suggest that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, as well as the pepper fruit seem to inhibit CYP3A4. This has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Lithium

Theoretically, black pepper might increase blood levels of lithium due to its diuretic effects. The dose of lithium might need to be reduced.
Black pepper is thought to have diuretic properties.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Nevirapine (Viramune)

Black pepper might increase blood levels of nevirapine.
Clinical research shows that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, increases the plasma concentration of nevirapine. However, no adverse effects were observed in this study.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
P-Glycoprotein Substrates

Theoretically, black pepper might increase levels of P-glycoprotein substrates.
In vitro research shows that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, seems to inhibit P-glycoprotein.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Pentobarbital (Nembutal)

Theoretically, black pepper might increase the sedative effects of pentobarbital.
Animal research shows that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, increases pentobarbital-induced sleeping time.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Phenytoin (Dilantin)

Black pepper might increase blood levels of phenytoin.
Clinical research shows that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, seems to increase absorption, slow elimination, and increase levels of phenytoin. Taking a single dose of black pepper 1 gram along with phenytoin seems to double the serum concentration of phenytoin. Consuming a soup with black pepper providing piperine 44 mg/200 mL of soup along with phenytoin also seems to increase phenytoin levels when compared with consuming the same soup without black pepper.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Propranolol (Inderal)

Black pepper might increase blood levels of propranolol.
Clinical research shows that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, seems to increase absorption and slow elimination of propranolol.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Rifampin (Rifadin)

Black pepper might increase blood levels of rifampin.
Clinical research shows that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, seems to increase absorption and serum levels of rifampin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Theophylline

Black pepper might increase blood levels of theophylline.
Clinical research shows that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, seems to increase absorption and slow elimination of theophylline.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Amoxicillin (Amoxil, Trimox)

Theoretically, black pepper might increase the effects and side effects of amoxicillin.
Animal research shows that taking piperine, a constituent of black pepper, with amoxicillin increases plasma levels of amoxicillin. This has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)

Theoretically, black pepper might increase blood levels of carbamazepine, potentially increasing the effects and side effects of carbamazepine.
One clinical study in patients taking carbamazepine 300 mg or 500 mg twice daily shows that taking a single 20 mg dose of purified piperine, a constituent of black pepper, increases carbamazepine levels. Piperine may increase carbamazepine absorption by increasing blood flow to the GI tract, increasing the surface area of the small intestine, or inhibiting cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) in the gut wall. Absorption was significantly increased by 7-10 mcg/mL/hour. The time to eliminate carbamazepine was also increased by 4-8 hours. Although carbamazepine levels were increased, this did not appear to increase side effects. In vitro research also shows that piperine can increase carbamazepine levels by 11% in a time-dependent manner.

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

Theoretically, black pepper might decrease levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2.
In vitro research suggests that black pepper induces CYP1A2. This has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

CoQ103 drug types · 198 drugs

Alkylating Agents

Coenzyme Q10 has antioxidant effects. Theoretically, this may reduce the activity of chemotherapy drugs that generate free radicals.
Theoretically, antioxidants such as coenzyme Q10 might protect tumor cells from chemotherapeutic agents that work by inducing oxidative stress, such as alkylating agents (e.g., cyclophosphamide) and radiation therapy. The clinical importance of this interaction is unknown.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Coenzyme Q10 is chemically similar to menaquinone and might have vitamin K-like procoagulant effects, which could decrease the effects of warfarin.
Concomitant use of coenzyme Q10 and warfarin might reduce the anticoagulant effects of warfarin. Four cases of decreased warfarin efficacy thought to be due to coenzyme Q10 have been reported. However, there is some preliminary clinical research that suggests coenzyme Q10 might not significantly decrease the effects of warfarin in patients who have a stable INR.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, coenzyme Q10 might have additive effects with antihypertensive drugs.
Some clinical research shows that coenzyme Q10 can significantly lower blood pressure, although other studies have shown conflicting results.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B

Hawthorne flowers & berries extract6 drug types · 191 drugs

Nitrates

Theoretically, concomitant use might cause additive coronary vasodilatory effects.
Some evidence shows that hawthorn might lower blood pressure due to vasodilatory effects.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Phosphodiesterase-5 Inhibitors

Theoretically, concomitant use might result in additive vasodilation and hypotension.
Hawthorn might inhibit PDE-5 and cause vasodilation.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

L-Carnitine Tartrate3 drug types · 19 drugs

Acenocoumarol (Sintrom)

Theoretically, L-carnitine might increase the anticoagulant effects of acenocoumarol.
L-carnitine might enhance the anticoagulant effects of acenocoumarol, an oral anticoagulant similar to warfarin, but shorter-acting. There are at least two case reports of INR elevation with concomitant use. In one case, a 33-year-old male with a previously stable INR had an elevated INR of 4.65 after L-carnitine was started and continued for 10 weeks. INR normalized after discontinuation of the L-carnitine-containing product.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Thyroid Hormone

Theoretically, L-carnitine might decrease the effectiveness of thyroid hormone replacement.
L-carnitine appears to act as a peripheral thyroid hormone antagonist by inhibiting entry of thyroid hormone into the nucleus of cells. Taking L-carnitine also seems to diminish some of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, L-carnitine might increase the anticoagulant effects of warfarin.
L-carnitine might increase the anticoagulant effects of acenocoumarol, a shorter-acting oral anticoagulant similar to warfarin. There is not enough information to know whether this interaction occurs with L-carnitine and warfarin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

