Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Pycnogenol Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by NutraChamps

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

Pycnogenol is a dietary supplement by NutraChamps with 5 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for flavoring and culinary use, digestive complaints like bloating and indigestion, boosting absorption of other supplements.Based on those ingredients, 1,243 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Black Pepper extract, Grape seed extract, Beet root concentrate. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Pycnogenol by NutraChamps

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 1 of its 5 active ingredients.
  • “Pycnogenol Pine bark extract” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label gives one combined amount (20 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.
  • “Premium Circulation Complex” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (175 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

NutraChamps Pycnogenol is a 5-ingredient capsule centered on beet root concentrate, black pepper extract, grape seed extract, pycnogenol pine bark extract, and cayenne pepper, plus a circulation-support blend. The inactive ingredients are a vegetable capsule and rice flour.

Each of these active ingredients is present for a specific role: beet root and grape seed are used to support blood flow and athletic function; black pepper and cayenne are included both for their potential circulatory benefits and to help your body absorb the other compounds; and pycnogenol (a pine bark extract) is a well-known antioxidant traditionally used for vascular health.

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: circulation and vein health support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), Cardiovascular disease (CVD), Atherosclerosis, Hypertension, Dyslipidemia, Hypercholesterolemia — and 4 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Grape is rated "Possibly Effective" for Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Beet is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Dyslipidemia, Hypertension, Pregnancy-induced hypertension, Pulmonary hypertension.
  • Also on file: Grape is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Atherosclerosis, Cardiovascular disease (CVD).

The evidence for these ingredients is mixed. Beet root shows possibly effective evidence for athletic performance and exercise-induced muscle soreness, though it's rated possibly ineffective for COPD and has insufficient evidence for cholesterol and brain function.

Black pepper's effectiveness for its listed uses — hay fever, asthma, athletic performance, headache, depression, and diarrhea — is not established in the data we hold. Grape seed extract is possibly effective for chronic venous insufficiency (a condition affecting blood flow in the legs) but possibly ineffective for nausea from chemotherapy, hay fever, and weight loss.

Cayenne pepper shows likely effective evidence for nerve pain after shingles and diabetic nerve pain, and possibly effective evidence for cluster headaches, back pain, and nausea after surgery. We hold no effectiveness data for pycnogenol pine bark extract or the French Maritime bark component.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Black Pepper Maritime Pine Beet Grape Capsicum

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 4 of the 4 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 4 of 4.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 4 of 4.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Beet root is generally well tolerated when used short-term; the most common effects are red or occasionally dark stools, which are harmless. Rare serious effects with large amounts include low blood calcium and kidney damage.

Because concentrated beet supplements lack thorough safety study, use caution. Black pepper is well tolerated in food and single doses, with most common effects being a burning aftertaste, indigestion, and reduced taste; allergic reactions are rare.

Concentrated piperine supplements are not well studied. Grape seed extract is generally well tolerated, with common effects being abdominal pain, diarrhea, dry mouth, indigestion, headache, joint pain, and nausea; anaphylaxis to grape skin is rare.

Cayenne pepper commonly causes belching, bloating, burning, diarrhea, indigestion, gas, headache, mild constipation, nausea, runny nose, and flushing — all generally mild. Serious effects are rare.

Concentrated cayenne supplements are not well studied. We hold no safety data for French Maritime bark.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Black Pepper Maritime Pine Beet Grape Capsicum

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?
  • 4 of the 4 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Beet, Grape, Black Pepper, Capsicum.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; diabetes medications; lithium.
  • For scale: 1,162 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 if you use any of the following: blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs like warfarin or aspirin (moderate risk of increased bleeding); seizure medications like phenytoin; beta-blockers like propranolol; HIV medications like nevirapine; tuberculosis antibiotics like rifampin; diabetes drugs (moderate risk of low blood sugar); theophylline for breathing; ACE inhibitors for blood pressure; or ciprofloxacin or other antibiotics. Black pepper and cayenne are the primary sources of these interactions.

No interactions are documented for the French Maritime bark ingredient, as we hold no data for it.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This product combines ingredients with evidence for circulatory and athletic support, particularly beet and cayenne. However, it carries moderate interactions with a substantial number of medications, especially heart, seizure, HIV, tuberculosis, antibiotic, diabetes, and blood-thinning drugs.

