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

HPA Balance Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by HoltraCeuticals

HPA Balance 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 HPA Balance 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

HPA Balance is a dietary supplement by HoltraCeuticals with 4 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for memory and cognitive support, age-related cognitive decline, attention and focus (adhd).Based on those ingredients, 1,526 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Ashwagandha extract, L-Theanine Suntheanine, Magnolia Bark Extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

Jump to a section

Check Your Meds Against HPA Balance by HoltraCeuticals

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

Pharmacist-reviewed data Checks every ingredient Answer in seconds
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of HPA Balance by HoltraCeuticals

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 4 of its 4 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

HPA Balance contains four active ingredients. Phosphatidylserine is a naturally occurring compound thought to support brain function and is being studied for age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer disease.

L-theanine (branded as Suntheanine) is an amino acid that may help with cognitive function and possibly anxiety. Ashwagandha extract is an herbal adaptogen traditionally used for stress, anxiety, and sleep support.

Magnolia bark extract contains compounds like honokiol and magnolol, investigated for anxiety and oral health. The product also includes two inactive ingredients: calcium carbonate and a vegetable capsule material.

Does it work?

Moderate 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

This product doesn't appear to be marketed for a specific use, so we graded its ingredients' overall clinical evidence instead.

Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports its ingredients for:

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.
  • Since the label doesn't commit to one use, we graded the ingredients' overall clinical evidence instead.
  • On file: Gingivitis — rated "Possibly Effective" (Magnolia) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Anxiety — rated "Possibly Effective" (Ashwagandha) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) — rated "Possibly Effective" (Ashwagandha) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Insomnia — rated "Possibly Effective" (Ashwagandha) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Stress — rated "Possibly Effective" (Ashwagandha) (Natural Medicines).

Evidence for this product's ingredients is mixed. Phosphatidylserine is rated possibly effective for age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer disease, though evidence for cognitive function, ADHD, and dementia is insufficient.

L-theanine is possibly effective for cognitive function but has insufficient evidence for Alzheimer disease, age-related decline, anxiety, OCD, and cancer. Ashwagandha extract is possibly effective for insomnia, anxiety, stress, and generalized anxiety disorder, but evidence for ADHD is insufficient.

Magnolia bark extract is possibly effective for gingivitis but has insufficient evidence for hay fever, anxiety, and dental plaque. We don't hold effectiveness data for any of these ingredients outside these categories.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Phosphatidylserine Theanine Ashwagandha Magnolia

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.

Phosphatidylserine is generally well tolerated, but long-term safety is not fully established. Common side effects include flatulence, gastrointestinal upset, headache, insomnia (especially at higher doses around 600 mg), and nausea.

L-theanine is generally well tolerated for short-term use in healthy adults, though long-term safety is not well studied. Reported side effects include headaches, drowsiness, increased sleep duration, and increased dream activity.

Ashwagandha is generally well tolerated short-term but quality and long-term data are limited. Most common side effects are diarrhea, gastrointestinal upset, nausea, and vomiting (though these don't commonly occur at typical doses).

Rare serious cases of acute hepatitis, liver failure, and hepatic encephalopathy have been reported. Drowsiness can occur.

Magnolia bark extract seems well tolerated, though human safety data is limited; isolated reports mention contact dermatitis (topically) and, in clinical trials of combination products, sexual dysfunction, hand tremor, numbness, fatigue, and headache—though causation with magnolia alone is unclear. Regarding pregnancy: phosphatidylserine and L-theanine safety data are insufficient, so avoidance is recommended.

Ashwagandha is rated unsafe in pregnancy due to miscarriage risk. Magnolia bark is rated unsafe in pregnancy.

Regarding breastfeeding: safety data are insufficient for all four ingredients, so avoidance is recommended.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Phosphatidylserine Theanine Ashwagandha Magnolia

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?
  • 4 of the 4 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Magnolia, Ashwagandha, Phosphatidylserine, Theanine.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 1,527 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 HPA Balance, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you're on liver-damaging drugs (this is the most serious concern), blood pressure medications, blood sugar medications, sedatives or benzodiazepines, blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs, thyroid hormones, immunosuppressants, anticholinergic drugs, cholinergic drugs, or certain serotonergic drugs. These interactions are mostly theoretical but carry documented risk.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence behind its ingredients' uses. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

HPA Balance may interest someone exploring support for stress, anxiety, sleep, or cognitive function, but it carries significant interactions—especially with blood pressure medications, blood sugar medications, sedatives, and drugs that stress the liver. If you take any prescription medication, check your exact drugs against the interaction tool on this page before starting.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this product is right for you, particularly if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or managing a chronic condition.

