Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Heracles Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Biotivia

Heracles label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Heracles 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

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Heracles is a dietary supplement by Biotivia with 2 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for hemorrhoids, varicose veins and poor circulation, leg swelling (venous insufficiency).Based on those ingredients, 952 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Hesperidin Methyl Chalcone, Theobroma cacao. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against Heracles by Biotivia

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Heracles by Biotivia — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Heracles by Biotivia

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

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Aug 6, 2026

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 2 of its 2 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Heracles contains 2 active ingredients: hesperidin methyl chalcone and cocoa (Theobroma cacao). Hesperidin is a plant compound derived from citrus that may support circulation.

Cocoa is the roasted seed of the cacao plant—the source of chocolate—and contains naturally occurring caffeine and related compounds that can affect your heart and nervous system.

Does it work?

Not established
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Not established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: lean mass and body composition support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Athletic performance, Exercise-induced muscle damage, Exercise-induced muscle soreness, Muscle strength, muscle hypertrophy, lean body mass — and 1 related terms.
  • The closest evidence on file: Cocoa is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Athletic performance (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Cocoa is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Muscle strength, Exercise-induced muscle damage.
  • Also on file: Hesperidin is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Athletic performance, Exercise-induced muscle soreness.

For hesperidin methyl chalcone, evidence is mixed and limited. It's rated possibly ineffective for weight loss and cholesterol, and there's insufficient evidence to rate it for fatty liver disease.

For cocoa, the data is more encouraging: it's rated possibly effective for heart disease. Cocoa is rated possibly ineffective for stretch marks, and evidence is insufficient to rate it for skin aging or asthma.

Overall, the evidence that this product meaningfully improves health is modest.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Hesperidin Cocoa

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 2 of the 2 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 2 of 2.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 2 of 2.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Hesperidin is generally well tolerated in food amounts and short-term use, though long-term safety data is sparse. One case of allergic skin rash was reported after topical application.

The safety data advises against taking hesperidin during pregnancy or while breastfeeding due to insufficient information. Cocoa in food amounts is generally safe, but it contains caffeine and stimulants; it's often high in sugar and calories.

Gastrointestinal side effects—nausea, constipation, bloating, heartburn—are common in people who consume large amounts of chocolate. Caffeine passes into breast milk, so if you're nursing, keep cocoa intake modest and watch your baby for fussiness.

Cocoa is rated possibly safe in pregnancy but possibly unsafe in some contexts—discuss with your doctor or pharmacist.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Hesperidin Cocoa

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 2 of the 2 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Cocoa, Hesperidin.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; lithium.
  • For scale: 952 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 Heracles, double-check with your pharmacist if you use ephedrine (serious risk of heart attack, stroke, or seizure), blood pressure medications, blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs, heart medications like verapamil or diltiazem, quinolone antibiotics, dipyridamole, pentobarbital, beta-agonists, flutamide, disulfiram, or the beta-blocker celiprolol. Altogether, these interactions span 952 individual medications.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Heracles combines two ingredients with modest evidence for supporting heart health and metabolism, but neither is strongly proven to work. More importantly, it interacts with a wide range of medications—especially blood pressure drugs, blood thinners, heart medications, and drugs affected by caffeine.

If you take any prescription medications, review them against the interaction checker on this page before starting. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this product makes sense for you.

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

Assessment coverage: 2 of 2 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated May 23, 2014.

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 Heracles, straight from the product label.

Brand Biotivia
Barcode (UPC) 094922463760
Net contents 90 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD May 23, 2014
DSLD ID 33011
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
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 Heracles by Biotivia, 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:
1 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
90
UPC/BARCODE
094922463760
IngredientAmount% DV
Hesperidin Methyl Chalcone300 mg--
Theobroma cacao50 mg--

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

LONGEVITY BIOCEUTICALS

Committment to Excellence: Biotive will not compromise the relentless pursuit of u human health.

{QRC}

LEAN MASS GENERATOR

Supports substantially increased muscle mass and density. Formulated for both the serious amateur and the professional competitor. May be safely used by both men and women. Combined with resistance exercise and plenty of rest.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Precautions

If pregnant, consult your health-care practitioner before using this product.

