Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 3 of 4 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Lumbricus Tonic Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by NutriCology

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

Lumbricus Tonic is a dietary supplement by NutriCology with 4 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for digestive upset and poor appetite, bloating and fluid retention, general fatigue or 'weakness'.Based on those ingredients, 1,215 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Grass-Leaf Sweetflag (root) extract, Bai-Zhu Atractylodes (root) extract, Poria extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Lumbricus Tonic by NutriCology

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 4 active ingredients.
  • “Proprietary Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (1,500 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

Lumbricus Tonic contains 4 ingredients total, including a proprietary blend. The active components are Bai-Zhu Atractylodes (root) extract, Earthworm extract, Poria (mushroom) extract, and Grass-Leaf Sweetflag (root) extract.

The inactive ingredients are Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Cellulose, and L-Leucine — these are fillers, binders, and capsule material.

Does it work?

Couldn't assess
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 assessable

The label doesn't state a purpose we can grade — see each ingredient's own graded uses on its monograph instead.

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.

The evidence for these ingredients is limited. Bai-Zhu Atractylodes has been studied for anorexia, cachexia, lung cancer, common cold, and diarrhea, but there's insufficient reliable evidence to rate it for any of these uses.

Poria extract shows insufficient evidence for cancer, chronic fatigue, dementia, diabetes, diabetic kidney disease, and diarrhea. Grass-Leaf Sweetflag has insufficient evidence for bronchitis, anorexia, asthma, and cancer.

We hold no effectiveness data for Earthworm extract.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Atractylodes Poria Mushroom Calamus

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 3 of the 3 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 3 of 3.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 3 of 3.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Bai-Zhu Atractylodes is generally well tolerated in traditional use, but human safety data are limited — use it cautiously and under guidance. The most common side effects reported are allergic reaction, dry mouth, and nausea.

It is not safe during pregnancy and should be avoided while breastfeeding. Poria extract is also generally well tolerated traditionally with limited human data.

Allergic reactions, including allergic rhinitis and asthma, have been reported rarely. It should be avoided in pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

Grass-Leaf Sweetflag carries a serious safety concern: some forms contain beta-asarone, a possible carcinogen that the FDA banned from food. It may affect the uterus and contains potentially toxic compounds.

Nausea, vomiting, intestinal paralysis, and tachycardia have been reported. It is likely unsafe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Atractylodes Poria Mushroom Calamus

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?
  • 3 of the 3 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Poria Mushroom, Calamus, Atractylodes.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs.
  • For scale: 1,216 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 Lumbricus Tonic, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs (Moderate risk of increased bleeding), sedatives or other CNS depressants (Moderate risk of enhanced drowsiness), blood pressure medications (Moderate risk of low blood pressure), antidepressants, particularly MAOIs (Moderate risk of potentiated effects), or any drug broken down by the CYP2D6 or CYP3A4 liver pathways (Moderate risk of raised drug levels). Additionally, stomach acid reducers (H2-blockers) may be less effective (Minor risk).

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with no assessable stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This product is built on traditional herbal ingredients with limited human safety and effectiveness data. The biggest concern is Grass-Leaf Sweetflag, which carries carcinogenic and toxic risks and is not appropriate during pregnancy or while nursing.

Before taking Lumbricus Tonic, check your medications — especially blood thinners, sedatives, blood pressure drugs, and any medication broken down by your liver — with your doctor or pharmacist. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, talk with your healthcare provider first.

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

Assessment coverage: 3 of 4 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Feb 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 Lumbricus Tonic, straight from the product label.

Brand NutriCology
Barcode (UPC) 713947539907
Net contents 150 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Feb 25, 2019
DSLD ID 193261
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
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 Lumbricus Tonic by NutriCology, 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:
3 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
3 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
50
UPC/BARCODE
713947539907
IngredientAmount% DV
Proprietary Blend1500 mg--
Bai-Zhu Atractylodes (root) extract0 NP--
Earthworm extract0 NP--
Poria extract0 NP--
Grass-Leaf Sweetflag (root) extract0 NP--

Other ingredients: Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Cellulose, L-Leucine

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.
Formula

A combination of herbs and earthworm extract or lumbricus.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use As a dietary supplement, 3 capsules two times daily between meals, or as directed by a healthcare practitioner.

Storage

Keep in a cool, dry place, tightly capped.

Precautions

Not labeled for sale in California.

General Statements

Innovative Nutrition

Formulation

Hypoallergenic

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

General

Rev. 006

See for yourself

Lumbricus Tonic by NutriCology label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Lumbricus Tonic by NutriCology

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

Serving size3 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

1500 mg per serving

Other (inactive) ingredients: Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Cellulose, L-Leucine. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Lumbricus Tonic by NutriCology Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Lumbricus Tonic?

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
1,215Drugs
1,171 Moderate 44 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Lumbricus Tonic 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.

Grass-Leaf Sweetflag (root) extract10 drug types · 1,117 drugs

Anticholinergic Drugs

Theoretically, concurrent use of anticholinergic drugs and calamus might decrease the effectiveness of the anticholinergic drug.
In vitro evidence shows that calamus can inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE).

