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

Red Sterol Complex Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Higher Nature

Red Sterol Complex label
See full label image
Tablet Or Pill Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 9, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Red Sterol Complex against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Red Sterol Complex is a dietary supplement by Higher Nature with 5 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for general antioxidant support, skin and hair care, heart health.Based on those ingredients, 1,097 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Vitamin E, Red yeast rice, Cinnamon bark extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against Red Sterol Complex by Higher Nature

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Red Sterol Complex by Higher Nature — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Red Sterol Complex by Higher Nature

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Sep 10, 2026

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 4 of its 10 active ingredients.
  • “Plant Sterols” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label gives one combined amount (1,000 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.
  • “Red yeast rice” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label gives one combined amount (118 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

Red Sterol Complex contains 10 active ingredients. The main ones we have data for are vitamin E (a fat-soluble antioxidant), policosanol (a plant-derived compound), cinnamon bark extract, plant sterols (a group that includes beta-sitosterol and campestanol), and red yeast rice (a fermented rice product).

Beta-sitosterol, one of the sterols in the blend, is the ingredient with the most established evidence. The product also contains several inactive ingredients — microcrystalline cellulose, maltodextrin, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide, and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose — which serve as fillers, binders, and capsule material.

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: cholesterol and heart health support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Hypercholesterolemia, Dyslipidemia, Coronary heart disease (CHD), Atherosclerosis, Cardiovascular disease (CVD), Angina — and 4 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Beta-sitosterol is rated "Possibly Effective" for Coronary heart disease (CHD) (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Beta-sitosterol is rated "Possibly Effective" for Familial hypercholesterolemia.
  • Also on file: Vitamin E is rated "Possibly Ineffective" for Angina, Atherosclerosis, Congestive heart failure (CHF).

Vitamin E is effective for vitamin E deficiency and a rare inherited condition called ataxia with vitamin E deficiency (AVED), and possibly effective for Alzheimer disease, beta-thalassemia, and G6PD deficiency. Policosanol is likely effective for intermittent claudication (leg pain with walking) but has insufficient evidence for heart disease and familial high cholesterol.

Beta-sitosterol is likely effective for benign prostate enlargement and possibly effective for familial high cholesterol and coronary heart disease. Cinnamon bark extract has insufficient evidence for any of the conditions we could evaluate — amenorrhea, angina, common cold, diabetes, diarrhea, and dyslipidemia.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Vitamin E Policosanol Cassia Cinnamon Plant Sterols Beta-sitosterol Red Yeast Rice

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.

Vitamin E is generally well tolerated at dietary amounts, but high-dose long-term supplements carry caution — they may raise bleeding risk and other harms, and there is concern about increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke in some studies. Policosanol is usually well tolerated, though common side effects in studies include dysuria, headache, insomnia, upset stomach, vertigo, and weight loss.

Cinnamon bark extract is safe in food amounts, but supplement doses high in coumarin may harm the liver over time. Beta-sitosterol is generally well tolerated short-term and may cause constipation, diarrhea, gas, indigestion, or nausea.

For pregnancy: vitamin E from food and prenatal vitamins is appropriate, but avoid high-dose supplements unless your doctor directs it; policosanol safety data is insufficient — avoid it; cinnamon bark extract food amounts are likely fine but avoid medicinal or high-dose supplement amounts; beta-sitosterol has insufficient safety data, so avoid supplemental use. For breastfeeding: vitamin E in normal dietary amounts is fine, but check with your doctor before high-dose supplements; policosanol data is insufficient — avoid it; cinnamon food amounts are likely fine but avoid concentrated supplement doses; beta-sitosterol has insufficient data — avoid supplemental use.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Vitamin E Policosanol Cassia Cinnamon Plant Sterols Beta-sitosterol Red Yeast Rice

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?
  • 3 of the 4 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Policosanol, Vitamin E, Cassia Cinnamon.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; cancer treatments; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 1,076 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 Red Sterol Complex, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take blood thinners (anticoagulants) or antiplatelet drugs like warfarin or aspirin — Moderate risk of increased bleeding from vitamin E and policosanol. Also check if you take beta-blockers or blood pressure medications like nitroprusside, diabetes drugs (where policosanol and cinnamon may lower blood sugar further), or any medications processed by the liver, chemotherapy drugs, niacin, or if you have a liver condition.

No interactions are documented for the other ingredients we hold monographs for (beta-sitosterol), and we could not check several others because safety data is not on file.

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 is worth considering if you're interested in plant sterols for cholesterol support or prostate health, and if you have vitamin E deficiency. However, if you take blood thinners, antiplatelet drugs, beta-blockers, diabetes medications, or liver-stressing drugs, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting — several ingredients can interact with these.

Likewise, if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to be, discuss it with your healthcare provider first, since safety data is limited for some components.

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

Assessment coverage: 4 of 10 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Apr 23, 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 Red Sterol Complex, straight from the product label.

Brand Higher Nature
Barcode (UPC) 5031013104275
Net contents 90 Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Apr 23, 2024
DSLD ID 304550
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Children 4 or More Years of Age, Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Women (not pregnant or lactating), 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 Red Sterol Complex by Higher Nature, 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 Tablet(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Tablet(s)
UPC/BARCODE
5031013104275
IngredientAmount% DV
Vitamin E50 mg alpha-TE417%
Policosanol40 mg--
Cinnamon bark extract34 mg--
Plant Sterols1000 mg--
Campesterol0 NP--
Stigmasterol0 NP--
Brassicasterol0 NP--
Red yeast rice118 mg--
Beta Sitostanol0 NP--
Monacolins2.96 mg--
Beta Sitosterol0 NP--
Campestanol0 NP--

Other ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Maltodextrin, Red Yeast Rice, Powder, Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose, Magnesium Stearate, D-Alpha Tocopheryl Acid Succinate, Policosanol, Silicon Dioxide, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Cinnamon Bark Extract

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.
General Statements

NRV=Nutrient Reference Value

Body Health

Precautions

Warning: Do not take if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, if you are taking cholesterol-lowering medication or other products containing red yeast rice. If you are taking any medication or have a medical condition, please consult your healthcare professional before using this product.

Seek advice from a doctor on consumption of this product if you experience any health problems. Not suitable for children below 5 years old and adults above 70 years old. May cause a temporary and harmless red colouring of the stool.

Not suitable for children below 5 years old and adults above 70 years old.