Warnings: Use only if bottle is sealed.

Storage

Store tightly sealed 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.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use: Take one capsule three times a day before a meal, with a glass of water.

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Heracles by Biotivia label

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

Heracles label

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)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Heracles by Biotivia

These are the 2 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container90 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.

Hesperidin Methyl Chalcone

Interacts with
702 drugs
300 mg per serving

Hesperidin is a flavonoid found in citrus fruits that is often combined with diosmin and used for vein and circulation problems like hemorrhoids and v...

Hesperidin Methyl Chalcone monograph & interactions

Theobroma cacao

Interacts with
661 drugs
50 mg per serving Form: epicathechin

Cocoa is rich in plant compounds called flavanols that may modestly support blood vessel function and blood pressure, but most chocolate products are...

Theobroma cacao monograph & interactions
Interaction report

Heracles by Biotivia Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Heracles?

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
952Drugs
932 Moderate 20 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Hesperidin Methyl Chalcone 702
Theobroma cacao 661

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Heracles interact with 952 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

2 of the 2 ingredients in Heracles interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Hesperidin Methyl Chalcone Theobroma cacao

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Heracles 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.

Hesperidin Methyl Chalcone7 drug types · 702 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, hesperidin may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Animal research suggests that hesperetin, a bioflavonoid aglycone derivative of hesperidin, may have antiplatelet activity.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, taking hesperidin with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Some clinical and animal research shows that hesperidin can decrease blood pressure. However, other clinical research shows that hesperidin does not affect blood pressure.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Celiprolol (Celicard)

Theoretically, hesperidin may decrease the levels and clinical effects of celiprolol.
Animal research shows that concomitant use of hesperidin may reduce the plasma area under the curve of celiprolol by up to 75%. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cns Depressants

Theoretically, concomitant use with CNS depressants may cause additive sedative effects.
Animal studies show that hesperidin has sedative effects, due to opioid receptor activity and can increase sedation when used with diazepam. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Diltiazem (Cardizem, Others)

Theoretically, hesperidin may increase the levels and clinical effects of diltiazem.
Animal research suggests that hesperidin may enhance the bioavailability of diltiazem, increasing the plasma area under the curve of diltiazem by up to 65.3%. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
P-Glycoprotein Substrates

Theoretically, hesperidin might inhibit P-glycoprotein-mediated drug efflux and potentially increase levels of drugs that are substrates of P-glycoprotein.
In vitro research shows that hesperidin can inhibit P-glycoprotein efflux. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Verapamil (Calan, Others)

Theoretically, hesperidin might increase the levels and clinical effects of verapamil.
Animal research suggests that hesperidin may enhance the bioavailability of verapamil, increasing the plasma area under the curve of verapamil by 96.8%. This effect has not been reported in humans

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Hesperidin Methyl Chalcone full monograph & interactions

Theobroma cacao37 drug types · 661 drugs

Ace Inhibitors (Aceis)

Theoretically, taking cocoa with ACEIs might increase the risk of adverse effects.
Human research shows that dark chocolate can inhibit ACE. Additionally, prolonged angioedema in an elderly patient on an ACE inhibitor was precipitated with intake of diabetic chocolate.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Adenosine (Adenocard)

Theoretically, cocoa might decrease the vasodilatory effects of adenosine and interfere with its use prior to stress testing.
Cocoa contains caffeine. Caffeine is a competitive inhibitor of adenosine at the cellular level. However, caffeine does not seem to affect supplemental adenosine because high interstitial levels of adenosine overcome the antagonistic effects of caffeine. It is recommended that methylxanthines and methylxanthine-containing products be stopped 24 hours prior to pharmacological stress tests. However, methylxanthines appear more likely to interfere with dipyridamole than adenosine-induced stress testing.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Alcohol (Ethanol)

