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

IC-5 Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by BioTrust

IC-5 label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Major
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking IC-5 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: Major

IC-5 is a dietary supplement by BioTrust with 5 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for blood sugar support, digestive upset, antioxidant support.Based on those ingredients, 1,369 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Berberis aristata root bark extract, Cinnamon, Fenugreek extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against IC-5 by BioTrust

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with IC-5 by BioTrust — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

Pharmacist-reviewed data Checks every ingredient Answer in seconds
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of IC-5 by BioTrust

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 Jul 11, 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 5 of its 5 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

IC-5 contains five active ingredients: cinnamon, berberis aristata (tree turmeric) root bark extract, pterocarpus marsupium, fenugreek extract, and r-alpha-lipoic acid. These are combined in a vegetable cellulose capsule with microcrystalline cellulose and vegetable stearate as inactive ingredients.

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
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Blood sugar support and carbohydrate metabolism.
  • We looked for evidence on: Diabetes, Impaired glucose tolerance (prediabetes), Dyslipidemia, Hyperlipidemia, Hypertriglyceridemia, Metabolic syndrome — and 4 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Fenugreek is rated "Possibly Effective" for Diabetes (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Alpha-lipoic Acid is rated "Possibly Effective" for Hyperlipidemia, Obesity.
  • Also on file: Alpha-lipoic Acid is rated "Possibly Ineffective" for Diabetes.

The evidence for most ingredients in IC-5 is limited. Fenugreek and alpha-lipoic acid each have possibly effective ratings for diabetes and for lipid and weight management, respectively.

Fenugreek is also rated possibly effective for sexual dysfunction and menstrual cramps. For the other conditions cinnamon and berberis aristata are claimed to address—such as diabetes, cholesterol, and wound healing—the data we hold shows insufficient reliable evidence to rate their effectiveness.

We have no effectiveness data on file for pterocarpus marsupium.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Cassia Cinnamon Tree Turmeric Fenugreek Alpha-lipoic Acid

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.

Cinnamon is likely safe during pregnancy and lactation in food amounts, but supplement doses high in coumarin should be avoided due to the theoretical risk of liver damage over time. Berberis aristata is likely unsafe in pregnancy and lactation and should be avoided.

Fenugreek is likely unsafe in pregnancy (it may affect the uterus) and should not be used medicinally; while it's possibly safe during breastfeeding, the evidence is limited and you should discuss it with your provider first. Alpha-lipoic acid lacks enough safety data during pregnancy and lactation, so it's best avoided.

The most common side effects across these ingredients include nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, and heartburn. Allergic reactions to fenugreek, though rare, can be severe.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Cassia Cinnamon Tree Turmeric Fenugreek Alpha-lipoic Acid

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 — Fenugreek, Alpha-lipoic Acid, Cassia Cinnamon, Tree Turmeric.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; cancer treatments; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 1,370 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.

Check with your pharmacist if you take tacrolimus or cyclosporine (Major interactions with tree turmeric), blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs like warfarin or clopidogrel, diabetes medications, blood pressure drugs, theophylline, seizure medication (phenytoin), erectile dysfunction drugs, drugs processed by your liver's cytochrome P450 enzymes, or chemotherapy agents. These are the medication types with documented interactions; your exact dose and individual health situation matter.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

IC-5 may appeal to people interested in blood sugar and lipid support, but it carries multiple medication interactions—especially if you take immunosuppressants, blood thinners, diabetes drugs, or blood pressure medications. Talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting this product, and check your specific medications against the interaction tool on this page.

It's not for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

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 May 24, 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 IC-5, straight from the product label.

Brand BioTrust
Barcode (UPC) 741360402546
Net contents 120 Veggie Cap(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD May 24, 2013
DSLD ID 21551
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Sugar 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 IC-5 by BioTrust, 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 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
741360402546
IngredientAmount% DV
Cinnamon250 mg--
Berberis aristata root bark extract250 mg--
Pterocarpus marsupium150 mg--
Fenugreek extract100 mg--
r-alpha-lipoic acid65 mg--

Other ingredients: Vegetable Cellulose, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Vegetable Stearate

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.
Precautions

CAUTION: Keep out of reach of children.

Do not exceed recommended dose.

Do not use if pregnant or lactating.

