Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Men's Formula Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Nature's Sunshine

Men's Formula label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 9, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Men's Formula 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

Men's Formula is a dietary supplement by Nature's Sunshine with 7 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for zinc deficiency, immune support, cold symptoms.Based on those ingredients, 867 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Gotu Kola, Saw Palmetto fruit extract, Stinging Nettle root extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

Jump to a section

Check Your Meds Against Men's Formula by Nature's Sunshine

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Men's Formula by Nature's Sunshine — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Men's Formula 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

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 11, 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 1 of its 7 active ingredients.
  • “Proprietary Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (1,224 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

Men's Formula contains seven active ingredients. Pumpkin and pumpkin seed oil are included for potential prostate health; zinc supports immune function and is needed to correct zinc deficiency; saw palmetto fruit extract and pygeum bark extract are traditional botanicals for male urinary and prostate concerns; gotu kola and stinging nettle root extract are herbal additions; and lycopene (a tomato-derived compound) is added as a potential antioxidant.

The product also contains a proprietary blend — a combination of ingredients listed as a single item on the label. The capsule itself is an inactive ingredient.

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
Strong

Clinical evidence supports at least one of this product's ingredients for its stated purpose.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: herbal prostate support for men 40+.
  • We looked for evidence on: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), Erectile dysfunction (ED), Urinary symptoms in men, Prostate inflammation.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Pygeum is rated "Likely Effective" for Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Pumpkin is rated "Possibly Effective" for Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
  • Also on file: Saw Palmetto is rated "Possibly Ineffective" for Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Evidence for effectiveness varies by ingredient. Pygeum bark extract is likely effective for benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate).

Pumpkin, saw palmetto, and zinc all have possibly effective ratings for BPH — though saw palmetto is also rated possibly ineffective for the same condition, reflecting mixed evidence. Zinc is effective for correcting zinc deficiency and likely effective for Wilson disease, and possibly effective for acne and age-related macular degeneration.

Lycopene is possibly effective for prostate cancer. Stinging nettle is possibly effective for diabetes.

For the other proposed uses listed in the data — from androgenic hair loss to allergic rhinitis — evidence is either insufficient or shows possible ineffectiveness. We don't have effectiveness data on file for gotu kola's effects on cognition or anxiety.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Zinc Pumpkin Saw Palmetto Gotu Kola Lycopene Pygeum Stinging Nettle

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 7 of the 7 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 7 of 7.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 7 of 7.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Most ingredients are generally well tolerated when used as directed. Zinc is safe below 40 mg daily but can cause stomach cramps, nausea, diarrhea, and a metallic taste, especially at higher doses; very high long-term doses raise concern for copper deficiency.

Pumpkin, saw palmetto, gotu kola, and stinging nettle may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort — nausea, diarrhea, or stomach pain. Saw palmetto has rare reports of heart rhythm changes and a single case of a skin reaction.

Gotu kola and stinging nettle carry rare but documented concerns about liver toxicity — though in gotu kola's case, a well-monitored trial found no liver changes at 120 mg daily for 6 months. Saw palmetto safety data advises against use in pregnancy due to hormone effects; gotu kola and stinging nettle lack adequate pregnancy data and are best avoided.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding safety data are not on file for pumpkin, zinc, lycopene, and pygeum, so talk with your doctor or pharmacist about personalized guidance if you're pregnant or nursing.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Zinc Pumpkin Saw Palmetto Gotu Kola Lycopene Pygeum Stinging Nettle

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

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

Why this rating?
  • 6 of the 7 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Lycopene, Stinging Nettle, Gotu Kola, Pumpkin, Saw Palmetto, among others.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; diabetes medications; lithium.
  • For scale: 868 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking Men's Formula, double-check the following medication types: lithium (both pumpkin and stinging nettle may raise levels); quinolone, cephalexin, and tetracycline antibiotics (zinc reduces their absorption); blood thinners and antiplatelet drugs like warfarin (stinging nettle, saw palmetto, and lycopene may increase bleeding risk); estrogens and contraceptives (saw palmetto may interfere); HIV medications including ritonavir and integrase inhibitors (zinc affects absorption); diabetes drugs (stinging nettle may add to effects); diuretics (stinging nettle may add to effects); sedatives (gotu kola may increase drowsiness); and any drug known to stress the liver (gotu kola has rare hepatotoxicity reports). Space zinc doses at least 2–6 hours apart from antibiotics.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

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

This formula combines several ingredients studied for prostate and urinary health, especially pygeum and pumpkin. If you take lithium, any antibiotic, a blood thinner, estrogen, diabetes medicine, or a diuretic, check your exact medications with the tool on this page before starting.

