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Dietary supplement

Juniper Berries Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Nature's Sunshine

Capsule Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Juniper Berries is a dietary supplement by Nature's Sunshine with 2 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for water retention (diuretic), digestive upset and bloating, urinary tract support.Based on those ingredients, 162 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Juniper, Asparagus. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Juniper Berries by Nature's Sunshine

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

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Low disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Low

Most active ingredients don't disclose an individual amount — you can't tell how much of each you're getting.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 0 of its 2 active ingredients.
  • “Proprietary Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (800 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

This product contains two active ingredients: juniper and asparagus. Juniper is included for its traditional use, though the evidence for specific health claims — like relief from heartburn, arthritis symptoms, urinary tract infections, wound healing, kidney stones, or bronchitis — is not established in the data we hold.

Asparagus root is also included in a proprietary blend, again with insufficient evidence to rate its effectiveness for acne, cancer, constipation, high blood pressure, parasitic infection, or kidney stones. The capsule itself is an inactive ingredient (the container).

Does it work?

Insufficient 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
Insufficient

There isn't enough reliable clinical evidence to rate this product's ingredients for its stated purpose.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: traditional urinary system support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Urinary tract infections (UTIs), urinary tract health, bladder health, kidney function.
  • The closest evidence on file: Asparagus is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Urinary tract infections (UTIs) (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Juniper is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Urinary tract infections (UTIs).

We don't have reliable evidence to rate either juniper or asparagus for any of the conditions they're traditionally used for. The facts list six uses for juniper — heartburn (GERD), rheumatoid arthritis, urinary tract infections, wound healing, kidney stones, and bronchitis — and six for asparagus — acne, cancer, constipation, high blood pressure, intestinal parasites, and kidney stones — but all carry a rating of insufficient reliable evidence.

That means the science just hasn't established whether they work for these purposes.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Juniper Asparagus

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 2 of the 2 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 2 of 2.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 2 of 2.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Juniper is generally well tolerated when used short-term in small doses, though it can cause allergies and skin irritation (especially with sun exposure), and repeated exposure to juniper pollen may trigger respiratory allergies. The safety data advises against using juniper during pregnancy because it may affect the uterus, and there isn't enough information to know it's safe while breastfeeding — talk with your pharmacist or doctor if either applies to you.

Asparagus as food is safe for most people, but medicinal doses haven't been well studied. As food, asparagus is fine; as a medicinal extract here, caution is advised.

Both can trigger allergic reactions in people sensitive to onions, garlic, leeks, or chives (the Liliaceae family). A combination product containing asparagus caused constipation, belly pain, nausea, dry mouth, and gallbladder problems in up to half of trial participants, and gout in about 2% — though it's unclear whether asparagus alone was responsible.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Juniper Asparagus

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

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

Why this rating?
  • 2 of the 2 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Asparagus, Juniper.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: diabetes medications; lithium.
  • For scale: 162 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 before taking this product if you're on antidiabetes medications (blood sugar drugs), diuretics (water pills), or lithium. Both ingredients can theoretically lower blood sugar or affect how your body handles diuretics and lithium.

Run your exact medications through the checker on this page.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with insufficient evidence for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Juniper Berries might appeal to you if you're drawn to traditional herbal support, but the evidence for its specific uses isn't established yet. Be cautious if you take antidiabetes drugs, diuretics, or lithium — check with your pharmacist first.

Avoid it during pregnancy, and talk with your pharmacist if you're breastfeeding. Don't use it long-term, since medicinal doses may irritate your kidneys.

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

Assessment coverage: 2 of 2 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Oct 24, 2022.

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 Juniper Berries, straight from the product label.

Brand Nature's Sunshine
Barcode (UPC) 099904004009
Net contents 100 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Oct 24, 2022
DSLD ID 278130
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Kosher
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 Juniper Berries by Nature's Sunshine, 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
50
UPC/BARCODE
099904004009
IngredientAmount% DV
Proprietary Blend800 mg--
Juniper0 NP--
Asparagus0 NP--

Other ingredients: 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.
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.

General Statements

Bottle made from 100% post consumer recycled material. We are committed to you and our planet. Scan to learn more.

We source the world's purest ingredients, no matter where they are grown, to ensure the active nutrients are delivered just as nature intended.

New look! Same great product

Seals/Symbols

Ko Pareve (Kosher)

Formula

Ko Pareve (Kosher)

Precautions

Do not use if inner seal is missing or damaged.

Formulation

Traditional urinary support Supports a healthy urinary system

Guaranteed pure

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Brand IP Statement(s)

Natures Sunshine Herbal experts since 1972

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Recommended Use: Take 2 capsules with a meal twice daily.

See for yourself

Juniper Berries by Nature's Sunshine label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Juniper Berries by Nature's Sunshine

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

Serving size2 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container50 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.

Proprietary Blend

800 mg per serving

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

Interaction report

Juniper Berries by Nature's Sunshine Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Juniper Berries?

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
162Drugs
162 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Juniper 162

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Juniper Berries 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.

