Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 1 of 2 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Natural Spirulina 500 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by NOW

Natural Spirulina 500 mg label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Botanical
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 Natural Spirulina 500 mg 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

Natural Spirulina 500 mg is a dietary supplement by NOW with 2 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for general nutrition and energy, antioxidant support, cholesterol and metabolic health.Based on those ingredients, 327 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Spirulina. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against Natural Spirulina 500 mg by NOW

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Natural Spirulina 500 mg by NOW — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Natural Spirulina 500 mg by NOW

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

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 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: spirulina, a blue-green algae, at 500 mg per capsule. The capsules also contain two inactive ingredients—hypromellose and stearic acid—that serve as a capsule shell and lubricant.

Does it work?

Not established
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Not established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use — see Blue-green Algae's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: nutrient-rich whole food supplement.
  • We looked for evidence on: Malnutrition, Athletic performance, Dyslipidemia, Metabolic syndrome, Obesity, General nutrition — and 3 related terms.
  • The closest evidence on file: Blue-green Algae is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Athletic performance (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Blue-green Algae is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Dyslipidemia, Obesity, Metabolic syndrome, Malnutrition.

Spirulina has been rated possibly effective for high blood pressure (hypertension). For other uses listed in our data—acne, hay fever, iron deficiency anemia, and arsenic poisoning—the evidence isn't strong enough to rate, so we can't tell you whether it works for those conditions from the data we hold.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Blue-green Algae

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 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Spirulina is generally well tolerated when taken by mouth. The most common side effects are mild: abdominal cramps, bloating, diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, gas, headache, nausea, and vomiting.

Allergic reactions are rare but serious—rashes and itching have been reported, and one case of anaphylaxis (a severe whole-body reaction) occurred 6 hours after a teenager took spirulina tablets; he had a positive skin test to an algae protein. A small number of people taking spirulina 2.3 grams daily reported mild gum bleeding or bruising.

There's an important caution: quality varies widely, and some spirulina products can be contaminated with toxins or heavy metals, so source matters.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Blue-green Algae

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?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Blue-green Algae.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 327 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, check with your pharmacist if you use blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs (Moderate risk of increased bleeding), immunosuppressants (Moderate risk of interference with your therapy), or diabetes medications (Moderate risk of low blood sugar). No interactions are documented beyond these three drug types in our data.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Spirulina may be worth considering if you're exploring options for blood pressure, but the interaction profile is substantial—it affects hundreds of medications. If you take blood thinners, immunosuppressants, or diabetes drugs, you need to check with your pharmacist first.

Always talk to us before starting, and be aware that product quality and contamination risk vary by brand.

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

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jun 20, 2024.

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 Natural Spirulina 500 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand NOW
Barcode (UPC) 733739027023
Net contents 120 Veg Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jun 20, 2024
DSLD ID 313872
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Kosher, Gluten Free, Dairy 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 Natural Spirulina 500 mg by NOW, 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:
6 Veg Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
6 Veg Capsule(s)
Servings per container
20
UPC/BARCODE
733739027023
IngredientAmount% DV
Calories10 Calorie(s)--
Total Carbohydrates1 Gram(s)1%
Protein2 Gram(s)4%
Spirulina3 Gram(s)--

Other ingredients: Hypromellose, Stearic Acid

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

Suggested Use: Take 6 capsules daily.

Formula

NOW Spirulina delivers the natural nutrient profile found in genuine whole foods. Spirulina is a blue-green microalgae that has naturally occurring protein, plus other nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and GLA (gamma-linolenic acid).

Triangle K (Kosher)

Formulation

Not manufactured with yeast, wheat, gluten, soy, corn, milk, egg, fish, shellfish, or tree nut ingredients.

Super green Nutrient rich

Non-GMO

Vegetarian/Vegan

Made and quality tested in the USA with globally sourced ingredients.

Natural color variation may occur in this product.

Precautions

Not manufactured with yeast, wheat, gluten, soy, corn, milk, egg, fish, shellfish, or tree nut ingredients. Produced in a GMP facility that processes other ingredients containing these allergens.

Caution: For adults only. Keep out of reach of children.

Consult physician if pregnant/nursing, taking medication or have a medical condition.

FDA Statement of Identity

A Dietary supplement

Seals/Symbols

Triangle K (Kosher)

GMP Quality Assured

General Statements

Botanicals/Herbs Family owned since 1968.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place after opening.

