Major interaction on record — check this product against your medications before combining. Based on 15 of 16 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Ocean Minerals Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Crystal Star

Capsule Category: Botanical With Nutrients
Most serious interaction: Major
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Major

Ocean Minerals is a dietary supplement by Crystal Star with 16 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for preventing iodine deficiency, supporting thyroid hormone production, general energy and metabolism support.Based on those ingredients, 1,436 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Kelp, Alfalfa, Dandelion. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Ocean Minerals by Crystal Star

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

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 3 of its 16 active ingredients.
  • “Proprietary Herbal Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (1.20 Gram(s)) without saying how much of each component you get.

Crystal Star Ocean Minerals is a 16-ingredient capsule formula focused on mineral and botanical sources. The active ingredients include L-glutamine (an amino acid), iodine, potassium, and chloride — key electrolytes and minerals — alongside herbal components: alfalfa, spirulina, watercress, Irish moss, kelp, barley grass, nettle, gentian, butcher's broom, sea buckthorn, dulse, and dandelion.

The product also contains a proprietary herbal blend. Two inactive ingredients — vegetarian capsule and rice hull concentrate — are present as excipients.

Does it work?

Couldn't assess
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 assessable

We hold no graded evidence for this product's ingredients for its stated purpose.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Plant-based calcium for bone health.
  • We looked for evidence on: Bone density, Calcium deficiency, Skeletal health.
  • Our graded evidence for these ingredients doesn't cover that particular purpose.

Evidence varies widely across these ingredients. Barley grass is likely effective for high cholesterol and heart disease.

Iodine is likely effective for radiation exposure and iodine deficiency, and possibly effective for oral health. Glutamine is effective for sickle cell disease and possibly effective for muscle recovery after surgery and HIV-related wasting.

Spirulina is possibly effective for high blood pressure. Butcher's broom is possibly effective for chronic venous insufficiency (poor circulation in the legs).

Sea buckthorn is possibly effective for burns. For most other conditions claimed — alfalfa for diabetes, nettle for allergies or anemia, gentian for digestion, dandelion for joint pain, watercress, and dulse — the evidence is insufficient or not established in our data.

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 14 of the 15 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 15 of 15.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 15 of 15.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Most ingredients are generally well tolerated in typical doses. Glutamine may cause belching, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting; it should be used only under medical supervision in people with kidney or liver disease.

Iodine is safe at normal dietary levels but high doses can disrupt thyroid function; adequate iodine matters in pregnancy, but avoid high-dose products. Potassium from food is fine, but supplements can cause dangerously high blood levels, especially in kidney disease — avoid supplemental doses unless medically guided.

Alfalfa is generally well tolerated but carries rare risk of a lupus-like syndrome with chronic use and should be avoided in supplement amounts during pregnancy. Spirulina quality varies and contamination with toxins or heavy metals is a real concern — it should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Watercress is safe as food but raw wild watercress can harbor parasitic flukes causing liver disease. Nettle is well tolerated but best avoided in pregnancy due to traditional uterine concerns.

Barley contains gluten. Gentian, butcher's broom, sea buckthorn, dulse, and dandelion have limited safety data in supplement form during pregnancy and breastfeeding — avoid or discuss with your doctor before use.

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?
  • 15 of the 15 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Alfalfa, Iodine, Butcher's Broom, Watercress, Stinging Nettle, among others.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; seizure medications; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; diabetes medications; heart-rhythm medications; lithium.
  • For scale: 1,437 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 before starting if you take warfarin or other blood thinners — alfalfa, spirulina, watercress, dandelion, and sea buckthorn all carry bleeding risk. Blood pressure medications and antihypertensive drugs may be affected by gentian and sea buckthorn.

Potassium-sparing diuretics, ACE inhibitors, and ARBs interact with potassium and dulse — high potassium levels can be dangerous. Antidiabetes drugs, antithyroid drugs, lithium, amiodarone, and immunosuppressants each have Moderate interactions with one or more ingredients.

If you take any of these, use the medication checker on this page with your specific drug names.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with no assessable stated purpose. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This is a mineral and herbal blend with some solid evidence behind barley grass, iodine, and glutamine for specific uses, but many ingredients lack established proof of benefit. If you take any blood thinner (especially warfarin), blood pressure or heart medication, diabetes drugs, lithium, or immunosuppressants, you need to check your exact medications before starting — the interaction risk is real and significant.

Talk with your pharmacist or doctor first, particularly if you have kidney disease, thyroid problems, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.

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

Assessment coverage: 15 of 16 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Mar 22, 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 Ocean Minerals, straight from the product label.

Brand Crystal Star
Barcode (UPC) 747889034800
Net contents 60 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Mar 22, 2024
DSLD ID 305669
Product type Botanical With Nutrients
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Women (not pregnant or lactating)
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 Ocean Minerals by Crystal Star, 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:
2 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
747889034800
IngredientAmount% DV
L-Glutamine0 NP--
Iodine120 mcg80%
Chloride44.1 mg2%
Potassium48.6 mg1%
Alfalfa0 NP--
Spirulina0 NP--
Watercress0 NP--
Proprietary Herbal Blend1.2 Gram(s)--
Irish Moss0 NP--
Kelp0 NP--
Barley Grass0 NP--
Nettle0 NP--
Gentian0 NP--
Butcher's Broom0 NP--
Sea Buckthorn0 NP--
Dulse0 NP--
Dandelion0 NP--

Other ingredients: Vegetarian Capsule, Rice Hull Concentrate

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.
Brand IP Statement(s)

Crystal Star ESTD 1978

Copyright 2021 Healthy Healing Enterprises, Inc.