Do not use if outer seal is broken or damaged. When using nutritional supplements, please consult with your physician and/or pharmacist if you are undergoing treatment of a medical condition.

Formulation

Free of egg, dairy, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, gluten, wheat, and soy. No sugars and no artificial sweeteners, flavors, colors, or preservatives.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Don't Eat Carbs Without It(TM)

Honest Nutrition for Your Ultimate Body(TM)

IC-5(TM) is a blend of 5 ingredients scientifically-designed to increase insulin sensitivity, support optimal blood sugar levels, enhance muscular recovery, and support fat loss by partitioning carbohydrates to muscle tissue instead of fat cells.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

General Statements

Quality Guarantee: FDA-registered laboratory testing ensures potency and purity.

Advanced Insulin Support and Carbohydrate Management - Increases Insulin Sensitivity - Supports Healthy Blood Sugar - Partitions Carbs to Muscle, Not Fat

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: Take (2) capsules 15-minutes prior to any carbohydrate-containing meal. If on a low-carb diet, take (2) capsules twice daily prior to meals.

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

See for yourself

IC-5 by BioTrust label

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

IC-5 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 IC-5 by BioTrust

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

Serving size2 Vegetarian 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.

Cinnamon

Interacts with
442 drugs
250 mg per serving

Cassia cinnamon is the common, inexpensive cinnamon used in cooking, and it is also taken as a supplement, most often for blood sugar support. The evi...

Cinnamon monograph & interactions

Berberis aristata root bark extract

Interacts with
1,160 drugs
250 mg per serving Form: Berberine

Tree turmeric (Berberis aristata) is a shrub used in traditional Indian (Ayurvedic) medicine, valued mainly for its berberine content. Early research...

Berberis aristata root bark extract monograph & interactions

Pterocarpus marsupium

150 mg per serving

Fenugreek extract

Interacts with
389 drugs
100 mg per serving Form: 4-hydroxyisoleucine

Fenugreek is a common kitchen spice that is also taken as a supplement, mainly for blood sugar, cholesterol, and to support breast milk production. So...

Fenugreek extract monograph & interactions

R-alpha-lipoic acid

Interacts with
263 drugs
65 mg per serving

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is an antioxidant made naturally by the body and found in small amounts in foods. It is most studied for diabetic nerve pain,...

R-alpha-lipoic acid monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Vegetable Cellulose, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Vegetable Stearate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

IC-5 by BioTrust Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against IC-5?

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
1,369Drugs
2 Major 1,367 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Berberis aristata root bark extract 1,160
Cinnamon 442
Fenugreek extract 389
r-alpha-lipoic acid 263

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in IC-5 interact with 1,369 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

4 of the 5 ingredients in IC-5 interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Berberis aristata root bark extract Cinnamon Fenugreek extract r-alpha-lipoic acid

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in IC-5 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.

Berberis aristata root bark extract12 drug types · 1,160 drugs

Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)

Berberine, a constituent of tree turmeric, can reduce metabolism of cyclosporine and increase serum levels.
Some clinical evidence suggests that berberine inhibits cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4), which metabolizes cyclosporine.

Likelihood Likely Evidence A
Tacrolimus (Prograf)

Berberine, a constituent of tree turmeric, can inhibit metabolism of tacrolimus and increase plasma levels.
Some clinical evidence suggests that berberine inhibits cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4), which metabolizes tacrolimus. In a 16-year-old patient with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome who was being treated with prednisone 40 mg/m2 and tacrolimus 6.5 mg twice daily, concomitant use of berberine, a constituent of tree turmeric, 200 mg three times daily increased plasma levels of tacrolimus from 8 to 22 ng/mL and increased serum creatinine levels from 0.7 to 1.2 mg/dL. Following a reduction of tacrolimus dosing to 3 mg daily, the blood concentration of tacrolimus decreased to 12 ng/mL and the serum concentration of creatinine decreased to 0.9 mg/dL.

Likelihood Likely Evidence D
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, tree turmeric might have additive effects when used with anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs and increase the risk of bleeding.
In vitro and animal research suggest that berberine, a constituent of tree turmeric, can inhibit platelet aggregation.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, tree turmeric, taken alone or in combination with milk thistle, might increase the risk of hypoglycemia in patients taking antidiabetes drugs.
Clinical research shows that taking a product containing tree turmeric and milk thistle extracts can lower blood glucose levels, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and insulin resistance in patients with type 2 diabetes, including those on antidiabetic agents. Additionally, clinical research suggests that berberine, a constituent of tree turmeric, can lower blood glucose levels.

