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Dietary supplement

Maximum Strength ResistAid Larch Tree Arabinogalactan with Bioactive Polyphenols Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Swanson Ultra

Powder Category: Fiber And Other Nutrients
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Maximum Strength ResistAid Larch Tree Arabinogalactan with Bioactive Polyphenols is a dietary supplement by Swanson Ultra with 2 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for constipation, diarrhea, high cholesterol.Based on those ingredients, 2,097 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Dietary Fiber, ResistAid. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Maximum Strength ResistAid Larch Tree Arabinogalactan with Bioactive Polyphenols by Swanson Ultra

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 2 of its 2 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: ResistAid, which is a standardized extract of larch arabinogalactan. Larch arabinogalactan is a natural polysaccharide fiber derived from the wood of larch trees and is included in this formula for its bioactive polyphenol content.

There are no inactive fillers or other ingredients listed.

Does it work?

Strong 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

This product doesn't appear to be marketed for a specific use, so we graded its ingredients' overall clinical evidence instead.

Strong

Strong clinical evidence supports its ingredients for:

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.
  • Since the label doesn't commit to one use, we graded the ingredients' overall clinical evidence instead.
  • On file: Constipation — rated "Effective" (Black Psyllium) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Coronary heart disease (CHD) — rated "Likely Effective" (Black Psyllium) (Natural Medicines).

The evidence we hold shows insufficient reliable data to rate larch arabinogalactan for common cold or high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia). That means clinical trials either haven't been done yet, haven't been large or well-designed enough, or the results are mixed — so we can't say whether it works for those uses.

If you're considering it for a specific health goal, chat with your doctor or pharmacist about what the current science actually supports.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Black Psyllium Larch Arabinogalactan

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.

Larch arabinogalactan is generally well tolerated as a fiber. The main side effects reported are bloating and flatulence — not uncommon when you add soluble fiber to your diet.

However, long-term safety data of high quality are limited, and there isn't enough safety information to know how it behaves during pregnancy or breastfeeding. The manufacturer advises caution and recommends talking with your doctor before use.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Black Psyllium Larch Arabinogalactan

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 — Black Psyllium, Larch Arabinogalactan.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; heart-rhythm medications; lithium.
  • For scale: 2,098 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.

If you take immunosuppressant medications (drugs that suppress your immune system after transplant or for severe autoimmune disease), double-check this product with your doctor or pharmacist before you start. The larch arabinogalactan may theoretically reduce how well those drugs work.

No other medication interactions are documented in our data for the ingredients we could check.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with strong clinical evidence behind its ingredients' uses. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This is a single-ingredient larch arabinogalactan fiber supplement. If you take immunosuppressant medications — for a transplant, severe autoimmune condition, or other reason — you need to check with your doctor or pharmacist first, because the supplement may interfere with how those drugs work.

For everyone else, it's generally well tolerated, though it may cause gas or bloating. Talk it over with your own healthcare provider to see if it fits your situation.

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 23, 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 Maximum Strength ResistAid Larch Tree Arabinogalactan with Bioactive Polyphenols, straight from the product label.

Brand Swanson Ultra
Barcode (UPC) 087614029368
Net contents 3.17 Oz(s); 90 Gram(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Oct 23, 2019
DSLD ID 207693
Product type Fiber And Other Nutrients
Supplement form Powder
Dietary claims / uses All Other
Intended target group(s) Vegetarian, 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 Maximum Strength ResistAid Larch Tree Arabinogalactan with Bioactive Polyphenols by Swanson Ultra, 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:
1.5 Gram(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1.5 Gram(s)
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
087614029368
IngredientAmount% DV
Calories5 Calorie(s)--
Total Carbohydrates1 Gram(s)1%
Calories from Fat0 Calorie(s)--
Dietary Fiber1 Gram(s)4%
ResistAid1.5 Gram(s)--

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

The most advanced nutrition technology Powder

To reorder, call toll free 1-800-437-4148 or visit our website at www.swansonvitamins.com

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Seals/Symbols

Vegetarian formula

Guaranteed Purity & Potency

Formulation

Vegetarian formula

Precautions

Do not use if seal is broken.