Formula

Daily nutrients 12 whole herbs

Plant-based calcium for bones Spirulina & seaweed blend

Formulation

Non-GMO product

Vegetarian friendly

Promotes collagen for skin

Seals/Symbols

3rd party tested

U.S. FDA REG. Facility

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use Take 2 capsules daily.

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.

Precautions

CA Resident: Warning: Cancer and reproductive harm www.p65warnings.ca.gov

Warning: Do not use if tamper proof seal is damaged or missing.

Do not use if pregnant or nursing. Consult a health care professional prior to use if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or are taking any prescription medications.

Keep out of reach of children.

See for yourself

Ocean Minerals by Crystal Star label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Ocean Minerals by Crystal Star

These are the 16 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container30 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.

Iodine

Interacts with
7 drugs
120 mcg per serving Form: Potassium Iodide

Iodine is an essential mineral your body needs to make thyroid hormones, and most people get enough from iodized salt, dairy, and seafood. Supplements...

Iodine monograph & interactions

Chloride

44.1 mg per serving Form: Potassium Chloride

Potassium

Interacts with
62 drugs
48.6 mg per serving Form: Potassium Chloride

Potassium is an essential mineral your body needs for nerve signals, muscle function, and a steady heartbeat, and most people get enough from a balanc...

Potassium monograph & interactions

Proprietary Herbal Blend

1.2 Gram(s) per serving

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

Interaction report

Ocean Minerals by Crystal Star Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Ocean Minerals?

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
1,436Drugs
2 Major 1,035 Moderate 399 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Kelp 891
Alfalfa 583
Dandelion 457
Spirulina 327

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Ocean Minerals 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.

Kelp9 drug types · 891 drugs

Amiodarone (Cordarone)

Theoretically, combining Fucus vesiculosus with amiodarone might cause excessively high iodine levels.
Fucus vesiculosus contains high concentrations of iodine. Amiodarone contains 37.3% iodine and can increase iodine levels. Concomitant use might increase the risk of having excessive iodine levels and adversely affecting thyroid function. Monitor thyroid function.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Antithyroid Drugs

Due to its iodine content, Fucus vesiculosus might alter the effects of antithyroid drugs.
Fucus vesiculosus contains high concentrations of iodine. Iodine in high doses has been reported to cause both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, depending on the individual's past medical history. Taking Fucus vesiculosus while using antithyroid drugs could alter the effects of the antithyroid drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Lithium

Concomitant use of Fucus vesiculosus and lithium has resulted in hyperthyroidism.
There is a case of hyperthyroidism occurring in a patient taking Fucus vesiculosus and lithium. Monitor thyroid hormones closely in patients taking lithium and Fucus vesiculosus concomitantly.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Thyroid Hormone

Due to its iodine content, Fucus vesiculosus might alter the effects of thyroid hormone.
Fucus vesiculosus contains high concentrations of iodine. Iodine in high doses has been reported to cause both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, depending on the individual's past medical history. Taking Fucus vesiculosus while using thyroid hormone could alter the effects of thyroid hormone.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, taking Fucus vesiculosus with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
In vitro evidence suggests that a constituent of Fucus vesiculosus, known as fucoidan, has anticoagulant effects. However, in clinical research, fucoidan does not seem to have significant anticoagulant activity when taken orally, possibly due to poor absorption.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2C8 (Cyp2C8) Substrates

Theoretically, concomitant use of Fucus vesiculosus with CYP2C8 substrates might increase the risk for adverse effects.
In vitro research shows that fucoidan, a constituent of Fucus vesiculosus, inhibits CYP2C8. This interaction has not been reported in humans.

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

Theoretically, concomitant use of Fucus vesiculosus with CYP2C9 substrates might increase the risk for adverse effects.
In vitro research shows that fucoidan, a constituent of Fucus vesiculosus, inhibits CYP2C9. This interaction has not been reported in humans.

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

Theoretically, concomitant use of Fucus vesiculosus with CYP2D6 substrates might alter the effects of these substrates.
In vitro research shows that fucoidan, a constituent of Fucus vesiculosus, both inhibits and induces CYP2D6. This interaction has not been reported in humans.

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

Theoretically, concomitant use of Fucus vesiculosus with CYP3A4 substrates might increase the risk for adverse effects.
In vitro research shows that fucoidan, a constituent of Fucus vesiculosus, inhibits CYP3A4. This interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Alfalfa6 drug types · 583 drugs

Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, alfalfa might reduce the anticoagulant activity of warfarin.
Alfalfa contains a large amount of vitamin K. This could theoretically interfere with the activity of warfarin.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, alfalfa might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Animal research suggests that alfalfa decreases blood sugar in diabetic mice. Also, in one case report, a diabetic patient experienced hypoglycemia after consuming alfalfa extract. Monitor blood glucose levels closely. Dose adjustments might be necessary.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Contraceptive Drugs

Theoretically, alfalfa might interfere with the activity of contraceptive drugs.
Alfalfa contains coumestrol, a phytoestrogen, and isoflavonoids, which have estrogenic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Estrogens