Do not exceed recommended daily intake. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. The total dietary intake (from foods and supplements) of phytosterols should not exceed 3 g a day and intake of monacolins from red yeast rice should be less than 3 mg a day.

Formulation

No artificial colours, flavours or preservatives. No added sugar or salt.

This product has not been tested on animals.

For normal cholesterol balance Advanced formula Optimal benefit

Vegetarian and Vegan

Storage

Storage: Store in a cool, dry place out of reach of children.

FDA Statement of Identity

Food Supplement with Phytosterols

Formula

Food supplement with phytosterols A daily intake of at least 0.8 g of plant sterols contributes to the maintenance of normal blood cholesterol levels Contains fermented red yeast rice With policosanol from naturally occurring plant waxes

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: Adults take 2 tablets twice a day after meals for 12 weeks, thereafter 1 tablet twice a day.

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

See for yourself

Red Sterol Complex by Higher Nature label

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

Red Sterol Complex label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Red Sterol Complex by Higher Nature

These are the 5 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill 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.

Vitamin E

Interacts with
764 drugs
50 mg alpha-TE per serving

Vitamin E is an essential fat-soluble vitamin and antioxidant that most people get in adequate amounts from a normal diet. Supplements can help correc...

Vitamin E monograph & interactions

Policosanol

Interacts with
242 drugs
40 mg per serving

Policosanol is a mix of waxy alcohols (mostly octacosanol) made from sugar cane or other plant waxes, and it is often marketed as a natural way to low...

Policosanol monograph & interactions

Cinnamon bark extract

Interacts with
442 drugs
34 mg per serving

Cassia cinnamon is the common, inexpensive cinnamon used in cooking, and it is also taken as a supplement, most often for blood sugar support. The evi...

Cinnamon bark extract monograph & interactions

Plant Sterols

No known
interactions
1000 mg per serving

Plant sterols (and their close relatives, plant stanols) are natural compounds found in plants that can modestly lower LDL ('bad') cholesterol when ta...

Plant Sterols monograph & interactions
  • › Campesterol
  • › Stigmasterol
  • › Brassicasterol
  • › Beta Sitostanol
  • › Beta Sitosterol
  • › Campestanol

Red yeast rice

Interacts with
477 drugs
118 mg per serving

Red yeast rice contains monacolin K, which is chemically identical to the prescription statin lovastatin, and it can lower LDL ('bad') cholesterol. Be...

Red yeast rice monograph & interactions
  • › Monacolins

Other (inactive) ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Maltodextrin, Red Yeast Rice, Powder, Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose, Magnesium Stearate, D-Alpha Tocopheryl Acid Succinate, Policosanol, Silicon Dioxide, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Cinnamon Bark Extract. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Red Sterol Complex by Higher Nature Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Red Sterol Complex?

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
1,097Drugs
1,097 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Vitamin E 764
Red yeast rice 477
Cinnamon bark extract 442
Policosanol 242

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Red Sterol Complex interact with 1,097 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

4 of the 5 ingredients in Red Sterol Complex interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Vitamin E Red yeast rice Cinnamon bark extract Policosanol

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Red Sterol Complex 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.

Vitamin E8 drug types · 764 drugs

Alkylating Agents

Theoretically, antioxidant effects of vitamin E might reduce the effectiveness of alkylating agents.
There's concern that antioxidants could reduce the activity of chemotherapy drugs which generate free radicals, such as cyclophosphamide, chlorambucil, carmustine, busulfan, and thiotepa. However, some researchers theorize that antioxidants might make chemotherapy more effective by reducing oxidative stress that might interfere with apoptosis (cell death) of cancer cells. More evidence is needed to determine what effect, if any, antioxidants such as vitamin E have on chemotherapy. Advise patients to consult their oncologist before using vitamin E supplements, especially in high doses.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Concomitant use of vitamin E and anticoagulant or antiplatelet agents might increase the risk of bleeding.
Vitamin E seems to inhibit of platelet aggregation and antagonize the effects of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors. These effects appear to be dose-dependent, and are probably only likely to be clinically significant with doses of at least 800 units daily. Mixed tocopherols, such as those found in food, might have a greater antiplatelet effect than alpha-tocopherol. RRR alpha-tocopherol (natural vitamin E) 1000 IU daily antagonizes vitamin K-dependent clotting factors. Advise patients to avoid high doses of vitamin E, especially in people with low vitamin K intake or other risk factors for bleeding.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Antitumor Antibiotics

Theoretically, antioxidant effects of vitamin E might reduce the effectiveness of antitumor antibiotics.
There's concern that antioxidants could reduce the activity of antitumor antibiotic drugs such as doxorubicin, which generate free radicals. However, some researchers theorize that antioxidants might make chemotherapy more effective by reducing oxidative stress that might interfere with apoptosis (cell death) of cancer cells. More evidence is needed to determine what effect, if any, antioxidants such as vitamin E have on chemotherapy involving antitumor antibiotics. Advise patients to consult their oncologist before using vitamin E supplements, especially in high doses.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)

A specific form of vitamin E might increase absorption and levels of cyclosporine.
There is some evidence that one specific formulation of vitamin E (D-alpha-tocopheryl-polyethylene glycol-1000 succinate, TPGS, tocophersolan, Liqui-E) might increase absorption of cyclosporine. This vitamin E formulation forms micelles which seems to increase absorption of cyclosporine by 40% to 72% in some patients. However, this interaction is unlikely to occur with the usual forms of vitamin E.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, vitamin E might induce metabolism of CYP3A4, possibly reducing the levels CYP3A4 substrates.
Vitamin E appears to bind with the nuclear receptor, pregnane X receptor (PXR), which results in increased expression of CYP3A4. Although the clinical significance of this is not known, use caution when considering concomitant use of vitamin E and other drugs affected by these enzymes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Selumetinib (Koselugo)

Taking selumetinib with vitamin E can result in a total daily dose of vitamin E that exceeds safe limits and therefore might increase the risk of bleeding.
Selumetinib contains 48-54 IU vitamin E per capsule. The increased risk of bleeding with vitamin E appears to be dose-dependent. Be cautious when using selumetinib in combination with supplemental vitamin E, especially in patients at higher risk of bleed, such as those with chronic conditions and those taking antiplatelet drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Using vitamin E with warfarin might increase the risk of bleeding.
Due to interference with production of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors, use of more than 400 IU of vitamin E daily with warfarin might increase prothrombin time (PT), INR, and the risk of bleeding,. At a dose of 1000 IU per day, vitamin E can antagonize vitamin K-dependent clotting factors even in people not taking warfarin. Limited clinical evidence suggests that doses up to 1200 IU daily may be used safely by patients taking warfarin, but this may not be applicable in all patient populations.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Niacin

