Major interaction on record — check this product against your medications before combining. Based on 4 of 5 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Meta GC Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Celebrate

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

Meta GC is a dietary supplement by Celebrate with 5 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for flavoring and culinary use, digestive complaints like bloating and indigestion, boosting absorption of other supplements.Based on those ingredients, 1,376 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are GlucoVantage, Bioperine, Cinnamon, Powder. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Meta GC by Celebrate

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 5 of its 5 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Meta GC contains five active ingredients. Bioperine is an extract of black pepper designed to enhance absorption of other compounds.

Cinnamon powder (cassia variety) and berberine (GlucoVantage) are both traditionally used for blood sugar support, while Cissus quadrangularis is included for weight management. The product also contains Chromax, for which we hold no interaction data.

The capsule itself is made from hypromellose and filled with inactive ingredients — microcrystalline cellulose, calcium silicate, magnesium stearate, and silica — that serve as binders and flow agents.

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: metabolic wellness.
  • We looked for evidence on: Diabetes, Dyslipidemia, Hyperlipidemia, Impaired glucose tolerance (prediabetes), Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), Metabolic syndrome — and 4 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Berberine is rated "Possibly Effective" for Diabetes (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Berberine is rated "Possibly Effective" for Hyperlipidemia.
  • Also on file: Cissus Quadrangularis is rated "Possibly Effective" for Obesity.

Berberine shows evidence of being possibly effective for high cholesterol, PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes. Cissus quadrangularis is possibly effective for obesity.

The other active ingredients — Bioperine, cinnamon, and Chromax — lack reliable evidence in our data to support their use for any of the conditions we assessed. If you're interested in this product for a specific health goal, it's worth talking through the evidence with your pharmacist.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Black Pepper Cassia Cinnamon Berberine Cissus Quadrangularis

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 4 of the 4 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 4 of 4.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 4 of 4.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Black pepper (Bioperine) is generally well tolerated at food amounts and as a single dose, though concentrated piperine supplements warrant medical guidance. The most common side effects are a burning aftertaste, indigestion, and reduced taste perception.

Allergic reactions are rare but have been reported in sensitive individuals. Cassia cinnamon is likely safe in pregnancy and lactation at food amounts, but high-dose supplements are not recommended during pregnancy because safety data is limited.

At supplement doses, cinnamon can cause rash or contact dermatitis in some people, and very high intakes over time may stress the liver due to its coumarin content. Berberine should be avoided during pregnancy — it may cross the placenta and has been linked to harm in newborns — and also avoided while breastfeeding because it passes into breast milk.

Most common side effects from berberine are digestive: abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Cissus quadrangularis has not been studied long-term and should be avoided in pregnancy and breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Black Pepper Cassia Cinnamon Berberine Cissus Quadrangularis

Meds to double-check

Major interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Major identified

At least one ingredient has a documented Major-severity interaction. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 4 of the 4 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Black Pepper, Cassia Cinnamon, Berberine, Cissus Quadrangularis.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; diabetes medications; lithium.
  • For scale: 1,377 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 this product, double-check with your pharmacist if you take cyclosporine (Major severity). Check Moderate-severity risks carefully if you're on diabetes medications, blood pressure drugs, blood thinners, sedatives, antiviral drugs like nevirapine, seizure medications like phenytoin, or any drug metabolized by your liver (your pharmacist can tell you).

Do not take if you're pregnant or breastfeeding and using berberine-containing products.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Meta GC is a multi-ingredient supplement with a broad interaction footprint, especially if you take diabetes medications, blood pressure drugs, blood thinners, or sedatives. The most serious concern is berberine with cyclosporine.

If you're on any prescription medication, check your exact drugs with the tool on this page before starting. Berberine is off-limits if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.

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

Assessment coverage: 4 of 5 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Sep 25, 2025.

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 Meta GC, straight from the product label.

Brand Celebrate
Barcode (UPC) 812278034126
Net contents 60 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Sep 25, 2025
DSLD ID 337085
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 Meta GC by Celebrate, 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:
1 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
812278034126
IngredientAmount% DV
Bioperine5 mg--
Cinnamon, Powder100 mg--
Chromax200 mcg571%
GlucoVantage100 mg--
Cissus CQR300150 mg--

Other ingredients: Hypromellose, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Calcium Silicate, Magnesium Stearate, Silica

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.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: Take one capsule twice daily shortly before meals.

