Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 5 of 7 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Lax-Ease Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Professional Botanicals

Lax-Ease label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 23, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Lax-Ease against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Lax-Ease is a dietary supplement by Professional Botanicals with 7 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for water retention (diuretic), digestive upset, liver and gallbladder support.Based on those ingredients, 1,714 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Barberry, Chinese Rhubarb, Dandelion. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against Lax-Ease by Professional Botanicals

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

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Lax-Ease by Professional Botanicals

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

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Aug 13, 2026

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 15 active ingredients.
  • “Proprietary Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (470 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.
  • “AdPT” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label doesn't break down how much of each component you get.
  • “EDS” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label doesn't break down how much of each component you get.

Lax-Ease contains 15 ingredients total, of which amylase and cellulase could not be checked for interactions. The active botanical ingredients include ashwagandha (an adaptogenic herb), dandelion (root and leaf), European barberry, rhodiola (another adaptogen), cordyceps (a medicinal fungus), reishi mushroom, gynostemma (also called jiaogulan), eleuthero (Siberian ginseng), cardamom, Chinese rhubarb root, and alder buckthorn bark.

These are organized into three proprietary blends: a main formula, one labeled AdPT, and one labeled EDS. The product also contains digestive enzymes—protease and lipase—which assist with nutrient breakdown.

Inactive ingredients are cellulose and water.

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: supports digestive system and stool softening.
  • We looked for evidence on: Constipation, Dyspepsia, Flatulence, Bowel regularity, Occasional irregularity, Digestive comfort.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Alder Buckthorn is rated "Possibly Effective" for Constipation (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Lipase is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Dyspepsia.
  • Also on file: Rhubarb is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Constipation.

The evidence for this product's ingredients is mixed. Ashwagandha is possibly effective for insomnia, anxiety, stress, and generalized anxiety disorder.

Gynostemma (jiaogulan) is possibly effective for diabetes. Eleuthero is possibly effective for genital herpes.

Alder buckthorn is possibly effective for constipation, and rhubarb root is possibly effective for pancreatitis and menopausal symptoms. For most other conditions in the data—joint pain, tonsillitis, postoperative pain, dyspepsia, respiratory infections, and many others—the evidence is either insufficient or the ingredient showed no clear benefit (cordyceps for athletic performance and reishi for high cholesterol were rated possibly ineffective).

Protease and lipase lack effectiveness ratings in the data we hold.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Dandelion European Barberry Cardamom Rhubarb Alder Buckthorn

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 13 of the 13 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 13 of 13.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 13 of 13.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Ashwagandha is generally well tolerated short-term but carries serious safety concerns: it's traditionally thought to risk miscarriage and should be avoided in pregnancy, and there isn't enough data to support use while breastfeeding. Case reports link it to acute hepatitis, liver failure, and even intracranial bleeding in rare instances.

Dandelion, rhodiola, eleuthero, reishi, cordyceps, and gynostemma all lack adequate safety data in pregnancy and breastfeeding, so they are best avoided during those times. Barberry contains berberine, which may cross the placenta and harm a newborn, and may pass into breast milk—it's considered likely unsafe in both.

Rhubarb and alder buckthorn are stimulant laxatives; rhubarb use is linked to kidney injury with chronic overuse, and both can deplete potassium and cause electrolyte imbalance. Alder buckthorn, when used long-term, can damage the bowel lining.