Keep out of reach of children.

Note: Product contains a desiccant packet to maintain freshness. Do not eat the desiccant packet.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement, dissolve one scoop (1.5 grams) in water or your favorite juice, and drink one time per day. Scoop included.

Brand IP Statement(s)

ResistAid and the ResistAid logo are trademarks of Lonza Ltd., Switzerland.

See for yourself

Maximum Strength ResistAid Larch Tree Arabinogalactan with Bioactive Polyphenols by Swanson Ultra label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Maximum Strength ResistAid Larch Tree Arabinogalactan with Bioactive Polyphenols by Swanson Ultra

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

Serving size1.5 Gram(s) Dosage formPowder 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.

Dietary Fiber

Interacts with
2,025 drugs
1 Gram(s) per serving

Black psyllium is a soluble-fiber supplement made from the seeds of a Plantago plant, used mostly to ease constipation and support digestive health. I...

Dietary Fiber monograph & interactions

ResistAid

Interacts with
121 drugs
1.5 Gram(s) per serving Form: Arabinogalactan

Larch arabinogalactan is a soluble fiber from larch trees that is mainly used as a prebiotic and for immune support. Early research is interesting but...

ResistAid monograph & interactions
Interaction report

Maximum Strength ResistAid Larch Tree Arabinogalactan with Bioactive Polyphenols by Swanson Ultra Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Maximum Strength ResistAid Larch Tree Arabinogalactan with Bioactive Polyphenols?

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
2,097Drugs
144 Moderate 1,953 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

ResistAid 121

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Maximum Strength ResistAid Larch Tree Arabinogalactan with Bioactive Polyphenols 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.

Dietary Fiber7 drug types · 2,025 drugs

Carbamazepine (Tegretol)

Theoretically, black psyllium might reduce the effects of carbamazepine and increase the risk for convulsions.
Theoretically, black psyllium might reduce carbamazepine absorption. A preliminary study using blond psyllium reported decreased carbamazepine bioavailability due to binding of the drug to psyllium, as well as reduction of available fluid in the gut for dissolution of the drug. This interaction may also occur with black psyllium.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Lithium

Theoretically, taking black psyllium at the same time as lithium might reduce lithium absorption.
The fiber in black psyllium might reduce lithium absorption and plasma levels. Some case reports describe a reduction in plasma lithium levels with concomitant administration of blond psyllium. This was reversed when psyllium was stopped. This interaction may also occur with black psyllium.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Metformin (Glucophage)

Theoretically, black psyllium might increase the therapeutic and adverse effects of metformin.
Animal research shows that concurrent consumption of blond psyllium with metformin slows and increases the absorption of metformin. This interaction may also occur with black psyllium. To avoid changes in absorption, take psyllium 30-60 minutes after metformin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Olanzapine (Zyprexa)

Theoretically, taking black psyllium at the same time as olanzapine might reduce olanzapine absorption.
The fiber in black psyllium might decrease the absorption of olanzapine. A single case report describes a reduction in the effectiveness of olanzapine when it was concomitantly administered with an unspecified type of psyllium 3 grams orally twice daily. This effect was reversed when psyllium was stopped.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Theoretically, taking black psyllium at the same time as digoxin might reduce digoxin absorption and decrease digoxin levels.
Psyllium might bind digoxin in the gut. However, some clinical evidence suggests that psyllium does not impact digoxin absorption.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B
Ethinyl Estradiol

Theoretically, taking black psyllium at the same time as ethinyl estradiol might alter levels of estradiol.
Concurrent use of blond psyllium with ethinyl estradiol results in a slight increase in the extent of ethinyl estradiol absorption and a slower rate of absorption. This is unlikely to be clinically significant.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Oral Drugs

