Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 2 of 3 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Phyto-Gen Defense-gen Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Genestra Brands

Liquid Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Phyto-Gen Defense-gen is a dietary supplement by Genestra Brands with 3 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for sore throat and mouth inflammation, skin wounds and irritation (topical), fever and general aches (traditional).Based on those ingredients, 213 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Dog Rose (Rosa canina) young shoot extract, Black Alder (Alnus glutinosa) bud extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Phyto-Gen Defense-gen by Genestra Brands

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 3 of its 3 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Phyto-Gen Defense-gen is a liquid formula with three active ingredients: black alder bud extract, silver birch bud extract, and dog rose (Rosa canina) young shoot extract. The liquid base contains purified water, ethanol, and glycerin as inactive ingredients.

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

This product doesn't appear to be marketed for a specific use, so we graded its ingredients' overall clinical evidence instead.

Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports its ingredients for:

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.
  • Since the label doesn't commit to one use, we graded the ingredients' overall clinical evidence instead.
  • On file: Osteoarthritis — rated "Possibly Effective" (Rose Hip) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Postoperative pain — rated "Possibly Effective" (Rose Hip) (Natural Medicines).

For postoperative pain and osteoarthritis, dog rose is rated possibly effective in our data. For high cholesterol (hypoglycemia), there isn't enough reliable evidence to rate it.

We hold no effectiveness data for black alder or silver birch in the facts available to us.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Black Alder Rose Hip

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 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.

Dog rose is generally well tolerated when eaten as food, though supplement safety is less studied. The most common side effects are flatulence and loose stools; gastrointestinal upset — including nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and heartburn — can occur, though these often happen at the same rate in people taking placebo.

Vertigo and headache have been reported rarely. Black alder has limited safety data and may cause nausea or stomach upset, so it should be used cautiously and briefly.

There isn't enough information to know how black alder affects pregnancy or breastfeeding, so it's best avoided during both. Dog rose safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding is also unknown, so talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you're pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or nursing.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Black Alder Rose Hip

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 — Black Alder, Rose Hip.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; cancer treatments; lithium.
  • For scale: 213 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 doctor or pharmacist if you take chemotherapy drugs (cisplatin, doxorubicin, alkylating agents, or antitumor antibiotics), hormonal birth control or hormone replacement therapy, blood thinners (anticoagulants like warfarin), lithium, aspirin, or aluminum supplements. The interactions are mostly Moderate, and a few with aspirin and warfarin are Minor, but your prescriber needs to know you're adding this.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence behind its ingredients' uses. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This product may be worth considering if you're looking at dog rose for osteoarthritis or post-op pain, but its ingredient interactions are significant — especially if you take chemotherapy, hormonal birth control, blood thinners, or lithium. The limited safety data on black alder adds to the caution.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this product fits your medications and health situation before you start.

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

Assessment coverage: 2 of 3 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jul 23, 2020.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Phyto-Gen Defense-gen, straight from the product label.

Brand Genestra Brands
Barcode (UPC) 883196116119
Net contents 0.5 Fluid Ounce(s); 15 Milliliter(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jul 23, 2020
DSLD ID 230965
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other
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 Phyto-Gen Defense-gen by Genestra Brands, 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:
0.28 mL
Maximum serving Sizes:
0.28 mL
Servings per container
53
UPC/BARCODE
883196116119
IngredientAmount% DV
Black Alder (Alnus glutinosa) bud extract0.09 mL--
Silver Birch (Betula pendula) bud extract0.09 mL--
Dog Rose (Rosa canina) young shoot extract0.09 mL--

Other ingredients: purified Water, Ethanol, Glycerin

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

Recommended Dose: Take 10 drops once daily or as recommended by your health professional. Invert bottle to 45 degrees and shake lightly allowing drops to fall directly into mouth or in 1/4 oz of water.

General Statements

For warnings and additional information, see outer box.

Contents may not fill package in order to accommodate required labeling. Please rely on stated quantity.

Scan to learn about our quality excellence

Precautions

Keep out of the reach of children.

Use only if safety seal is intact.

