Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 2 of 4 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Russian Choice GI Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Allergy Research Group

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

Russian Choice GI is a dietary supplement by Allergy Research Group with 4 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for digestive upset and poor appetite, bloating and fluid retention, general fatigue or 'weakness'.Based on those ingredients, 1,031 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Bai-Zhu Atractylodes (root) extract, Poria cocos (root) extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Russian Choice GI by Allergy Research Group

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 4 active ingredients.
  • “Proprietary Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (360 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

Russian Choice GI is a capsule containing 4 active ingredients — a proprietary blend of plant extracts and a bacterial powder aimed at digestive and immune support. The blend includes Chinese Yam root extract, Lactobacillus rhamnosus Lysate powder (a beneficial bacterial component), Bai-Zhu Atractylodes root extract, and Poria cocos (mushroom) root extract.

The capsule itself is filled with inactive ingredients: hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, and L-leucine.

Does it work?

Not established
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Not established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: immunobiotic regulator for digestive and immune support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Common cold, Diarrhea, Influenza, gut immunity, mucosal immunity, lactobacillus support.
  • The closest evidence on file: Poria Mushroom is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Diarrhea (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Poria Mushroom is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Influenza.
  • Also on file: Atractylodes is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Common cold, Diarrhea, Influenza.

The evidence for Russian Choice GI's ingredients isn't established in our data. Both Atractylodes and Poria cocos are rated as having insufficient reliable evidence for their traditional uses — anorexia, cachexia, common cold, diarrhea, and other conditions — meaning the research hasn't been thorough enough to say whether they work.

If you're considering this product for a specific concern, talk it over with your doctor or pharmacist about whether the current evidence supports it.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Atractylodes Poria Mushroom

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

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

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 2 of the 2 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 2 of 2.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 2 of 2.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Atractylodes and Poria cocos are used traditionally but have limited human safety data, so caution is warranted. The most common side effects reported with Atractylodes are allergic reaction, dry mouth, and nausea; Poria cocos rarely causes allergic reactions including allergic rhinitis or asthma.

Both ingredients should be avoided during pregnancy — Atractylodes is rated possibly unsafe, and Poria cocos doesn't have enough data to be reassuring. Neither should be used while breastfeeding due to insufficient safety information.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Atractylodes Poria Mushroom

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 2 of the 2 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Poria Mushroom, Atractylodes.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs.
  • For scale: 1,032 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 Russian Choice GI, have your pharmacist or doctor check whether you take blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs (such as warfarin or aspirin), aromatase inhibitors, sedating or CNS depressant medications, anticholinergic drugs, cholinergic drugs, or hexobarbital. The product may also affect how your liver processes certain medications — mention it to your provider so they can monitor whether your drug levels stay where they should be.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Russian Choice GI may appeal to those seeking traditional digestive support, but it's best approached cautiously because human safety data are sparse. If you take blood thinners, aromatase inhibitors, sedating medications, or anticholinergic or cholinergic drugs, you should check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting — the interactions haven't been proven in people but are theoretically plausible.

Pregnant or breastfeeding? Avoid this product and discuss any digestive concerns with your healthcare provider instead.

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

Assessment coverage: 2 of 4 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Oct 23, 2019.

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 Russian Choice GI, straight from the product label.

Brand Allergy Research Group
Barcode (UPC) 713947756205
Net contents 100 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Oct 23, 2019
DSLD ID 208394
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Russian Choice GI by Allergy Research Group, 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
50
UPC/BARCODE
713947756205
IngredientAmount% DV
Proprietary Blend360 mg--
Chinese Yam (root) extract0 NP--
Lactobacillus rhamnosus Lysate powder240 mg--
Bai-Zhu Atractylodes (root) extract0 NP--
Poria cocos (root) extract0 NP--

Other ingredients: Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Microcrystalline Cellulose, L-Leucine

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

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

Immunobiotic Regulator Russian Choice GI contains a proprietary blend of Russian Choice Immune Powder, specially prepared lactobacillus cell wall fragments, and extracts of Bai-Zhu Atractylodes, Poria cocos and Chinese yam.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use As a dietary supplement, 2 capsules two times daily, or as directed by a healthcare practitioner.

Storage

Keep in a cool, dry place, tightly capped.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Formulation

Hypoallergenic

See for yourself

Russian Choice GI by Allergy Research Group label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Russian Choice GI by Allergy Research Group

These are the 4 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container50 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.

Proprietary Blend

360 mg per serving

Lactobacillus rhamnosus Lysate powder

240 mg per serving

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

Interaction report

Russian Choice GI by Allergy Research Group Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Russian Choice GI?

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.

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1,031Drugs
523 Moderate 508 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Russian Choice GI 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.

Bai-Zhu Atractylodes (root) extract5 drug types · 801 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, atractylodes might increase the risk of bleeding when used concomitantly with anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs.
Laboratory research suggests that atractylenolides II and III, constituents of atractylodes, reduce platelet activation. So far, this has not been shown in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Aromatase Inhibitors

Theoretically, atractylodes may have an additive effect when used with other aromatase inhibitors.
Laboratory research suggests that atractylodes and its constituents exhibit aromatase inhibitor effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Hexobarbital

Theoretically, taking atractylodes may prolong the therapeutic and adverse effects of hexobarbital.
In animals, atractylodes has been shown to prolong the effects of hexobarbital. These effects have not been shown in humans.