Theoretically, alfalfa might interfere with hormone therapy.
Alfalfa contains coumestrol, a phytoestrogen, and isoflavonoids, which have estrogenic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, alfalfa might decrease the efficacy of immunosuppressive therapy.
In vitro research and human case reports suggest that alfalfa may have immunostimulant effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Photosensitizing Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use of alfalfa with photosensitizing drugs might have additive effects.
Animal research suggests that excessive doses of alfalfa may increase photosensitivity, possibly due to its chlorophyll content. It is unclear if this effect would be clinically relevant in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Dandelion7 drug types · 457 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, taking dandelion root along with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
In vitro research suggests that dandelion root inhibits platelet aggregation.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, dandelion might increase the risk for hypoglycemia when used with antidiabetes drugs.
Laboratory research suggests that dandelion extract may have moderate alpha-glucosidase inhibitor activity and might also increase insulin secretion. Also, in a case report, a 58-year-old woman with type 2 diabetes who was being treated with insulin developed hypoglycemia 2 weeks after beginning to eat salads containing dandelion.

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

Theoretically, dandelion might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2.
Laboratory research suggests that dandelion might inhibit CYP1A2. So far, this interaction has not been reported in humans. However, until more is known, watch for an increase in the levels of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2 in patients taking dandelion.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Glucuronidated Drugs

Theoretically, dandelion might increase the clearance of drugs that are UDP-glucuronosyltransferase substrates.
There is some preliminary evidence that dandelion might induce UDP-glucuronosyltransferase, a phase II enzyme.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Lithium

Theoretically, through diuretic effects, dandelion might reduce excretion and increase levels of lithium.
Animal research suggests that dandelion has diuretic properties. As diuretics can increase serum lithium levels, the dose of lithium might need to be decreased when taken with dandelion.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Potassium-Sparing Diuretics

Theoretically, dandelion might increase the risk of hyperkalemia when taken with potassium-sparing diuretics.
Dandelion contains significant amounts of potassium.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Quinolone Antibiotics

Theoretically, dandelion might lower fluoroquinolone levels.
Animal research shows that dandelion reduces absorption of ciprofloxacin and can lower levels by 73%. However, this effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

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

Sea Buckthorn2 drug types · 289 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, sea buckthorn may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Clinical research suggests that sea buckthorn fruit extracts can inhibit platelet aggregation and adhesion to collagen and fibrinogen.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, taking sea buckthorn with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Taking sea buckthorn appears to reduce blood pressure in some patients.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Gentian1 drug type · 172 drugs

Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, taking gentian with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
In vitro research shows that gentian can cause vasodilation and lower blood pressure.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Nettle4 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

Butcher's Broom2 drug types · 158 drugs

Alpha-Adrenergic Agonists

Theoretically, butcher's broom might increase the effects and adverse effects of alpha-adrenergic agonists.
Animal and in vitro studies show that butcher's broom has alpha-adrenergic agonist effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Alpha-Adrenergic Antagonists

Theoretically, butcher's broom might reduce the effects of alpha-adrenergic antagonists.
Animal and in vitro studies show that butcher's broom has alpha-adrenergic agonist effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Dulse7 drug types · 85 drugs

Amiodarine (Cordarone)

Theoretically, combining dulse with amiodarone might cause excessively high iodine levels.
Dulse is rich in iodine, and amiodarone contains 37.3% iodine and can increase iodine levels.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antithyroid Drugs

Theoretically, due to its iodine content, dulse might alter the effects of antithyroid drugs.
Dulse is rich in iodine. Iodine in high doses has been reported to cause both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, depending on the individual's past medical history.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Theoretically, dulse might increase the risk of hyperkalemia when taken with digoxin.
Dulse is rich in potassium, and digoxin can increase potassium levels in the blood. This interaction has not been demonstrated in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Thyroid Hormone

Theoretically, due to its iodine content, dulse might alter the effects of thyroid hormone.
Dulse is rich in iodine. Iodine in high doses has been reported to cause both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, depending on the individual's past medical history. Although dulse has been associated with a statistically significant increase in thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels in clinical research, clinically significant increases have not been documented.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Ace Inhibitors (Aceis)

Theoretically, dulse might increase the risk of hyperkalemia when taken with ACEIs.
Dulse is rich in potassium. ACEIs block the actions of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and reduce potassium excretion. Concomitant use of these drugs with moderate dietary potassium intake (about 3775-5200 mg daily) does not increase serum potassium levels. However, using these drugs while consuming dulse in quantities that provide larger amounts of potassium daily might increase the risk of hyperkalemia. Additionally, in vitro research suggests that dulse protein hydrolysates inhibit the activity of ACE. However, these effects have not been demonstrated in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (Arbs)

Theoretically, dulse might increase the risk of hyperkalemia when taken with ARBs.
Dulse is rich in potassium. ARBs block the actions of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and reduce potassium excretion. Concomitant use of these drugs with moderate dietary potassium intake (about 3775-5200 mg daily) does not increase serum potassium levels. However, using these drugs while consuming dulse in quantities that provide higher amounts of potassium daily might increase the risk of hyperkalemia. Additionally, in vitro research suggests that dulse protein hydrolysates inhibit the activity of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE). However, these effects have not been demonstrated in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Potassium-Sparing Diuretics

Theoretically, dulse might increase the risk of hyperkalemia when taken with potassium-sparing diuretics.
Dulse is rich in potassium, and potassium-sparing diuretics can increase potassium levels in the blood. This interaction has not been shown in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Potassium3 drug types · 62 drugs

Ace Inhibitors (Aceis)

Using ACEIs with high doses of potassium increases the risk of hyperkalemia.
ACEIs block the actions of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and reduce potassium excretion. Concomitant use of these drugs with potassium supplements increases the risk of hyperkalemia. However, concomitant use of these drugs with moderate dietary potassium intake (about 3775-5200 mg daily) does not increase serum potassium levels.