Vitamin E might decrease the beneficial effects of niacin on high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels.
A combination of niacin and simvastatin (Zocor) effectively raises high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels in people with coronary disease and low HDL levels. Clinical research shows that taking a combination of antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and selenium) along with niacin and simvastatin (Zocor) attenuates this rise in HDL, specifically the HDL-2 and apolipoprotein A1 fractions, by more than 50%. Vitamin E alone combined with a statin does not seem to decrease HDL levels. It is not known whether the adverse effect on HDL is due to one of the other antioxidants or to the combination. It also is not known whether it will occur in other patient populations.

Likelihood Possible Evidence A
Vitamin E full monograph & interactions

Red yeast rice6 drug types · 477 drugs

Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)

Theoretically, taking red yeast rice in combination with cyclosporine might increase the risk of myopathy.
Red yeast rice contains varying levels of the statin drug lovastatin. Cyclosporine has been reported to increase plasma levels of lovastatin by 5- to 20-fold, resulting in reports of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Inhibitors

Theoretically, drugs that inhibit the CYP3A4 enzymes might increase levels of lovastatin from red yeast rice.
Red yeast rice contains varying levels of the statin drug lovastatin, which is metabolized by CYP3A4. Combining red yeast rice with CYP3A4 inhibitors might increase serum levels of lovastatin from red yeast rice.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Gemfibrozil (Lopid)

Theoretically, taking red yeast rice in combination with gemfibrozil might increase the risk of rhabdomyolysis.
Red yeast rice contains varying levels of the statin drug lovastatin. Gemfibrozil has been reported to increase the risk of rhabdomyolysis when used in combination with lovastatin.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Hepatotoxic Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of liver damage.
Red yeast rice contains varying levels of the drug lovastatin. Lovastatin can cause liver damage in some people. Some clinical research suggests that supplements containing red yeast rice might increase liver enzyme levels in some, but not all, participants. Cases of acute hepatitis have been associated with red yeast rice. Combining it with hepatotoxic drugs might further increase this risk.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Hmg-Coa Reductase Inhibitors ("Statins")

Theoretically, taking red yeast rice with other statins might increase the risk of potential adverse effects.
Red yeast rice contains varying levels of the statin drug lovastatin and might result in supratherapeutic levels when used with other statins. Based on evaluation of data from the US Food and Drug Administration's adverse event reporting system (FAERS), it is recommended that red yeast rice products be avoided in people taking prescription statins.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Niacin

Theoretically, taking red yeast rice in combination with high-dose niacin might increase the risk of rhabdomyolysis.
Red yeast rice contains varying levels of the statin drug lovastatin and has been linked to reports of myopathy. Niacin has been reported to increase the risk of rhabdomyolysis when used in combination with lovastatin.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Red yeast rice full monograph & interactions

Cinnamon bark extract2 drug types · 442 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, cassia cinnamon may have additive effects with antidiabetes drugs.
Cassia cinnamon may lower blood glucose levels, and have additive effects in patients treated with antidiabetic agents. Dose adjustments to diabetes medications might be necessary.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Hepatotoxic Drugs

Theoretically, large doses of cassia cinnamon might cause additive effects when used with hepatotoxic drugs.
There is some concern that ingesting large amounts of cassia cinnamon for an extended duration might cause hepatotoxicity in some people. Cassia cinnamon contains coumarin, which can cause hepatotoxicity in animal models. In humans, very high doses of coumarin from 50-7000 mg/day can result in hepatotoxicity that resolves when coumarin use is discontinued. Lower amounts might also cause liver problems in sensitive people, such as those with liver disease or those taking potentially hepatotoxic agents.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cinnamon bark extract full monograph & interactions

Policosanol6 drug types · 242 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, taking policosanol with other antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
Some clinical research shows that taking policosanol 10-50 mg daily for 7-15 days can inhibit platelet aggregation in healthy patients. Although, one clinical trial shows that taking policosanol 10 mg twice daily for 2 weeks prior to warfarin dosing does not affect warfarin pharmacokinetics or warfarin response. Furthermore, a study in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention with a drug-eluting stent found that taking policosanol 40 mg plus clopidogrel and aspirin daily for 30 days modestly reduced the risk for minor bleeding events when compared with taking clopidogrel and aspirin alone. Until more is known, use with caution.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, policosanol might have additive effects with antidiabetes drugs and increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Clinical research shows that policosanol can lower blood glucose levels.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Beta-Blockers

Concomitant use of policosanol with beta-blockers can cause additive blood pressure-lowering effects.
Clinical research shows that policosanol 5 mg daily can have additive blood pressure-lowering effects in patients with hypertension who are taking beta-blockers. Also, animal research shows that policosanol can increase the blood-pressure lowering effects of propranolol.

Likelihood Probable Evidence A
Nitroprusside (Nitropress)

Theoretically, concomitant use of policosanol with nitroprusside might cause additive blood pressure-lowering effects.
Animal research shows that taking policosanol along with nitroprusside can increase the blood pressure-lowering effects of nitroprusside.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Propranolol (Inderal)

Animal research shows that taking policosanol along with propranolol can increase the blood pressure-lowering effects of propranolol.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, taking policosanol with warfarin might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
Some clinical research shows that taking policosanol 10-50 mg daily for 7-15 days can inhibit platelet aggregation in healthy patients. However, one clinical trial shows that taking policosanol 10 mg twice daily for 2 weeks prior to warfarin dosing does not affect warfarin pharmacokinetics or warfarin response.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Policosanol full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Red Sterol Complex, from the product label.