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

Assessment coverage: 4 of 4 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Mar 25, 2013.

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 HPA Balance, straight from the product label.

Brand HoltraCeuticals
Net contents 30 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Mar 25, 2013
DSLD ID 19394
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, 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 HPA Balance by HoltraCeuticals, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
2 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
15
IngredientAmount% DV
Phosphatidylserine100 mg--
L-Theanine Suntheanine100 mg--
Ashwagandha extract375 mg--
Magnolia Bark Extract400 mg--

Other ingredients: Calcium Carbonate, Vegetable capsule

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.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: Take 2 capsules daily with meals. Can be taken throughout the day or as directed by a health professional.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place with the lid tightly closed.

Precautions

Keep out of reach of children.

WARNING: Consult your physician prior to using this product if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or have a medical condition.

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.

Seals/Symbols

Freshly Made

General Statements

Made in a GMP Certified Facility in USA

Regulates and Reduces Cortisol

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Brand IP Statement(s)

HOLTORF MEDICAL GROUP(R) CENTERS FOR HORMONE IMBALANCE, HYPOTHYROIDISM AND FATIGUE

Formulation

No artificial colors, no dairy or dairy derivatives, no preservatives, no sodium.

Vegan, Gluten-free.

General

WO-0372-CPN-1

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

See for yourself

HPA Balance by HoltraCeuticals label

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

HPA Balance 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 HPA Balance by HoltraCeuticals

These are the 4 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container15 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.

Phosphatidylserine

Interacts with
219 drugs
100 mg per serving

Phosphatidylserine is a natural fat-like compound found in cell membranes, especially in the brain, and it is sold mainly to support memory and thinki...

Phosphatidylserine monograph & interactions

L-Theanine Suntheanine

Interacts with
565 drugs
100 mg per serving

Theanine (usually L-theanine) is an amino acid found naturally in tea leaves that many people take to feel calmer and less stressed without strong dro...

L-Theanine Suntheanine monograph & interactions

Ashwagandha extract

Interacts with
1,372 drugs
375 mg per serving Form: Withanolides

Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic herb most often taken to help with stress, anxiety, and sleep, and some small studies suggest it may help, though the evid...

Ashwagandha extract monograph & interactions

Magnolia Bark Extract

Interacts with
351 drugs
400 mg per serving Form: honokiol, magnolol

Magnolia bark and flower buds have a long history in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine, often for stress, sleep, and digestion. Modern human r...

Magnolia Bark Extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Calcium Carbonate, Vegetable capsule. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

HPA Balance by HoltraCeuticals Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against HPA Balance?

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
1,526Drugs
1,152 Moderate 374 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Ashwagandha extract 1,372
L-Theanine Suntheanine 565
Magnolia Bark Extract 351
Phosphatidylserine 219

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in HPA Balance interact with 1,526 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

4 of the 4 ingredients in HPA Balance interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Ashwagandha extract L-Theanine Suntheanine Magnolia Bark Extract Phosphatidylserine

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in HPA Balance 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.

Ashwagandha extract10 drug types · 1,372 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking ashwagandha with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
There is preliminary clinical evidence suggesting that ashwagandha might lower blood glucose levels. Theoretically, ashwagandha might have additive effects when used with antidiabetes drugs and increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, taking ashwagandha with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Animal research suggests that ashwagandha might lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Theoretically, ashwagandha might have additive effects when used with antihypertensive drugs and increase the risk of hypotension.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Benzodiazepines

Theoretically, taking ashwagandha might increase the sedative effects of benzodiazepines.
There is preliminary evidence that ashwagandha might have an additive effect with diazepam (Valium) and clonazepam (Klonopin). This may also occur with other benzodiazepines.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cns Depressants

Theoretically, taking ashwagandha might increase the sedative effects of CNS depressants.
Ashwagandha seems to have sedative effects. Theoretically, this may potentiate the effects of barbiturates, other sedatives, and anxiolytics.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Hepatotoxic Drugs