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

See for yourself

Natural Spirulina 500 mg by NOW label

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

Natural Spirulina 500 mg 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 Natural Spirulina 500 mg by NOW

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

Serving size6 Veg 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.

Protein

2 Gram(s) per serving

Spirulina

Interacts with
327 drugs
3 Gram(s) per serving Form: Arthrospira plantensis

Blue-green algae are nutrient-rich aquatic microorganisms (such as spirulina and Klamath Lake algae) taken as a supplement for energy, nutrition, and...

Spirulina monograph & interactions

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

Interaction report

Natural Spirulina 500 mg by NOW Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Natural Spirulina 500 mg?

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
327Drugs
327 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Spirulina 327

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Natural Spirulina 500 mg interact with 327 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 2 ingredients in Natural Spirulina 500 mg interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Spirulina

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Natural Spirulina 500 mg with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Spirulina3 drug types · 327 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, spirulina blue-green algae might increase the risk of bleeding if used with other anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs. However, this is unlikely.
Spirulina blue-green algae have shown antiplatelet and anticoagulant effects in vitro. However, one preliminary study in 24 patients receiving spirulina blue-green algae 2.3 grams daily for 2 weeks showed no effect on platelet activation or measures of clotting time.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking blue-green algae with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Human research shows that spirulina blue-green algae can have hypoglycemic effects in patients with diabetes, at least some of whom were using antidiabetes drugs. However, blue-green algae does not seem to improve glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels in patients with diabetes. A meta-analysis of animal studies also suggests that spirulina blue-green algae have hypoglycemic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, concurrent use of blue-green algae might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Blue-green algae have been shown to stimulate the immune system.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Spirulina full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Natural Spirulina 500 mg, from the product label.

NOW

See all NOW products
Name
NOW FOODS
Street Address
395 S. Glen Ellyn Rd.
City
Bloomingdale
State
IL
ZipCode
60108
Web Address
nowfoods.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Natural Spirulina 500 mg by NOW: Common Questions

Does Natural Spirulina 500 mg by NOW interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Natural Spirulina 500 mg has a known interaction with 327 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Natural Spirulina 500 mg 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.
Does spirulina actually lower blood pressure?
Spirulina is rated possibly effective for high blood pressure in our data, so there's some evidence it may help—but it's not definitive. Talk to your doctor about whether it's right for you as part of your blood pressure plan.
What side effects might I get?
Most people tolerate it well. You might experience mild stomach upset—cramps, bloating, diarrhea, nausea, or gas—plus dizziness, fatigue, or headache. Allergic reactions are rare but can be serious; seek emergency help if you notice rash, swelling of lips, or trouble breathing.
Is spirulina safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
We don't have safety data on file for pregnancy or breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you're pregnant or nursing.
Why does the product quality matter so much?
Spirulina can be contaminated with toxins or heavy metals depending on where and how it's grown. Choosing a reputable brand tested for purity is important to avoid these risks.
Can I take this if I'm on a blood thinner like warfarin?
Spirulina has anticoagulant effects and could theoretically increase bleeding risk, so you absolutely need to check with your pharmacist first. Don't start it on your own if you're on a blood thinner.

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

Not sure if Natural Spirulina 500 mg is safe with your meds?

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Ask a pharmacist

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.

Natural Spirulina 500 mg label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Natural Spirulina 500 mg’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Blue-green Algae

Interacts with 327 drugs

Blue-green algae are nutrient-rich aquatic microorganisms (such as spirulina and Klamath Lake algae) taken as a supplement for energy, nutrition, and general wellness. Evidence for most heal...

