Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 6 of 7 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Immune Powder Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Nature's Way

Powder Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Immune Powder is a dietary supplement by Nature's Way with 7 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for common cold, flu and respiratory infections, immune support.Based on those ingredients, 1,162 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are organic Echinacea purpurea, organic Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) Mushroom, organic Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) Mushroom. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Immune Powder by Nature's Way

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

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 7 of its 7 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Immune Powder contains seven active ingredients: organic echinacea purpurea, maitake mushroom extract, organic reishi mushroom, organic enokitake mushroom, organic shiitake mushroom, organic chaga mushroom, and organic agaricus (himematsutake) mushroom. The product also contains silica as an inactive ingredient—a filler used to manage powder flow and consistency.

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: Supports immune function.
  • We looked for evidence on: Common cold, Influenza, Bronchitis, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C — and 4 related terms.
  • The closest evidence on file: Maitake Mushroom is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for HIV/AIDS (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Maitake Mushroom is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Chemotherapy-induced leukopenia, Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
  • Also on file: Shiitake Mushroom is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Common cold, Hepatitis C, HIV/AIDS, Influenza.

The evidence supporting these ingredients is limited. For echinacea, we have insufficient reliable evidence to rate its use for anxiety, athletic performance, ADHD, burns, chronic fatigue, or migraine headache.

Maitake mushroom similarly lacks established evidence for hay fever, chemotherapy-related anemia or low white blood cell counts, throat cancer, chemotherapy-related diarrhea, or chronic fatigue. Reishi is rated possibly ineffective for high cholesterol, and has insufficient evidence for altitude sickness, Alzheimer's disease, or athletic performance.

Shiitake is rated possibly ineffective for dental plaque and has insufficient evidence for chemotherapy-related anemia, atherosclerosis, breast cancer, or cancer generally. Chaga and agaricus mushroom likewise lack established evidence for the conditions listed in our data.

Bottom line: the effectiveness of this product for any particular use is not established in the data we hold.

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 6 of the 6 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 6 of 6.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 6 of 6.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Echinacea is generally well tolerated short-term but may cause digestive upset (abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, nausea, vomiting), rash, or stomach upset. Allergic reactions—including severe ones like anaphylaxis—have been reported, especially in people sensitive to ragweed and related plants (ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies).

Rare cases of liver inflammation (hepatitis) have occurred. Maitake mushroom is generally well tolerated as food; when taken as a supplement, the most common side effects are digestive (diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea).

Reishi is generally well tolerated short-term but may cause dizziness, dry mouth, itching, nausea, rash, or stomach upset; long-term safety is not well studied. Shiitake as cooked food is well tolerated, but raw shiitake can cause a rash resembling whiplash marks (shiitake dermatitis), and concentrated supplements carry uncertain safety.

Chaga and agaricus mushroom are generally well tolerated, though chaga carries a rare risk of kidney problems from its high oxalate content, and a small number of agaricus users have reported allergic reactions or (very rarely) liver or lung damage. All six mushroom ingredients carry cautions or advice to avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding because safety data are insufficient.

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?
  • 6 of the 6 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Maitake Mushroom, Shiitake Mushroom, Reishi Mushroom, Echinacea, Agaricus Mushroom, among others.
  • 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: 1,163 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 this product, double-check these medication types with your pharmacist or doctor: blood pressure medications, diabetes drugs, and blood thinners (especially warfarin), all at moderate-severity risk. Also check any immune-suppressing medications, drugs metabolized by liver enzymes (CYP1A2, CYP3A4, and CYP2D6), cancer therapies, HIV medications, and sedatives—the effects vary by ingredient but range from moderate to minor severity.

No interactions are documented for enokitake mushroom, as we hold no data for it.

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.

Immune Powder is a multi-ingredient product with documented interactions across a broad range of medications—blood pressure drugs, diabetes medications, blood thinners, immune suppressors, and several others. If you take any prescription medication, especially for heart, blood sugar, or immune function, check your exact drugs with the tool on this page or talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting this product.

The effectiveness of these ingredients for immune support or any other condition is not established in our data, and safety data for most of them are limited.

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

Assessment coverage: 6 of 7 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Apr 25, 2019.

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 Immune Powder, straight from the product label.