Theoretically, psyllium might increase, decrease, or have no effect on the absorption of oral drugs.
Psyllium seems to have variable effects on drug absorption. To avoid changes in absorption, take psyllium 30-60 minutes after oral medications. Animal research shows that blond psyllium delays and increases the absorption of metformin and ethinyl estradiol. Case reports and animal research suggest that blond psyllium might reduce absorption of lithium, digoxin, olanzapine, and carbamazepine. Finally, some pharmacokinetic studies show that psyllium does not affect the absorption of levothyroxine or warfarin. Although many of these studies evaluated blond psyllium, the fiber content in black psyllium may have similar effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B

ResistAid1 drug type · 121 drugs

Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, larch arabinogalactan might interfere with immunosuppression therapy due to immunostimulant effects. Immunosuppressant drugs include azathioprine (Imuran), basiliximab (Simulect), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), daclizumab (Zenapax), muromonab-CD3 (OKT3, Orthoclone OKT3), mycophenolate (CellCept), tacrolimus (FK506, Prograf), sirolimus (Rapamune), prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone), corticosteroids (glucocorticoids), and other drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Maximum Strength ResistAid Larch Tree Arabinogalactan with Bioactive Polyphenols, from the product label.

Swanson Ultra

See all Swanson Ultra products
Name
Swanson Health Products
Street Address
PO BOX 2803
City
Fargo
State
ND
ZipCode
58108
Phone Number
1-800-437-4148
Web Address
www.swansonvitamins.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Maximum Strength ResistAid Larch Tree Arabinogalactan with Bioactive Polyphenols by Swanson Ultra: Common Questions

Does Maximum Strength ResistAid Larch Tree Arabinogalactan with Bioactive Polyphenols by Swanson Ultra interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Maximum Strength ResistAid Larch Tree Arabinogalactan with Bioactive Polyphenols has a known interaction with 2,097 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Maximum Strength ResistAid Larch Tree Arabinogalactan with Bioactive Polyphenols 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.
Will this make me bloated?
Some people do experience bloating and flatulence when they take larch arabinogalactan, since it's a soluble fiber. Starting with a smaller dose and increasing it gradually often helps your digestive system adjust.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
There isn't enough safety data to know either way. Talk with your doctor or midwife before taking it during pregnancy or while breastfeeding — they can weigh the potential benefits and risks for your situation.
Will this help me avoid catching a cold?
The evidence we hold is insufficient to say whether larch arabinogalactan actually prevents or shortens colds. More and better research is needed to know.
Will this lower my cholesterol?
We don't have reliable evidence to rate whether larch arabinogalactan lowers cholesterol. If that's a goal of yours, check with your doctor about proven options.
Does this have any fillers or extra ingredients?
No — this product is just larch arabinogalactan with no inactive ingredients listed.

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

Not sure if Maximum Strength ResistAid Larch Tree Arabinogalactan with Bioactive Polyphenols 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.

Maximum Strength ResistAid Larch Tree Arabinogalactan with Bioactive Polyphenols label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Maximum Strength ResistAid Larch Tree Arabinogalactan with Bioactive Polyphenols'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 26 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.