Higher Nature

See all Higher Nature products
Name
Higher Nature Ltd (EU)
Street Address
Block 1, Blanchardstown Corporate Park, Ballycoolen Road
City
Dublin
ZipCode
D15 AKK1
Web Address
highernature.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Red Sterol Complex by Higher Nature: Common Questions

Does Red Sterol Complex by Higher Nature interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Red Sterol Complex has a known interaction with 1,097 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Red Sterol Complex 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.
What's vitamin E actually doing in here?
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant. In this product, it's being used as part of the overall sterol and lipid-support formula. It's definitely effective for vitamin E deficiency itself, and there's some evidence it may help with Alzheimer disease and a few other conditions, but the main draw here is likely the sterol and plant extract blend.
Is policosanol actually proven to work?
Policosanol is likely effective for intermittent claudication — that's leg pain or cramping that happens when you walk. For heart disease and high cholesterol, though, we don't have enough reliable evidence. The safety data also shows it's usually well tolerated, but quality varies between products, so that's worth knowing.
Can I take this if I'm on a blood thinner like warfarin?
Not without talking to your doctor or pharmacist first. Both vitamin E and policosanol in this formula can increase bleeding risk when you're on a blood thinner, and that's a real concern. They'll help you figure out if it's safe for you or if you need to skip it.
What side effects should I watch for?
Most people tolerate it well, but you might see constipation, diarrhea, gas, nausea, or indigestion from the beta-sitosterol. Policosanol can cause headache, insomnia, or vertigo in some people. Vitamin E at high doses raises bleeding risk. Stop and call your doctor if you notice unusual bruising, bleeding, or signs of liver trouble.
Is this safe while I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Vitamin E from food and prenatal vitamins is fine, but high-dose supplements should wait until you check with your doctor. Policosanol, cinnamon, and beta-sitosterol don't have enough safety data in pregnancy or while breastfeeding, so the advice is to avoid supplemental doses. Talk it over with your obstetrician or midwife before you start.
What about cinnamon — is that really a medicine here?
Cinnamon bark extract in this dose is being used for its potential sterol and lipid effects as part of the blend, but we don't have strong evidence that it works for diabetes, cholesterol, or other conditions. That said, food amounts are safe; just don't take concentrated supplement doses long-term without checking with your doctor, because high coumarin intake can stress the liver.

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.

Red Sterol Complex label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Red Sterol Complex’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Vitamin E

Interacts with 764 drugs

Vitamin E is an essential fat-soluble vitamin and antioxidant that most people get in adequate amounts from a normal diet. Supplements can help correct a true deficiency, but high-dose vitam...

Read the full Vitamin E monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Policosanol

Interacts with 242 drugs

Policosanol is a mix of waxy alcohols (mostly octacosanol) made from sugar cane or other plant waxes, and it is often marketed as a natural way to lower cholesterol. Early studies from Cuba...

Read the full Policosanol monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Cassia Cinnamon

Interacts with 442 drugs

Cassia cinnamon is the common, inexpensive cinnamon used in cooking, and it is also taken as a supplement, most often for blood sugar support. The evidence for its health benefits is mixed a...

Read the full Cassia Cinnamon monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Plant Sterols

Plant sterols (and their close relatives, plant stanols) are natural compounds found in plants that can modestly lower LDL ('bad') cholesterol when taken regularly in adequate amounts, usual...

Read the full Plant Sterols monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Beta-sitosterol

Beta-sitosterol is a plant sterol that may modestly lower LDL ('bad') cholesterol and may help ease urinary symptoms from an enlarged prostate. Evidence is moderate for these uses and weaker...

Read the full Beta-sitosterol monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Red Yeast Rice

Interacts with 477 drugs

Red yeast rice contains monacolin K, which is chemically identical to the prescription statin lovastatin, and it can lower LDL ('bad') cholesterol. Because of this, it carries the same risks...

Read the full Red Yeast Rice monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Red Sterol Complex'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 159 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.