Common side effects across the ingredients include diarrhea, nausea, and gastrointestinal upset; dizziness and dry mouth are also reported with several herbs.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Dandelion European Barberry Cardamom Rhubarb Alder Buckthorn

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?
  • 10 of the 13 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Rhubarb, Jiaogulan, European Barberry, Cordyceps, Dandelion, 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; heart-rhythm medications; lithium.
  • For scale: 1,715 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 starting Lax-Ease, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take any of these: blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs (Major risk of bleeding from rhubarb and alder buckthorn, Moderate from dandelion, cordyceps, eleuthero, and gynostemma); liver-damaging drugs (Major risk from ashwagandha); sedatives, benzodiazepines, or CNS depressants (Moderate risk from ashwagandha); blood pressure medications (Moderate risk from ashwagandha, barberry, rhodiola, and reishi); diabetes medications (Moderate risk from ashwagandha, dandelion, barberry, rhodiola, eleuthero, and gynostemma); thyroid hormones (Moderate risk from ashwagandha); immunosuppressants including cyclosporine (Moderate risk from ashwagandha, barberry, cordyceps, eleuthero, and gynostemma); corticosteroids or diuretics (Moderate risk from rhubarb and alder buckthorn); digoxin or other heart medications (Moderate risk from rhubarb, alder buckthorn, and eleuthero); or warfarin (Moderate risk from rhubarb and alder buckthorn). Ashwagandha also interacts with CYP1A2 substrates (Minor), and several ingredients affect liver enzymes that metabolize many common drugs.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

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

This product is a blend of botanical digestive and adaptogenic ingredients with limited evidence of effectiveness for most stated uses. If you're considering it for insomnia, anxiety, stress, or diabetes—where some ingredients show possibly effective ratings—talk it over with your doctor or pharmacist first, especially if you take any prescription medications, blood thinners, blood pressure drugs, diabetes medications, heart drugs, or immunosuppressants.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid it altogether. The liver and kidney interactions, combined with the stimulant laxative components, mean this product requires careful screening before use.

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

Assessment coverage: 13 of 15 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Sep 22, 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 Lax-Ease, straight from the product label.

Brand Professional Botanicals
Barcode (UPC) 898175001430
Net contents 60 Veg. Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Sep 22, 2022
DSLD ID 274334
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten 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 Lax-Ease by Professional Botanicals, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
4 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
898175001430
IngredientAmount% DV
Proprietary Blend470 mg--
Ashwagandha0 NP--
Amylase0 NP--
Protease0 NP--
Lipase0 NP--
Cellulase0 NP--
Dandelion0 NP--
Barberry0 NP--
Rhodiola0 NP--
AdPT0 NP--
Cordyceps0 NP--
Reishi0 NP--
Gynostemma0 NP--
EDS0 NP--
Eleuthero0 NP--
Cardamom0 NP--
Chinese Rhubarb0 NP--
Frangula0 NP--

Other ingredients: Cellulose, Water

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.
Formulation

Supports the digestive system and softening of stools for easier elimination.

Gluten free Non GMO No fillers 3x tested

Premium quality

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Dosage: One to four capsules at bedtime, or as directed.

Seals/Symbols

Gluten free Non GMO

Made in USA

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

2 Please recycle

Est. 1980

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Formula

EDS: Added enzymes for better absorption & breakdown. AdPT: Adaptogenic herbs for energy production & adaptation.

Precautions

Warning: (California) Cancer & Reproductive Harm www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

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

See for yourself

Lax-Ease by Professional Botanicals label

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

Lax-Ease 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 Lax-Ease by Professional Botanicals

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

Serving size1 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.

Proprietary Blend

470 mg per serving

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

Interaction report

Lax-Ease by Professional Botanicals Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Lax-Ease?

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
1,714Drugs
1,653 Moderate 61 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Barberry 1,210
Chinese Rhubarb 658
Dandelion 457
Frangula 122

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Lax-Ease interact with 1,714 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

4 of the 7 ingredients in Lax-Ease interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Barberry Chinese Rhubarb Dandelion Frangula

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Lax-Ease 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.