If you take any regular medications, especially those for the heart, seizures, blood pressure, or bleeding risk, check them against the interaction tool on this page before starting. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this product is right for you.

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

Assessment coverage: 4 of 5 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jun 24, 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 Pycnogenol, straight from the product label.

Brand NutraChamps
Barcode (UPC) X001WI8OI5
Net contents 60 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jun 24, 2020
DSLD ID 228973
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Pycnogenol by NutraChamps, 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
X001WI8OI5
IngredientAmount% DV
Beet root concentrate0 NP--
Black Pepper extract5 mg--
Grape seed extract0 NP--
Pycnogenol Pine bark extract20 mg--
Premium Circulation Complex175 mg--
Cayenne Pepper0 NP--
French Maritime bark0 NP--

Other ingredients: Vegetable Capsule, Rice Flour

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.
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

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not use if safety seal is damaged or missing.

Caution: Pregnant or nursing mothers, children under the age of 18, or individuals with a known medical condition should consult a physician before using this or any dietary supplement.

Caution: Pregnant or nursing mothers, children under the age of 18, or individuals with a known medical condition should consult a physician before using this or any dietary supplement.

Storage

Store at room temperature.

General Statements

Redefine the pine

Welcome to circulation nation

This bottle supports a child or mother in need. Every product you purchase from us makes a difference by providing life-changing vitamins to those in need. Vitamin Angels proud supporter

Made with love

Formula

Superior absorption with black pepper

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use: Take 2 capsules with food 1-2 times daily, or as directed by your healthcare professional.

Formulation

Premium circulation complex

Non GMO

Vegan

Made in the USA

Zero gluten, soy, eggs, dairy, wheat preservatives or animal products

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Brand IP Statement(s)

Pycogenol is a registered trademark of Horphag Research. Use of this product may be protected by one or more U.S. patents and other international patents.

Seals/Symbols

GMP Consistent Quality Third Party Tested

See for yourself

Pycnogenol by NutraChamps label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Pycnogenol by NutraChamps

These are the 5 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.

Black Pepper extract

Interacts with
1,019 drugs
5 mg per serving Form: Piperine

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

Black Pepper extract monograph & interactions

Pycnogenol Pine bark extract

Interacts with
327 drugs
20 mg per serving

Maritime pine bark extract (often sold as Pycnogenol) is a plant-based antioxidant most studied for circulation, vein, and skin health. Some research...

Pycnogenol Pine bark extract monograph & interactions
  • › French Maritime bark

Premium Circulation Complex

175 mg per serving

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

Interaction report

Pycnogenol by NutraChamps Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Pycnogenol?

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
1,243Drugs
1,100 Moderate 143 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Pycnogenol 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.

Black Pepper extract17 drug types · 1,019 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

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

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

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

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Atorvastatin (Lipitor)

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

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)

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

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

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

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

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

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Lithium

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

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Nevirapine (Viramune)

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

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
P-Glycoprotein Substrates

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

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Pentobarbital (Nembutal)

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

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Phenytoin (Dilantin)

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

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Propranolol (Inderal)

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

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Rifampin (Rifadin)

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

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Theophylline

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

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Amoxicillin (Amoxil, Trimox)

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

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)

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

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

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

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Grape seed extract9 drug types · 910 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, grape extracts may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
In vitro evidence suggests that grape extracts might decrease platelet aggregation.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)

Ingesting grape juice with cyclosporine can reduce cyclosporine absorption.
A small pharmacokinetic study in healthy young adults shows that intake of purple grape juice 200 mL along with cyclosporine can decrease the absorption of cyclosporine by up to 30% when compared with water. Separate doses of grape juice and cyclosporine by at least 2 hours to avoid this interaction.

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

Theoretically, grape juice might reduce the levels of CYP1A2 substrates.
A small pharmacokinetic study in healthy adults shows that ingestion of 200 mL of grape juice decreases phenacetin plasma levels. This is thought to be due to induction of CYP1A2.