Brand Nature's Way
Barcode (UPC) 033674123317
Net contents 3.1 Oz(s); 88 Gram(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Apr 25, 2019
DSLD ID 200789
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Powder
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, 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 Immune Powder by Nature's Way, 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 tsp
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 tsp
Servings per container
40
UPC/BARCODE
033674123317
IngredientAmount% DV
Total Carbohydrates1 Gram(s)1%
organic Echinacea purpurea600 mg--
Maitake Mushroom extract500 mg--
organic Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) Mushroom500 mg--
organic Enokitake (Flammulina velutipes) Mushroom250 mg--
organic Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) Mushroom250 mg--
organic Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) Mushroom50 mg--
organic Himematsutake (Agaricus brasiliensis/blazei) Mushroom50 mg--

Other ingredients: Silica

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

Supports immune function

Packaged by weight, not volume. Settling of contents may occur.

BPA free Quality Global Sourcing Bottled & tested in the USA

Adaptogenic

Since 1969 Premium herbal blend

Brand IP Statement(s)

Nature's Way harnesses the power of ancient wisdom by blending 6 diverse mushrooms to support your immune function.

2018 Nature's Way Brands, LLC

General

LG12331.A01 RM22.9122A

Precautions

Keep out of reach of children.

Safety sealed with printed inner seal. Do not use if seal is broken or missing.

Caution: Not recommended for individuals with autoimmune conditions.

Persons with allergies to plants of the Asteraceae (Compositae) family, including ragweed, should use this product with caution.

If pregnant, nursing, or taking any medications, consult a healthcare professional before use.

Formulation

Gluten free. No sugar, salt, yeast, wheat, corn, soy, dairy products, artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

Vegan

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Mix with your favorite beverage.

Recommendation: Take 1 teaspoon (tsp) (2.2 g) once daily, or as recommended by a healthcare professional.

Seals/Symbols

Vegan

Certified Authentic Tru-ID

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Formula

Reishi is traditionally used as an adaptogen

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

See for yourself

Immune Powder by Nature's Way label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Immune Powder by Nature's Way

These are the 7 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 tsp Dosage formPowder Servings per container40 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.

Organic Echinacea purpurea

Interacts with
816 drugs
600 mg per serving

Echinacea is a popular herb taken to help prevent or shorten the common cold, but study results are mixed and the overall benefit appears small at bes...

Organic Echinacea purpurea monograph & interactions

Maitake Mushroom extract

Interacts with
260 drugs
500 mg per serving Form: Polysaccharides

Maitake is an edible mushroom long used as food and in traditional Japanese medicine, and it is being studied for possible immune, blood sugar, and bl...

Maitake Mushroom extract monograph & interactions
500 mg per serving

Reishi is a traditional Asian mushroom widely used to support the immune system and overall wellness. Human evidence for most of its claimed benefits...

Organic Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) Mushroom monograph & interactions

Organic Enokitake (Flammulina velutipes) Mushroom

250 mg per serving
250 mg per serving

Shiitake is a popular edible mushroom that is nutritious and safe to eat as food for most people. Some of its extracts (like lentinan and AHCC) have b...

Organic Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) Mushroom monograph & interactions
50 mg per serving

Chaga is a fungus that grows mostly on birch trees and is used as a tea or supplement, mainly for immune and antioxidant support. Human evidence for i...

Organic Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) Mushroom monograph & interactions
50 mg per serving

Agaricus mushroom (often Agaricus blazei/subrufescens) is a culinary and medicinal mushroom studied mostly for possible immune and antioxidant effects...

Organic Himematsutake (Agaricus brasiliensis/blazei) Mushroom monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Silica. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Immune Powder by Nature's Way Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Immune Powder?

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

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Immune Powder 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.

organic Echinacea purpurea12 drug types · 816 drugs

Caffeine

Echinacea can increase plasma levels of caffeine by inhibiting its metabolism.
Echinacea seems to increase plasma concentrations of caffeine by around 30%. This is likely due to inhibition of cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) by echinacea.

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

Echinacea might inhibit the metabolism of CYP1A2 and increase plasma levels of some drugs.
Echinacea appears to inhibit CYP1A2 enzymes in humans. Additionally, echinacea seems to increase plasma concentrations of caffeine, a CYP1A2 substrate, by around 30%. Theoretically, echinacea might increase levels of other drugs metabolized by CYP1A2.