Barberry8 drug types · 1,210 drugs

Anticholinergic Drugs

Theoretically, taking European barberry with anticholinergic drugs might cause additive effects.
In vitro evidence suggests that European barberry might have anticholinergic properties.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, European barberry may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
In vitro and animal evidence suggest that berberine, a constituent of European barberry, might inhibit platelet aggregation. Theoretically, European barberry might have a similar effect.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking European barberry with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Preliminary clinical evidence suggests that European barberry juice reduces fasting glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes who are also taking antidiabetes drugs. Additionally, some animal studies show that berberine, a constituent of European barberry, has antiglycemic potential. Monitor blood glucose levels closely.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, taking European barberry with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Animal and human research suggests that European barberry extracts can have hypotensive effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cholinergic Drugs

Theoretically, taking European barberry with cholinergic drugs might decrease the effects of cholinergic drugs.
In vitro evidence suggests that European barberry might have anticholinergic properties.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cns Depressants

Theoretically, concomitant use with drugs that have sedative properties may cause additive effects.
Animal research suggests that berberine, a constituent of European barberry, might have sedative effects. Theoretically, European barberry might have a similar effect.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)

Theoretically, concomitant use with cyclosporine may cause additive effects.
Berberine, a constituent of European barberry, can reduce the metabolism and increase serum levels of cyclosporine. This effect is attributed to the ability of berberine to inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4), which metabolizes cyclosporine. Theoretically, European barberry might have a similar effect.

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

Theoretically, European barberry might increase the levels and clinical effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
There is very preliminary evidence suggesting that berberine, a constituent of European barberry, might inhibit the CYP3A4 enzyme. Theoretically, European barberry might have a similar effect.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Barberry full monograph & interactions

Chinese Rhubarb8 drug types · 658 drugs

Corticosteroids

Theoretically, frequent and high doses of rhubarb might increase the risk of hypokalemia when taken with corticosteroids.
Rhubarb has stimulant laxative effects. Overuse of rhubarb might compound corticosteroid-induced potassium loss.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)

Theoretically, taking rhubarb with cyclosporine might reduce cyclosporine levels.
Animal research shows that co-administration of rhubarb decoction 0.25 or 1 gram/kg with cyclosporine 2.5 mg/kg, decreases cyclosporine maximum plasma concentration and overall exposure levels when compared with taking cyclosporine alone. The authors theorize that rhubarb might reduce cyclosporine bioavailability by inducing of P-glycoprotein and/or cytochrome P450 3A4. However, since rhubarb was administered as a single oral dose and enzyme induction usually occurs after multiple doses, it is possible that cyclosporine absorption was actually reduced via rhubarb's stimulant laxative effects. Also, the composition of the rhubarb decoction was not described.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Theoretically, overuse of rhubarb might increase the risk of adverse effects when taken with digoxin.
Rhubarb has stimulant laxative effects. Overuse of rhubarb might cause potassium depletion, increasing the risk of digoxin toxicity.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Diuretic Drugs

Theoretically, frequent and high doses of rhubarb might increase the risk of hypokalemia.
Rhubarb has stimulant laxative effects. Overuse of rhubarb might cause potassium depletion and compound diuretic-induced potassium loss.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Hepatotoxic Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use of rhubarb with potentially hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of developing liver damage.
Some animal research suggests that anthraquinones in rhubarb might have hepatotoxic effects. Also, rhubarb use has been linked to at least 24 cases of liver injury, although details on the dose of rhubarb and duration of use in these cases is unclear.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Nephrotoxic Drugs

Theoretically, long-term use of anthraquinones from rhubarb might increase the risk of nephrotoxicity when used with nephrotoxic drugs.
The anthraquinone constituents of rhubarb have been shown to induce nephrotoxicity in animal research. Additionally, in a case report, a 23-year old female presented with kidney failure after taking 6 tablets of a proprietary slimming agent (found to contain the anthraquinones emodin and aloe-emodin from rhubarb) daily for 6 weeks and then adding diclofenac 25 mg 4 times daily for 2 days. The authors postulate that the anthraquinone constituents of rhubarb contributed to the renal dysfunction, and the addition of diclofenac, a nephrotoxic drug, led to renal failure. Until more is known, advise patients to avoid taking rhubarb if they are taking other potentially nephrotoxic drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Stimulant Laxatives