Precautions

Do not use if safety seal is broken.

Keep out of reach of small children.

Storage

Store at 15-30 Degrees C (59-86 Degrees F).

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.

Seals/Symbols

GMP Good Manufacturing Practice Certified

Formulation

Gluten-Free

Metabolic Wellness

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Brand IP Statement(s)

CHROMAX including the Chromax logo is a registered trademark of Nutrition 21, LLC. Chromax is patented protected. Cissus quadrangularis CQR300 is a registered trademark of Gateway Health Alliances, Inc. US Patent 8,318,213. GlucoVantage is a registered trademark of NNB Nutrition. BIOPERINE is a registered trademark of Sabinsa Corporation.

See for yourself

Meta GC by Celebrate label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Meta GC by Celebrate

These are the 5 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.

Bioperine

Interacts with
1,019 drugs
5 mg per serving Form: Black Pepper Fruit Extract

Black pepper is a common kitchen spice that is generally safe in the amounts used in food. Its extract, piperine, is mostly added to supplements to he...

Bioperine monograph & interactions

Cinnamon, Powder

Interacts with
442 drugs
100 mg per serving

Cassia cinnamon is the common, inexpensive cinnamon used in cooking, and it is also taken as a supplement, most often for blood sugar support. The evi...

Cinnamon, Powder monograph & interactions

Chromax

200 mcg per serving Form: Chromium

GlucoVantage

Interacts with
1,160 drugs
100 mg per serving Form: Dihydroberberine

Berberine is a yellow plant compound that has shown promise for lowering blood sugar and cholesterol in some studies, but the quality of research vari...

GlucoVantage monograph & interactions

Cissus CQR300

Interacts with
86 drugs
150 mg per serving Form: Cissus quadrangularis aerial parts extract

Cissus quadrangularis is a traditional vine used mainly for bone health, joint pain, and weight management. Most of the supporting evidence comes from...

Cissus CQR300 monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Hypromellose, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Calcium Silicate, Magnesium Stearate, Silica. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Meta GC by Celebrate Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Meta GC?

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
1,376Drugs
1 Major 1,366 Moderate 9 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

GlucoVantage 1,160
Bioperine 1,019

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Meta GC 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.

GlucoVantage15 drug types · 1,160 drugs

Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)

Berberine can increase serum levels of cyclosporine.
Berberine can reduce metabolism and increase serum levels of cyclosporine. Berberine might inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4), which metabolizes cyclosporine.

Likelihood Probable Evidence A
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, berberine might increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
In vitro and in vivo research suggest that berberine can inhibit platelet aggregation. Theoretically, berberine might have additive effects when used with anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs and increase the risk of bleeding.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, berberine may increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Clinical research shows that berberine may lower blood glucose levels. Theoretically, berberine might have additive effects with antidiabetes drugs and increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, berberine might have additive effects with antihypertensive drugs.
Animal research suggests that berberine can have hypotensive effects. Also, a clinical study suggests that taking berberine in combination with amlodipine can lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure when compared with amlodipine alone.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cns Depressants

Theoretically, berberine might increase the sedative effects of CNS depressants.
Animal research suggests that berberine may have sedative effects. Theoretically, use of berberine along with CNS depressants might produce additive therapeutic and adverse effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2C9 (Cyp2C9) Substrates

Theoretically, berberine might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C9.
Preliminary clinical research shows that berberine can inhibit CYP2C9. Theoretically, taking berberine with drugs metabolized by CYP2C9 might increase drug levels and increase the risk of adverse effects.

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

Theoretically, berberine might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
In vitro research and preliminary clinical evidence show that berberine can inhibit CYP2D6. Theoretically, use of berberine with drugs metabolized by CYP2D6 might increase drug levels and increase the risk of adverse effects.