Warning: If you are pregnant or lactating, have any health condition or are taking any medication, consult your health professional before use.

This product was sealed for your protection. Do not use if box or contents are open or damaged.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Formula

Dog Rose Black Alder Silver Birch

See for yourself

Phyto-Gen Defense-gen by Genestra Brands label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Phyto-Gen Defense-gen by Genestra Brands

These are the 3 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size0.28 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container53 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.

0.09 mL per serving

Black Alder is a European tree whose bark and leaves have a long history in folk medicine, mainly as an astringent gargle or wound wash. There is very...

Black Alder (Alnus glutinosa) bud extract monograph & interactions

Silver Birch (Betula pendula) bud extract

0.09 mL per serving
0.09 mL per serving

Rose hip is the vitamin C–rich fruit of the wild rose, used traditionally for colds and joint pain. A standardized rose hip powder has some research s...

Dog Rose (Rosa canina) young shoot extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Purified Water, Ethanol, Glycerin. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Phyto-Gen Defense-gen by Genestra Brands Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Phyto-Gen Defense-gen?

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
213Drugs
213 Moderate

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Phyto-Gen Defense-gen 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.

Dog Rose (Rosa canina) young shoot extract8 drug types · 213 drugs

Alkylating Agents

Theoretically, the antioxidant effects of rose hip might reduce the effectiveness of alkylating agents but might also reduce the oxidative damage caused by certain alkylating agents.
Rose hip contains vitamin C. The use of antioxidants like vitamin C during chemotherapy is controversial. There is concern that antioxidants could reduce the activity of chemotherapy drugs that generate free radicals, such as cyclophosphamide, chlorambucil, carmustine, busulfan, and thiotepa. In contrast, some researchers theorize that antioxidants might make chemotherapy more effective by reducing oxidative stress that could interfere with apoptosis (cell death) of cancer cells. Further, some animal research suggests that the antioxidant effects of rose hip might attenuate cyclophosphamide-induced testicular toxicity. More evidence is needed to determine what effect, if any, antioxidants found in rose hip, such as vitamin C, have on the effectiveness and adverse effects of chemotherapy.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Aluminum

Theoretically, rose hip might increase the amount of aluminum absorbed from aluminum compounds.
Rose hip contains vitamin C. Theoretically, vitamin C increases the absorption of aluminum. Concomitant use might increase aluminum absorption, but the clinical significance of this is unknown. Administer rose hip two hours before or four hours after antacids.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, rose hip might reduce the effectiveness of anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
In vitro and animal research suggests that a constituent of rose hip, rugosin E, can induce platelet aggregation. This has not been shown in humans. Theoretically, concomitant use of rose hip might reduce the effectiveness of antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antitumor Antibiotics

Theoretically, the antioxidant effects of rose hip might reduce the effectiveness of antitumor antibiotics.
Rose hip contains the antioxidant vitamin C. There is concern that antioxidants might reduce the activity of chemotherapy drugs that generate free radicals, such as antitumor antibiotics. In contrast, other researchers theorize that antioxidants might make antitumor antibiotic chemotherapy more effective by reducing oxidative stress that could interfere with apoptosis (cell death) of cancer cells. More evidence is needed to determine what effects, if any, antioxidants such as vitamin C have on antitumor antibiotic chemotherapy.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Estrogens

Theoretically, rose hip might increase blood levels of estrogens.
Rose hip contains vitamin C. Increases in plasma estrogen levels of up to 55% have occured under some circumstances when vitamin C is taken concurrently with oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy, including topical products. It is suggested that vitamin C prevents oxidation of estrogen in the tissues, regenerates oxidized estrogen, and reduces sulfate conjugation of estrogen in the gut wall. When tissue levels of vitamin C are high, these processes are already maximized and supplemental vitamin C does not have any effect on estrogen levels. However, increases in plasma estrogen levels may occur when women who are deficient in vitamin C take supplements.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Lithium

Theoretically, rose hip might increase blood levels of lithium.
Rose hip is thought to have diuretic properties. Theoretically, due to these potential diuretic effects, rose hip might reduce excretion and increase levels of lithium. The dose of lithium might need to be decreased.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Aspirin