Likelihood Likely Evidence C
Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (Arbs)

Using ARBs with high doses of potassium increases the risk of hyperkalemia.
ARBs block the actions of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and reduce potassium excretion. Concomitant use of these drugs with potassium supplements increases the risk of hyperkalemia. However, concomitant use of these drugs with moderate dietary potassium intake (about 3775-5200 mg daily) does not increase serum potassium levels.

Likelihood Likely Evidence C
Potassium-Sparing Diuretics

Concomitant use increases the risk of hyperkalemia.
Using potassium-sparing diuretics with potassium supplements increases the risk of hyperkalemia.

Likelihood Likely Evidence C

L-Glutamine1 drug type · 50 drugs

Anticonvulsants

Theoretically, glutamine might antagonize the effects of anticonvulsant medications.
Glutamine is metabolized to the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate. Glutamate might have antagonistic effects with anticonvulsant drugs. However, this interaction has not yet been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Irish Moss3 drug types · 22 drugs

Amiodarone (Cordarone)

Theoretically, combining sea moss with amiodarone might cause excessively high iodine levels.
Amiodarone contains 37.3% iodine and can increase iodine levels. Concomitant use with sea moss, which contains approximately 4-7 mcg of iodine per gram, might increase the risk of adverse effects from iodine, including altered thyroid function.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antithyroid Drugs

Due to its iodine content, sea moss might alter the effects of antithyroid drugs.
Sea moss contains approximately 4-7 mcg of iodine per gram. Iodine in high doses has been reported to cause both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, depending on the individual's past medical history. Taking sea moss could theoretically alter the effects of antithyroid drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Thyroid Hormone

Due to its iodine content, sea moss might alter the effects of thyroid hormone.
Sea moss contains approximately 4-7 mcg of iodine per gram. Iodine in high doses has been reported to cause both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, depending on the individual's past medical history. Taking sea moss could theoretically alter the effects of thyroid hormone.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Iodine3 drug types · 7 drugs

Amiodarone (Cordarone)

Combining iodine with amiodarone might cause excessively high iodine levels.
Amiodarone contains 37.3% iodine and can increase iodine levels. Concomitant use with iodine might increase the risk of having excessive iodine levels and adversely affecting thyroid function. Monitor thyroid function.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Antithyroid Drugs

Iodine might alter the effects of antithyroid drugs.
Iodine in high doses has been reported to cause both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, depending on the individual's past medical history. Taking iodine while using antithyroid drugs could alter the effects of the antithyroid drugs.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Lithium

Combining iodine with lithium might have additive hypothyroid effects.
Lithium can inhibit thyroid function. Several case reports suggest that concomitant use of lithium and potassium iodide can reduce thyroid function in otherwise healthy adults. Monitor thyroid function.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D

Watercress3 drug types · 6 drugs

Chlorzoxazone (Parafon Forte, Paraflex)

Watercress might reduce the metabolism of chlorzoxazone and increase its effects and side effects. Clinical research in healthy volunteers shows that a single ingestion of watercress 50 grams increases the chlorzoxazone plasma concentration-time curve by about 56% and increases its half-life by about 53%.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Lithium

Watercress is thought to have diuretic properties. Theoretically, due to these potential diuretic effects, watercress might reduce excretion and increase levels of lithium.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Watercress contains vitamin K. Consuming large amounts of watercress might antagonize the anticoagulant effects of warfarin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B

Barley Grass1 drug type · 1 drug

Triclabendazole (Egaten)

Theoretically, barley might decrease the clinical effects of triclabendazole.
Animal research suggests that a diet supplemented with barley can reduce the bioavailability of triclabendazole when taken concomitantly. This effect has not been shown in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Ocean Minerals, from the product label.

Crystal Star

See all Crystal Star products
Name
Healthy Healing Enterprises, Inc.
City
Alhambra
State
CA
Phone Number
(800) 736-6015
Web Address
www.crystalstar.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Ocean Minerals by Crystal Star: Common Questions