Vitamin E 64 references
  1. Kim JM, White RH. Effect of vitamin E on the anticoagulant response to warfarin. Am J Cardiol 1996;77:545-6. PubMed
  2. Corrigan JJ Jr. The effect of vitamin E on warfarin-induced vitamin K deficiency. Ann N Y Acad Sci 1982;393:361-8. PubMed
  3. Corrigan JJ Jr. Coagulation problems relating to vitamin E. Am J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 1979;1:169-73.
  4. Corrigan JJ Jr, Marcus FI. Coagulopathy associated with vitamin E ingestion. JAMA 1974;230:1300-1. DOI
  5. Labriola D, Livingston R. Possible interactions between dietary antioxidants and chemotherapy. Oncology 1999;13:1003-8.
  6. Chang T, Benet LZ, Hebert MF. The effect of water-soluble vitamin E on cyclosporine pharmacokinetics in healthy volunteers. Clin Pharmacol Ther 1996;59:297-303. PubMed
  7. Pan SH, Lopez RR Jr, Sher LS, et al. Enhanced oral cyclosporine absorption with water-soluble vitamin E early after liver transplantation. Pharmacother 1996;16:59-65. DOI
  8. Anon. Dietary supplementation with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E after myocardial infarction: results of the GISSI-Prevenzione trial. Gruppo Italiano per lo Studio della Soprawivenza nell'Infarto miocardico. Lancet 1999;354:447-55. DOI
  9. Chappell LC, Seed PT, Briley AL, et al. Effect of antioxidants on the occurrence of pre-eclampsia in women at increased risk: a randomised trial. Lancet 1999;354:810-6. DOI
  10. Yusuf S, Dagenais G, Pogue J, et al. Vitamin E supplementation and cardiovascular events in high-risk patients. The heart outcomes prevention evaluation study investigators. N Engl J Med 2000;342:154-60. PubMed
  11. Stephens NG, Parsons A, Schofield PM, et al. Randomised controlled trial of vitamin E in patients with coronary disease: Cambridge Heart Antioxidant Study. Lancet 1996;347:781-6.
  12. The Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta Carotene Cancer Prevention Study Group. The effect of vitamin E and beta carotene on the incidence of lung cancer and other cancers in male smokers. N Engl J Med 1994;330:1029-35. PubMed
  13. Takahashi O. Haemorrhagic toxicity of a large dose of alpha-, beta-, gamma- and delta-tocopherols, ubiquinone, beta-carotene, retinol acetate and L-ascorbic acid in the rat. Food Chem Toxicol 1995;33:121-8.
  14. Briggs GB, Freeman RK, Yaffe SJ. Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 1998.
  15. Sano M, Ernesto C, Thomas RG, et al. A controlled trial of selegiline, alpha-tocopherol, or both as treatment for Alzheimer's disease. The Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study. N Engl J Med 1997;336:1216-22. PubMed
  16. Liede KE, Haukka JK, Saxen LM, Heinonen OP. Increased tendency towards gingival bleeding caused by joint effect of alpha-tocopherol supplementation and acetylsalicylic acid. Ann Med 1998;30:542-6.
  17. 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/.
  18. Brown BG, Zhao XQ, Chait A, et al. Simvastatin and niacin, antioxidant vitamins, or the combination for the prevention of coronary disease. N Engl J Med 2001;345:1583-93. DOI
  19. Liu M, Wallmon A, Olsson-Mortlock C, et al. Mixed tocopherols inhibit platelet aggregation in humans: potential mechanisms. Am J Clin Nutr 2003;77:700-6. PubMed
  20. Sokol RJ, Johnson KE, Karrer FM, et al. Improvement of cyclosporin absorption in children after liver transplantation by means of water-soluble vitamin E. Lancet 1991;338:212-4.. PubMed
  21. Stein JH, Carlsson CM, Papcke-Benson K, et al. The effects of lipid-lowering and antioxidant vitamin therapies on flow-mediated vasodilation of the brachial artery in older adults with hypercholesterolemia. J Am Coll Cardiol 2001;38:1806-13.. PubMed
  22. Carlsson CM, Papcke-Benson K, Carnes M, et al. Health-related quality of life and long-term therapy with pravastatin and tocopherol (vitamin E) in older adults. Drugs Aging 2002;19:793-805. . PubMed
  23. Cheung MC, Zhao XQ, Chait A, et al. Antioxidant supplements block the response of HDL to simvastatin-niacin therapy in patients with coronary artery disease and low HDL. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2001;21:1320-6. PubMed
  24. Schrogie JJ. Coagulopathy and fat-soluble vitamins (letter). JAMA 1975;232:19. DOI
  25. Celestini A, Pulcinelli FM, Pignatelli P, et al. Vitamin E potentiates the antiplatelet activity of aspirin in collagen-stimulated platelets. Haematologica 2002;87:420-6.
  26. Stampfer MJ, Jakubowski JA, Faigel D, et al. Vitamin E supplementation effect on human platelet function, arachidonic acid metabolism, and plasma prostacyclin levels. Am J Clin Nutr 1988;47:700-6. PubMed
  27. Jandak J, Steiner M, Richardson PD. Alpha-tocopherol, an effective inhibitor of platelet adhesion. Blood 1989;73:141-9. DOI
  28. Freedman JE, Farhat JH, Loscalzo J, Keaney JF. Alpha-tocopherol inhibits aggregation of human platelets by a protein kinase C-dependent mechanism. Circulation 1996;94:2434-40. PubMed
  29. Steiner M. Vitamin E, a modifier of platelet function: rationale and use in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease. Nutr Rev 1999;57:306-9. PubMed
  30. Brodkin RH, Bleiberg J. Sensitivity to topically applied vitamin E. Arch Dermatol 1965;92:76-7. DOI
  31. Booth SL, Golly I, Sacheck JM, et al. Effect of vitamin E supplementation on vitamin K status in adults with normal coagulation status. Am J Clin Nutr 2004;80:143-8. PubMed
  32. Miller ER 3rd, Pastor-Barriuso R, Dalal D, et al. Meta-analysis: High-dosage vitamin E supplementation may increase all-cause mortality. Ann Intern Med 2005;142:60520-53. PubMed
  33. Lonn E, Bosch J, Yusuf S, et al. HOPE and HOPE-TOO Trial Investigators. Effects of long-term vitamin E supplementation on cardiovascular events and cancer: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA 2005;293:1338-47. PubMed
  34. Landes N, Pfluger P, Kluth D, et al. Vitamin E activates gene expression via the pregnane X receptor. Biochem Pharmacol 2003;65:269-73. . PubMed
  35. Brigelius-Flohe R. Vitamin E and drug metabolism. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2003;305:737-40. PubMed
  36. 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
  37. Conklin KA. Cancer chemotherapy and antioxidants. J Nutr 2004;134:3201S-3204S. PubMed
  38. Schurks M, Glynn RJ, Rist PM, et al. Effects of vitamin E on stroke subtypes: meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. BMJ 2010;341: c5702. doi: 10.1136/bmj.c5702.
  39. Lawson KA, Wright ME, Subar A, et al. Multivitamin use and risk of prostate cancer in the National Institutes of Health-AARP Diet and Health Study. J Natl Cancer Inst 2007;99:754-64. PubMed
  40. Gaziano JM, Glynn RJ, Christen WG, et al. Vitamins E and C in the prevention of prostate total cancer in men: the physicians' health study II randomised controlled trial. JAMA 2009;301:52-62.
  41. Hayden KM, Welsh-Bohmer KA, Wengreen HJ, et al; Cache County Investigators. Risk of mortality with vitamin E supplements: the Cache County study. Am L Med 2007;120:180-4. PubMed
  42. Smedts HP, de Vries JH, Rakhshandehroo M, et al. High maternal vitamin E intake by diet or supplements is associated with congenital heart defects in the offspring. BJOG 2009;116:416-23. PubMed
  43. Klein EA, Thompson IM Jr, Tangen CM, et al. Vitamin E and the risk of prostate cancer: the Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT). JAMA 2011;306:1549-56. PubMed
  44. Huang, H. Y., Caballero, B., Chang, S., Alberg, A. J., Semba, R. D., Schneyer, C. R., Wilson, R. F., Cheng, T. Y., Vassy, J., Prokopowicz, G., Barnes, G. J., and Bass, E. B. The efficacy and safety of multivitamin and mineral supplement use to prevent ca
  45. Sesso, H. D., Buring, J. E., Christen, W. G., Kurth, T., Belanger, C., MacFadyen, J., Bubes, V., Manson, J. E., Glynn, R. J., and Gaziano, J. M. Vitamins E and C in the prevention of cardiovascular disease in men: the Physicians' Health Study II randomiz
  46. Papaioannou, D., Cooper, K. L., Carroll, C., Hind, D., Squires, H., Tappenden, P., and Logan, R. F. Antioxidants in the chemoprevention of colorectal cancer and colorectal adenomas in the general population: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Colorec PubMed
  47. Cooper, K., Squires, H., Carroll, C., Papaioannou, D., Booth, A., Logan, R. F., Maguire, C., Hind, D., and Tappenden, P. Chemoprevention of colorectal cancer: systematic review and economic evaluation. Health Technol.Assess. 2010;14(32):1-206. PubMed
  48. Mathew, M. C., Ervin, A. M., Tao, J., and Davis, R. M. Antioxidant vitamin supplementation for preventing and slowing the progression of age-related cataract. Cochrane.Database.Syst.Rev. 2012;6:CD004567. PubMed
  49. Rahimi, R., Nikfar, S., Rezaie, A., and Abdollahi, M. A meta-analysis on the efficacy and safety of combined vitamin C and E supplementation in preeclamptic women. Hypertens.Pregnancy. 2009;28(4):417-434. PubMed
  50. Soares, K. V. and McGrath, J. J. Vitamin E for neuroleptic-induced tardive dyskinesia. Cochrane.Database.Syst.Rev. 2001;(4):CD000209. DOI
  51. Roed-Petersen, J. and Hjorth, N. Contact dermatitis from antioxidants. Br.J.Dermatol. 1976;94(3):233-241. PubMed
  52. Brion, L. P., Bell, E. F., Raghuveer, T. S., and Soghier, L. What is the appropriate intravenous dose of vitamin E for very-low-birth-weight infants? J.Perinatol. 2004;24(4):205-207. PubMed
  53. Manny, T., Pettus, J., Hemal, A., Marks, M., and Mirzazadeh, M. Penile sclerosing lipogranulomas and disfigurement from use of "1Super Extenze" among Laotian immigrants. J.Sex Med. 2011;8(12):3505-3510. PubMed
  54. Musso, G., Cassader, M., Rosina, F., and Gambino, R. Impact of current treatments on liver disease, glucose metabolism and cardiovascular risk in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised trials. Diabe PubMed
  55. Bell, E. F. Upper limit of vitamin E in infant formulas. J.Nutr. 1989;119(12 Suppl):1829-1831. PubMed
  56. Manzano, D., Aguirre, A., Gardeazabal, J., Eizaguirre, X., and Diaz Perez, J. L. Allergic contact dermatitis from tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E) and retinol palmitate (vitamin A) in a moisturizing cream. Contact Dermatitis 1994;31(5):324.
  57. Barak, Y., Swartz, M., Shamir, E., Stein, D., and Weizman, A. Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) in the treatment of tardive dyskinesia: a statistical meta-analysis. Ann.Clin.Psychiatry 1998;10(3):101-105.
  58. Chae CU, Albert CM, Moorthy MV, et al. Vitamin E supplementation and the risk of heart failure in women. Circ Heart Fail. 2012;5(2):176-82. PubMed
  59. Rumbold A, Ota E, Hori H, Miyazaki C, Crowther CA. Vitamin E supplementation in pregnancy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015;(9):CD004069. PubMed
  60. Prescribing information: KOSELUGO (selumetinib) capsules. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2020/213756s000lbl.pdf.
  61. Warshaw EM, Ruggiero JL, DeKoven JG, et al. Patch testing with tocopherol and tocopherol acetate: the North American Contact Dermatitis Group experience, 2001 to 2016. Dermatitis. 2021;32(5):308-18. PubMed
  62. US Preventive Services Task Force, Mangione CM, Barry MJ, et al. Vitamin, Mineral, and Multivitamin Supplementation to Prevent Cardiovascular Disease and Cancer: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. JAMA 2022;327(23):2326-2333. PubMed
  63. Abrol R, Kaushik R, Goel D, Sama S, Kaushik RM, Kala M. Vitamin E-induced coagulopathy in a young patient: a case report. J Med Case Rep 2023;17(1):107. PubMed
  64. Abtahi-Naeini B, Rastegarnasab F, Saffaei A. Liquid vitamin E injection for cosmetic facial rejuvenation: A disaster report of lipogranuloma. J Cosmet Dermatol 2022;21(11):5549-5554. PubMed

