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Dietary supplement

Natural Stress Relief Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Life Extension

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

Natural Stress Relief is a dietary supplement by Life Extension with 2 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for anxiety and stress, relaxation and calm, sleep support.Based on those ingredients, 581 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Suntheanine, Cyracos Lemon Balm extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Natural Stress Relief by Life Extension

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 has 2 active ingredients. Suntheanine is a form of theanine, an amino acid that research suggests may help with cognitive function.

Cyracos Lemon Balm extract comes from the lemon balm plant and has been studied for stress and mood support. The product also contains inactive ingredients — vegetable cellulose, rice flour, and L-leucine — which are excipients that help form and fill the capsule.

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: Stress relief and relaxation support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Anxiety, Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), Stress, Insomnia, Depression, Nervous tension — and 3 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Lemon Balm is rated "Possibly Effective" for Depression (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Lemon Balm is rated "Possibly Effective" for Stress.
  • Also on file: Lemon Balm is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Anxiety, Insomnia.

For theanine, the evidence shows it's possibly effective for cognitive function. For age-related cognitive decline, Alzheimer's disease, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and cancer, the evidence is insufficient to rate it.

For lemon balm extract, the data supports it as possibly effective for stress, depression, and cold sores. Keep in mind that 'possibly effective' means there's some supportive research, but it's not definitive.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Theanine Lemon Balm

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.

Theanine is generally well tolerated in healthy adults for short-term use, though long-term safety hasn't been well studied. Side effects reported in trials include headaches, drowsiness, increased sleep duration, and more vivid dreams.

One pediatric case of facial tics was reported but was not thought to be related to the supplement. Lemon balm is generally well tolerated for short-term use; dizziness and sedation have been reported but don't appear more common than placebo.

One case of heart rhythm changes was reported with a multi-ingredient product containing lemon balm, though it's unclear if lemon balm was the culprit. Neither ingredient has enough safety data for pregnancy or breastfeeding — talk with your doctor or pharmacist before using either during these times.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Theanine Lemon Balm

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 — Lemon Balm, Theanine.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • For scale: 581 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.

Check your medications against this product if you take blood pressure drugs, thyroid hormone replacement, CNS depressants (like sleep aids or anxiety medications), or serotonergic antidepressants. Altogether, these interactions span 579 individual medications.

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. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This product may help with stress and cognitive function, but both ingredients interact with common medications — especially blood pressure drugs, thyroid replacement, sedatives, and some antidepressants. If you take any prescription medication, check your list against our interaction tool.

Talk with your pharmacist if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or considering long-term use.

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 Apr 22, 2016.

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 Stress Relief, straight from the product label.

Brand Life Extension
Net contents 10 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Apr 22, 2016
DSLD ID 59011
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Natural Stress Relief by Life Extension, 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 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
IngredientAmount% DV
Suntheanine200 mg--
Cyracos Lemon Balm extract300 mg--

Other ingredients: Vegetable Cellulose, Rice Flour, L-Leucine

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Read the entire label and follow the directions carefully prior to use. DIRECTIONS: Take one (1) capsule once or twice daily (morning and evening) with or without food, or as recommended by a healthcare practitioner.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Cyracos uses a non-selective traditional extraction process preserving the plant's phytochemical synergy.

Suntheanine is a registered trademark of Taiyo International, Inc. Use of Suntheanine is protected by US Trademark Registration No. 2,548,957.

Cyracos is a registered trademark of Naturex.

Storage

Store tightly closed in a cool, dry place.

Precautions

WARNINGS: ~ KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

~ DO NOT EXCEED RECOMMENDED DOSE. ~ Do not purchase if outer seal is broken or damaged.

~ When using nutritional supplements, please consult with your physician if you are undergoing treatment for a medical condition or if you are pregnant or lactating.

General

Q00987-10E

General Statements

Promotes a Healthy Response to Stress*

To report a serious adverse event or obtain product information, contact 1-866-280-2852.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Formulation

Non-GMO

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.

See for yourself

Natural Stress Relief by Life Extension label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Natural Stress Relief by Life Extension

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

Serving size1 Vegetarian Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule 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.