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

Theoretically, berberine might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
In vitro research and preliminary clinical research show that berberine moderately inhibits CYP3A4. Theoretically, use of berberine with drugs metabolized by CYP3A4 might increase drug levels and increase the risk of adverse effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence A
Dextromethorphan (Robitussin Dm, Others)

Theoretically, berberine may increase serum levels of dextromethorphan.
Preliminary clinical research shows that berberine can inhibit cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) activity and reduce the metabolism of dextromethorphan. This may increase the effects and side effects of dextromethorphan.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Losartan (Cozaar)

Berberine might reduce the therapeutic effects of losartan by decreasing its conversion to its active form.
Preliminary clinical research suggests that berberine can inhibit cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) activity and reduce metabolism of losartan.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Metformin (Glucophage)

Theoretically, berberine might increase the therapeutic and adverse effects of metformin.
In vitro and animal studies show that berberine can increase the systemic exposure and half-life of metformin, potentially increasing metformin's effects and side effects. This interaction seems to be most apparent when berberine is administered 2 hours prior to metformin. Taking berberine and metformin at the same time does not appear to increase systemic exposure to metformin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Midazolam (Versed)

Berberine can reduce metabolism of midazolam, which might increase the risk of severe adverse effects.
Preliminary clinical research shows that berberine can inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) activity and reduce metabolism of midazolam.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Pentobarbital (Nembutal)

Berberine might increase the sedative effect of pentobarbital.
Evidence from animal research shows that berberine can prolong pentobarbital-induced sleeping time. Theoretically, combining berberine and pentobarbital might increase the sedative effects of pentobarbital.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Tacrolimus (Prograf)

Berberine has been associated with increased blood levels of tacrolimus.
In a 16-year-old patient with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome who was being treated with tacrolimus 6.5 mg twice daily, intake of berberine 200 mg three times daily increased the blood concentration of tacrolimus from 8 to 22 ng/mL. Following a reduction of the tacrolimus dose to 3 mg daily, blood levels of tacrolimus decreased to 12 ng/mL.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Acetazolamide

Laboratory studies and initial clinical findings suggest that berberine has the potential to increase acetazolamide concentrations in the body. More research is needed to confirm this interaction.

Likelihood Possible Evidence C

Bioperine17 drug types · 1,019 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, black pepper might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs.
In vitro research shows that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, seems to inhibit platelet aggregation. This has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, black pepper might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Animal research shows that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, can reduce blood glucose levels. Monitor blood glucose levels closely. Dose adjustments might be necessary.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Atorvastatin (Lipitor)

Theoretically, black pepper might increase blood levels of atorvastatin.
Animal research shows that taking piperine, a constituent of black pepper, 35 mg/kg can increase the maximum serum concentration of atorvastatin three-fold. This has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)

Theoretically, black pepper might increase the effects and side effects of cyclosporine.
In vitro research shows that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, increases the bioavailability of cyclosporine. This has not been reported in humans.

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

Theoretically, black pepper might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
In vitro research suggests that some constituents of black pepper inhibit CYP2D6. This has not been reported in humans.

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

Theoretically, black pepper might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
In vitro research and pharmacokinetic simulation data suggest that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, as well as the pepper fruit seem to inhibit CYP3A4. This has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Lithium

Theoretically, black pepper might increase blood levels of lithium due to its diuretic effects. The dose of lithium might need to be reduced.
Black pepper is thought to have diuretic properties.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Nevirapine (Viramune)

Black pepper might increase blood levels of nevirapine.
Clinical research shows that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, increases the plasma concentration of nevirapine. However, no adverse effects were observed in this study.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
P-Glycoprotein Substrates

Theoretically, black pepper might increase levels of P-glycoprotein substrates.
In vitro research shows that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, seems to inhibit P-glycoprotein.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Pentobarbital (Nembutal)

Theoretically, black pepper might increase the sedative effects of pentobarbital.
Animal research shows that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, increases pentobarbital-induced sleeping time.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Phenytoin (Dilantin)

Black pepper might increase blood levels of phenytoin.
Clinical research shows that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, seems to increase absorption, slow elimination, and increase levels of phenytoin. Taking a single dose of black pepper 1 gram along with phenytoin seems to double the serum concentration of phenytoin. Consuming a soup with black pepper providing piperine 44 mg/200 mL of soup along with phenytoin also seems to increase phenytoin levels when compared with consuming the same soup without black pepper.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Propranolol (Inderal)