Theoretically, rhubarb might increase the risk for fluid and electrolyte loss when taken with other stimulant laxatives.
Rhubarb has stimulant laxative effects. Concomitant use with stimulant laxatives might compound fluid and electrolyte loss.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, excessive use of rhubarb might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with warfarin.
Rhubarb has stimulant laxative effects and can cause diarrhea. Diarrhea can increase the effects of warfarin, increase international normalized ratio (INR), and increase the risk of bleeding. Advise patients who take warfarin not to take excessive amounts of rhubarb.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Chinese Rhubarb full monograph & interactions

Dandelion7 drug types · 457 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, taking dandelion root along with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
In vitro research suggests that dandelion root inhibits platelet aggregation.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, dandelion might increase the risk for hypoglycemia when used with antidiabetes drugs.
Laboratory research suggests that dandelion extract may have moderate alpha-glucosidase inhibitor activity and might also increase insulin secretion. Also, in a case report, a 58-year-old woman with type 2 diabetes who was being treated with insulin developed hypoglycemia 2 weeks after beginning to eat salads containing dandelion.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates

Theoretically, dandelion might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2.
Laboratory research suggests that dandelion might inhibit CYP1A2. So far, this interaction has not been reported in humans. However, until more is known, watch for an increase in the levels of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2 in patients taking dandelion.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Glucuronidated Drugs

Theoretically, dandelion might increase the clearance of drugs that are UDP-glucuronosyltransferase substrates.
There is some preliminary evidence that dandelion might induce UDP-glucuronosyltransferase, a phase II enzyme.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Lithium

Theoretically, through diuretic effects, dandelion might reduce excretion and increase levels of lithium.
Animal research suggests that dandelion has diuretic properties. As diuretics can increase serum lithium levels, the dose of lithium might need to be decreased when taken with dandelion.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Potassium-Sparing Diuretics

Theoretically, dandelion might increase the risk of hyperkalemia when taken with potassium-sparing diuretics.
Dandelion contains significant amounts of potassium.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Quinolone Antibiotics

Theoretically, dandelion might lower fluoroquinolone levels.
Animal research shows that dandelion reduces absorption of ciprofloxacin and can lower levels by 73%. However, this effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Dandelion full monograph & interactions

Frangula5 drug types · 122 drugs

Corticosteroids

Alder buckthorn has stimulant laxative effects. Theoretically, concomitant use of corticosteroids with alder buckthorn can increase the risk of potassium depletion.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Alder buckthorn has stimulant laxative effects. Theoretically, potassium depletion associated with alder buckthorn might increase the risk of digoxin toxicity.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Diuretic Drugs

Alder buckthorn has stimulant laxative effects. Theoretically, overuse of alder buckthorn might compound diuretic-induced potassium loss. There is some concern that people taking alder buckthorn along with potassium depleting diuretics might have an increased risk for hypokalemia.
Some diuretics that can deplete potassium include chlorothiazide (Diuril), chlorthalidone (Thalitone), furosemide (Lasix), and hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, HydroDIURIL, Microzide), and others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Stimulant Laxatives

Alder buckthorn has stimulant laxative effects. Concomitant use with stimulant laxative medications might compound fluid and electrolyte loss.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Alder buckthorn has stimulant laxative effects. In some people alder buckthorn can cause diarrhea. Diarrhea can increase the effects of warfarin, increase international normalized ratio (INR), and increase the risk of bleeding. Advise patients who take warfarin not to take excessive amounts of alder buckthorn.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Frangula full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Lax-Ease, from the product label.