Talk to your pharmacist or doctor before using it during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

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

Assessment coverage: 7 of 7 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated May 22, 2020.

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 Men's Formula, straight from the product label.

Brand Nature's Sunshine
Barcode (UPC) 099904031128
Net contents 60 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD May 22, 2020
DSLD ID 221142
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult Male (18-50 Years), Seniors/Mature (>50 Years) - Men ONLY
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 Men's Formula 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:
3 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
20
UPC/BARCODE
099904031128
IngredientAmount% DV
Pumpkin0 NP--
Zinc15 mg136%
Proprietary Blend1224 mg--
Saw Palmetto fruit extract0 NP--
Gotu Kola0 NP--
standardized Lycopene concentrate0 NP--
Pygeum bark extract0 NP--
Stinging Nettle root extract0 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.
General Statements

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

New look! Same great product

Herbal experts since 1972

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.

Formula

Many men 40+ need nutritional help for the prostate gland.

Men's Formula features saw palmetto, lycopene and gotu kola, traditionally used to support the prostate gland and nervous system.

With herbal extracts

Precautions

Do not use if inner seal is missing or damaged.

Formulation

Herbal prostate support Support & protect the prostate gland with saw palmetto, lycopene & gotu kola

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Recommended use: Take 2 capsules daily with a meal. For intensive use: Take 3 capsules twice daily, with morning and evening meals.

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

See for yourself

Men's Formula by Nature's Sunshine label

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

Men's Formula 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 Men's Formula by Nature's Sunshine

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

Serving size2 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container20 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.

Zinc

Interacts with
67 drugs
15 mg per serving Form: Zinc Gluconate

Zinc is an essential mineral that your body needs for immune function, wound healing, taste, and smell. Most people get enough from food, but suppleme...

Zinc monograph & interactions

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

Interaction report

Men's Formula by Nature's Sunshine Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Men's Formula?

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
867Drugs
864 Moderate 3 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Gotu Kola 579
Saw Palmetto fruit extract 174
Stinging Nettle root extract 164
standardized Lycopene concentrate 122
Zinc 67

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Men's Formula interact with 867 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

6 of the 7 ingredients in Men's Formula interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Gotu Kola Saw Palmetto fruit extract Stinging Nettle root extract standardized Lycopene concentrate Zinc Pumpkin

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Men's Formula 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.

Gotu Kola2 drug types · 579 drugs

Cns Depressants

Theoretically, taking gotu kola might increase the sedative effects of CNS depressants.
In vitro research suggests that gotu kola may have sedative effects via binding of GABA receptors.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Hepatotoxic Drugs

Theoretically, taking gotu kola with hepatotoxic drugs might have additive adverse effects.
There are at least four case reports of hepatotoxicity associated with the use of gotu kola. However, more information is needed to determine if gotu kola was the causative factor in these cases.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Gotu Kola full monograph & interactions

Saw Palmetto fruit extract3 drug types · 174 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Saw palmetto might increase the risk of bleeding with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Saw palmetto is reported to prolong bleeding time. Theoretically, it might increase the risk of bleeding when used concomitantly with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Contraceptive Drugs

Saw palmetto might reduce the effectiveness of contraceptive drugs.
Saw palmetto might have antiestrogenic effects. Theoretically, it might interfere with contraceptive drugs taken concomitantly.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Estrogens

Saw palmetto might reduce the effectiveness of estrogens.
Saw palmetto might have antiestrogenic effects. Theoretically, it might interfere with estrogens taken concomitantly.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Saw Palmetto fruit extract full monograph & interactions

Stinging Nettle root extract4 drug types · 164 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, stinging nettle might have additive effects with antidiabetes drugs.
Clinical research shows that stinging nettle might decrease blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Diuretic Drugs

Theoretically, combining stinging nettle with diuretic drugs may have additive effects.
Animal research suggests that the above ground parts and roots of stinging nettle may have a diuretic effect.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Lithium

Theoretically, stinging nettle might reduce excretion and increase levels of lithium.
Animal research suggests that stinging nettle has diuretic and natriuretic properties, which could alter the excretion of lithium. The dose of lithium might need to be decreased.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