Does Ocean Minerals by Crystal Star interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Ocean Minerals has a known interaction with 1,436 medications, including 2 rated major. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Ocean Minerals contains 16 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.
Is this safe if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
It's mixed. Iodine and potassium are likely safe at normal amounts in pregnancy, and glutamine is rated likely safe, but alfalfa is possibly unsafe in supplement doses during pregnancy due to estrogenic activity. Spirulina should be avoided in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Several others — nettle, gentian, butcher's broom, dulse, dandelion, barley grass, sea buckthorn, and watercress — have insufficient safety data or best-avoid ratings for pregnancy or breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice.
What is L-glutamine in this product for?
Glutamine is an amino acid. It's effective for sickle cell disease and possibly helps with muscle recovery after surgery and weight loss in HIV-related wasting. In healthy adults it's generally well tolerated, though it can cause bloating, diarrhea, nausea, or headache.
Can this help with high cholesterol or heart health?
Barley grass in the blend is likely effective for high cholesterol and heart disease risk. Spirulina is possibly effective for high blood pressure. Most of the other ingredients lack solid evidence for cholesterol or heart conditions, though some are traditionally used for circulation.
Why do I need to check my medications?
This product contains iodine, potassium, and multiple herbs that interact with common medications — blood thinners like warfarin, blood pressure drugs, heart rhythm drugs like amiodarone, diabetes medications, lithium, and others. The interactions can make your medications less effective or raise levels to unsafe heights, especially for potassium. Checking your specific drugs is essential before you start.
Does this product contain gluten?
Barley grass, one of the ingredients, contains gluten. If you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, you should avoid this product or confirm with the manufacturer that it's gluten-free.
What are the most common side effects?
The most frequently reported side effects from these ingredients are digestive: bloating, flatulence, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, and stomach discomfort. Iodine may cause a metallic taste. Most people tolerate it well, but if you have a sensitive stomach, start low and monitor how you feel.

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.

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Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Ocean Minerals’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Iodine

Interacts with 7 drugs

Iodine is an essential mineral your body needs to make thyroid hormones, and most people get enough from iodized salt, dairy, and seafood. Supplements help when you are truly deficient, but...

Read the full Iodine monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Potassium

Interacts with 62 drugs

Potassium is an essential mineral your body needs for nerve signals, muscle function, and a steady heartbeat, and most people get enough from a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables. P...

Read the full Potassium monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Glutamine

Interacts with 50 drugs

Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the body and is usually made in your muscles. A prescription form is FDA-approved to help reduce sickle cell disease complications, but for most...

Read the full Glutamine monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Alfalfa

Interacts with 583 drugs

Alfalfa is a nutrient-rich legume that people use for high cholesterol, menopause symptoms, and general wellness, but solid human evidence for most of these uses is limited. It is best avoid...

Read the full Alfalfa monograph →
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 →
Herb & supplement monograph

Watercress

Interacts with 6 drugs

Watercress is a nutrient-rich leafy green that provides vitamins A, C, and K plus minerals and antioxidant plant compounds. Eaten as a food it is generally safe and healthy for most people,...

Read the full Watercress monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Sea Moss

Interacts with 22 drugs

Sea moss is a type of red seaweed that is naturally rich in iodine and several minerals, and it is popular as a 'whole-food' supplement. Strong human evidence for most of its health claims i...

Read the full Sea Moss monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Fucus Vesiculosus

Interacts with 891 drugs

Fucus vesiculosus (bladderwrack) is a brown seaweed rich in iodine that has been used traditionally for thyroid concerns, weight, and skin. There is little solid human evidence to support mo...

Read the full Fucus Vesiculosus monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Barley

Interacts with 1 drug

Barley is a nutritious whole grain that is a good source of soluble fiber called beta-glucan, which has solid evidence for modestly lowering LDL ('bad') cholesterol when eaten regularly. It...

Read the full Barley 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 →
Herb & supplement monograph

Gentian

Interacts with 172 drugs

Gentian is a very bitter root traditionally used to stimulate appetite and ease mild digestive complaints, often as part of "bitters" before meals. The evidence is mostly traditional and pre...

Read the full Gentian monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Butcher's Broom

Interacts with 158 drugs

Butcher's broom is a plant extract most often used for circulation problems in the legs, such as chronic venous insufficiency, where some evidence suggests it may help reduce swelling and di...

Read the full Butcher's Broom monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Sea Buckthorn

Interacts with 289 drugs

Sea buckthorn is a berry-bearing shrub rich in vitamins, carotenoids, and fatty acids that people use for skin, eye, digestive, and heart health. Early research is promising for a few uses l...

Read the full Sea Buckthorn monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Dulse

Interacts with 85 drugs

Dulse is a red seaweed eaten as a food in many coastal cultures and is a natural source of iodine, potassium, protein, and antioxidant compounds. As a food it is generally considered safe fo...

Read the full Dulse monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Dandelion

Interacts with 457 drugs

Dandelion is a common plant used in food and traditional medicine, often promoted as a natural 'water pill' and digestive aid. Human evidence for these uses is very limited, so its benefits...

Read the full Dandelion monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Ocean Minerals'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 245 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.