Suntheanine

Interacts with
565 drugs
200 mg per serving

Theanine (usually L-theanine) is an amino acid found naturally in tea leaves that many people take to feel calmer and less stressed without strong dro...

Suntheanine monograph & interactions

Cyracos Lemon Balm extract

Interacts with
264 drugs
300 mg per serving

Lemon balm is a gentle, lemon-scented mint-family herb traditionally used to ease stress, support sleep, and calm digestion, and topically for cold so...

Cyracos Lemon Balm extract monograph & interactions

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

Interaction report

Natural Stress Relief by Life Extension Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Natural Stress Relief?

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
581Drugs
435 Moderate 146 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Natural Stress Relief 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.

Suntheanine3 drug types · 565 drugs

Antihypertensive Drugs

Theanine might lower blood pressure, potentiating the effects of antihypertensive drugs.
Animal research shows that theanine can lower blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive animals. Theoretically, concomitant use of theanine and antihypertensive drugs might potentiate the antihypertensive activity.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cns Depressants

Theoretically, theanine might have additive sedative effects when used in conjunction with CNS depressants. However, it is unclear if this concern is clinically relevant.
Theoretically, theanine may compete with glutamate and/or increase plasma gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels, which could cause CNS depression. In one clinical study, some subjects taking oral theanine reported drowsiness.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Serotonergic Drugs

Clinical studies regarding the effects of L-theanine on serotonin levels are conflicting. Some studies suggest it can increase serotonin levels in the brain while others report that it may decrease them. Nevertheless, there have been no reports of l-theanine being a causative agent in serotonergic-related side effects or serotonin syndrome.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence C

Cyracos Lemon Balm extract2 drug types · 264 drugs

Cns Depressants

Theoretically, concomitant use of lemon balm might have additive effects with CNS depressant drugs.
Lemon balm seems to have CNS depressant activity in animals and in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Thyroid Hormone

Theoretically, lemon balm might interfere with thyroid hormone replacement therapy.
In vitro, constituents of lemon balm extract bind to thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), preventing TSH receptor-binding and leading to the inhibition of TSH-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity. In animals, lemon balm extract has been shown to decrease levels of circulating TSH and inhibit thyroid secretion.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Natural Stress Relief, from the product label.

Life Extension

See all Life Extension products
Name
Quality Supplements and Vitamins, Inc.
City
Ft. Lauderdale
State
FL
ZipCode
33309
Phone Number
1-866-280-2852
Web Address
LifeExtension.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Natural Stress Relief by Life Extension: Common Questions

Does Natural Stress Relief by Life Extension interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Natural Stress Relief has a known interaction with 581 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Natural Stress Relief 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.
Can I take this if I'm on blood pressure medication?
Theanine in this product may lower blood pressure, which could potentiate (strengthen) the effect of your blood pressure medication. That doesn't automatically mean you can't take it, but you need to check your specific drug with our tool and talk to your pharmacist or doctor before starting.
What side effects might I notice?
Theanine may cause headaches, drowsiness, or more vivid dreams. Lemon balm may cause dizziness or sedation, though these don't seem more common than placebo. Stop and talk to your pharmacist if you notice anything unusual.
Is it safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding?
There isn't enough safety data for either ingredient during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before using — they can give you personalized advice based on your situation.
How long can I take this?
Both ingredients are generally well tolerated for short-term use, but long-term safety hasn't been well studied. If you plan to use it beyond a few weeks, check with your pharmacist.
Does theanine actually help with anxiety or focus?
Theanine shows possibly effective evidence for cognitive function, meaning there's some research support but it's not definitive. For anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety or OCD, the evidence is insufficient to say whether it works.
What is lemon balm extract used for?
Lemon balm is possibly effective for stress, depression, and cold sores. It's the stress and mood support ingredient in this product.

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

Not sure if Natural Stress Relief is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

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 Stress Relief label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Natural Stress Relief'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 18 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.