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

Theoretically, atractylodes might decrease the levels of CYP1A2 substrates.
In animals, atractylodes administered at high doses has been shown to induce CYP1A2 activity. This effect has not been shown in humans.

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

Theoretically, atractylodes might increase the levels of CYP3A4 substrates.
In animals, atractylodes administered at high doses has been shown to inhibit CYP3A1 activity, which is a homolog to the human CYP3A4 enzyme. This effect has not been shown in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Poria cocos (root) extract3 drug types · 417 drugs

Anticholinergic Drugs

Theoretically, poria mushroom might decrease the clinical effects of anticholinergic drugs.
In animal research, poria mushroom essential oil reduces acetylcholinesterase activity. This interaction has not been shown in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cholinergic Drugs

Theoretically, poria mushroom might have additive effects when used with cholinergic drugs.
In animal research, poria mushroom essential oil reduces acetylcholinesterase activity. This interaction has not been shown in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cns Depressants

Theoretically, taking poria mushroom extract may enhance the therapeutic and adverse effects of sedatives.
Animal research shows that poria mushroom extract has sedative properties. This interaction has not been shown in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Russian Choice GI, from the product label.

Allergy Research Group

See all Allergy Research Group products
Name
Allergy Research Group
City
South Salt Lake
State
UT
ZipCode
84115
Phone Number
800.545.9960
Web Address
www.allergyresearchgroup.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Russian Choice GI by Allergy Research Group: Common Questions

Does Russian Choice GI by Allergy Research Group interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Russian Choice GI has a known interaction with 1,031 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Russian Choice GI contains 4 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take this while pregnant?
No — Atractylodes is rated possibly unsafe in pregnancy, and Poria cocos doesn't have enough safety data. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about your digestive concerns; there may be safer options for you right now.
What's Lactobacillus rhamnosus Lysate powder doing in here?
It's a component of a beneficial gut bacterium, included as part of the product's digestive-support formula. We don't hold interaction data for it, but it's a common ingredient in probiotic and GI-health products.
Does this actually work for digestive problems?
The evidence isn't clear — both main ingredients (Atractylodes and Poria cocos) are rated as having insufficient reliable evidence for conditions like diarrhea and digestive upset. If you're dealing with a specific GI issue, your doctor can help you weigh whether this is worth trying.
What side effects might I notice?
The most common reported with Atractylodes are allergic reaction, dry mouth, and nausea. Poria cocos rarely causes allergic reactions. Overall, adverse effects haven't been thoroughly studied, so report any unusual symptoms to your pharmacist or doctor.
Why do I need to check with my doctor about blood thinners?
Atractylodes may theoretically increase bleeding risk when combined with blood thinners like warfarin or antiplatelet drugs like aspirin — though this hasn't been proven in people yet. Your doctor can assess whether it's safe for you or whether you need monitoring.

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

Not sure if Russian Choice GI is safe with your meds?

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Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Russian Choice GI label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Russian Choice GI'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 9 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.

Atractylodes 6 references
  1. Liu Y, Jia Z, Dong L, et al. A randomized pilot study of atractylenolide I on gastric cancer cachexia patients. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2008;5:337-44. PubMed
  2. Chen Y, Yang W, Guo L, Wu X, Zhang T, Liu J, Zhang J. Atractylodes lactone compounds inhibit platelet activation. Platelets. 2017 Mar;28(2):194-202. PubMed
  3. Jiang H, Shi J, Li Y. Screening for compounds with aromatase inhibiting activities from Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz. Molecules. 2011 Apr 14;16(4):3146-51. PubMed
  4. Koonrungsesomboon N, Na-Bangchang K, Karbwang J. Therapeutic potential and pharmacological activities of Atractylodes lancea (Thunb.) DC. Asian Pac J Trop Med. 2014 Jun;7(6):421-8. PubMed
  5. Li L, Tang LY, Man GC, Yeung BH, Lau CB, Leung PC, Wang CC. Potential reproductive toxicity of Largehead Atractylodes Rhizome, the most commonly used Chinese medicine for threatened miscarriage. Hum Reprod. 2011 Dec;26(12):3280-8. PubMed
  6. Muhamad N, Plengsuriyakarn T, Na-Bangchang K. Atractylodes lancea for cholangiocarcinoma: Modulatory effects on CYP1A2 and CYP3A1 and pharmacokinetics in rats and biodistribution in mice. PLoS One 2022;17(11):e0277614. PubMed

See these in context on the Atractylodes monograph →

Poria Mushroom 3 references
  1. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
  2. Kim H, Park I, Park K, Park S, Kim YI, Park BG. The positive effects of Poria cocos extract on quality of sleep in insomnia rat models. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022;19(11):6629. PubMed
  3. Lv Q, Di X, Bian B, Li K, Guo J. Neuroprotective effects of Poria cocos (Agaricomycetes) essential oil on Aß1-40-induced learning and memory deficit in rats. Int J Med Mushrooms 2022;24(10):73-82.

See these in context on the Poria Mushroom monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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