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

Echinacea may induce hepatic CYP3A4 and inhibit intestinal CYP3A4. This may increase or decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Several clinical trials have shown that taking echinacea for up to one month does not significantly affect the metabolism of various CYP3A4 substrates, including midazolam, docetaxel, etravirine, lopinavir-ritonavir, and darunavir-ritonavir. However, other clinical research shows that echinacea may increase the clearance of midazolam, suggesting that echinacea might induce CYP3A4. The discrepancy is thought to be due to differing effects of echinacea on intestinal versus hepatic CYP3A4 enzymes. Echinacea appears to induce hepatic CYP3A4 but inhibit intestinal CYP3A4. In some cases, these effects might cancel each other out, but in others, drug levels may be increased or decreased depending on the level of effect at hepatic and intestinal sites. The effect of echinacea on CYP3A4 activity may differ depending on the CYP3A4 substrate.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Etoposide (Vepesid)

Echinacea may increase levels of etoposide.
In one report, concomitant use of etoposide and echinacea was associated with more severe thrombocytopenia than the use of etoposide alone, suggesting inhibition of etoposide metabolism. Etoposide is a cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrate. Echinacea has variable effects on CYP3A4, but some studies have reported inhibition of the enzyme.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Immunosuppressants

Echinacea has immunostimulant activity which may interfere with immunosuppressant therapy.
Theoretically, echinacea may interfere with immunosuppressant therapy because of its immunostimulant activity.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Darunavir (Prezista)

Theoretically, echinacea may interfere with the metabolism of darunavir; however, a small clinical study found no effect.
Darunavir is metabolized by cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) and is administered with the CYP3A4 inhibitor ritonavir to increase its plasma concentrations. Echinacea has variable effects on CYP3A4, but administration of an E. purpurea root extract (Arkocapsulas Echinacea, Arkopharma) 500 mg four times daily for 14 days did not affect darunavir/ritonavir pharmacokinetics in 15 HIV-infected patients.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B
Dayquil Severe

Echinacea is reported to have varying effects on a number of Cytochrome P450 metabolizing enzymes in the liver, including CYP1A2 and CYP3A4, which play a role in acetaminophen and dextromethorphan metabolism (both contained in DayQuil Severe), respectively. Studies have reported both enzyme inhibition and induction, making it difficult to predict clinically significant drug interactions with reliability. Specific drug interaction studies reporting definitive results are rare, and potential drug interactions involving echinacea should likely be taken on a case-by-case basis. Based on what we know about how acetaminophen and dextromethorphan are metabolized, the risk of a clinically significant interaction between echinacea and DayQuil Severe is low.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence A
Docetaxel (Taxotere)

Theoretically, echinacea may interfere with the metabolism of docetaxel; however, a small clinical study found no effect.
Docetaxel is metabolized by cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4). Echinacea has variable effects on CYP3A4, but taking E. purpurea whole plant extract (Echinaforce, A. Vogel Biopharma AG) 20 drops three times daily for 2 weeks did not alter the pharmacokinetics of docetaxel in one clinical study.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B
Etravirine (Intelence)

Theoretically, echinacea may interfere with the metabolism of etravirine; however, a small clinical study found no effect.
Etravirine is metabolized by cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4). Echinacea has variable effects on CYP3A4, but taking E. purpurea root extract (Arkocapsulas Echinacea, Arkopharma) 500 mg three times daily for 14 days did not alter the pharmacokinetics of etravirine in HIV-infected patients.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B
Lopinavir/Ritonavir (Kaletra)

Theoretically, echinacea may interfere with the metabolism of lopinavir; however, a small clinical study found no effect.
Lopinavir is metabolized by cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) and is administered with the CYP3A4 inhibitor ritonavir to increase its plasma concentrations. Echinacea has variable effects on CYP3A4, but taking E. purpurea (Echinamide, Natural Factors Nutritional Products, Inc.) 500 mg three times daily for 14 days did not alter the pharmacokinetics of lopinavir/ritonavir in healthy volunteers.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B
Midazolam (Versed)