Theanine 6 references
  1. Yokogoshi H, Kobayashi M. Hypotensive effect of gamma-glutamylethylamide in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Life Sci 1998;62:1065-8.
  2. Haskell, C. F., Kennedy, D. O., Milne, A. L., Wesnes, K. A., and Scholey, A. B. The effects of L-theanine, caffeine and their combination on cognition and mood. Biol.Psychol. 2008;77(2):113-122. PubMed
  3. Yokogoshi, H., Kato, Y., Sagesaka, Y. M., Takihara-Matsuura, T., Kakuda, T., and Takeuchi, N. Reduction effect of theanine on blood pressure and brain 5-hydroxyindoles in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Biosci.Biotechnol.Biochem. 1995;59(4):615-618. PubMed
  4. Lyon MR, Kapoor MP, Juneja LR. The effects of L-theanine (Suntheanine®) on objective sleep quality in boys with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Altern Med Rev. 2011;16(4):348-
  5. Hidese S, Ota M, Wakabayashi C, et al. Effects of chronic l-theanine administration in patients with major depressive disorder: an open-label study. Acta Neuropsychiatr 2017;29(2):72-9.
  6. Tsuchiya T, Honda H, Oikawa M, et al. Oral administration of the amino acids cystine and theanine attenuates the adverse events of S-1 adjuvant chemotherapy in gastrointestinal cancer patients. Int J Clin Oncol 2016;21(6):1085-90. PubMed

See these in context on the Theanine monograph →

Lemon Balm 12 references
  1. Wolbling RH, Leonhardt K. Local therapy of herpes simplex with dried extract from Melissa officinalis. Phytomedicine 1994;1:25-31.
  2. Akhondzadeh S, Noroozian M, Mohammadi M, et al. Melissa officinalis extract in the treatment of patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease: a double blind, randomised, placebo controlled trial. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2003;74:863-6. PubMed
  3. Kennedy DO, Scholey AB, Tildesley NT, et al. Modulation of mood and cognitive performance following acute administration of Melissa officinalis (lemon balm). Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2002;72:953-64. PubMed
  4. Albrecht M, Berger W, Laux P, Schmidt U, et al. Psychopharmaka und Verkehrssicherheit. Der Einfluß von Euvegal® - Dragees forte auf die Fahrtüchtigkeit und Kombinationswirkungen mit Alkohol Z Allg Med 1995;71:1215-25.
  5. Herberg, KW. Nebenwirkungen pflanzlicher Beruhigungsmittel/ Leistung und Befinden nach Einnahme einer Baldrian-Hopfen-Kombination. Z.Allg Med 1996;72:234-240.
  6. Soulimani R, Fleurentin J, Mortier F, et al. Neurotropic action of the hydroalcoholic extract of Melissa officinalis in the mouse. Planta Med. 1991 Apr;57:105-9.
  7. Sourgens H, Winterhoff H, Gumbinger HG, et al. Antihormonal effects of plant extracts. TSH- and prolactin-suppressing properties of Lithospermum officinale and other plants. Planta Med. 1982 Jun;45:78-86. DOI
  8. Auf'mkolk M, Ingbar JC, Amir SM, et al. Inhibition by certain plant extracts of the binding and adenylate cyclase stimulatory effect of bovine thyrotropin in human thyroid membranes. Endocrinology. 1984 Aug;115:527-34. PubMed
  9. Santini F, Vitti P, Ceccarini G, et al. In vitro assay of thyroid disruptors affecting TSH-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity. J Endocrinol Invest. 2003 Oct;26:950-5. PubMed
  10. Alijaniha F, et al. Heart palpitation relief with Melissa officinalis leaf extract: double blind, randomized, placebo controlled trial of efficacy and safety. J Ethnopharmacol. 2015;164:378-384. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2015.02.007. Epub 2015 Feb 11. PubMed
  11. Araj-Khodaei M, Noorbala AA, Yarani R, et al. A double-blind, randomized pilot study for comparison of Melissa officinalis L. and Lavandula angustifolia Mill. with Fluoxetine for the treatment of depression. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2020;20(1):207. PubMed
  12. Kucuk U, Pham M, Raza Raja MH, Saad Shaukat MH, Clark R. Transient complete atrioventricular block associated with herbal supplement use. S D Med 2023;76(7):311-313.

See these in context on the Lemon Balm 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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