Theoretically, taking ashwagandha with hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver damage.
Ashwagandha has been linked to cases of acute hepatitis, liver failure, hepatic encephalopathy, autoimmune hepatitis, the need for liver transplantation, and death due to liver failure.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, taking ashwagandha might decrease the effects of immunosuppressants.
Ashwagandha has demonstrated immunostimulant effects in humans. Animal research has shown that ashwagandha can attenuate the immunosuppression caused by cyclophosphamide.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Thyroid Hormone

Ashwagandha might increase the effects and adverse effects of thyroid hormone.
Concomitant use of ashwagandha with thyroid hormones may cause additive therapeutic and adverse effects. Preliminary clinical research and animal studies suggest that ashwagandha boosts thyroid hormone synthesis and secretion. In one clinical study, ashwagandha increased triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) levels by 41.5% and 19.6%, respectively, and reduced serum TSH levels by 17.4% from baseline in adults with subclinical hypothyroidism.

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

Theoretically, ashwagandha might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP1A2 substrates.
In vitro research shows that ashwagandha extract induces CYP1A2 enzymes.

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

Theoretically, ashwagandha might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
In vitro research shows that ashwagandha extract induces CYP3A4 enzymes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Serotonergic Drugs

Some animal studies have reported that ashwagandha can enhance serotonergic transmission by altering certain serotonin (5-HT) receptors. However, there is no evidence to suggest that ashwagandha increases the risk of serotonin-related effects, and there have been no published case reports of serotonin syndrome when combined with other serotonergic drugs. Nevertheless, due to the lack of extensive studies on the matter and the fact that ashwagandha appears to affect serotonergic pathways, it would be prudent to exercise caution when combining it with drugs that affect serotonin. [References: - Effects of Withania somnifera (Ashwaga ndha) on Stress and the Stress-Related Neuropsychiatric Disorders Anxiety, Depression, and Insomnia. Curr Neuropharmacol. 2021 Sep 14; 19: 1468–1495. - A Prospective, Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Safety and Efficacy of a High-Concentration Full-Spectrum Extract of Ashwagandha Root in Reducing Stress and Anxiety in Adults. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3573577/]

Likelihood Possible Evidence C
Ashwagandha extract full monograph & interactions

L-Theanine Suntheanine3 drug types · 565 drugs

Antihypertensive Drugs

Theanine might lower blood pressure, potentiating the effects of antihypertensive drugs.
Animal research shows that theanine can lower blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive animals. Theoretically, concomitant use of theanine and antihypertensive drugs might potentiate the antihypertensive activity.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cns Depressants

Theoretically, theanine might have additive sedative effects when used in conjunction with CNS depressants. However, it is unclear if this concern is clinically relevant.
Theoretically, theanine may compete with glutamate and/or increase plasma gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels, which could cause CNS depression. In one clinical study, some subjects taking oral theanine reported drowsiness.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Serotonergic Drugs

Clinical studies regarding the effects of L-theanine on serotonin levels are conflicting. Some studies suggest it can increase serotonin levels in the brain while others report that it may decrease them. Nevertheless, there have been no reports of l-theanine being a causative agent in serotonergic-related side effects or serotonin syndrome.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence C
L-Theanine Suntheanine full monograph & interactions

Magnolia Bark Extract2 drug types · 351 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, magnolia might have additive effects and increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
In vitro research shows that the chemicals magnolol and honokiol, isolated from magnolia bark, inhibit platelet aggregation that is experimentally induced by collagen and arachidonic acid. However, they do not inhibit platelet aggregation that is induced by adenosine diphosphate, platelet-activating factor, or thrombin. This interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cns Depressants

Theoretically, concomitant use of large doses of magnolia bark and CNS depressants might have additive effects.
In vitro and animal research shows that constituents extracted from magnolia bark, especially honokiol and magnolol, have sedative effects. These effects may be due to the inhibition of catecholamine release and modulation of gamma-aminobutyric acid-A (GABA-A) receptors.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Magnolia Bark Extract full monograph & interactions

Phosphatidylserine2 drug types · 219 drugs

Anticholinergic Drugs

Theoretically, phosphatidylserine might decrease the effectiveness anticholinergic drugs.
Phosphatidylserine is thought to increase acetylcholine levels, which could theoretically interfere with the activity of anticholinergic agents.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Cholinergic Drugs

Theoretically, phosphatidylserine might have additive effects with cholinergic drugs.
Phosphatidylserine is thought to increase acetylcholine levels, which could theoretically lead to additive cholinergic effects when used with cholinergic drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Phosphatidylserine full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for HPA Balance, from the product label.