There is some concern that stinging nettle might decrease the effects of anticoagulant drugs such as warfarin.
Stinging nettle contains a significant amount of vitamin K. When taken in large quantities, this might interfere with the activity of warfarin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Stinging Nettle root extract full monograph & interactions

standardized Lycopene concentrate1 drug type · 122 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, taking lycopene with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs might increase the risk of bleeding.
In vitro research shows that lycopene has antiplatelet effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
standardized Lycopene concentrate full monograph & interactions

Zinc10 drug types · 67 drugs

Bictegravir/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide (Biktarvy)

Theoretically, zinc might decrease levels of bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide by reducing its absorption.
Advise patients that bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide should be taken at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after zinc containing products.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Cephalexin (Keflex)

Zinc might decrease cephalexin levels by chelating with cephalexin in the gut and preventing its absorption.
A pharmacokinetic study shows that zinc sulfate 250 mg taken concomitantly with cephalexin 500 mg decreases peak levels of cephalexin by 31% and reduces the exposure to cephalexin by 27%. Also, taking zinc sulfate 3 hours before cephalexin decreases peak levels of cephalexin by 11% and reduces the exposure to cephalexin by 18%. By decreasing cephalexin levels, zinc might increase the risk of treatment failure. This effect does not occur when zinc is taken 3 hours after the cephalexin dose. To avoid an interaction, advise patients take zinc sulfate 3 hours after taking cephalexin.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Cisplatin (Platinol-Aq)

Theoretically, zinc might interfere with the therapeutic effects of cisplatin.
Animal research suggests that zinc stimulates tumor cell production of the protein metallothionein, which binds and inactivates cisplatin. It is not known whether zinc supplements or high dietary zinc intake can cause clinically significant interference with cisplatin therapy. Cisplatin might also increase zinc excretion.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Integrase Inhibitors

Theoretically, taking zinc along with integrase inhibitors might decrease the levels and clinical effects of these drugs.
Zinc is a divalent cation. Pharmacokinetic studies have shown that other divalent cations such as calcium and iron can decrease blood levels of the integrase inhibitor dolutegravir through chelation.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Penicillamine (Cuprimine, Depen)

Zinc might reduce the levels and clinical effects of penicillamine.
By forming an insoluble complex with penicillamine, zinc interferes with penicillamine absorption and activity. Zinc supplements reduce the efficacy of low-dose penicillamine (0.5-1 gram/day), but do not seem to affect higher doses (1-2.75 gram/day), provided dosing times are separated. Advise patients to take zinc and penicillamine at least 2 hours apart.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Quinolone Antibiotics

Zinc can decrease the levels and clinical effects of quinolones antibiotics.
Quinolones form complexes with zinc in the gastrointestinal tract, reducing absorption of both the quinolone and zinc if taken at the same time. Advise patients to take these drugs at least 2 hours before, or 4-6 hours after, zinc supplements.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Ritonavir (Norvir)

Zinc modestly reduces levels of ritonavir.
Clinical research shows that zinc might reduce serum ritonavir levels by chelating with ritonavir in the gut and preventing its absorption. In patients with HIV, ritonavir is taken with atazanavir to prevent the metabolism and increase the effects of atazanavir. A pharmacokinetic study shows that, in patients being treated with atazanavir/ritonavir, co-administration of zinc sulfate (Solvazinc tablets) 125 mg as a single dose or as multiple daily doses for 2 weeks reduces plasma levels of ritonavir by about 16%. However, atazanavir levels still remains high enough to prevent HIV virus replication. Therefore, the decrease in ritonavir levels is not likely to be clinically significant.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Tetracycline Antibiotics

Zinc might reduce levels of tetracycline antibiotics.
Tetracyclines form complexes with zinc in the gastrointestinal tract, which can reduce absorption of both the tetracycline and zinc when taken at the same time. Taking zinc sulfate 200 mg with tetracycline reduces absorption of the antibiotic by 30% to 40%. Demeclocycline and minocycline cause a similar interaction. However, doxycycline does not seem to interact significantly with zinc. Advise patients to take tetracyclines at least 2 hours before, or 4-6 hours after, zinc supplements to avoid any interactions.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Amiloride (Midamor)

Amiloride can modestly reduce zinc excretion and increase zinc levels.
Clinical research shows that amiloride can reduce urinary zinc excretion, especially at doses of 10 mg per day or more. This zinc-sparing effect can help to counteract zinc losses caused by thiazide diuretics, but it is unlikely to cause zinc toxicity at usual amiloride doses. The other potassium-sparing diuretics, spironolactone (Aldactone) and triamterene (Dyrenium), do not seem to have a zinc-sparing effect.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Atazanavir (Reyataz)