Glutamine 11 references
  1. Miller AL. Therapeutic considerations of L-glutamine: a review of the literature. Altern Med Rev 1999;4:239-48..
  2. Bozzetti F, Biganzoli L, Gavazzi C, et al. Glutamine supplementation in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy: a double-blind randomized study. Nutrition 1997;13:748-51.. PubMed
  3. Mebane AH. L-Glutamine and mania. Am J Psychiatry 984;141:1302-3.
  4. Meldrum BS. Glutamate as a neurotransmitter in the brain: review of physiology and pathology. J Nutr 2000;130:1007S-15S.. PubMed
  5. Garlick PJ. Assessment of the safety of glutamine and other amino acids. J Nutr 2001;131:2556S-61S.. PubMed
  6. Chapman AG. Glutamate and epilepsy. J Nutr 2000;130:1043S-5S.. PubMed
  7. Ziegler TR. Glutamine supplementation in cancer patients receiving bone marrow transplantation and high dose chemotherapy. J Nutr 2001;131:2578S-84S.. PubMed
  8. Laviano A, Molfino A, Lacaria MT, Canelli A, De Leo S, Preziosa I, Rossi Fanelli F. Glutamine supplementation favors weight loss in nondieting obese female patients. A pilot study. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2014 Nov;68(11):1264-6. PubMed
  9. Endari (l-glutamine) [package insert]. Torrance, CA: Emmaus Medical,Inc; 2017.
  10. Niihara Y, Miller ST, Kanter J, et al. A Phase 3 Trial of l-Glutamine in Sickle Cell Disease. N Engl J Med 2018;379(3):226-35. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1715971.
  11. Ogden HB, Child RB, Fallowfield JL, et al. Gastrointestinal Tolerance of Low, Medium and High Dose Acute Oral l-Glutamine Supplementation in Healthy Adults: A Pilot Study. Nutrients. 2020;12(10):2953. PubMed

See these in context on the Glutamine monograph →

Iodine 26 references
  1. McEvoy GK, ed. AHFS Drug Information. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 1998.
  2. Goodman GA, Rall TW, Nies AS, Taylor P. The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 9th ed.
  3. Ghent WR, Eskin BA, Low DA, Hill LP. Iodine replacement in fibrocystic disease of the breast. Can J Surg 1993;36:453-60.
  4. Potassium iodide for nuclear exposure. Pharmacist's Letter/Prescriber's Letter 2001;17(12):171214.
  5. Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2002.
  6. Cabezas C, Bustamante B, Holgado W, Begue RE. Treatment of cutaneous sporotrichosis with one daily dose of potassium iodide. Pediatr Infect Dis J 1996;15:352-4. PubMed
  7. Sterling JB, Heymann WR. Potassium iodide in dermatology: a 19th century drug for the 21st century-uses, pharmacology, adverse effects, and contraindications. J Am Acad Dermatol 2000;43:691-7. PubMed
  8. Yarrington CD, Pearce EN. Dietary iodine in pregnancy and postpartum. Clin Obstet Gynecol 2011;54:459-70. PubMed
  9. Goel, S., Mandhani, A., Srivastava, A., Kapoor, R., Gogoi, S., Kumar, A., and Bhandari, M. Is povidone iodine an alternative to silver nitrate for renal pelvic instillation sclerotherapy in chyluria? BJU.Int 2004;94(7):1082-1085. PubMed
  10. Teng, W., Shan, Z., Teng, X., Guan, H., Li, Y., Teng, D., Jin, Y., Yu, X., Fan, C., Chong, W., Yang, F., Dai, H., Yu, Y., Li, J., Chen, Y., Zhao, D., Shi, X., Hu, F., Mao, J., Gu, X., Yang, R., Tong, Y., Wang, W., Gao, T., and Li, C. Effect of iodine int
  11. Crawford, B. A., Cowell, C. T., Emder, P. J., Learoyd, D. L., Chua, E. L., Sinn, J., and Jack, M. M. Iodine toxicity from soy milk and seaweed ingestion is associated with serious thyroid dysfunction. Med J Aust. 10-4-2010;193(7):413-415. PubMed
  12. Ohkuma, M. Molluscum contagiosum treated with iodine solution and salicylic acid plaster. Int J Dermatol. 1990;29(6):443-445. PubMed
  13. Connelly KJ, Boston BA, Pearce EN, Sesser D, Snyder D, Braverman LE, Pino S, LaFranchi SH. Congenital hypothyroidism caused by excess prenatal maternal iodine ingestion. J Pediatr. 2012 Oct;161(4):760-2. PubMed
  14. Kasahara T, Narumi S, Okasora K, Takaya R, Tamai H, Hasegawa T. Delayed onset congenital hypothyroidism in a patient with DUOX2 mutations and maternal iodine excess. Am J Med Genet A. 2013 Jan;161A(1):214-7.
  15. Murcia M, Rebagliato M, Iñiguez C, Lopez-Espinosa MJ, Estarlich M, Plaza B, Barona-Vilar C, Espada M, Vioque J, Ballester F. Effect of iodine supplementation during pregnancy on infant neurodevelopment at 1 year of age. Am J Epidemiol. 2011 Apr 1;173(7):8 PubMed
  16. Sang Z, Wang PP, Yao Z, Shen J, Halfyard B, Tan L, Zhao N, Wu Y, Gao S, Tan J, Liu J, Chen Z, Zhang W. Exploration of the safe upper level of iodine intake in euthyroid Chinese adults: a randomized double-blind trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 2012 Feb;95(2):367-73 PubMed
  17. Speeckaert MM, Speeckaert R, Wierckx K, Delanghe JR, Kaufman JM. Value and pitfalls in iodine fortification and supplementation in the 21st century. Br J Nutr. 2011 Oct;106(7):964-73. PubMed
  18. Yun SE, Kang Y, Bae EJ, Hwang K, Jang HN, Cho HS, Chang SH, Park DJ. Iodine-induced thyrotoxic hypokalemic paralysis after ingestion of Salicornia herbace. Ren Fail. 2014 Apr;36(3):461-3.
  19. Iodine Hypersensitivity. Pharmacist's Letter/Prescriber's Letter 2011; 27(5):270504.
  20. Hammel JA, Selby JC. Pustular eruption in a patient with cancer treated with complementary and alternative medicine. JAMA Dermatology 2017 October; E1. doi: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2017.3749. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed
  21. Gil GS, Smith BW, Guerra JR, Williams WT. Acute Delirium in a Hypothyroid Patient Precipitated by Iodine Supplements Use. Am J Ther. 2018;25(6):e717-e718. PubMed
  22. Hamby T, Kunnel N, Dallas JS, Wilson DP. Maternal iodine excess: an uncommon cause of acquired neonatal hypothyroidism. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab. 2018;31(9):1061-1064. PubMed
  23. Censi S, Watutantrige-Fernando S, Groccia G, et al. The Effects of Iodine Supplementation in Pregnancy on Iodine Status, Thyroglobulin Levels and Thyroid Function Parameters: Results from a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial in a Mild-to-Moderate Iodine
  24. Rovner MS, Wolf BJ, Rubin M, et al. Instillation of 5% Povidone-Iodine Ophthalmic Drops Decreases the Respiratory Rate in Children Undergoing Strabismus Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2019;56(6):378-382. PubMed
  25. Guenezan J, Garcia M, Strasters D, et al. Povidone Iodine Mouthwash, Gargle, and Nasal Spray to Reduce Nasopharyngeal Viral Load in Patients With COVID-19: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2021;147(4):400-401. PubMed
  26. Li F, Wan S, Zhang L, et al. A Meta-Analysis of the Effect of Iodine Excess on the Intellectual Development of Children in Areas with High Iodine Levels in their Drinking Water. Biol Trace Elem Res 2022;200(4):1580-1590. PubMed