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

Theoretically, grape seed extract may increase the levels of CYP2D6 substrates.
In vitro evidence suggests that grape seed extract might inhibit CYP2D6 enzymes. However, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2E1 (Cyp2E1) Substrates

Theoretically, grape seed extract might increase the levels of CYP2E1 substrates.
In vitro and animal research suggests that grape seed proanthocyanidin extract inhibits CYP2E1 enzymes. However, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

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

It is unclear if grape seed extract inhibits or induces CYP3A4; research is conflicting.
In vitro evidence suggests that grape seed extract might inhibit CYP3A4 enzymes. However, evidence from animal research shows that grape seed extract may induce CYP3A4 in the liver. So far, these interactions have not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Midazolam (Versed)

Theoretically, long-term intake of grape seed extract might decrease the effects of midazolam.
Animal research shows that subchronic ingestions of grape seed extract can increase the elimination of intravenous midazolam by increasing hepatic CYP3A4 activity. Single doses of grape seed extract do not appear to affect midazolam elimination.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Phenacetin

Grape juice might decrease phenacetin absorption.
A small pharmacokinetic study in healthy adults shows that ingestion of 200 mL of grape juice decreases phenacetin plasma levels. This is thought to be due to induction of cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2).

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

It is unclear if grape juice or grape seed extract inhibits CYP2C9; research is conflicting.
In vitro evidence shows that grape seed extract or grape juice might inhibit CYP2C9 enzymes. However, a small pharmacokinetic study in healthy adults shows that drinking 8 ounces of grape juice once does not affect the clearance of flurbiprofen, a probe-drug for CYP2C9 metabolism. The effects of continued grape juice consumption are unclear.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D

Beet root concentrate3 drug types · 861 drugs

Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, beet might increase the levels of CYP3A4 substrates.
In vitro research suggests that betanin, the major pigment in beet, competitively inhibits CYP3A4 in a dose-dependent manner similarly to strong CYP3A4 inhibitor ketoconazole.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antihypertensive Drugs

Beet and beetroot contain nitrates, which can cause vasodilation, potentially leading to lower blood pressure. However, a study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition using concentrated beetroot juice found no significant impact on blood pressure or heart rate in different age groups. Other small clinical studies suggest that while beet consumption might transiently lower blood pressure due to vessel dilation, there's no consistent evidence of a lasting effect. Overall, the theoretical risk of reduced blood pressure due to beet's nitrate content exists, but studies generally indicate a low and temporary impact rather than a sustained decrease.

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

Theoretically, beet might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP1A2 substrates.
In vitro research suggests that beet induces CYP1A2 enzymes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Pycnogenol Pine bark extract3 drug types · 327 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, maritime pine bark extract might increase the risk of bleeding when used with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs.
Clinical research suggests that maritime pine bark extract inhibits platelet aggregation. However, the clinical significance of this effect is unclear.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, maritime pine bark extract might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when used with antidiabetes drugs.
One clinical study shows that maritime pine bark extract decreases blood sugar in patients with diabetes being treated with antidiabetes agents. Monitor blood glucose levels closely. Dose adjustments might be necessary.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, maritime pine bark extract might decrease the effectiveness of immunosuppressant therapy.
In vitro and animal research suggests that maritime pine bark extract has immunostimulant activity. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Cayenne Pepper6 drug types · 239 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, capsicum may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
In vitro research shows that capsicum might increase the effects of antiplatelet drugs. Also, population research shows that capsicum is associated with an increased risk of self-reported bleeding in patients taking warfarin. However, clinical research shows that taking a single dose of capsaicin (Asian Herbex Ltd.), the active ingredient in capsicum, 400-800 mcg orally in combination with aspirin 500 mg does not decrease platelet aggregation when compared with taking aspirin 500 mg alone. Also, there was no notable effect on measures of platelet aggregation with capsaicin. It is unclear whether capsaicin must be used in more than a single dose to affect platelet aggregation.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking capsicum with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Preliminary clinical research shows that consuming capsicum 5 grams along with a glucose drink attenuates the rise in plasma glucose after 30 minutes by 21%, decreases the 2-hour postprandial area under the curve of plasma glucose by 11%, and increases the 2-hour postprandial area under the curve of plasma insulin by 58% in healthy individuals when compared with placebo. Other clinical research shows that taking capsicum 5 mg daily for 28 days significantly reduces postprandial blood glucose and insulin levels, but not fasting blood glucose and insulin levels, in patients with gestational diabetes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Aspirin

Theoretically, taking capsicum with aspirin might reduce the bioavailability of aspirin.
Animal research shows that acute or chronic intake of capsicum pepper reduces oral aspirin bioavailability. This has not been shown in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Theophylline