Black pepper might increase blood levels of propranolol.
Clinical research shows that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, seems to increase absorption and slow elimination of propranolol.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Rifampin (Rifadin)

Black pepper might increase blood levels of rifampin.
Clinical research shows that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, seems to increase absorption and serum levels of rifampin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Theophylline

Black pepper might increase blood levels of theophylline.
Clinical research shows that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, seems to increase absorption and slow elimination of theophylline.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Amoxicillin (Amoxil, Trimox)

Theoretically, black pepper might increase the effects and side effects of amoxicillin.
Animal research shows that taking piperine, a constituent of black pepper, with amoxicillin increases plasma levels of amoxicillin. This has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)

Theoretically, black pepper might increase blood levels of carbamazepine, potentially increasing the effects and side effects of carbamazepine.
One clinical study in patients taking carbamazepine 300 mg or 500 mg twice daily shows that taking a single 20 mg dose of purified piperine, a constituent of black pepper, increases carbamazepine levels. Piperine may increase carbamazepine absorption by increasing blood flow to the GI tract, increasing the surface area of the small intestine, or inhibiting cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) in the gut wall. Absorption was significantly increased by 7-10 mcg/mL/hour. The time to eliminate carbamazepine was also increased by 4-8 hours. Although carbamazepine levels were increased, this did not appear to increase side effects. In vitro research also shows that piperine can increase carbamazepine levels by 11% in a time-dependent manner.

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

Theoretically, black pepper might decrease levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2.
In vitro research suggests that black pepper induces CYP1A2. This has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Cinnamon, Powder2 drug types · 442 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, cassia cinnamon may have additive effects with antidiabetes drugs.
Cassia cinnamon may lower blood glucose levels, and have additive effects in patients treated with antidiabetic agents. Dose adjustments to diabetes medications might be necessary.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Hepatotoxic Drugs

Theoretically, large doses of cassia cinnamon might cause additive effects when used with hepatotoxic drugs.
There is some concern that ingesting large amounts of cassia cinnamon for an extended duration might cause hepatotoxicity in some people. Cassia cinnamon contains coumarin, which can cause hepatotoxicity in animal models. In humans, very high doses of coumarin from 50-7000 mg/day can result in hepatotoxicity that resolves when coumarin use is discontinued. Lower amounts might also cause liver problems in sensitive people, such as those with liver disease or those taking potentially hepatotoxic agents.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Cissus CQR3001 drug type · 86 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, Cissus quadrangularis might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Small clinical studies suggest that Cissus quadrangularis might reduce fasting blood glucose in individuals with overweight or obesity.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Meta GC, from the product label.

Celebrate

See all Celebrate products
Name
Celebrate Vitamins
Street Address
516 Corporate Pkwy
City
Wadsworth
State
OH
ZipCode
44281
Phone Number
877-424-1953
Web Address
CelebrateVitamins.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Meta GC by Celebrate: Common Questions

Does Meta GC by Celebrate interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Meta GC has a known interaction with 1,376 medications, including 1 rated major. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Meta GC contains 5 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 Meta GC if I'm on diabetes medication?
Not without checking first. Both berberine and cinnamon in this product may lower blood sugar, and berberine specifically can have additive effects with diabetes drugs, raising the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Talk to your pharmacist or doctor before using it — your dose might need adjustment.
Is this safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
No. Berberine should be avoided during pregnancy — it may cross the placenta and has been linked to newborn harm — and avoided while breastfeeding because it passes into breast milk. Cinnamon at food amounts is likely fine, but the supplement doses in this product and Chromax's safety during pregnancy and lactation are not well studied, so it's best to skip it.
What side effects might I notice?
The most common are digestive: stomach pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, or vomiting from berberine; a burning aftertaste or indigestion from black pepper; and dry mouth or flatulence from Cissus. Rash and headache have been reported. Serious side effects are rare but can include allergic reactions.
Does this product actually work for weight loss or blood sugar?
Cissus quadrangularis and berberine both show possibly effective evidence for their intended uses — Cissus for obesity and berberine for diabetes and cholesterol — but the data is from small studies. Black pepper, cinnamon, and Chromax lack reliable evidence in our data for the conditions they're meant to treat.
What is Bioperine, and why is it in here?
Bioperine is an extract of black pepper containing piperine, added to enhance how your body absorbs the other ingredients. That's the intended benefit, but it also increases how much of certain medications your body takes in — another reason to check your drugs first.
Can I take this with blood thinners like warfarin?
Possibly not. Berberine can inhibit platelet aggregation and theoretically increase bleeding risk when combined with blood thinners. Check with your pharmacist before starting — your doctor may need to monitor you more closely or adjust your dose.