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

Harmonic Innerprizes

See all Harmonic Innerprizes products
Name
Harmonic Innerprizes, Inc.
City
Henderson
State
NV
ZipCode
89053-0455
Phone Number
1-888-667-4300
Web Address
harmonicinnerprizes.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

HeartLight by Harmonic Innerprizes: Common Questions

Does HeartLight by Harmonic Innerprizes interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, HeartLight has a known interaction with 1,179 medications, including 14 rated major. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
HeartLight contains 5 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take HeartLight if I'm on heart medication?
Not without checking first. Hawthorn in this formula can amplify effects of beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and digoxin, and it may cause dangerous blood pressure drops with nitrates or Viagra-type drugs. L-carnitine may also interfere with blood thinners. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about your specific medicines before starting.
Does BioPerine actually help with anything, or is it just in here to boost absorption?
The data we have shows insufficient evidence for BioPerine (black pepper) to help with hay fever, asthma, athletic performance, headache, depression, or diarrhea — so we don't know if it works for those things. It's included partly to enhance absorption of other nutrients, but its own benefit is not established.
Will this help my heart?
L-carnitine is possibly effective for heart failure and chest pain, and CoQ10 is possibly effective for heart failure — so there's some evidence those two ingredients may help. But hawthorn, which is often a main player in heart formulas, has insufficient evidence for the heart conditions listed here. Your results depend on your specific situation; talk with your doctor about whether this formula fits your needs.
What are the most common side effects?
Most people tolerate these ingredients well at typical doses. The most common side effects are gastrointestinal — nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramps, heartburn, and upset stomach — from L-carnitine and CoQ10. Black pepper can cause a burning aftertaste. Higher doses of L-carnitine may cause a fish-like body odor.
Is it safe to take while pregnant?
The safety data is mixed or unclear for pregnancy. Black pepper data says both likely safe and likely unsafe, so there's no clear answer. L-carnitine and CoQ10 pregnancy safety is not rated in our data, and hawthorn is advised against. Talk with your doctor before taking this during pregnancy — your individual situation matters.
What's in the capsule besides the active ingredients?
The inactive ingredients are hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (the capsule material), beta-cyclodextrin, a silicon mineral complex, calcium stearate, silicon dioxide, and water. These are standard excipients — fillers and binders that help hold the capsule together and aid absorption.

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.

HeartLight label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

HeartLight'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 135 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.

Black Pepper 29 references
  1. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1996.
  2. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
  3. Bano G, Amla V, Raina RK, et al. The effect of piperine on pharmacokinetics of phenytoin in healthy volunteers. Planta Med 1987;53:568-9. PubMed
  4. Bano G, et al. Effect of piperine on bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of propranolol and theophylline in healthy volunteers. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 1991;41;615-7. PubMed
  5. Cohle SD, Trestrail JD III, Graham MA, et al. Fatal pepper aspiration. Am J Dis Child 1988;142:633-6. PubMed
  6. Bhardwaj RK, Glaeser H, Becquemont L, et al. Piperine, a major constituent of black pepper, inhibits human P-glycoprotein and CYP3A4. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2002;302:645-50. PubMed
  7. Velpandian T, Jasuja R, Bhardwaj RK, et al. Piperine in food: interference in the pharmacokinetics of phenytoin. Eur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet 2001;26:241-7. PubMed
  8. Pattanaik S, Hota D, Prabhakar S, et al. Pharmacokinetic interaction of a single dose of piperine with steady-state carbamazepine in epilepsy patients. Phytother Res 2009;23:1281-6.
  9. Munakata, M., Kobayashi, K., Niisato-Nezu, J., Tanaka, S., Kakisaka, Y., Ebihara, T., Ebihara, S., Haginoya, K., Tsuchiya, S., and Onuma, A. Olfactory stimulation using black pepper oil facilitates oral feeding in pediatric patients receiving long-term en
  10. Myers, B. M., Smith, J. L., and Graham, D. Y. Effect of red pepper and black pepper on the stomach. Am J Gastroenterol 1987;82(3):211-214.
  11. Raghavendra, R. H. and Naidu, K. A. Spice active principles as the inhibitors of human platelet aggregation and thromboxane biosynthesis. Prostaglandins Leukot.Essent.Fatty Acids 2009;81(1):73-78. PubMed
  12. Subehan, Usia, T., Kadota, S., and Tezuka, Y. Mechanism-based inhibition of human liver microsomal cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) by alkamides of Piper nigrum. Planta Med 2006;72(6):527-532.
  13. Kasibhatta, R. and Naidu, M. U. Influence of piperine on the pharmacokinetics of nevirapine under fasting conditions: a randomised, crossover, placebo-controlled study. Drugs R.D. 2007;8(6):383-391. PubMed
  14. Usia, T., Iwata, H., Hiratsuka, A., Watabe, T., Kadota, S., and Tezuka, Y. CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 inhibitory activities of Indonesian medicinal plants. Phytomedicine. 2006;13(1-2):67-73. PubMed
  15. Mujumdar, A. M., Dhuley, J. N., Deshmukh, V. K., Raman, P. H., Thorat, S. L., and Naik, S. R. Effect of piperine on pentobarbitone induced hypnosis in rats. Indian J Exp.Biol. 1990;28(5):486-487.
  16. Panda, S. and Kar, A. Piperine lowers the serum concentrations of thyroid hormones, glucose and hepatic 5'D activity in adult male mice. Horm.Metab Res. 2003;35(9):523-526. PubMed
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Hawthorn 25 references
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DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

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