Juniper3 drug types · 162 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking juniper berry with antidiabetes medications might cause additive hypoglycemia.
Animal research shows that juniper berry can lower blood glucose.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Diuretic Drugs

Theoretically, juniper berry might increase the risk of adverse effects from diuretic drugs.
Juniper berry is thought to have mild diuretic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Lithium

Theoretically, juniper berry might reduce lithium excretion and increase serum levels of lithium.
Juniper berry is thought to have mild diuretic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Asparagus2 drug types · 76 drugs

Diuretic Drugs

Theoretically, asparagus root might increase diuresis and electrolyte loss when used with diuretic drugs.
Animal studies show that asparagus root extracts have diuretic effects. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Lithium

Theoretically, asparagus root might cause diuresis, reducing lithium clearance.
Animal studies show that asparagus root extracts have diuretic effects. Theoretically, this might reduce excretion and increase levels of lithium. The dose of lithium might need to be decreased.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Juniper Berries, from the product label.

Nature's Sunshine

See all Nature's Sunshine products
Name
Nature's Sunshine Products, Inc
City
Spanish Fork
State
Utah
ZipCode
84660
Phone Number
1-800-223-8225
Web Address
www.naturessunshine.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Juniper Berries by Nature's Sunshine: Common Questions

Does Juniper Berries by Nature's Sunshine interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Juniper Berries has a known interaction with 162 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Juniper Berries contains 2 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Juniper should not be used during pregnancy — the safety data advises against it because it may affect the uterus. There isn't enough safety information for breastfeeding either. Talk with your pharmacist or doctor about whether this product is right for you.
Is this safe to use long-term?
No, it's best not to use this long-term. Medicinal doses of juniper may irritate the kidneys, so short-term use is preferred. Your pharmacist can help you figure out how long is safe for your situation.
Can this cause skin reactions?
Yes. Juniper can cause skin irritation, especially if you're in the sun at the same time. Repeated skin contact has caused burn-like blistering in rare cases. If you have allergies to onions, garlic, leeks, or chives, you're more likely to have a reaction to this product.
What's the difference between eating asparagus at dinner and taking this supplement?
Asparagus as food is safe for most people. This product is a medicinal extract or concentrated dose, and medicinal amounts of asparagus root haven't been well studied — so caution is advised. Concentrated extracts aren't the same as the vegetable on your plate.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Juniper Berries is safe with your meds?

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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.

Juniper Berries label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Juniper Berries'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 21 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.

Juniper 7 references
  1. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
  2. The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
  3. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
  4. Robbers JE, Tyler VE. Tyler's Herbs of Choice: The Therapeutic Use of Phytomedicinals. New York, NY: The Haworth Herbal Press, 1999.
  5. Sanchez de Medina F, Gamez MJ, Jimenez I, et al. Hypoglycemic activity of juniper "berries." Planta Med 1994;60:197-200. PubMed
  6. Swanston-Flatt SK, Day C, Bailey CJ, Flatt PR. Traditional plant treatments for diabetes. Studies in normal and streptozotocin diabetic mice. Diabetologia 1990;33:462-4. PubMed
  7. Tammaro A, Adebanjo GAR, Chello C, et al. Bullous dermatitis caused by common juniper. Contact Dermatitis. 2020. PubMed

See these in context on the Juniper monograph →

Asparagus 14 references
  1. The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
  2. 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
  3. Volz T, Berner D, Weigert C, et al. Fixed food eruption caused by asparagus. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2005;116:1390-2. PubMed
  4. Huang X, Kong L. Steroidal saponins from roots of Asparagus officinalis. Steroids 2006;71:171-6. PubMed
  5. Rodriguez R, Jaramillo S, Rodriguez G, et al. Antioxidant activity of ethanolic extracts from several asparagus cultivars. J Agric Food Chem 2005;53:5212-7. PubMed
  6. Rieker J, Ruzicka T, Neumann NJ, Homey B. Protein contact dermatitis to asparagus. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2004;113:354-5. PubMed
  7. Tabar AI, Alvarez-Puebla MJ, Gomez B, et al. Diversity of asparagus allergy: clinical and immunological features. Clin Exp Allergy 2004;34:131-6. PubMed
  8. Rademaker M, Yung A. Contact dermatitis to Asparagus officinalis. Australas J Dermatol 2000;41:262-3.
  9. Misico, R. I., Nicotra, V. E., Oberti, J. C., Barboza, G., Gil, R. R., and Burton, G. Withanolides and related steroids. Prog.Chem.Org.Nat.Prod. 2011;94:127-229.
  10. Hausen BM, Wolf C. 1,2,3-Trithiane-5-carboxylic acid, a first contact allergen from Asparagus officinalis (Liliaceae). Am J Contact Dermat 1996;7(1):41-46. PubMed
  11. Escribano MM, Munoz-Bellido FJ, Serrano P, et al. Acute urticaria after ingestion of asparagus. Allergy 1998;53(6):622-623. PubMed
  12. Chrubasik S, Droste C, Black A. Asparagus P(R) cannot compete with first-line diuretics in lowering the blood pressure in treatment-requiring antihypertensives. Phytother Res 2009;23:1345-6.
  13. Gaus BM, Scheiba N, Schäkel K. Asparagus-induced fixed food eruptions mimicking cutaneous lupus. Acta Derm Venereol 2014;94:731-2. PubMed
  14. Yanagi T, Shimizu H, Shimizu T. Occupational contact dermatitis caused by asparagus. Contact Dermatitis 2010;63:54. PubMed

See these in context on the Asparagus monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

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.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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