Read the full Blue-green Algae monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Natural Spirulina 500 mg's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 22 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Blue-green Algae 22 references
  1. Jensen GS, Ginsberg DJ, Huerta P, et al. Consumption of Aphanizomenon flos-aquae has rapid effects on the circulation and function of immune cells in humans. A novel approach to nutritional mobilization of the immune system. JANA 2000;2:50-6.
  2. Iwasa M, Yamamoto M, Tanaka Y, et al. Spirulina-associated hepatotoxicity. Am J Gastroenterol 2002;97:3212-13. PubMed
  3. Hayashi O, Katoh T, Okuwaki Y. Enhancement of antibody production in mice by dietary Spirulina platensis. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo) 1994;40:431-41.. PubMed
  4. Vitale S, Miller NR, Mejico LJ, et al. A randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover clinical trial of super blue-green algae in patients with essential blepharospasm or Meige syndrome. Am J Ophthalmol 2004;138:18-32. PubMed
  5. Mani UV, Desai S, Iyer U. Studies on the long-term effect of spirulina supplementation on serum lipid profile and glycated proteins in NIDDM patients. J Nutraceut 2000;2(3):25-32. DOI
  6. Chiu HF, Yang SP, Kuo YL, et al. Mechanisms involved in the antiplatelet effect of C-phycocyanin. Br J Nutr 2006;95:435-40. PubMed
  7. Hsiao G, Chou PH, Shen MY, et al. C-phycocyanin, a very potent and novel platelet aggregation inhibitor from Spirulina platensis. J Agric Food Chem 2005;53:7734-40.
  8. Katz M, Levine AA, Kol-Degani H, Kav-Venaki L. A compound herbal preparation (CHP) in the treatment of children with ADHD: a randomized controlled trial. J Atten Disord 2010;14:281-91. PubMed
  9. Madhyastha, H. K., Radha, K. S., Sugiki, M., Omura, S., and Maruyama, M. Purification of c-phycocyanin from Spirulina fusiformis and its effect on the induction of urokinase-type plasminogen activator from calf pulmonary endothelial cells. Phytomedicine PubMed
  10. Mazokopakis, E. E., Karefilakis, C. M., Tsartsalis, A. N., Milkas, A. N., and Ganotakis, E. S. Acute rhabdomyolysis caused by Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis). Phytomedicine. 2008;15(6-7):525-527. PubMed
  11. Halidou, Doudou M., Degbey, H., Daouda, H., Leveque, A., Donnen, P., Hennart, P., and Dramaix-Wilmet, M. [The effect of spiruline during nutritional rehabilitation: systematic review]. Rev.Epidemiol.Sante Publique 2008;56(6):425-431.
  12. Konno, T., Umeda, Y., Umeda, M., Kawachi, I., Oyake, M., and Fujita, N. [A case of inflammatory myopathy with widely skin rash following use of supplements containing Spirulina]. Rinsho Shinkeigaku 2011;51(5):330-333. PubMed
  13. Le TM, Knulst AC, Röckmann H. Anaphylaxis to Spirulina confirmed by skin prick test with ingredients of Spirulina tablets. Food Chem Toxicol 2014;74:309-10. PubMed
  14. Rzymski P, Niedzielski P, Kaczmarek N, Jurczak T, Klimaszyk P. The multidisciplinary approach to safety and toxicity assessment of microalgae-based food supplements following clinical cases of poisoning. Harmful Algae 2015;46:34-42. DOI
  15. Petrus M, Culerrier R, Campistron M, et al. First case report of anaphylaxis to spirulin: identification of phycocyanin as responsible allergen. Allergy 2010;65(7):924-5. PubMed
  16. Marles RJ, Barrett ML, Barnes J, et al. United States Pharmacopeia safety evaluation of spirulina. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2011;51(7):593-604. PubMed
  17. Majdoub H, Ben Mansour M, Chaubet F, et al. Anticoagulant activity of a sulfated polysaccharide from the green alga Arthrospira platensis. Biochim Biophys Acta 2009;1790(10):1377-81. PubMed
  18. Cha BG, Kwak HW, Park AR, et al. Structural characteristics and biological performance of silk fibroin nanofiber containing microalgae spirulina extract. Biopolymers 2014;101(4):307-18. PubMed
  19. Jensen GS, Drapeau C, Lenninger M, Benson KF. Clinical safety of a high dose of phycocyanin-enriched aqueous extract from Arthrospira (Spirulina) platensis: results from a randomized, double-Blind, placebo-controlled study with a focus on anticoagulant ac
  20. Hamedifard Z, Milajerdi A, Reiner Z, Taghizadeh M, Kolahdooz F, Asemi Z. The effects of spirulina on glycemic control and serum lipoproteins in patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized con
  21. Moradi S, Zobeiri M, Feizi A, Clark CCT, Entezari MH. The effects of spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) supplementation on anthropometric indices, blood pressure, sleep quality, mental health, fatigue status and quality of life in patients with ulcerative
  22. Ghanbari F, Amerizadeh A, Behshood P, Moradi S, Asgary S. Effect of microalgae arthrospira on biomarkers of glycemic control and glucose metabolism: a systematic Review and meta-analysis. Curr Probl Cardiol 2022;47(10):100942. PubMed

See these in context on the Blue-green Algae 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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