HoltraCeuticals

See all HoltraCeuticals products
Web Address
Holtraceuticals.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

HPA Balance by HoltraCeuticals: Common Questions

Does HPA Balance by HoltraCeuticals interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, HPA Balance has a known interaction with 1,526 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
HPA Balance contains 4 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 this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
No, not safely based on current data. Ashwagandha is rated unsafe in pregnancy because of miscarriage risk, and magnolia bark is also unsafe in pregnancy. For phosphatidylserine and L-theanine, there isn't enough safety information, so avoidance is recommended. All four ingredients lack reliable safety data in breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about your specific situation—they can help you decide what's right for you.
What's phosphatidylserine, and why is it in this product?
Phosphatidylserine is a naturally occurring compound found in cell membranes, particularly in the brain. It's included because it's possibly effective for age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer disease, though evidence for general cognitive function is still being studied.
Can ashwagandha damage my liver?
Rare cases of acute hepatitis, liver failure, and hepatic encephalopathy have been reported with ashwagandha, including some requiring transplantation. Long-term safety is not fully established, and if you're already taking drugs that can stress the liver, the risk could be higher. Talk with your doctor before starting, especially if you have liver disease or take hepatotoxic medications.
Will this help me sleep?
Ashwagandha is rated possibly effective for insomnia and may have sedative effects. However, phosphatidylserine can cause insomnia, especially at higher doses, so the overall effect on your sleep isn't clear. Individual response varies, and it's worth discussing with your doctor or pharmacist whether this product is a good fit for you.
What are the common side effects?
The most commonly reported side effects are gastrointestinal—flatulence, nausea, and upset stomach—plus headache, drowsiness, and insomnia. These are generally mild and don't occur in most people, but they're worth knowing about before you start.
Is this safe for long-term use?
Long-term safety is not well established for any of these ingredients. Phosphatidylserine, L-theanine, ashwagandha, and magnolia bark extract all lack robust long-term human safety data. If you're considering taking this regularly, check with your doctor or pharmacist about what's known and what isn't.

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.

HPA Balance label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind HPA Balance’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Phosphatidylserine

Interacts with 219 drugs

Phosphatidylserine is a natural fat-like compound found in cell membranes, especially in the brain, and it is sold mainly to support memory and thinking. Some research suggests possible bene...

Read the full Phosphatidylserine monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Theanine

Interacts with 565 drugs

Theanine (usually L-theanine) is an amino acid found naturally in tea leaves that many people take to feel calmer and less stressed without strong drowsiness. Early research suggests it may...

Read the full Theanine monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Ashwagandha

Interacts with 1,372 drugs

Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic herb most often taken to help with stress, anxiety, and sleep, and some small studies suggest it may help, though the evidence is still limited. It is generally w...

Read the full Ashwagandha monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Magnolia

Interacts with 351 drugs

Magnolia bark and flower buds have a long history in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine, often for stress, sleep, and digestion. Modern human research is still limited, so we can't be...

Read the full Magnolia monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

HPA Balance'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 56 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.