Likelihood Probable Evidence A
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, taking tree turmeric along with antihypertensive drugs might have additive effects and increase the risk of hypotension.
Animal research suggests that berberine, a constituent of tree turmeric, can have hypotensive effects. Also, a meta-analysis of clinical research suggests that taking berberine in combination with amlodipine (Norvasc) can lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure when compared with taking amlodipine alone.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cns Depressants

Theoretically, use of tree turmeric along with CNS depressants might increase the risk of additive therapeutic and adverse effects.
Animal research suggests that berberine, a constituent of tree turmeric, can have sedative effects.

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

Theoretically, tree turmeric might increase the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP2C9.
Preliminary clinical evidence suggests that berberine, a constituent of tree turmeric, can inhibit CYP2C9.

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

Theoretically, tree turmeric might increase the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
In vitro research and preliminary clinical evidence suggest that berberine, a constituent of tree turmeric, can inhibit CYP2D6.

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

Theoretically, tree turmeric might increase the levels and clinical effects of drugs that are substrates of CYP3A4.
In vitro research and preliminary clinical evidence suggest that berberine, a constituent of tree turmeric, moderately inhibits CYP3A4.

Likelihood Probable Evidence A
Dextromethorphan (Robitussin Dm, Others)

Theoretically, tree turmeric might increase levels of dextromethorphan and potentially increase the risk of adverse effects including drowsiness, confusion, and irritability.
Preliminary clinical research suggests that berberine, a constituent of tree turmeric, can inhibit cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) activity and reduce the metabolism of dextromethorphan.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Midazolam (Versed)

Theoretically, tree turmeric might increase levels of midazolam and potentially increase the risk of adverse effects including sedation and respiratory depression.
Preliminary clinical evidence suggests that berberine, a constituent of tree turmeric, can inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) activity and reduce metabolism of midazolam.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Pentobarbital (Nembutal)

Theoretically, tree turmeric might increase the sedative effects of pentobarbital.
Animal research suggests that berberine, a constituent of tree turmeric, can prolong pentobarbital-induced sleeping time.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Berberis aristata root bark extract full monograph & interactions

Cinnamon2 drug types · 442 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, cassia cinnamon may have additive effects with antidiabetes drugs.
Cassia cinnamon may lower blood glucose levels, and have additive effects in patients treated with antidiabetic agents. Dose adjustments to diabetes medications might be necessary.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Hepatotoxic Drugs

Theoretically, large doses of cassia cinnamon might cause additive effects when used with hepatotoxic drugs.
There is some concern that ingesting large amounts of cassia cinnamon for an extended duration might cause hepatotoxicity in some people. Cassia cinnamon contains coumarin, which can cause hepatotoxicity in animal models. In humans, very high doses of coumarin from 50-7000 mg/day can result in hepatotoxicity that resolves when coumarin use is discontinued. Lower amounts might also cause liver problems in sensitive people, such as those with liver disease or those taking potentially hepatotoxic agents.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cinnamon full monograph & interactions

Fenugreek extract9 drug types · 389 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, fenugreek might have additive effects when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Some of the constituents in fenugreek have antiplatelet effects in animal and in vitro research. However, common fenugreek products might not contain sufficient concentrations of these constituents for clinical effects. A clinical study in patients with coronary artery disease or diabetes shows that taking fenugreek seed powder 2.5 grams twice daily for 3 months does not affect platelet aggregation, fibrinolytic activity, or fibrinogen levels .

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, fenugreek seed might have additive hypoglycemic effects when used with antidiabetes drugs.
Clinical research shows that fenugreek seed can reduce fasting blood glucose and 2-hour postprandial glucose levels in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Clopidogrel (Plavix)

Theoretically, fenugreek seed might alter the clinical effects of clopidogrel by inhibiting its conversion to the active form.
Animal research shows that fenugreek seed 200 mg/kg daily for 14 days increases the maximum serum concentration of clopidogrel by 21%. It is unclear how this affects the pharmacokinetics of the active metabolite of clopidogrel; however, this study found that concomitant use of fenugreek seed and clopidogrel prolonged bleeding time by an additional 11%.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Metoprolol (Toprol)