See these in context on the Vitamin E monograph →

Policosanol 15 references
  1. Carbajal D, Arruzazabala ML, Valdes S, Mas R. Effect of policosanol on platelet aggregation and serum levels of arachidonic acid metabolites in healthy volunteers. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 1998;58:61-4.
  2. Arruzazabala ML, Valdes S, Mas R, et al. Comparative study of policosanol, aspirin and the combination therapy policosanol-aspirin on platelet aggregation in healthy volunteers. Pharmacol Res 1997;36:293-7. PubMed
  3. Valdes S, Arruzazabala ML, Fernandez L. Effect of policosanol on platelet aggregation in healthy volunteers. Int J Clin Pharmacol Res 1996;16:67-72.
  4. Greyling A, De Witt C, Oosthuizen W, Jerling JC. Effects of a policosanol supplement on serum lipid concentrations in hypercholesterolaemic and heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemic subjects. Br J Nutr 2006;95:968-75. PubMed
  5. Abdul MI, Jiang X, Williams KM, et al. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions of echinacea and policosanol with warfarin in healthy subjects. Br J Clin.Pharmacol. 2010;69:508-15. PubMed
  6. Molina, Cuevas, V, Arruzazabala, M. L., Carbajal, Quintana D., Mas, Ferreiro R., and Valdes, Garcia S. Effect of policosanol on arterial blood pressure in rats. Study of the pharmacological interaction with nifedipine and propranolol. Arch Med Res 1998;29
  7. Castano G, Fernandez L, Mas R, et al. Comparison of the efficacy, safety and tolerability of original policosanol versus other mixtures of higher aliphatic primary alcohols in patients with type II hypercholesterolemia. Int.J.Clin.Pharmacol.Res. 2002;22:5
  8. Arruzazabala, M. L., Carbajal, D., Mas, R., Valdes, S., and Molina, V. Pharmacological Interaction Between Policosanol and Nitroprusside in Rats. J Med Food 2001;4(2):67-70. PubMed
  9. Castano G, Mas R, Gamez R, et al. Concomitant use of policosanol and beta-blockers in older patients. Int J Clin Pharmacol.Res 2004;24:65-77.
  10. Francini-Pesenti F, Brocadello F, Beltramolli D, et al. Sugar cane policosanol failed to lower plasma cholesterol in primitive, diet-resistant hypercholesterolaemia: A double blind, controlled study. Complement Ther Med 2008;16:61-65. PubMed
  11. Castaño G, Fernández L, Mas R, Illnait J, Mesa M, Fernández JC. Comparison of the effects of policosanol and atorvastatin on lipid profile and platelet aggregation in patients with dyslipidaemia and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Clin Drug Investig. 2003;23(10 PubMed
  12. Fernandez L, Mas R, Illnait J, Fernandez JC. Policosanol: results of a postmarketing surveillance study of 27,879 patients. Curr Ther Res 1998;59(10):717-22. DOI
  13. Wang HY, Jiao QP, Chen SY, et al. Efficacy and safety of policosanol plus fenofibrate combination therapy in elderly patients with mixed dyslipidemia: A randomized, controlled clinical study. Am J Med Sci. 2018;356(3):254-261. PubMed
  14. Xu K, Liu X, Li Y, Wang Y, Zang H, Guo L, et al. Safety and efficacy of policosanol in patients with high on-treatment platelet reactivity after drug-eluting stent implantation: two-year follow-up results. Cardiovasc Ther. 2016 Oct;34(5):337-42. doi: 10.1 PubMed
  15. Li C, Ding Y, Si Q, Li K, Xu K. Multiple functions of policosanol in elderly patients with dyslipidemia. J Int Med Res. 2020;48(7):300060520936082. PubMed