Zinc modestly reduces levels of atazanavir, although this effect does not seem to be clinically significant.
Clinical research shows that zinc might decrease serum atazanavir levels by chelating with atazanavir in the gut and preventing its absorption. Although a single dose of zinc sulfate (Solvazinc tablets) 125 mg orally does not affect atazanavir concentrations in patients being treated with atazanavir/ritonavir, co-administration of zinc sulfate 125 mg daily for 2 weeks reduces plasma levels of atazanavir by about 22% in these patients. However, despite this decrease, atazanavir levels still remain at high enough concentrations for the prevention of HIV virus replication.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Zinc full monograph & interactions

Pumpkin1 drug type · 1 drug

Lithium

Pumpkin might reduce excretion and increase levels of lithium.
Pumpkin is thought to have diuretic properties. Theoretically, this might reduce excretion and increase levels of lithium. The dose of lithium might need to be decreased.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Pumpkin full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Men's Formula, from the product label.

Nature's Sunshine

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

Men's Formula by Nature's Sunshine: Common Questions

Does Men's Formula by Nature's Sunshine interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Men's Formula has a known interaction with 867 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Men's Formula 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.
Will this help my prostate?
Pygeum is likely effective for benign prostate enlargement. Pumpkin, saw palmetto, and zinc are rated possibly effective for it, though evidence is mixed. Talk to your doctor about whether this formula fits your situation.
Can I take this if I'm on lithium?
No — both pumpkin and stinging nettle root in this formula may reduce how your body clears lithium, raising its levels dangerously. You'd need your dose adjusted by your doctor, or you should skip this product. Check with them first.
What are the main side effects I should watch for?
Most common are mild stomach upset — nausea, diarrhea, or abdominal discomfort. Zinc can cause a metallic taste. Rare but serious concerns include liver toxicity with gotu kola and stinging nettle, and heart rhythm issues with saw palmetto. Stop and call your doctor if you develop jaundice, severe nausea, or chest pain.
Can I take this while on antibiotics?
The zinc in this product can significantly reduce how well your body absorbs quinolone, cephalexin, and tetracycline antibiotics. You'd need to take your antibiotic at least 2–6 hours before or after this supplement. Ask your pharmacist to check your specific antibiotic.
Is this safe during pregnancy?
Saw palmetto safety data advises against it in pregnancy. Gotu kola and stinging nettle lack enough safety data and are best avoided. For pumpkin, zinc, lycopene, and pygeum, we don't have pregnancy safety information on file. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about what's right for you.
Can I take this with birth control?
Saw palmetto in this formula may theoretically reduce the effectiveness of contraceptive drugs. It's not a guarantee, but talk to your doctor or pharmacist to see if there's a reason to avoid this product with your specific birth control method.

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.

Men's Formula label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Men's Formula’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Zinc

Interacts with 67 drugs

Zinc is an essential mineral that your body needs for immune function, wound healing, taste, and smell. Most people get enough from food, but supplements can help correct or prevent a defici...

Read the full Zinc monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Pumpkin

Interacts with 1 drug

Pumpkin is a nutritious squash, and its seeds and seed oil are the parts most often used as supplements, mainly for urinary and prostate symptoms. The evidence for these uses is limited and...

Read the full Pumpkin monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Saw Palmetto

Interacts with 174 drugs

Saw palmetto is a plant extract most often used for urinary symptoms linked to an enlarged prostate (BPH). The best research suggests it works no better than a placebo for most men, though i...

Read the full Saw Palmetto monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Gotu Kola

Interacts with 579 drugs

Gotu kola is a traditional Ayurvedic and Asian herb that people use for wound healing, circulation, skin problems, and as a calming or memory-supporting herb. Some early studies suggest poss...

Read the full Gotu Kola monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Lycopene

Interacts with 122 drugs

Lycopene is a red plant pigment and antioxidant found mainly in tomatoes and other red fruits. Eating lycopene-rich foods is linked with possible heart and prostate benefits, but evidence fr...

Read the full Lycopene monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Pygeum

Pygeum is an extract from the bark of the African cherry tree that is most often used to ease urinary symptoms linked to an enlarged prostate. Some studies suggest modest benefit for these s...