Theoretically, fenugreek seed might have additive hypotensive effects when used with metoprolol.
Animal research shows that fenugreek seed 300 mg/kg daily for 2 weeks decreases systolic and diastolic blood pressure by 9% and 11%, respectively, when administered alone, and by 15% and 22%, respectively, when given with metoprolol 10 mg/kg.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Phenytoin (Dilantin)

Theoretically, fenugreek might decrease plasma levels of phenytoin.
Animal research shows that taking fenugreek seeds for 1 week decreases maximum concentrations and the area under the curve of a single dose of phenytoin by 44% and 72%, respectively. This seems to be related to increased clearance. So far, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Sildenafil (Viagra)

Theoretically, concurrent use of sildenafil and fenugreek might reduce levels and therapeutic effects of sildenafil.
Animal research shows that taking fenugreek seeds for 1 week reduces maximum concentrations and the area under the curve of a single dose of sildenafil by 27% and 48%, respectively. So far, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Theophylline

Theoretically, fenugreek may reduce the levels and clinical effects of theophylline.
Animal research shows that fenugreek 50 grams daily for 7 days reduces the maximum serum concentration (Cmax) of theophylline by 28% and the area under the plasma drug concentration-time curve (AUC) by 22%.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, fenugreek might have additive effects with warfarin and increase the international normalized ratio (INR).
Some fenugreek constituents have antiplatelet effects, although these might not be present in concentrations that are clinically significant. In one case report, a patient taking warfarin experienced an increased INR when starting to take fenugreek in combination with boldo.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antihypertensive Drugs

Fenugreek may also have an additive effect on blood pressure-lowering medications. Studies on animals have shown that fenugreek seed can decrease both systolic and diastolic blood pressure by up to 22% when combined with metoprolol. Therefore, it is essential to monitor your blood pressure regularly if you are taking fenugreek and metoprolol together or any other antihypertensive drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence C
Fenugreek extract full monograph & interactions

r-alpha-lipoic acid5 drug types · 263 drugs

Alkylating Agents

Theoretically, the antioxidant effects of alpha-lipoic acid might alter the effectiveness of alkylating agents.
The use of antioxidants like alpha-lipoic acid during chemotherapy is controversial. There are concerns that antioxidants could reduce the activity of chemotherapy drugs that generate free radicals. However, some researchers theorize that antioxidants might make chemotherapy more effective by reducing oxidative stress that might interfere with apoptosis (cell death) of cancer cells. More evidence is needed to determine what effect, if any, antioxidants such as alpha-lipoic acid have on chemotherapy. Advise patients to consult their oncologist before using alpha-lipoic acid.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, alpha-lipoic acid may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
In vitro, alpha-lipoic acid inhibits platelet aggregation.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antitumor Antibiotics

Theoretically, the antioxidant effects of alpha-lipoic acid might alter the effectiveness of antitumor antibiotics.
The use of antioxidants like alpha-lipoic acid during chemotherapy is controversial. There are concerns that antioxidants could reduce the activity of antitumor antibiotic drugs, which work by generating free radicals. However, some researchers theorize that antioxidants might make chemotherapy more effective by reducing oxidative stress that might interfere with apoptosis (cell death) of cancer cells. More evidence is needed to determine what effect, if any, antioxidants such as alpha-lipoic acid have on chemotherapy involving antitumor antibiotics. Advise patients to consult their oncologist before using alpha-lipoic acid.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Thyroid Hormone

Theoretically, alpha-lipoic acid might decrease the effects of thyroid hormone drugs.
Animal research suggests that co-administration of thyroxine with alpha-lipoic acid reduces conversion into the active T3 form.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking alpha-lipoic acid with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Although some small clinical studies have suggested that alpha-lipoic acid can lower blood glucose levels, larger clinical studies in patients with diabetes have shown no clinically meaningful effect. Additionally, co-administration of single doses of alpha-lipoic acid and glyburide or acarbose did not cause detectable drug interactions in healthy volunteers.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B
r-alpha-lipoic acid full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for IC-5, from the product label.