Professional Botanicals

See all Professional Botanicals products
Name
Professional Botanicals
City
Ogden
State
UT
ZipCode
84404
Phone Number
877-745-0850
Web Address
ProfessionalBotanicals.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Lax-Ease by Professional Botanicals: Common Questions

Does Lax-Ease by Professional Botanicals interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Lax-Ease has a known interaction with 1,714 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Lax-Ease 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.
Is Lax-Ease safe to take while pregnant?
No. Ashwagandha is traditionally thought to risk miscarriage and is considered unsafe in pregnancy. Rhubarb may stimulate the uterus, and most other ingredients lack adequate safety data. You should avoid this product during pregnancy and discuss any digestive or herbal concerns with your doctor.
Can I breastfeed while taking Lax-Ease?
Most ingredients in this product are not recommended while breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data. Barberry (berberine) may pass into breast milk and harm a nursing infant. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this product is right for you if you're nursing.
What is this product supposed to do?
Lax-Ease is formulated as a digestive aid and laxative support. It contains stimulant laxatives (rhubarb and alder buckthorn), digestive enzymes (protease and lipase), and botanical adaptogens and other herbs. The evidence for effectiveness is strongest for constipation relief and weakest for most other claimed uses.
Will Lax-Ease help with my anxiety or sleep?
Ashwagandha, one of the main ingredients, is possibly effective for anxiety, stress, and insomnia. However, it interacts with many medications and carries serious safety concerns, including rare reports of liver and bleeding problems. Don't start this product for anxiety or sleep without checking with your doctor first.
What are the most common side effects?
Diarrhea, nausea, and stomach upset or cramping are the most frequently reported side effects across the ingredients in this blend. Dizziness and dry mouth also occur with several herbs. If you experience cramping or fluid loss, stop and talk to your pharmacist.
Can I use this long-term?
Long-term use is not well studied for most ingredients in this product. Rhubarb and alder buckthorn are stimulant laxatives and should not be used long-term—overuse can damage the bowel and cause electrolyte loss. For any ongoing digestive or herbal support, discuss a longer-term plan with your doctor or pharmacist.

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.

Lax-Ease label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Lax-Ease’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Dandelion

Interacts with 457 drugs

Dandelion is a common plant used in food and traditional medicine, often promoted as a natural 'water pill' and digestive aid. Human evidence for these uses is very limited, so its benefits...

Read the full Dandelion monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

European Barberry

Interacts with 1,210 drugs

European barberry is a shrub whose root, bark, and berries contain berberine, a bitter plant alkaloid that has been studied mostly in isolated form. Some early research on berberine is promi...

Read the full European Barberry monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Cardamom

Cardamom is a popular cooking spice that has long been used in traditional medicine for digestion and fresh breath. As a food, it is generally safe for most people, but high-dose supplements...

Read the full Cardamom monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Rhubarb

Interacts with 658 drugs

Rhubarb root has a long history of use as a laxative and in traditional Chinese medicine, and its edible stalks are a common food. Most medicinal claims are backed by limited or low-quality...

Read the full Rhubarb monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Alder Buckthorn

Interacts with 122 drugs

Alder buckthorn bark is a stimulant laxative traditionally used for short-term relief of constipation. It can work, but it carries real risks with prolonged use, including bowel damage, and...

Read the full Alder Buckthorn monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Lax-Ease'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 186 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.