Theoretically, echinacea may increase the metabolism of intravenous midazolam.
Echinacea induces hepatic CYP3A4 and might decrease plasma levels of midazolam by about 20%, reducing the effectiveness of intravenous midazolam. Echinacea also appears to inhibit intestinal CYP3A4, which could theoretically increase the bioavailability of oral midazolam. This may cancel out the decrease in availability caused by induction of hepatic CYP3A4, such that overall plasma levels after oral administration of midazolam are not affected by echinacea.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Echinacea seems to increase the clearance of warfarin, although the effect may not be clinically significant.
Preliminary clinical research in healthy male volunteers suggests that taking echinacea increases the clearance of the active S-isomer of warfarin after a single dose of warfarin, but there was not a clinically significant effect on the INR.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B

organic Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) Mushroom3 drug types · 375 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, high doses of reishi mushroom might increase the risk of bleeding.
A dose of 1.5 grams daily of reishi mushroom does not seem to decrease platelet aggregation, but a higher dose of 3 grams daily does.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, reishi mushroom might have additive effects with antidiabetes drugs.
Animal research suggests that reishi mushroom decreases blood sugar. However, in patients with type 2 diabetes, taking reishi mushroom does not reduce fasting glucose levels, and its effects on glycated hemoglobin are inconsistent.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, concurrent use of reishi mushroom with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Reishi mushroom has shown hypotensive activity in animal research. Clinical evidence suggests that reishi mushroom reduces blood pressure in some, but not all, patients with hypertension.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

organic Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) Mushroom3 drug types · 327 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, chaga may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
In vitro and animal research suggests that chaga extract can inhibit platelet aggregation. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking chaga with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Animal research suggests that chaga might decrease blood glucose levels and increase insulin levels. This has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, chaga might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
In vitro research suggests that certain constituents of chaga stimulate immune function. This has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

organic Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) Mushroom2 drug types · 312 drugs

Cytochrome P450 2D6 (Cyp2D6) Substrates

Theoretically, shiitake mushroom might decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
In vitro studies suggest that the shiitake mushroom extract AHCC might induce the CYP2D6 enzyme. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, taking shiitake mushroom might decrease the effects of immunosuppressive therapy.
In vitro evidence suggests that shiitake mushroom extracts stimulate immune function.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Maitake Mushroom extract3 drug types · 260 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, combining maitake mushroom with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Clinical research shows that taking maitake mushroom polysaccharide (MMP) can lower blood glucose levels in patients with types 2 diabetes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, combining maitake mushroom with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Animal research shows that maitake mushroom can lower blood pressure.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

There is limited evidence that maitake mushroom may increase the anticoagulant effects of warfarin.
In a case report, a patient previously stabilized on warfarin developed an elevated international normalized ratio (INR) of 5.1 after taking maitake mushroom (Grifron-Pro Maitake D-Fraction) 1 drop/kg daily in three divided doses for one week. The elevated INR resolved after holding warfarin for two days, then reducing the dose by 11%. It is thought that the beta-glucan constituent of maitake mushroom might cause warfarin dissociation from proteins, resulting in increased free warfarin levels and increased warfarin effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

organic Himematsutake (Agaricus brasiliensis/blazei) Mushroom1 drug type · 86 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking agaricus mushroom with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
In one clinical study in patients with type 2 diabetes who are stabilized on conventional oral hypoglycemic agents, 3 of 29 patients taking an agaricus mushroom extract 500 mg three times daily for 12 weeks reported hypoglycemia, compared to one of 29 patients in the placebo group.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Immune Powder, from the product label.

Nature's Way

See all Nature's Way products
Name
Nature's Way Brands, LLC
City
Green Bay
State
WI
ZipCode
54311
Phone Number
1-800-962-8873
Web Address
naturesway.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Immune Powder by Nature's Way: Common Questions