Theoretically, rose hip might reduce the clearance of aspirin; however, its vitamin C content is likely too low to produce clinically significant effects.
Rose hip contains vitamin C. It has been suggested that acidification of the urine by vitamin C can decrease the urinary excretion of salicylates, increasing plasma salicylate levels. However, short-term use of up to 6 grams daily of vitamin C does not seem to affect urinary pH or salicylate excretion. The vitamin C content of rose hip is typically about 500 mg per 100 grams. Thus, a clinically significant interaction between rose hip and aspirin is unlikely.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, rose hip might reduce the effectiveness of warfarin; however, its vitamin C content is likely too low to produce clinically significant effects.
Rose hip contains vitamin C. High doses of vitamin C may reduce the response to warfarin, possibly by causing diarrhea and reducing warfarin absorption. This occurred in two people who took up to 16 grams daily of vitamin C, and resulted in decreased prothrombin time. Lower doses of 5-10 grams daily of vitamin C can also reduce warfarin absorption, but this does not seem to be clinically significant. The vitamin C content of rose hip is typically about 500 mg per 100 grams. Thus, a clinically significant interaction between rose hip and warfarin is unlikely.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D

Black Alder (Alnus glutinosa) bud extract2 drug types · 2 drugs

Cisplatin (Platinol-Aq)

Laboratory research shows that black alder bark extracts can antagonize the chemotherapeutic effects of cisplatin. This interaction has not been evaluated in humans. Until more is known, use this combination with caution.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Doxorubicin (Adriamycin, Others)

Laboratory research shows that black alder bark extracts can antagonize the chemotherapeutic effects of doxorubicin. This interaction has not been evaluated in humans. Until more is known, use this combination with caution.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Phyto-Gen Defense-gen, from the product label.

Genestra Brands

Name
Seroyal USA
City
Pittsburgh
State
PA
ZipCode
15275
Phone Number
1-888-737-6925
Web Address
seroyal.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Phyto-Gen Defense-gen by Genestra Brands: Common Questions

Does Phyto-Gen Defense-gen by Genestra Brands interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Phyto-Gen Defense-gen has a known interaction with 213 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Phyto-Gen Defense-gen contains 3 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 during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Black alder isn't recommended during pregnancy because there isn't enough safety data; the same goes for breastfeeding. Dog rose safety is also unknown during both. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this if you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing — they can help you decide based on your individual situation.
What side effects might I notice?
Dog rose may cause flatulence, loose stools, or other stomach upset like nausea, diarrhea, or heartburn, though these often occur at the same rate in people taking a placebo. Vertigo and headache are rare. Black alder may cause nausea or stomach upset, so use it cautiously and for a short time only.
Does dog rose actually work for arthritis?
Dog rose is rated possibly effective for osteoarthritis and postoperative pain in our data, meaning there's some evidence it may help, but we can't say for certain. Results vary, and you'd want to discuss realistic expectations with your doctor.
What am I actually taking in this liquid?
Three plant bud and shoot extracts: black alder, silver birch, and dog rose. The liquid itself is made with purified water, ethanol, and glycerin.
Why can't you check silver birch for interactions?
We don't hold monograph data on silver birch, so we aren't able to check it against medications. That doesn't mean it has no interactions — just that we can't review them in our system.

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.

Phyto-Gen Defense-gen label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Phyto-Gen Defense-gen'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 25 references behind this product’s interaction data

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

Black Alder 1 reference
  1. Dinic J, Novakovic M, Podolski-Renic A, et al. Antioxidative activity of diarylheptanoids from the bark of black alder (Alnus glutinosa) and their interaction with anticancer drugs. Planta Med 2014;80(13):1088-96. doi: 10.1055/s-0034-1382993. Epub 2014 Au PubMed