Theoretically, concomitant use might increase levels and adverse effects of caffeine.
Cocoa contains caffeine. Alcohol reduces caffeine metabolism. Concomitant use of alcohol can increase caffeine serum concentrations and the risk of caffeine adverse effects.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, cocoa may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Clinical research shows that intake of cocoa can inhibit platelet adhesion, aggregation, and activity and increase aspirin-induced bleeding time. For patients on dual antiplatelet therapy, cocoa may enhance the inhibitory effect of clopidogrel, but not aspirin, on platelet aggregation.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, taking cocoa with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Clinical research shows that cocoa can modestly decrease blood pressure in hypertensive and normotensive patients.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Beta-Adrenergic Agonists

Theoretically, large amounts of cocoa might increase the cardiac inotropic effects of beta-agonists.
Cocoa contains caffeine. Theoretically, large amounts of caffeine might increase cardiac inotropic effects of beta-agonists. A case of atrial fibrillation associated with consumption of large quantities of chocolate in a patient with chronic albuterol inhalation abuse has also been reported.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Inhibitors

Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the levels and adverse effects of caffeine.
Cocoa contains caffeine. Caffeine is metabolized by cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2),. Theoretically, drugs that inhibit CYP1A2 may decrease the clearance rate of caffeine from cocoa and increase caffeine levels.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Dipyridamole (Persantine)

Theoretically, cocoa might decrease the vasodilatory effects of dipyridamole and interfere with its use prior to stress testing.
Cocoa contains caffeine. Caffeine may inhibit dipyridamole-induced vasodilation. It is recommended that methylxanthines and methylxanthine-containing products be stopped 24 hours prior to pharmacological stress tests. Methylxanthines appear more likely to interfere with dipyridamole than adenosine-induced stress testing.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Disulfiram (Antabuse)

Theoretically, disulfiram might increase the risk of adverse effects from caffeine.
Cocoa contains caffeine. In human research, disulfiram decreases the rate of caffeine clearance.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Diuretic Drugs

Theoretically, using cocoa with diuretic drugs might increase the risk of hypokalemia.
Cocoa contains caffeine. In excessive amounts, caffeine can reduce potassium levels due to stimulation of the sodium-potassium pump. Diuretics can also cause lower potassium levels.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Ephedrine

Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk for stimulant adverse effects.
Cocoa contains caffeine. There is evidence that using ephedrine with caffeine might increase the risk of serious life-threatening or debilitating adverse effects such as hypertension, myocardial infarction, stroke, seizures, and death.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Estrogens

Theoretically, estrogens might increase the levels and adverse effects of caffeine.
Cocoa contains caffeine. Estrogen inhibits caffeine metabolism.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Flutamide (Eulexin)

Theoretically, cocoa might increase the levels and adverse effects of flutamide.
Cocoa contains caffeine. In vitro evidence suggests that caffeine can inhibit the metabolism of flutamide.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Fluvoxamine (Luvox)

Theoretically, fluvoxamine might increase the levels and adverse effects of caffeine.
Cocoa contains caffeine. Fluvoxamine reduces caffeine metabolism.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Lithium

Theoretically, abrupt cocoa withdrawal might increase the levels and adverse effects of lithium.
Cocoa contains caffeine. There are two case reports of lithium tremor that worsened upon abrupt coffee withdrawal.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (Maois)

Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of a hypertensive crisis.
Cocoa contains caffeine. Large amounts of caffeine with MAOIs might precipitate a hypertensive crisis.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Nicotine

Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of hypertension.
Cocoa contains caffeine. Concomitant use of caffeine and nicotine has been shown to have additive cardiovascular effects, including increased heart rate and blood pressure. Blood pressure was increased by 10.8/12.4 mmHg when the agents were used concomitantly.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Pentobarbital (Nembutal)

Theoretically, cocoa might decrease the effects of pentobarbital.
Cocoa contains caffeine. Caffeine might negate the hypnotic effects of pentobarbital.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Phenobarbital (Luminal)

Theoretically, cocoa might reduce the effects of phenobarbital and increase the risk for convulsions.
Cocoa contains caffeine. Animal research suggests that caffeine can decrease the anticonvulsant activity of phenobarbital. The exact mechanism of this interaction is unclear.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Phenylpropanolamine