Does Immune Powder by Nature's Way interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Immune Powder has a known interaction with 1,162 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Immune Powder contains 7 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 nursing?
The safety data on these ingredients during pregnancy and lactation are insufficient. Echinacea is rated possibly safe in pregnancy, but the mushrooms all carry advice to avoid supplement doses during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this product is right for you at this time.
What are the mushrooms in this powder actually for?
That's a good question—the product facts don't specify what role each mushroom plays in the formula or what the product is designed to support. The ingredient list includes maitake, reishi, enokitake, shiitake, chaga, and agaricus mushrooms, but you'd want to check the product label or the manufacturer's website for their intended use.
Will this help with my immune system?
The effectiveness data we hold on these ingredients don't establish that they improve immune function for any condition we have on file. Most of the ingredients lack sufficient evidence to rate their usefulness. You'd want to talk with your doctor about whether this product is right for your specific health goals.
What are the most common side effects?
Echinacea most often causes digestive upset—diarrhea, constipation, nausea, or stomach pain—and sometimes rash. The mushrooms typically cause milder digestive effects like diarrhea, nausea, or stomach discomfort. Reishi may cause dizziness or dry mouth. Allergic reactions are possible, especially if you're sensitive to ragweed or related plants.
Is this safe to take long-term?
Long-term safety data are limited for most of these ingredients. Echinacea is well tolerated short-term, but reishi's long-term safety isn't well studied. The mushrooms are generally tolerated as foods, but safety as concentrated supplements over years is uncertain. A conversation with your doctor about your individual situation would help you decide.
What if I'm allergic to ragweed?
Echinacea belongs to the same plant family as ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and daisies. If you're allergic to ragweed or related plants, you're at higher risk for an allergic reaction to echinacea, which can range from mild (rash, runny nose) to severe (anaphylaxis). Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product if you have plant allergies.

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.

Immune Powder label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Immune Powder’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Echinacea

Interacts with 816 drugs

Echinacea is a popular herb taken to help prevent or shorten the common cold, but study results are mixed and the overall benefit appears small at best. It is generally well tolerated for sh...

Read the full Echinacea monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Maitake Mushroom

Interacts with 260 drugs

Maitake is an edible mushroom long used as food and in traditional Japanese medicine, and it is being studied for possible immune, blood sugar, and blood pressure effects. The human evidence...

Read the full Maitake Mushroom monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Reishi Mushroom

Interacts with 375 drugs

Reishi is a traditional Asian mushroom widely used to support the immune system and overall wellness. Human evidence for most of its claimed benefits is limited or low-quality, so it should...

Read the full Reishi Mushroom monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Shiitake Mushroom

Interacts with 312 drugs

Shiitake is a popular edible mushroom that is nutritious and safe to eat as food for most people. Some of its extracts (like lentinan and AHCC) have been studied as immune support, mainly al...

Read the full Shiitake Mushroom monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Chaga

Interacts with 327 drugs

Chaga is a fungus that grows mostly on birch trees and is used as a tea or supplement, mainly for immune and antioxidant support. Human evidence for its benefits is very limited, and it may...

Read the full Chaga monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Agaricus Mushroom

Interacts with 86 drugs

Agaricus mushroom (often Agaricus blazei/subrufescens) is a culinary and medicinal mushroom studied mostly for possible immune and antioxidant effects. The human evidence is limited and not...

Read the full Agaricus Mushroom monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Immune Powder'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 157 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.