See these in context on the Black Alder monograph →

Rose Hip 24 references
  1. Foster S, Tyler VE. Tyler's Honest Herbal: A Sensible Guide to the Use of Herbs and Related Remedies. 3rd ed., Binghamton, NY: Haworth Herbal Press, 1993.
  2. McEvoy GK, ed. AHFS Drug Information. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 1998.
  3. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
  4. Back DJ, Breckenridge AM, MacIver M, et al. Interaction of ethinyloestradiol with ascorbic acid in man. Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1981;282:1516.
  5. Morris JC, Beeley L, Ballantine N. Interaction of ethinyloestradiol with ascorbic acid in man [letter]. Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1981;283:503.
  6. Labriola D, Livingston R. Possible interactions between dietary antioxidants and chemotherapy. Oncology 1999;13:1003-8.
  7. Hansten PD, Horn JR. Drug Interactions Analysis and Management. Vancouver, WA: Applied Therapeutics Inc., 1997 and updates.
  8. Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium, and Carotenoids. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2000. Available at: http://www.nap.edu/books/0309069351/html/.
  9. Rosenthal G. Interaction of ascorbic acid and warfarin. JAMA 1971;215:1671. DOI
  10. Hume R, Johnstone JM, Weyers E. Interaction of ascorbic acid and warfarin. JAMA 1972;219:1479. DOI
  11. Smith EC, Skalski RJ, Johnson GC, Rossi GV. Interaction of ascorbic acid and warfarin. JAMA 1972;221:1166. DOI
  12. Mc Leod DC, Nahata MC. Inefficacy of ascorbic acid as a urinary acidifier (letter). N Engl J Med 1977;296:1413. DOI
  13. Hansten PD, Hayton WL. Effect of antacid and ascorbic acid on serum salicylate concentration. J Clin Pharmacol 1980;20:326-31. PubMed
  14. Vihtamaki T, Parantainen J, Koivisto AM, et al. Oral ascorbic acid increases plasma oestradiol during postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy. Maturitas 2002;42:129-35. PubMed
  15. Feetam CL, Leach RH, Meynell MJ. Lack of a clinically important interaction between warfarin and ascorbic acid. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 1975;31:544-7. PubMed
  16. Weintraub M, Griner PF. Warfarin and ascorbic acid: lack of evidence for a drug interaction. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 1974;28:53-6. PubMed
  17. Prasad KN. Rationale for using high-dose multiple dietary antioxidants as an adjunct to radiation therapy and chemotherapy. J Nutr 2004;134:3182S-3S. PubMed
  18. Conklin KA. Cancer chemotherapy and antioxidants. J Nutr 2004;134:3201S-3204S. PubMed
  19. Andersson U, Berger K, Hogberg A, et al. Effects of rose hip intake on risk markers of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease: a randomized, double-blind, cross-over investigation in obese persons. Eur J Clin Nutr 2012;66:585-90. PubMed
  20. Rein, E., Kharazmi, A., and Winther, K. A herbal remedy, Hyben Vital (stand. powder of a subspecies of Rosa canina fruits), reduces pain and improves general wellbeing in patients with osteoarthritis--a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised trial. PubMed
  21. Winther, K., Apel, K., and Thamsborg, G. A powder made from seeds and shells of a rose-hip subspecies (Rosa canina) reduces symptoms of knee and hip osteoarthritis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Scand J Rheumatol. 2005;34
  22. Teng, C. M., Kang, Y. F., Chang, Y. L., Ko, F. N., Yang, S. C., and Hsu, F. L. ADP-mimicking platelet aggregation caused by rugosin E, an ellagitannin isolated from Rosa rugosa Thunb. Thromb.Haemost. 1997;77(3):555-561. DOI
  23. Seifi M, Abbasalizadeh S, Mohammad-Alizadeh-Charandabi S, Khodaie L, Mirghafourvand M. The effect of Rosa (L. Rosa canina) on the incidence of urinary tract infection in the puerperium: a randomized placebo-controlled trial. Phytother Res 2018;32(1):76-83
  24. Parandin R, Ghowsi M, Dadbod A. Protective effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Rosa canina L. fruit on cyclophosphamide-induced testicular toxicity in mice. Avicenna J Phytomed 2023;13(1):7-17.

See these in context on the Rose Hip 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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