Theoretically, taking capsicum with theophylline might increase the levels and adverse effects of theophylline.
In animal research, oral administration of capsicum reduced excretion of theophylline. However, capsicum does not seem to affect the pharmacokinetics of theophylline when administered intravenously.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Ace Inhibitors (Aceis)

Theoretically, using topical capsaicin may increase the risk of ACE inhibitor-induced cough.
There is one case report of a topically applied capsaicin cream contributing to the cough reflex in a patient using an ACEI. However, it is unclear if this interaction is clinically significant.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)

Theoretically, taking capsicum with ciprofloxacin might increase levels and adverse effects of ciprofloxacin.
Animal research shows that concomitant use of capsaicin, the active constituent of capsicum, and ciprofloxacin increases the bioavailability of ciprofloxacin by up to 70%.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Pycnogenol, from the product label.

NutraChamps

See all NutraChamps products
Name
NutraChamps Inc.
City
Aurora
State
ON
ZipCode
L4G1M2
Phone Number
1-866-272-6888
Web Address
nutrachamps.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Pycnogenol by NutraChamps: Common Questions

Does Pycnogenol by NutraChamps interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Pycnogenol has a known interaction with 1,243 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Pycnogenol contains 5 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Will this product thin my blood or increase my bleeding risk?
Grape seed extract and cayenne pepper both carry moderate interactions with blood thinners and antiplatelet medications. If you take warfarin, aspirin, or another blood thinner, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting this product — they can advise whether it's safe for you.
What are the most common side effects?
Beet root may cause red stools (harmless); black pepper may cause a burning aftertaste or indigestion; grape seed extract may cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, or nausea; and cayenne pepper commonly causes burning, bloating, diarrhea, indigestion, or mild stomach discomfort. Most of these are mild and short-lived.
Is this safe during pregnancy?
Black pepper is rated likely safe during pregnancy. Cayenne pepper is rated likely safe and also possibly safe. Grape seed extract is rated likely safe during pregnancy. We hold no pregnancy safety data for beet root concentrate or French Maritime bark, so talk with your doctor if you're pregnant and considering this product.
Can I take this if I have diabetes and use diabetes medication?
Cayenne pepper may theoretically increase the risk of low blood sugar when combined with diabetes medications. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before adding this product to make sure your blood sugar stays controlled.
Does this product actually improve athletic performance?
Beet root is rated possibly effective for athletic performance and exercise muscle soreness — meaning there's some research support but it's not conclusive. The other ingredients lack established effectiveness evidence for athletic performance in the data we hold.
What does pycnogenol do?
Pycnogenol is a pine bark extract known as an antioxidant traditionally used to support blood flow and vascular health. We hold no specific effectiveness ratings for the pycnogenol in this product in our data.

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.

Pycnogenol label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Pycnogenol’s Ingredients

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

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Pycnogenol'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 180 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.

Beet 14 references
  1. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
  2. Clifford T, Berntzen B, Davison GW, et al. Effects of beetroot juice on recovery of muscle function and performance between bouts of repeated sprint exercise. Nutrients 2016;8. pii: E506. PubMed
  3. Siervo M, Lara J, Ogbonmwan I, Mathers JC. Inorganic nitrate and beetroot juice supplementation reduces blood pressure in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Nutr 2013;143:818-26. PubMed
  4. Clifford T, Howatson G, West DJ, Stevenson EJ. Beetroot juice is more beneficial than sodium nitrate for attenuating muscle pain after strenuous eccentric-bias exercise. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2017;42(11):1185-1191. PubMed
  5. Clifford T, Bell O, West DJ, Howatson G, Stevenson EJ. The effects of beetroot juice supplementation on indices of muscle damage following eccentric exercise. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2016;116(2):353-62. PubMed
  6. Wylie LJ, Kelly J, Bailey SJ, et al. Beetroot juice and exercise: pharmacodynamic and dose-response relationships. J Appl Physiol (1985). 2013;115(3):325-36. PubMed
  7. Garnacho-Castaño MV, Palau-Salvà G, Cuenca E, et al. Effects of a single dose of beetroot juice on cycling time trial performance at ventilatory thresholds intensity in male triathletes. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2018;15(1):49. PubMed
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Black Pepper 29 references
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Grape 34 references
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Maritime Pine 14 references
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Capsicum 89 references
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DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

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