Echinacea 51 references
  1. Mullins RJ. Echinacea-associated anaphylaxis. Med J Aust 1998;168:170-1. PubMed
  2. Mullins RJ. Allergic reactions to Echinacea. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2000;104:S340-341 (Abstract 1003).
  3. Chavez ML, Chavez PI. Echinacea. Hosp Pharm 1998;33:180-8.
  4. Grimm W, Muller HH. A randomized controlled trial of the effect of fluid extract of Echinacea purpurea on the incidence and severity of colds and respiratory infections. Am J Med 1999;106:138-43. PubMed
  5. Taylor JA, Weber W, Standish L, et al. Efficacy and safety of echinacea in treating upper respiratory tract infections in children: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA 2003;290:2824-30.. PubMed
  6. Luettig B, Steinmuller C, Gifford GE, et al. Macrophage activation by the polysaccharide arabinogalactan isolated from plant cell cultures of Echinacea purpurea. J Natl Cancer Inst 1989;81:669-75. PubMed
  7. Stimpel M, Proksch A, Wagner H, et al. Macrophage activation and induction of macrophage cytotoxicity by purified polysaccharide fractions from the plant Echinacea purpurea. Infect Immun 1984;46:845-9. PubMed
  8. Budzinski JW, Foster BC, Vandenhoek S, Arnason JT. An in vitro evaluation of human cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibition by selected commercial herbal extracts and tinctures. Phytomedicine 2000;7:273-82. PubMed
  9. Gallo M, Sarkar M, Au W, et al. Pregnancy outcome following gestational exposure to echinacea: A prospective controlled study. Arch Intern Med 2000;160:3141-3. PubMed
  10. Soon SL, Crawford RI. Recurrent erythema nodosum associated with echinacea herbal therapy. J Am Acad Dermatol 2001;44:298-9. PubMed
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  62. Boels D, Greillet C, Langrand J, et al. Shiitake dermatitis: experience of the Poison Control Centre Network in France from 2014 to 2019. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2022. PubMed
  63. Miyagishima D, Inoue M, Kinjo K, et al. A case of bowel obstruction due to shiitake mushrooms: Diagnostic features on computed tomography. Intern Med 2022. PubMed
  64. Soga K, Mukai H, Kitae H. Management of shiitake mushroom-induced ileus using balloon enteroscopy. Dig Endosc 2022;34(4):e58-e59. PubMed
  65. Ma JY, Liu JW. Shiitake flagellate dermatitis. Mayo Clin Proc 2022;97(12):2192-2193. PubMed
  66. Booms A, Rashid Z, Al-Rubaie V, Bal A. Shiitake dermatitis: a case report of a rare mushroom-induced dermatitis in the United States. Int J Dermatol 2022. PubMed
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Chaga 9 references
  1. Sun JE, Ao ZH, Lu ZM, et al. Antihyperglycemic and antilipidperoxidative effects of dry matter of culture broth of Inonotus obliquus in submerged culture on normal and alloxan-diabetes mice. J Ethnopharmacol 2008;118(1):7-13. PubMed
  2. Hyun KW, Jeong SC, Lee DH, et al. Isolation and characterization of a novel platelet aggregation inhibitory peptide from the medicinal mushroom, Inonotus obliquus. Peptides 2006;27(6):1173-8. PubMed
  3. Kim YO, Han SB, Lee HW, et al. Immuno-stimulating effect of the endo-polysaccharide produced by submerged culture of Inonotus obliquus. Life Sci 2005;77(19):2438-56. PubMed
  4. Kikuchi Y, Seta K, Ogawa Y, et al. Chaga mushroom-induced oxalate nephropathy. Clin Nephrol 2014;81(6):440-4. PubMed
  5. Lee S, Lee HY, Park Y, et al. Development of end stage renal disease after long-term ingestion of chaga mushroom: case report and review of literature. J Korean Med Sci. 2020;35(19):e122.
  6. Kwon O, Kim Y, Paek JH, et al. Chaga mushroom-induced oxalate nephropathy that clinically manifested as nephrotic syndrome: A case report. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022;101(10):e28997. PubMed
  7. Su L, Xin C, Yang J, et al. A polysaccharide from Inonotus obliquus ameliorates intestinal barrier dysfunction in mice with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Int J Biol Macromol 2022;214:312-323. PubMed
  8. Chen S, Ma Y, Li H, et al. Anti-diabetic e?ects of Inonotus obliquus extract in high fat diet combined streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic mice. Nutr Hosp 2022;39(6):1256-1263. PubMed
  9. Ye X, Wu K, Xu L, et al. Methanol extract of Inonotus obliquus improves type 2 diabetes mellitus through modifying intestinal flora. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023;13:1103972. PubMed

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Agaricus Mushroom 5 references
  1. Hsu CH, Liao YL, Lin SC, et al. The mushroom Agaricus Blazei Murill in combination with metformin and gliclazide improves insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes: a randomized, double-blinded, and placebo-controlled clinical trial. J Altern Complement Med 2
  2. Mukai H, Watanabe T, Ando M, Katsumata N. An alternative medicine, Agaricus blazei, may have induced severe hepatic dysfunction in cancer patients. Jpn J Clin Oncol 2006;36:808-10. PubMed
  3. Ohno S, Sumiyoshi Y, Hashine K, et al. Phase I clinical study of the dietary supplement, Agaricus blazei Murill, in cancer patients in remission. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2011, doi 10.1155/2011/192381.
  4. Suehiro M, Katoh N, Kishimoto S. Chelitis due to Agaricus blazei Murill mushroom extract. Contact Dermatitis 2007;56(5):293-4.
  5. Iwai N, Okuda T, Sawada R, et al. Interstitial lung disease associated with Agaricus blazei Murill in a patient with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma receiving gemcitabine-based therapy. Case Rep Gastroenterol 2022;16(1):229-234.

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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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