Theoretically, phenylpropanolamine might increase the risk of hypertension, as well as the levels and adverse effects of caffeine.
Cocoa contains caffeine. Concomitant use of phenylpropanolamine and caffeine might cause an additive increase in blood pressure. Phenylpropanolamine also seems to increase caffeine serum levels.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Phenytoin (Dilantin)

Theoretically, cocoa might reduce the effects of phenytoin and increase the risk for convulsions.
Cocoa contains caffeine. Animal research suggests that caffeine can decrease the anticonvulsant activity of phenytoin. The effect does not seem to be related to the seizure threshold-lowering effects of caffeine. However, the exact mechanism of this interaction is unclear.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Quinolone Antibiotics

Theoretically, quinolone antibiotics might increase the levels and adverse effects of caffeine.
Cocoa contains caffeine. Quinolones (also referred to as fluoroquinolones) decrease caffeine clearance.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Riluzole (Rilutek)

Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the levels and adverse effects of both caffeine and riluzole.
Cocoa contains caffeine. Caffeine and riluzole are both metabolized by cytochrome P450 1A2, and concomitant use might reduce metabolism of one or both agents.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Stimulant Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use might increase stimulant adverse effects.
Cocoa contains caffeine. Concomitant use might increase the risk of stimulant adverse effects.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Theophylline

Theoretically, cocoa might increase the levels and adverse effects of theophylline.
Cocoa contains caffeine. Large amounts of caffeine might inhibit theophylline metabolism. Caffeine decreases theophylline clearance 23% to 29%.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Theobroma cacao full monograph & all 37 interactions
The maker

Brand information

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

Biotivia

See all Biotivia products
Name
Biotivia LLC
Street Address
2503D N. Harrison Street, #13
City
Arlington
State
VA
ZipCode
22207
Phone Number
1-866-459-2773
Web Address
www.Biotivia.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Heracles by Biotivia: Common Questions

Does Heracles by Biotivia interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Heracles has a known interaction with 952 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Heracles contains 2 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 Heracles if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Hesperidin—one of the two active ingredients—should be avoided in pregnancy and while breastfeeding because there isn't enough safety information. Cocoa is possibly safe in pregnancy but possibly unsafe in some contexts, and while caffeine from cocoa passes into breast milk, small amounts are usually okay if you watch your baby for fussiness. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice before taking this product during pregnancy or lactation.
Will Heracles help me lose weight or lower my cholesterol?
The evidence doesn't support it. Hesperidin methyl chalcone is rated possibly ineffective for both weight loss and high cholesterol. If those are your goals, you'll need a different approach—talk with your doctor about proven options.
Is Heracles safe to take long-term?
Hesperidin is generally well tolerated in the short term, but high-quality long-term safety data is limited. We don't have enough information to say whether it's safe year after year. If you're thinking about taking it regularly, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
What's in Heracles?
The product contains hesperidin methyl chalcone (a compound from citrus) and cocoa (the roasted seeds from the cacao plant). There are no inactive fillers listed. Both ingredients contain natural compounds that affect your heart rate, blood pressure, and caffeine levels.
Can Heracles cause side effects?
Cocoa commonly causes gastrointestinal upset—nausea, constipation, bloating, and heartburn—especially in larger amounts. A rare case of allergic skin rash was reported with hesperidin. Both ingredients are generally well tolerated, but caffeine from cocoa can cause headaches and jitteriness in sensitive people.
Does Heracles work for heart health?
Cocoa is rated possibly effective for cardiovascular disease, meaning there's some evidence it may help, though it's not definitive. Hesperidin methyl chalcone has no established effectiveness rating for heart health. If you're concerned about heart disease, talk with your doctor about proven treatments alongside any supplement you consider.

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.

Heracles label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Heracles’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Hesperidin

Interacts with 702 drugs

Hesperidin is a flavonoid found in citrus fruits that is often combined with diosmin and used for vein and circulation problems like hemorrhoids and varicose veins. Some evidence supports th...

Read the full Hesperidin monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Cocoa

Interacts with 661 drugs

Cocoa is rich in plant compounds called flavanols that may modestly support blood vessel function and blood pressure, but most chocolate products are high in sugar, fat, and calories, which...