See these in context on the Iodine monograph →

Potassium 12 references
  1. McEvoy GK, ed. AHFS Drug Information. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 1998.
  2. Gennaro A. Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy. 19th ed. Lippincott: Williams & Wilkins, 1996.
  3. Whelton PK, He J, Cutler JA, et al. Effects of oral potassium on blood pressure. Meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials. JAMA 1997;277:1624-32. PubMed
  4. Phillips, C. O., Kashani, A., Ko, D. K., Francis, G., and Krumholz, H. M. Adverse effects of combination angiotensin II receptor blockers plus angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors for left ventricular dysfunction: a quantitative review of data from ra DOI
  5. Altieri, P. I., Herrero, C., Suero, R., and Ortiz, A. Bleeding duodenal ulcer in a patient taking slow-releasing potassium tablets. Bol.Asoc.Med P.R. 1977;69(8):276.
  6. Raf, L. E. Enteric-coated potassium chloride tablets and ulcer of the small intestine. Acta Chir Scand Suppl 1967;(374):1-87.
  7. Potassium chloride oral solution [package insert]. Allentown, PA: Lehigh Valley Technologies, Inc.; 2014.
  8. Potassium chloride injection [package insert]. Lake Forest, IL: Hospira Inc.; 2009.
  9. Patel RB, Tannenbaum S, Viana-Tejedor A, et al. Serum potassium levels, cardiac arrhythmias, and mortality following non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction or unstable angina: insights from MERLIN-TIMI 36. Eur Heart J Acute Cardiovasc Care 2017 Feb;6(1):1 PubMed
  10. Malta D, Arcand J, Ravindran A, Floras V, Allard JP, Newton GE. Adequate intake of potassium does not cause hyperkalemia in hypertensive individuals taking medications that antagonize the renin angiotensin aldosterone system. Am J Clin Nutr 2016 Oct;104(4 PubMed
  11. Keskin M, Kaya A, Tatlisu MA, et al. The effect of serum potassium level on in-hospital and long-term mortality in ST elevation myocardial infarction. Int J cardiol. 2016 Oct 15;221:505-10.
  12. Stallings VA, Harrison M, Oria M; Committee to Review the Dietary Reference Intakes for Sodium and Potassium, Food and Nutrition Board, Health and Medicine Division, National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Washington (DC): National Acad