Phosphatidylserine 9 references
  1. Crook T, Petrie W, Wells C, Massari DC. Effects of phosphatidylserine in Alzheimer's disease. Psychopharmacol Bull 1992;28:61-6.
  2. Pepping J. Phosphatidylserine. Am J Health-Syst Pharm 1999;56:2038,2043-4.
  3. Kidd PM. Phosphatidylserine; Membrane nutrient for memory. A clinical and mechanistic assessment. Altern Med Rev 1996;1:70-84.
  4. Kim HY, Akbar M, Lau A, et al. Inhibition of neuronal apoptosis by docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3). Role of phosphatidylserine in antiapoptotic effect. J Biol Chem 2000;275:35215-23.. PubMed
  5. Zanotti A, Valzelli L, Toffano G. Chronic phosphatidylserine treatment improves spatial memory and passive avoidance in aged rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 1989;99:316-21.. PubMed
  6. Schreiber S, Kampf-Sherf O, Gorfine M, et al. An open trial of plant-source derived phosphatydilserine for treatment of age-related cognitive decline. Isr J Psychiatry Relat Sci 2000;37:302-7.
  7. Pepping, J. Phosphatidylserine. Am J Health Syst.Pharm. 10-15-1999;56(20):2038, 2043-2038, 2044.
  8. Monteverde, A., Gnemmi, P., Rossi, F., Monteverde, A., and Finali, G. C. Selegiline in the treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer-type dementia. Clin.Ther 1990;12(4):315-322.
  9. Vakhapova V, Cohen T, Richter Y, Herzog Y, Kam Y, Korczyn AD. Phosphatidylserine containing omega-3 Fatty acids may improve memory abilities in nondemented elderly individuals with memory complaints: results from an open-label extension study. Dement Geri PubMed

See these in context on the Phosphatidylserine monograph →

Theanine 6 references
  1. Yokogoshi H, Kobayashi M. Hypotensive effect of gamma-glutamylethylamide in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Life Sci 1998;62:1065-8.
  2. Haskell, C. F., Kennedy, D. O., Milne, A. L., Wesnes, K. A., and Scholey, A. B. The effects of L-theanine, caffeine and their combination on cognition and mood. Biol.Psychol. 2008;77(2):113-122. PubMed
  3. Yokogoshi, H., Kato, Y., Sagesaka, Y. M., Takihara-Matsuura, T., Kakuda, T., and Takeuchi, N. Reduction effect of theanine on blood pressure and brain 5-hydroxyindoles in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Biosci.Biotechnol.Biochem. 1995;59(4):615-618. PubMed
  4. Lyon MR, Kapoor MP, Juneja LR. The effects of L-theanine (Suntheanine®) on objective sleep quality in boys with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Altern Med Rev. 2011;16(4):348-
  5. Hidese S, Ota M, Wakabayashi C, et al. Effects of chronic l-theanine administration in patients with major depressive disorder: an open-label study. Acta Neuropsychiatr 2017;29(2):72-9.
  6. Tsuchiya T, Honda H, Oikawa M, et al. Oral administration of the amino acids cystine and theanine attenuates the adverse events of S-1 adjuvant chemotherapy in gastrointestinal cancer patients. Int J Clin Oncol 2016;21(6):1085-90. PubMed

See these in context on the Theanine monograph →

Ashwagandha 32 references
  1. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
  2. Upton R, ed. Ashwagandha Root (Withania somnifera): Analytical, quality control, and therapuetic monograph. Santa Cruz, CA: American Herbal Pharmacopoeia 2000:1-25.
  3. Davis L, Kuttan G. Effect of Withania somnifera on cyclophosphamide-induced urotoxicity. Cancer Lett 2000;148:9-17. PubMed
  4. Davis L, Kuttan G. Suppressive effect of cyclophosphamide-induced toxicity by Withania somnifera extract in mice. J Ethnopharmacol 1998;62:209-14. PubMed
  5. Mishra LC, Singh BB, Dagenais S. Scientific basis for the therapeutic use of Withania somnifera (ashwagandha): a review. Altern Med Rev 2000;5:334-46. DOI
  6. Andallu B, Radhika B. Hypoglycemic, diuretic and hypocholesterolemic effect of winter cherry (Withania somnifera, Dunal) root. Indian J Exp Biol 2000;38:607-9.
  7. Kulkarni RR, Patki PS, Jog VP, et al. Treatment of osteoarthritis with a herbomineral formulation: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study. J Ethnopharmacol 1991;33:91-5. PubMed
  8. Ahumada F, Aspee F, Wikman G, Hancke J. Withania somnifera exract. Its effects on arterial blood pressure in anaesthetized dogs. Phytother Res 1991;5:111-14.
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  14. Sharma AK, Basu I, Singh S. Efficacy and safety of Ashwagandha root extract in subclinical hypothyroid patients: a double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial. J Altern Complement Med. 2018 Mar;24(3):243-248. PubMed
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See these in context on the Ashwagandha monograph →

Magnolia 9 references
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See these in context on the Magnolia monograph →

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

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