Read the full Cocoa monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Heracles'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 133 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.

Hesperidin 14 references
  1. Fernandez, S. P., Wasowski, C., Paladini, A. C., and Marder, M. Synergistic interaction between hesperidin, a natural flavonoid, and diazepam. Eur.J.Pharmacol. 4-11-2005;512(2-3):189-198. PubMed
  2. Jin, Y. R., Han, X. H., Zhang, Y. H., Lee, J. J., Lim, Y., Chung, J. H., and Yun, Y. P. Antiplatelet activity of hesperetin, a bioflavonoid, is mainly mediated by inhibition of PLC-gamma2 phosphorylation and cyclooxygenase-1 activity. Atherosclerosis 200
  3. Loscalzo, L. M., Wasowski, C., Paladini, A. C., and Marder, M. Opioid receptors are involved in the sedative and antinociceptive effects of hesperidin as well as in its potentiation with benzodiazepines. Eur.J.Pharmacol. 2-12-2008;580(3):306-313. PubMed
  4. Yamamoto, M., Suzuki, A., Jokura, H., Yamamoto, N., and Hase, T. Glucosyl hesperidin prevents endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Nutrition 2008;24(5):470-476. PubMed
  5. El-Readi, M. Z., Hamdan, D., Farrag, N., El-Shazly, A., and Wink, M. Inhibition of P-glycoprotein activity by limonin and other secondary metabolites from Citrus species in human colon and leukaemia cell lines. Eur.J.Pharmacol. 1-25-2010;626(2-3):139-145 PubMed
  6. Buckshee, K., Takkar, D., and Aggarwal, N. Micronized flavonoid therapy in internal hemorrhoids of pregnancy. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 1997;57(2):145-151. PubMed
  7. Uesawa, Y. and Mohri, K. Hesperidin in orange juice reduces the absorption of celiprolol in rats. Biopharm Drug Dispos. 2008;29(3):185-188. PubMed
  8. Cho, YA, Choi, DH, and Choi, JS. Effect of hesperidin on the oral pharmacokinetics of diltiazem and its main metabolite, desacetyldiltiazem, in rats. J Pharm Pharmacol. 2009;61(6):825-829. PubMed
  9. Piao, YJ and Choi, JS. Enhanced bioavailability of verapamil after oral administration with hesperidin in rats. Arch Pharm Res. 2008;31(4):518-522. PubMed
  10. Andersen KE. Hesperidin methyl chalcone?-?a new cosmetic contact allergen. Contact Dermatitis. 2015;72(6):402-4. PubMed
  11. Morand C, Dubray C, Milenkovic D, et al. Hesperidin contributes to the vascular protective effects of orange juice: a randomized crossover study in healthy volunteers. Am J Clin Nutr 2011;93(1):73-80. PubMed
  12. Homayouni F, Haidari F, Hedayati M, Zakerkish M, Ahmadi K. Blood pressure lowering and anti-inflammatory effects of hesperidin in type 2 diabetes; a randomized double-blind controlled clinical trial. Phytother Res. 2018;32(6):1073-1079. PubMed
  13. Mohammadi M, Ramezani-Jolfaie N, Lorzadeh E, Khoshbakht Y, Salehi-Abargouei A. Hesperidin, a major flavonoid in orange juice, might not affect lipid profile and blood pressure: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials PubMed
  14. Valls RM, Pedret A, Calderón-Pérez L, et al. Effects of hesperidin in orange juice on blood and pulse pressures in mildly hypertensive individuals: a randomized controlled trial (Citrus study). Eur J Nutr. 2021;60(3):1277-1288. PubMed

See these in context on the Hesperidin monograph →

Cocoa 119 references
  1. The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
  2. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1996.
  3. McEvoy GK, ed. AHFS Drug Information. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 1998.
  4. Burnham TH, ed. Drug Facts and Comparisons, Updated Monthly. Facts and Comparisons, St. Louis, MO.
  5. Harder S, Fuhr U, Staib AH, Wolff T. Ciprofloxacin-caffeine: a drug interaction established using in vivo and in vitro investigations. Am J Med 1989;87:89S-91S. 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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