Read the full Pygeum monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Stinging Nettle

Interacts with 164 drugs

Stinging nettle is a common plant used as food and in traditional medicine, most often for prostate symptoms, allergies, and joint pain. The evidence is mixed and mostly preliminary, so it i...

Read the full Stinging Nettle monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Men's Formula'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 169 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.

Pumpkin 5 references
  1. Marks L, Partin AW, Epstein JI, et al. Effects of a saw palmetto herbal blend in men with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia. J Urol 2000;163:1451-6. DOI
  2. Cho YH, Lee SY, Jeong DW, et al. Effect of pumpkin seed oil on hair growth in men with androgenetic alopecia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2014;2014:549721. PubMed
  3. Vahlensieck W, Theurer C, Pfitzer E, Patz B, Banik N, Engelmann U. Effects of pumpkin seed in men with lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia in the one-year, randomized, placebo-controlled GRANU study. Urol Int 2015;94(3):286-95 PubMed
  4. Assouly P. Hair loss associated with cucurbit poisoning. JAMA Dermatol. 2018 May 1;154(5):617-618. PubMed
  5. Gawryjolek J, Ludwig H, Zbikowska-Götz M, Bartuzi Z, Krogulska A. Anaphylaxis after consumption of pumpkin seeds in a 2-y-old child tolerant to its pulp: A case study. Nutrition 2021;89:111272. PubMed

See these in context on the Pumpkin monograph →

Zinc 88 references
  1. Barceloux DG. Zinc. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 1999;37:279-92.
  2. Eby GA, Davis DR, Halcomb WW. Reduction in duration of common colds by zinc gluconate lozenges in a double-blind study. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 1984;25:20-4. DOI
  3. Smith DS, Helzner EC, Nuttall CE Jr, et al. Failure of zinc gluconate in treatment of acute upper respiratory tract infections. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 1989;33:646-8. PubMed
  4. Blondeau JM. Expanded activity and utility of the new fluoroquinolones: a review. Clin Ther 1999;21:3-40. PubMed
  5. Reyes AJ, Olhaberry JV, Leary WP, et al. Urinary zinc excretion, diuretics, zinc deficiency and some side-effects of diuretics. S Afr Med J 1983;64:936-41.
  6. Kugelmas M. Preliminary observation: oral zinc sulfate replacement is effective in treating muscle cramps in cirrhotic patients. J Am Coll Nutr 2000;19:13-5. PubMed
  7. Hebel SK, ed. Drug Facts and Comparisons. 52nd ed. St. Louis: Facts and Comparisons, 1998.
  8. Chan S, Gerson B, Subramaniam S. The role of copper, molybdenum, selenium, and zinc in nutrition and health. Clin Lab Med 1998;18:673-85. DOI
  9. Brewer GJ, Yuzbasiyan-Gurkan V, Johnson V, et al. Treatment of Wilson's disease with zinc: XI. Interaction with other anticopper agents. J Am Coll Nutr 1993;12:26-30. PubMed
  10. Fosmire GJ. Zinc toxicity. Am J Clin Nutr 1990;51:225-7.
  11. Lomaestro BM, Bailie GR. Absorption interactions with fluoroquinolones. 1995 update. Drug Saf 1995;12:314-33. PubMed
  12. Hansten PD, Horn JR. Drug Interactions Analysis and Management. Vancouver, WA: Applied Therapeutics Inc., 1997 and updates.
  13. Seelig MS. Auto-immune complications of D-penicillamine - A possible result of zinc and magnesium depletion and of pyridoxine inactivation. J Am Coll Nutr 1982;1:207-14. PubMed
  14. Neuvonen PJ. Interactions with the absorption of tetracyclines. Drugs 1976;11:45-54.. PubMed
  15. Hirt M, Nobel S, Barron E. Zinc nasal gel for the treatment of common cold symptoms: A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Ear Nose Throat J 2000;79:778-82.. DOI
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Gotu Kola 18 references
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Lycopene 10 references
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Pygeum 3 references
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  11. Krzeski, T., Kazon, M., Borkowski, A., Witeska, A., and Kuczera, J. Combined extracts of Urtica dioica and Pygeum africanum in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia: double-blind comparison of two doses. Clin Ther 1993;15(6):1011-1020.
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  22. Niazi B, Ahmed K, Ahmed M, Ali S, Song K, Elias S. Drug-Induced Liver Injury from Herbal Liver Detoxification Tea. Case Rep Gastroenterol 2022;16(3):612-617. PubMed
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See these in context on the Stinging Nettle 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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