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, taking calamus with other antihypertensive medications might increase the risk of hypotension.
Animal research shows that calamus decreases the rate and strength of the heartbeat, which might lower blood pressure. use with caution.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cholinergic Drugs

Theoretically, concurrent use of cholinergic drugs and calamus might have an additive effect and increase the risk of cholinergic effects.
In vitro evidence shows that calamus can inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE).

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cns Depressants

Theoretically, concurrent use of CNS depressants and calamus might have an additive effect and increase the risk of sedative effects.
Animal research shows that calamus is a CNS depressant and increases gamma-aminobutyric acid levels.

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

Theoretically, taking calamus with drugs metabolized by CYP2D6 might increase drug levels and potentially increase the risk of adverse effects.
In vitro research shows that calamus extract inhibits CYP2D6 enzyme.

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

Theoretically, taking calamus with drugs metabolized by CYP3A4 might increase drug levels and potentially increase the risk of adverse effects.
In vitro research shows that calamus extract inhibits CYP3A4 enzyme.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (Maois)

Theoretically, calamus might potentiate the effects and adverse effects of MAOIs.
Some reports suggest that calamus increases the effects of MAOIs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antacids

Theoretically, taking calamus might reduce the effectiveness of antacids.
Some research suggests that calamus lowers gastric pH.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
H2-Blockers

Theoretically, taking calamus might reduce the effectiveness of H2-blockers.
Some research suggests that calamus lowers gastric pH.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Proton Pump Inhibitors (Ppis)

Theoretically, taking calamus might reduce the effectiveness of PPIs.
Some research suggests that calamus lowers gastric pH.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Bai-Zhu Atractylodes (root) extract5 drug types · 801 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, atractylodes might increase the risk of bleeding when used concomitantly with anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs.
Laboratory research suggests that atractylenolides II and III, constituents of atractylodes, reduce platelet activation. So far, this has not been shown in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Aromatase Inhibitors

Theoretically, atractylodes may have an additive effect when used with other aromatase inhibitors.
Laboratory research suggests that atractylodes and its constituents exhibit aromatase inhibitor effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Hexobarbital

Theoretically, taking atractylodes may prolong the therapeutic and adverse effects of hexobarbital.
In animals, atractylodes has been shown to prolong the effects of hexobarbital. These effects have not been shown in humans.

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

Theoretically, atractylodes might decrease the levels of CYP1A2 substrates.
In animals, atractylodes administered at high doses has been shown to induce CYP1A2 activity. This effect has not been shown in humans.

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

Theoretically, atractylodes might increase the levels of CYP3A4 substrates.
In animals, atractylodes administered at high doses has been shown to inhibit CYP3A1 activity, which is a homolog to the human CYP3A4 enzyme. This effect has not been shown in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Poria extract3 drug types · 417 drugs

Anticholinergic Drugs

Theoretically, poria mushroom might decrease the clinical effects of anticholinergic drugs.
In animal research, poria mushroom essential oil reduces acetylcholinesterase activity. This interaction has not been shown in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cholinergic Drugs

Theoretically, poria mushroom might have additive effects when used with cholinergic drugs.
In animal research, poria mushroom essential oil reduces acetylcholinesterase activity. This interaction has not been shown in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cns Depressants

Theoretically, taking poria mushroom extract may enhance the therapeutic and adverse effects of sedatives.
Animal research shows that poria mushroom extract has sedative properties. This interaction has not been shown in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Lumbricus Tonic, from the product label.

NutriCology

See all NutriCology products
Name
NutriCology
City
Alameda
State
CA
ZipCode
94502
Phone Number
510.263.2000
Web Address
www.nutricology.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Lumbricus Tonic by NutriCology: Common Questions

Does Lumbricus Tonic by NutriCology interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Lumbricus Tonic has a known interaction with 1,215 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Lumbricus Tonic contains 4 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
No — the ingredients in this product carry safety warnings for pregnancy and breastfeeding. Bai-Zhu Atractylodes is not safe in pregnancy and should be avoided while nursing. Poria extract should be avoided in both pregnancy and breastfeeding. Grass-Leaf Sweetflag is likely unsafe in both. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing.
What does Grass-Leaf Sweetflag do in this blend?
Grass-Leaf Sweetflag (calamus root) has been used traditionally for bronchitis, anorexia, asthma, and other conditions, but there's insufficient evidence to support it. More importantly, some forms of calamus contain beta-asarone, a compound the FDA banned from food because of cancer risk — and calamus can cause nausea, vomiting, intestinal paralysis, and heart rhythm problems.
What are the most common side effects?
Bai-Zhu Atractylodes may cause allergic reactions, dry mouth, and nausea. Poria extract can rarely cause allergic reactions including allergic rhinitis or asthma. Grass-Leaf Sweetflag commonly causes nausea and vomiting, with rare but serious risks of intestinal paralysis and heart rhythm issues. Earthworm extract side effects are not on file here.
Does this product actually work?
The evidence isn't established in our data. All three main ingredients — Atractylodes, Poria, and Grass-Leaf Sweetflag — show insufficient reliable evidence for any of the conditions they're traditionally used for. We hold no effectiveness information on Earthworm extract.
Is there anything in here besides these four main ingredients?
The product also contains inactive ingredients: Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Cellulose, and L-Leucine. These are fillers, binders, and capsule material — they don't provide therapeutic action.
What does each ingredient do?
Bai-Zhu Atractylodes is traditionally used for appetite and digestive issues. Poria (a mushroom) has been used for fatigue, brain function, and diabetes support. Grass-Leaf Sweetflag is traditionally taken for respiratory and digestive complaints. Earthworm extract is less documented in our database. All have insufficient evidence for their uses.