BioTrust

See all BioTrust products
Name
BioTrust Nutrition
City
Austin
State
TX
ZipCode
78701
Phone Number
1-800-766-5086
Web Address
BioTrust.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

IC-5 by BioTrust: Common Questions

Does IC-5 by BioTrust interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, IC-5 has a known interaction with 1,369 medications, including 2 rated major. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
IC-5 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.
Is this product safe if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. Berberis aristata is likely unsafe during pregnancy and lactation and should be avoided. Fenugreek is also likely unsafe during pregnancy. While cinnamon and fenugreek are possibly safe during breastfeeding in food amounts, the supplement doses in this product haven't been well studied. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before using IC-5 if you're pregnant or nursing.
Does this really work for blood sugar control?
Fenugreek has clinical evidence suggesting it can lower blood glucose, so it's rated possibly effective for diabetes. Cinnamon and the other ingredients don't have strong evidence yet—the data shows insufficient reliable evidence to rate them. If you have diabetes, your doctor or pharmacist is the right person to ask whether IC-5 fits your treatment plan.
What are the most common side effects?
Nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating, and heartburn are the most common side effects reported with these ingredients. Headache and dizziness can also occur. Most people tolerate them well, but they're not right for everyone—especially those with sensitive stomachs.
Can I take this with my blood pressure medication?
Fenugreek and berberis aristata (tree turmeric) both have documented Moderate-level interactions with blood pressure drugs. They may add to the blood-pressure-lowering effect and increase the risk of your pressure dropping too far. Check with your pharmacist about your specific blood pressure medication before starting IC-5.
What is alpha-lipoic acid in this product for?
Alpha-lipoic acid is included for its possibly effective ratings in supporting healthy cholesterol, blood sugar, and weight management. It's a compound your body naturally produces, but some people take it as a supplement. The evidence for these uses is modest but suggestive of benefit.
I'm allergic to fenugreek—what should I know?
Fenugreek allergies can be serious, including severe reactions like angioedema (swelling), bronchospasm (airway constriction), and anaphylaxis, though these are rare. If you have a documented fenugreek allergy, do not use this product. Talk with your pharmacist about alternatives.

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.

IC-5 label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind IC-5’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Cassia Cinnamon

Interacts with 442 drugs

Cassia cinnamon is the common, inexpensive cinnamon used in cooking, and it is also taken as a supplement, most often for blood sugar support. The evidence for its health benefits is mixed a...

Read the full Cassia Cinnamon monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Tree Turmeric

Interacts with 1,160 drugs

Tree turmeric (Berberis aristata) is a shrub used in traditional Indian (Ayurvedic) medicine, valued mainly for its berberine content. Early research suggests possible benefits for blood sug...

Read the full Tree Turmeric monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Fenugreek

Interacts with 389 drugs

Fenugreek is a common kitchen spice that is also taken as a supplement, mainly for blood sugar, cholesterol, and to support breast milk production. Some early research is encouraging for blo...

Read the full Fenugreek monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Alpha-lipoic Acid

Interacts with 263 drugs

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is an antioxidant made naturally by the body and found in small amounts in foods. It is most studied for diabetic nerve pain, where some evidence suggests it may help...

Read the full Alpha-lipoic Acid monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

IC-5'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 123 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.

Cassia Cinnamon 20 references
  1. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 182 -- Substances Generally Recognized As Safe. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=182
  2. Khan A, Safdar M, Ali Khan M, et al. Cinnamon improves glucose and lipids of people with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care 2003;26:3215-8. PubMed
  3. De Benito V, Alzaga R. Occupational allergic contact dermatitis from cassia (Chinese cinnamon) as a flavouring agent in coffee. Contact Dermatitis 1999;40:165. PubMed
  4. Drake TE, Maibach HI. Allergic contact dermatitis and stomatitis caused by a cinnamic aldehyde-flavored toothpaste. Arch Dermatol 1976;112:202-3.
  5. Press release. Cinnamon capsules to reduce blood sugar are medicinal products! Efficacy has not been scientifically proven - some products contain high levels of coumarin. Federal Institute of Risk Assessment (BfM), Germany, November 11, 2006. Available a
  6. Felter SP, Vassallo JD, Carlton BD, Daston GP. A safety assessment of coumarin taking into account species-specificity of toxicokinetics. Food Chem Toxicol 2006;44:462-75. PubMed
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See these in context on the Cassia Cinnamon monograph →

Tree Turmeric 25 references
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See these in context on the Fenugreek monograph →

Alpha-lipoic Acid 48 references
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