See these in context on the Policosanol monograph →

Cassia Cinnamon 20 references
  1. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 182 -- Substances Generally Recognized As Safe. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=182
  2. Khan A, Safdar M, Ali Khan M, et al. Cinnamon improves glucose and lipids of people with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care 2003;26:3215-8. PubMed
  3. De Benito V, Alzaga R. Occupational allergic contact dermatitis from cassia (Chinese cinnamon) as a flavouring agent in coffee. Contact Dermatitis 1999;40:165. PubMed
  4. Drake TE, Maibach HI. Allergic contact dermatitis and stomatitis caused by a cinnamic aldehyde-flavored toothpaste. Arch Dermatol 1976;112:202-3.
  5. Press release. Cinnamon capsules to reduce blood sugar are medicinal products! Efficacy has not been scientifically proven - some products contain high levels of coumarin. Federal Institute of Risk Assessment (BfM), Germany, November 11, 2006. Available a
  6. Felter SP, Vassallo JD, Carlton BD, Daston GP. A safety assessment of coumarin taking into account species-specificity of toxicokinetics. Food Chem Toxicol 2006;44:462-75. PubMed
  7. Crawford P. Effectiveness of cinnamon for lowering hemoglobin A1C in patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomized, controlled trial. J Am Board Fam Med 2009;22:507-12. PubMed
  8. Akilen, R., Tsiami, A., Devendra, D., and Robinson, N. Glycated haemoglobin and blood pressure-lowering effect of cinnamon in multi-ethnic Type 2 diabetic patients in the UK: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial. Diabet.Med. 2010; PubMed
  9. Lu T, Sheng H Wu J Cheng Y Zhu J Chen Y. Cinnamon extract improves fasting blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin level in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes. Nutr Res. 2012;32(6):408-412. PubMed
  10. Choi, J., Lee, K. T., Ka, H., Jung, W. T., Jung, H. J., and Park, H. J. Constituents of the essential oil of the Cinnamomum cassia stem bark and the biological properties. Arch Pharm Res 2001;24(5):418-423.
  11. Altschuler JA, Casella SJ, MacKenzie TA, Curtis KM. The effect of cinnamon on A1C among adolescents with type 1 diabetes. Diabetes Care 2007;30(4):813-6. PubMed
  12. Stoecker BR, Zhan Z, Luo R, et al. Cinnamon extract lowers blood glucose in hyperglycemic subjects. FASEB J. 2010;22:722.1 (Abstract only). DOI
  13. Admani S, Hill H, Jacob SE. Cinnamon Sugar Scrub Dermatitis: "Natural" Is Not Always Best. Pediatr Dermatol. 2017;34(1):e42-e43. PubMed
  14. Isaac-Renton M, Li MK, Parsons LM. Cinnamon spice and everything not nice: many features of intraoral allergy to cinnamic aldehyde. Dermatitis. 2015;26(3):116-21. PubMed
  15. Vandersall A, Katta R. Eyelid dermatitis as a manifestation of systemic contact dermatitis to cinnamon. Dermatitis. 2015 Jul-Aug;26(4):189. PubMed
  16. Wickenberg J, Lindstedt S, Nilsson J, Hlebowicz J. Cassia cinnamon does not change the insulin sensitivity or the liver enzymes in subjects with impaired glucose tolerance. Nutr J 2014 Sep 24;13:96. PubMed
  17. Brancheau D, Patel B, Zughaib M. Do cinnamon supplements cause acute hepatitis? Am J Case Rep 2015;16:250-4. PubMed
  18. Shekarchizadeh-Esfahani P, Heydarpour F, Izadi F, Jalili C. The effect of cinnamon supplementation on liver enzymes in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Complement Ther Med 2021;58:102699. PubMed
  19. Bernaola J, Valverde-Monge M, Otal-Buesa M, Cullen D, Heras-Mendaza F. Cinnamon allergic contact cheilitis. Contact Dermatitis 2023;88(5):418-419. PubMed
  20. Patel K, Howard M, Tate B. Cheilitis caused by allergic contact dermatitis to cinnamon in chai tea: A case report. Contact Dermatitis 2023;88(3):239-240. PubMed

See these in context on the Cassia Cinnamon monograph →

Plant Sterols 3 references
  1. Guardamagna, O., Abello, F., Baracco, V., Federici, G., Bertucci, P., Mozzi, A., Mannucci, L., Gnasso, A., and Cortese, C. Primary hyperlipidemias in children: effect of plant sterol supplementation on plasma lipids and markers of cholesterol synthesis a
  2. Haque Hussain SS, Weir J, Roberts N. Severe dermatitis secondary to plant sterol supplements. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2009 Oct;34(7):e276-7. PubMed
  3. Xue P, Wang Y, Chen Y, et al. A Case of Peripheral Precocious Puberty May Be Caused by a Diet Containing Phytosterols in a 20-Month-Old Boy. Horm Res Paediatr 2022;95(5):484-491. PubMed