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.

Lumbricus Tonic label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Lumbricus Tonic'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 22 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.

Atractylodes 6 references
  1. Liu Y, Jia Z, Dong L, et al. A randomized pilot study of atractylenolide I on gastric cancer cachexia patients. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2008;5:337-44. PubMed
  2. Chen Y, Yang W, Guo L, Wu X, Zhang T, Liu J, Zhang J. Atractylodes lactone compounds inhibit platelet activation. Platelets. 2017 Mar;28(2):194-202. PubMed
  3. Jiang H, Shi J, Li Y. Screening for compounds with aromatase inhibiting activities from Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz. Molecules. 2011 Apr 14;16(4):3146-51. PubMed
  4. Koonrungsesomboon N, Na-Bangchang K, Karbwang J. Therapeutic potential and pharmacological activities of Atractylodes lancea (Thunb.) DC. Asian Pac J Trop Med. 2014 Jun;7(6):421-8. PubMed
  5. Li L, Tang LY, Man GC, Yeung BH, Lau CB, Leung PC, Wang CC. Potential reproductive toxicity of Largehead Atractylodes Rhizome, the most commonly used Chinese medicine for threatened miscarriage. Hum Reprod. 2011 Dec;26(12):3280-8. PubMed
  6. Muhamad N, Plengsuriyakarn T, Na-Bangchang K. Atractylodes lancea for cholangiocarcinoma: Modulatory effects on CYP1A2 and CYP3A1 and pharmacokinetics in rats and biodistribution in mice. PLoS One 2022;17(11):e0277614. PubMed

See these in context on the Atractylodes monograph →

Poria Mushroom 3 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. Kim H, Park I, Park K, Park S, Kim YI, Park BG. The positive effects of Poria cocos extract on quality of sleep in insomnia rat models. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022;19(11):6629. PubMed
  3. Lv Q, Di X, Bian B, Li K, Guo J. Neuroprotective effects of Poria cocos (Agaricomycetes) essential oil on Aß1-40-induced learning and memory deficit in rats. Int J Med Mushrooms 2022;24(10):73-82.

See these in context on the Poria Mushroom monograph →

Calamus 13 references
  1. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
  2. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
  3. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publ, 1997.
  4. Shoba, F. G. and Thomas, M. Study of antidiarrhoeal activity of four medicinal plants in castor-oil induced diarrhoea. J Ethnopharmacol 2001;76(1):73-76. PubMed
  5. Koo, B. S., Park, K. S., Ha, J. H., Park, J. H., Lim, J. C., and Lee, D. U. Inhibitory effects of the fragrance inhalation of essential oil from Acorus gramineus on central nervous system. Biol Pharm.Bull. 2003;26(7):978-982. PubMed
  6. Oh, M. H., Houghton, P. J., Whang, W. K., and Cho, J. H. Screening of Korean herbal medicines used to improve cognitive function for anti-cholinesterase activity. Phytomedicine 2004;11(6):544-548. PubMed
  7. Panchal, G. M., Venkatakrishna-Bhatt, H., Doctor, R. B., and Vajpayee, S. Pharmacology of Acorus calamus L. Indian J Exp.Biol 1989;27(6):561-567.
  8. Vargas, C. P., Wolf, L. R., Gamm, S. R., and Koontz, K. Getting to the root (Acorus calamus) of the problem. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 1998;36(3):259-260.
  9. Pandit S, Mukherjee PK, Ponnusankar S, Venkatesh M, Srikanth N. Metabolism mediated interaction of a-asarone and Acorus calamus with CYP3A4 and CYP2D6. Fitoterapia 2011;82(3):369-74.
  10. Sharma V, Singh I, Chaudhary P. Acorus calamus (The Healing Plant): a review on its medicinal potential, micropropagation and conservation. Nat Prod Res. 2014;28(18):1454-66.
  11. Björnstad K, Helander A, Hultén P, Beck O. Bioanalytical investigation of asarone in connection with Acorus calamus oil intoxications. J Anal Toxicol 2009;33(9):604-9. PubMed
  12. Federal Register. Volume 33, Page 6967. U.S. Government Publishing Office. http://api.fdsys.gov/link?collection=fr&volume=33&page=6967. Accessed May 23, 2018.
  13. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 189 - Substances Prohibited From Use in Human Food. Available at: https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=259fa8a1284cad42676075c8425c7333&mc=true&node=pt21.3.189&rgn=div5.

See these in context on the Calamus 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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