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.

Meta GC label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Meta GC'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 95 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 Pepper 29 references
  1. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1996.
  2. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
  3. Bano G, Amla V, Raina RK, et al. The effect of piperine on pharmacokinetics of phenytoin in healthy volunteers. Planta Med 1987;53:568-9. PubMed
  4. Bano G, et al. Effect of piperine on bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of propranolol and theophylline in healthy volunteers. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 1991;41;615-7. PubMed
  5. Cohle SD, Trestrail JD III, Graham MA, et al. Fatal pepper aspiration. Am J Dis Child 1988;142:633-6. PubMed
  6. Bhardwaj RK, Glaeser H, Becquemont L, et al. Piperine, a major constituent of black pepper, inhibits human P-glycoprotein and CYP3A4. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2002;302:645-50. PubMed
  7. Velpandian T, Jasuja R, Bhardwaj RK, et al. Piperine in food: interference in the pharmacokinetics of phenytoin. Eur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet 2001;26:241-7. PubMed
  8. Pattanaik S, Hota D, Prabhakar S, et al. Pharmacokinetic interaction of a single dose of piperine with steady-state carbamazepine in epilepsy patients. Phytother Res 2009;23:1281-6.
  9. Munakata, M., Kobayashi, K., Niisato-Nezu, J., Tanaka, S., Kakisaka, Y., Ebihara, T., Ebihara, S., Haginoya, K., Tsuchiya, S., and Onuma, A. Olfactory stimulation using black pepper oil facilitates oral feeding in pediatric patients receiving long-term en
  10. Myers, B. M., Smith, J. L., and Graham, D. Y. Effect of red pepper and black pepper on the stomach. Am J Gastroenterol 1987;82(3):211-214.
  11. Raghavendra, R. H. and Naidu, K. A. Spice active principles as the inhibitors of human platelet aggregation and thromboxane biosynthesis. Prostaglandins Leukot.Essent.Fatty Acids 2009;81(1):73-78. PubMed
  12. Subehan, Usia, T., Kadota, S., and Tezuka, Y. Mechanism-based inhibition of human liver microsomal cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) by alkamides of Piper nigrum. Planta Med 2006;72(6):527-532.
  13. Kasibhatta, R. and Naidu, M. U. Influence of piperine on the pharmacokinetics of nevirapine under fasting conditions: a randomised, crossover, placebo-controlled study. Drugs R.D. 2007;8(6):383-391. PubMed
  14. Usia, T., Iwata, H., Hiratsuka, A., Watabe, T., Kadota, S., and Tezuka, Y. CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 inhibitory activities of Indonesian medicinal plants. Phytomedicine. 2006;13(1-2):67-73. PubMed
  15. Mujumdar, A. M., Dhuley, J. N., Deshmukh, V. K., Raman, P. H., Thorat, S. L., and Naik, S. R. Effect of piperine on pentobarbitone induced hypnosis in rats. Indian J Exp.Biol. 1990;28(5):486-487.
  16. Panda, S. and Kar, A. Piperine lowers the serum concentrations of thyroid hormones, glucose and hepatic 5'D activity in adult male mice. Horm.Metab Res. 2003;35(9):523-526. PubMed
  17. Lawless, H. and Stevens, D. A. Effects of oral chemical irritation on taste. Physiol Behav. 1984;32(6):995-998. PubMed
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Cassia Cinnamon 20 references
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Berberine 41 references
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Cissus Quadrangularis 5 references
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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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