See these in context on the Plant Sterols monograph →

Red Yeast Rice 50 references
  1. Hebel SK, ed. Drug Facts and Comparisons. 52nd ed. St. Louis: Facts and Comparisons, 1998.
  2. Heber D, Yip I, Ashley JM, et al. Cholesterol-lowering effects of a proprietary Chinese red-yeast-rice dietary supplement. Am J Clin Nutr 1999;69:231-6. PubMed
  3. Wang J, Lu A, Chi J. Multicenter clinical trial of the serum lipid-lowering effects of a monascus purpureus (red yeast) rice preparation from traditional Chinese medicine. Cur Ther Res 1997;58:964-78. DOI
  4. Wigger-Alberti W, Bauer A, Hipler UC, Elsner P. Anaphylaxis due to Monascus purpureus-fermented rice (red yeast rice). Allergy 1999;54:1330-1.
  5. Prasad GV, Wong T, Meliton G, Bhaloo S. Rhabdomyolysis due to red yeast rice (Monascus purpureus) in a renal transplant recipient. Transplantation 2002;74:1200-1. PubMed
  6. Heber D, Lembertas A, Lu QY, et al. An analysis of nine proprietary Chinese red yeast rice dietary supplements: implications of variability in chemical profile and contents. J Altern Complement Med 2001;7:133-9. PubMed
  7. Mueller PS. Symptomatic myopathy due to red yeast rice. Ann Intern Med 2006;145:474-5. PubMed
  8. Roselle H, Ekatan A, Tzeng J, et al. Symptomatic hepatitis associated with the use of herbal red yeast rice. Ann Intern Med 2008;149:516-7. PubMed
  9. Lapi F, Gallo E, Bernasconi S, et al. Myopathies associated with red yeast rice and liquorice: spontaneous reports from the Italian Surveillance System of Natural Health Products. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2008;66:572-74. PubMed
  10. Becker DJ, Gordon RY, Halbert SC, et al. Red yeast rice for dyslipidemia in statin-intolerant patients: A randomized trial. Ann Intern Med 2009;150:830-9. PubMed
  11. Halbert SC, French B, Gordon RY, et al. Tolerability of red yeast rice (2,400 mg twice daily) versus pravastatin (20 mg twice daily) in patients with previous statin intolerance. Am J Cardiol 2010;105:198-204. PubMed
  12. Gordon RY, Cooperman T, Obermeyer W, Becker DJ. Marked variability of monacolin levels in commercial red yeast rice products: buyer beware! Arch Intern Med 2010;170:1722-7. PubMed
  13. Karl M, Rubenstein M, Rudnick C, Brejda J. A multicenter study of nutraceutical drinks for cholesterol (evaluating effectiveness and tolerability). J Clin Lipidology 2012;6:150-158. PubMed
  14. Huang, J., Frohlich, J., and Ignaszewski, A. P. The impact of dietary changes and dietary supplements on lipid profile. Can J Cardiol 2011;27(4):488-505. PubMed
  15. Grieco, A., Miele, L., Pompili, M., Biolato, M., Vecchio, F. M., Grattagliano, I., and Gasbarrini, G. Acute hepatitis caused by a natural lipid-lowering product: when "alternative" medicine is no "alternative" at all. J Hepatol 2009;50(6):1273-1277. PubMed
  16. Smith, D. J. and Olive, K. E. Chinese red rice-induced myopathy. South.Med J 2003;96(12):1265-1267. PubMed
  17. Liu, B. H., Wu, T. S., Su, M. C., Chung, C. P., and Yu, F. Y. Evaluation of citrinin occurrence and cytotoxicity in Monascus fermentation products. J Agric.Food Chem. 1-12-2005;53(1):170-175.
  18. Lin, C. C., Li, T. C., and Lai, M. M. Efficacy and safety of Monascus purpureus Went rice in subjects with hyperlipidemia. Eur J Endocrinol 2005;153(5):679-686. PubMed
  19. Zhao, S. P., Lu, Z. L., Du, B. M., Chen, Z., Wu, Y. F., Yu, X. H., Zhao, Y. C., Liu, L., Ye, H. J., and Wu, Z. H. Xuezhikang, an extract of cholestin, reduces cardiovascular events in type 2 diabetes patients with coronary heart disease: subgroup analysis
  20. Lu, Z., Kou, W., Du, B., Wu, Y., Zhao, S., Brusco, O. A., Morgan, J. M., Capuzzi, D. M., and Li, S. Effect of Xuezhikang, an extract from red yeast Chinese rice, on coronary events in a Chinese population with previous myocardial infarction. Am J Cardiol PubMed
  21. Li, J. J., Lu, Z. L., Kou, W. R., Chen, Z., Wu, Y. F., Yu, X. H., and Zhao, Y. C. Beneficial impact of Xuezhikang on cardiovascular events and mortality in elderly hypertensive patients with previous myocardial infarction from the China Coronary Secondary
  22. Li, J. J., Lu, Z. L., Kou, W. R., Chen, Z., Wu, Y. F., Yu, X. H., and Zhao, Y. C. Impact of Xuezhikang on coronary events in hypertensive patients with previous myocardial infarction from the China Coronary Secondary Prevention Study (CCSPS). Ann Med 2010 PubMed
  23. Li, J. J., Lu, Z. L., Kou, W. R., Chen, Z., Wu, Y. F., Yu, X. H., and Zhao, Y. C. Long-term effects of Xuezhikang on blood pressure in hypertensive patients with previous myocardial infarction: data from the Chinese Coronary Secondary Prevention Study (CC
  24. Liu, Z. L., Liu, J. P., Zhang, A. L., Wu, Q., Ruan, Y., Lewith, G., and Visconte, D. Chinese herbal medicines for hypercholesterolemia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2011;(7):CD008305. PubMed
  25. Chagas, G. M., Kluppel, M. L., Campello, Ade P., Buchi, Dde F., and de Oliveira, M. B. Alterations induced by citrinin in cultured kidney cells. Cell Struct.Funct. 1994;19(2):103-108. PubMed
  26. Krejci, M. E., Bretz, N. S., and Koechel, D. A. Citrinin produces acute adverse changes in renal function and ultrastructure in pentobarbital-anesthetized dogs without concomitant reductions in [potassium] plasma. Toxicology 1-8-1996;106(1-3):167-177. PubMed
  27. Blanc PJ, Laussac JP, Le Bars J, et al. Characterization of monascidin A from Monascus as citrinin. Int J Food Microbiol. 1995;27(2-3):201-213. PubMed
  28. Lu, Z. L., Xu, S., and Kou, W. R. The clinical observation of treatment of hyperlipidemia with different dose of Xuezhikang. National Symposium of Clinical Therapies for Cardiovascular Diseases 1995;1997:53-57.
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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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