See these in context on the Potassium monograph →

Alfalfa 32 references
  1. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
  2. The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
  3. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1996.
  4. Kurzer MS, Xu X. Dietary phytoestrogens. Annu Rev Nutr 1997;17:353-81. PubMed
  5. Farber JM, Carter AO, Varughese PV, et al. Listeriosis traced to the consumption of alfalfa tablets and soft cheese [Letter to the Editor]. N Engl J Med 1990;322:338. PubMed
  6. Molgaard J, von Schenck H, Olsson AG. Alfalfa seeds lower low density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein B concentrations in patients with type II hyperlipoproteinemia. Atherosclerosis 1987;65:173-9. PubMed
  7. Light TD, Light JA. Acute renal transplant rejection possibly related to herbal medications. Am J Transplant 2003;3:1608-9. PubMed
  8. Prete PE. The mechanism of action of L-canavanine in inducing autoimmune phenomena. Arthritis Rheum 1985;28:1198-200. PubMed
  9. Alcocer-Varela J, Iglesias A, Llorente L, Alarcon-Segovia D. Effects of L-canavanine on T cells may explain the induction of systemic lupus erythematosus by alfalfa. Arthritis Rheum 1985;28:52-7. PubMed
  10. Roberts JL, Hayashi JA. Exacerbation of SLE associated with alfalfa ingestion. N Engl J Med 1983;308:1361. DOI
  11. Feingold, R. M. Should we fear "health foods"? Arch Intern Med 7-12-1999;159(13):1502. PubMed
  12. Taormina, P. J., Beuchat, L. R., and Slutsker, L. Infections associated with eating seed sprouts: an international concern. Emerg.Infect.Dis 1999;5(5):626-634. PubMed
  13. Backer, H. D., Mohle-Boetani, J. C., Werner, S. B., Abbott, S. L., Farrar, J., and Vugia, D. J. High incidence of extra-intestinal infections in a Salmonella Havana outbreak associated with alfalfa sprouts. Public Health Rep. 2000;115(4):339-345. PubMed
  14. Mohle-Boetani J, Werner B, Polumbo M, and et al. From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Alfalfa sprouts-- Arizona, California, Colorado, and New Mexico, February-April, 2001. JAMA 2-6-2002;287(5):581-582.
  15. Howard, M. B. and Hutcheson, S. W. Growth dynamics of Salmonella enterica strains on alfalfa sprouts and in waste seed irrigation water. Appl.Environ.Microbiol. 2003;69(1):548-553.
  16. Winthrop, K. L., Palumbo, M. S., Farrar, J. A., Mohle-Boetani, J. C., Abbott, S., Beatty, M. E., Inami, G., and Werner, S. B. Alfalfa sprouts and Salmonella Kottbus infection: a multistate outbreak following inadequate seed disinfection with heat and chl
  17. Strapp, C. M., Shearer, A. E., and Joerger, R. D. Survey of retail alfalfa sprouts and mushrooms for the presence of Escherichia coil O157:H7, Salmonella, and Listeria with BAX, and evaluation of this polymerase chain reaction-based system with experimen
  18. Akaogi, J., Barker, T., Kuroda, Y., Nacionales, D. C., Yamasaki, Y., Stevens, B. R., Reeves, W. H., and Satoh, M. Role of non-protein amino acid L-canavanine in autoimmunity. Autoimmun.Rev 2006;5(6):429-435. PubMed
  19. Burden and causes of foodborne disease in Australia: Annual report of the OzFoodNet network, 2005. Commun.Dis Intell. 2006;30(3):278-300.
  20. Shemesh, M., Lindner, H. R., and Ayalon, N. Affinity of rabbit uterine oestradiol receptor for phyto-oestrogens and its use in a competitive protein-binding radioassay for plasma coumestrol. J Reprod.Fertil. 1972;29(1):1-9. PubMed
  21. Elakovich, S. D. and Hampton, J. M. Analysis of coumestrol, a phytoestrogen, in alfalfa tablets sold for human consumption. J Agric.Food Chem. 1984;32(1):173-175. PubMed
  22. Malinow, M. R., Bardana, E. J., Jr., Pirofsky, B., Craig, S., and McLaughlin, P. Systemic lupus erythematosus-like syndrome in monkeys fed alfalfa sprouts: role of a nonprotein amino acid. Science 4-23-1982;216(4544):415-417. PubMed
  23. Malinow, M. R., McLaughlin, P., and Stafford, C. Alfalfa seeds: effects on cholesterol metabolism. Experientia 5-15-1980;36(5):562-564. PubMed
  24. Farnsworth, N. R. Alfalfa pills and autoimmune diseases. Am J Clin Nutr. 1995;62(5):1026-1028. DOI
  25. Herbert, V. and Kasdan, T. S. Alfalfa, vitamin E, and autoimmune disorders. Am J Clin Nutr 1994;60(4):639-640.
  26. Mahon, B. E., Ponka, A., Hall, W. N., Komatsu, K., Dietrich, S. E., Siitonen, A., Cage, G., Hayes, P. S., Lambert-Fair, M. A., Bean, N. H., Griffin, P. M., and Slutsker, L. An international outbreak of Salmonella infections caused by alfalfa sprouts grow
  27. Gray, A. M. and Flatt, P. R. Pancreatic and extra-pancreatic effects of the traditional anti- diabetic plant, Medicago sativa (lucerne). Br J Nutr. 1997;78(2):325-334.
  28. Van Beneden, C. A., Keene, W. E., Strang, R. A., Werker, D. H., King, A. S., Mahon, B., Hedberg, K., Bell, A., Kelly, M. T., Balan, V. K., Mac Kenzie, W. R., and Fleming, D. Multinational outbreak of Salmonella enterica serotype Newport infections due to
  29. Rubenstein AH, Levin NW, and Elliott GA. Manganese-induced hypoglycemia. Lancet 1962;1348-1351.
  30. Kaufman W. Alfalfa seed dermatitis. JAMA 1954;155(12):1058-1059. PubMed
  31. Ponka A, Andersson Y, Siitonen A, and et al. Salmonella in alfalfa sprouts. Lancet 1995;345:462-463. PubMed
  32. Puschner B, Chen X, Read D, Affolter VK. Alfalfa hay induced primary photosensitization in horses. Vet J. 2016 May;211:32-8. PubMed

See these in context on the Alfalfa monograph →

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 →

Watercress 34 references
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Sea Moss 3 references
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Fucus Vesiculosus 15 references
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Barley 15 references
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Stinging Nettle 23 references
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Gentian 5 references
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Butcher's Broom 8 references
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Sea Buckthorn 7 references
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Dulse 5 references
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Dandelion 27 references
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See these in context on the Dandelion 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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