Ashwagandha 32 references
  1. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
  2. Upton R, ed. Ashwagandha Root (Withania somnifera): Analytical, quality control, and therapuetic monograph. Santa Cruz, CA: American Herbal Pharmacopoeia 2000:1-25.
  3. Davis L, Kuttan G. Effect of Withania somnifera on cyclophosphamide-induced urotoxicity. Cancer Lett 2000;148:9-17. PubMed
  4. Davis L, Kuttan G. Suppressive effect of cyclophosphamide-induced toxicity by Withania somnifera extract in mice. J Ethnopharmacol 1998;62:209-14. PubMed
  5. Mishra LC, Singh BB, Dagenais S. Scientific basis for the therapeutic use of Withania somnifera (ashwagandha): a review. Altern Med Rev 2000;5:334-46. DOI
  6. Andallu B, Radhika B. Hypoglycemic, diuretic and hypocholesterolemic effect of winter cherry (Withania somnifera, Dunal) root. Indian J Exp Biol 2000;38:607-9.
  7. Kulkarni RR, Patki PS, Jog VP, et al. Treatment of osteoarthritis with a herbomineral formulation: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study. J Ethnopharmacol 1991;33:91-5. PubMed
  8. Ahumada F, Aspee F, Wikman G, Hancke J. Withania somnifera exract. Its effects on arterial blood pressure in anaesthetized dogs. Phytother Res 1991;5:111-14.
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Rhodiola 13 references
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Cordyceps 14 references
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Reishi Mushroom 17 references
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Jiaogulan 8 references
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Eleuthero 24 references
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  6. Hikino H, Takahashi M, Otake K, Konno C. Isolation and hypoglycemic activity of eleutherans A, B, C, D, E, F, and G: glycans of Eleutherococcus senticosus roots. J Nat Prod 1986;49:293-7. PubMed
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  16. Schmolz, M. W., Sacher, F., and Aicher, B. The synthesis of Rantes, G-CSF, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-12 and IL-13 in human whole-blood cultures is modulated by an extract from Eleutherococcus senticosus L. roots. Phytother.Res 2001;15(3):268-270.
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  18. Niu, H. S., Hsu, F. L., Liu, I. M., and Cheng, J. T. Increase of beta-endorphin secretion by syringin, an active principle of Eleutherococcus senticosus, to produce antihyperglycemic action in type 1-like diabetic rats. Horm.Metab Res 2007;39(12):894-898
  19. Watanabe, K., Kamata, K., Sato, J., and Takahashi, T. Fundamental studies on the inhibitory action of Acanthopanax senticosus Harms on glucose absorption. J Ethnopharmacol. 10-28-2010;132(1):193-199. PubMed
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  22. Martinez, B. and Staba, E. J. The physiological effects of Aralia, Panax and Eleutherococcus on exercised rats. Jpn J Pharmacol 1984;35(2):79-85. DOI
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  24. Freye E, GLeske J. Siberian ginseng results in beneficial effects on glucose metabolism in diabetes type 2 patients: a double blind placebo-controlled study in comparison to panax ginseng. Int J Clin Nutr. 2013;1(1):11-17.

See these in context on the Eleuthero monograph →

Cardamom 2 references
  1. Mobacken, H. and Fregert, S. Allergic contact dermatitis from cardamom. Contact Dermatitis 1975;1(3):175-176. PubMed
  2. Aghasi M, Koohdani F, Qorbani M, et al. Beneficial effects of green cardamom on serum SIRT1, glycemic indices and triglyceride levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized double-blind placebo controlled clinical trial. J Sci Food Agri PubMed