Black Psyllium 18 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. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
  3. Covington TR, et al. Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs. 11th ed. Washington, DC: American Pharmaceutical Association, 1996.
  4. Etman M. Effect of a bulk forming laxative on the bioavailablility of carbamazepine in man. Drug Dev Ind Pharm 1995;21:1901-6.
  5. Perlman BB. Interaction between lithium salts and ispaghula husk. Lancet 1990;335:416.
  6. Vaswani SK, Hamilton RG, Valentine MD, Adkinson NF. Psyllium laxative-induced anaphylaxis, asthma, and rhinitis. Allergy 1996;51:266-8. PubMed
  7. Lantner RR, Espiritu BR, Zumerchik P, Tobin MC. Anaphylaxis following ingestion of a psyllium-containing cereal. JAMA 1990;264:2534-6. DOI
  8. Kaplan MJ. Anaphylactic reaction to "Heartwise." N Engl J Med 1990;323:1072-3. DOI
  9. Nordstrom M, Melander A, Robertsson E, Steen B. Influence of wheat bran and of a bulk-forming ispaghula cathartic on the bioavailability of digoxin in geriatric in-patients. Drug Nutr Interact 1987;5:67-9..
  10. Robinson DS, Benjamin DM, McCormack JJ. Interaction of warfarin and nonsystemic gastrointestinal drugs. Clin Pharmacol Ther 1971;12:491-5. PubMed
  11. Garcia JJ, Fernandez N, Diez MJ, et al. Influence of two dietary fibers in the oral bioavailability and other pharmacokinetic parameters of ethinyloestradiol. Contraception 2000;62:253-7. PubMed
  12. Fernandez N, Lopez C, Díez R, et al. Drug interactions with the dietary fiber Plantago ovata husk. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2012;8(11):1377-86.
  13. Semen plantaginis in: WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants, volume 1. World Health Organization, Geneva, 1999. Available at http://apps.who.int/medicinedocs/en/d/Js2200e/. Accessed November 26, 1026.
  14. Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21 (21CFR 101.17). Food labeling warning, notice, and safe handling statements. Available at www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=20f647d3b74161501f46564b915b4048&mc=true&node=se21.2.101_117&rgn=div8. Accessed December 3, 2
  15. Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21 (21CFR 201.319). Specific labeling requirements - water-soluble gums, hydrophilic gums, and hydrophilic mucilloids. Available at www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?fr=201.319. Accessed Dece
  16. Diez R, Garcia JJ, Diez MJ, Sierra M, Sahagun AM, Fernandez N. Influence of Plantago ovata husk (dietary fiber) on the bioavailability and other pharmacokinetic parameters of metformin in diabetic rabbits. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2017 Jun 7;17(1):298. PubMed
  17. Chiu AC, Sherman SI. Effects of pharmacological fiber supplements on levothyroxine absorption. Thyroid. 1998;8(8):667-71. PubMed
  18. Merrick C, Madden CA, Capurso NA. A Case of Blunted Orally Disintegrating Olanzapine Effect Due to Coadministered Psyllium. J Clin Psychiatry 2021;82(2):20cr13633. PubMed

See these in context on the Black Psyllium monograph →

Larch Arabinogalactan 8 references
  1. D'Adamo P. Larch arabinogalactan. J Naturopath Med 1996;6:33-7.
  2. Kelly GS. Larch arabinogalactan: Clinical relevance of a novel immune-enhancing polysaccharide. Alt Med Rev 1999;4:96-103.
  3. Marett R, Slavin JL. No long-term benefits of supplementation with arabinogalactan on serum lipids and glucose. J Am Diet Assoc 2004;104:636-9.
  4. Robinson RR, Feirtag J, Slavin JL. Effects of dietary arabinogalactan on gastrointestinal and blood parameters in healthy human subjects. J Am Coll Nutr 2001;20:279-85. PubMed
  5. Udani JK, Singh BB, Barrett ML, Singh VJ. Proprietary arabinogalactan extract increases antibody response to the pneumonia vaccine: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, pilot study in healthy volunteers. Nutr J 2010;9:32. PubMed
  6. Grube B, Stier H, Riede L, Gruenwald J. Tolerability of a proprietary larch arabinogalactan extract: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial in healthy subjects. Food Nutr Sci 2012;3:1533-8. DOI
  7. Dion C, Chappuis E, Ripoll C. Does larch arabinogalactan enhance immune function? A review of mechanistic and clinical trials. Nutr Metab (Lond) 2016;13:28. PubMed
  8. Riede L, Grube B, Gruenwald J. Larch arabinogalactan effects on reducing incidence of upper respiratory tract infections. Curr Med Res Opin 2013;29(3):251-8.

See these in context on the Larch Arabinogalactan 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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