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Rhubarb 20 references
  1. Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Trans. S. Klein. Boston, MA: American Botanical Council, 1998.
  2. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
  3. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
  4. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
  5. Nusko G, Schneider B, Schneider I, et al. Anthranoid laxative use is not a risk factor for colorectal neoplasia: results of a prospective case control study. Gut 2000;46:651-5. PubMed
  6. Kwan TH, Tong MK, Leung KT, et al. Acute renal failure associated with prolonged intake of slimming pills containing anthraquinones. Hong Kong Med J 2006;12:394-7.
  7. Fairbairn JW. The anthraquinone laxatives. Biological assay and its relation to chemical structure. Pharmacology 1976;14:48-61. PubMed
  8. Siegers, C. P., Hertzberg-Lottin, E., Otte, M., and Schneider, B. Anthranoid laxative abuse--a risk for colorectal cancer? Gut 1993;34(8):1099-1101. PubMed
  9. Fan, J. G. Evaluating the efficacy and safety of Danning Pian in the short-term treatment of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a multicenter clinical trial. Hepatobiliary.Pancreat.Dis.Int 2004;3(3):375-380.
  10. Yan, M., Zhang, L. Y., Sun, L. X., Jiang, Z. Z., and Xiao, X. H. Nephrotoxicity study of total rhubarb anthraquinones on Sprague Dawley rats using DNA microarrays. J Ethnopharmacol. 4-15-2006; PubMed
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  13. Wu, C. X. [A preliminary study on the effect of a single Rheum officinale in heavy doses in the treatment of acute icteric hepatitis]. Zhong.Xi.Yi.Jie.He.Za Zhi.(Chinese Journal of Modern Developments in Traditional Medicine) 1984;4(2):88-89.
  14. Jiao, D. H. [Clinical research on the hemostatic effect of rhubarb on peptic ulcer with acute bleeding]. Zhong.Xi.Yi.Jie.He.Za Zhi.(Chinese Journal of Modern Developments in Traditional Medicine) 1984;4(10):597-600, 579.
  15. Jiao, D. H., Ma, Y. H., Chen, S. J., Liu, C. T., Shu, H. N., and Chu, C. M. Resume of 400 cases of acute upper digestive tract bleeding treated by rhubarb alone. Pharmacology 1980;20 Suppl 1:128-130.
  16. Zhang, JH, Yao, XD, Song, Y, and et al. [Long-term treating effects of rhubarb and captopril in delaying the progression of renal failure]. Chinese Kidney Disease Journal 1993;9(4):197-201.
  17. Rehman H, Begum W, Anjum F, Tabasum H, Zahid S. Effect of rhubarb (Rheum emodi) in primary dysmenorrhoea: a single-blind randomized controlled trial. J Complement Integr Med. 2015 Mar;12(1):61-9.
  18. Yu CP, Lin HJ, Lin SP, Shia CS, Chang PH, Hou YC, Hsieh YW. Rhubarb decreased the systemic exposure of cyclosporine, a probe substrate of P-glycoprotein and CYP 3A. Xenobiotica. 2016 Aug;46(8):677-82. PubMed
  19. Byeon JH, Kil JH, Ahn YC, Son CG. Systematic review of published data on herb induced liver injury. J Ethnopharmacol 2019;233:190-6. PubMed
  20. Zhao D, Feng SX, Zhang HJ, et al. Pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution and excretion of five rhubarb anthraquinones in rats after oral administration of effective fraction of anthraquinones from rheum officinale. Xenobiotica. 2021;51(8):916-925. PubMed

See these in context on the Rhubarb monograph →

Alder Buckthorn 10 references
  1. Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Trans. S. Klein. Boston, MA: American Botanical Council, 1998.
  2. Tyler VE. Herbs of Choice. Binghamton, NY: Pharmaceutical Products Press, 1994.
  3. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
  4. Schulz V, Hansel R, Tyler VE. Rational Phytotherapy: A Physician's Guide to Herbal Medicine. Terry C. Telger, transl. 3rd ed. Berlin, GER: Springer, 1998.
  5. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
  6. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
  7. Nusko G, Schneider B, Schneider I, et al. Anthranoid laxative use is not a risk factor for colorectal neoplasia: results of a prospective case control study. Gut 2000;46:651-5. PubMed
  8. Siegers, C. P., Hertzberg-Lottin, E., Otte, M., and Schneider, B. Anthranoid laxative abuse--a risk for colorectal cancer? Gut 1993;34(8):1099-1101. PubMed
  9. van Gorkom, B. A., de Vries, E. G., Karrenbeld, A., and Kleibeuker, J. H. Review article: anthranoid laxatives and their potential carcinogenic effects. Aliment.Pharmacol Ther 1999;13(4):443-452. PubMed
  10. Willems, M., van Buuren, H. R., and de, Krijger R. Anthranoid self-medication causing rapid development of melanosis coli. Neth.J Med 2003;61(1):22-24.

See these in context on the Alder Buckthorn monograph →

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

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