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

Sambucus PM Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Nature's Answer

Sambucus PM label
See full label image
Liquid 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 Sambucus PM 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

Sambucus PM is a dietary supplement by Nature's Answer with 5 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for anxiety and stress, sleep and relaxation, digestive upset.Based on those ingredients, 1,297 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Chamomile flower extract, Passionflower aerial parts extract, Suntheanine L-Theanine. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

Jump to a section

Check Your Meds Against Sambucus PM by Nature's Answer

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Sambucus PM by Nature's Answer — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Sambucus PM by Nature's Answer

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 Jul 11, 2026

What’s inside

Partial disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Partial

Most active ingredients list an amount, but at least one is hidden in a blend or missing.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 3 of its 5 active ingredients.
  • “Proprietary Herbal Extract Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (100 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.
  • “Black Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) juice concentrated extract” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label gives one combined amount (1.50 Gram(s)) without saying how much of each component you get.

Sambucus PM is a liquid supplement with 5 ingredients designed to support sleep and relaxation. The active components include Suntheanine L-Theanine (an amino acid), chamomile flower extract, red raspberry juice concentrate, passionflower aerial parts extract, and black elderberries.

The product also contains inactive ingredients — glycerin, purified water, and citric acid — to deliver and preserve the formula.

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: Sleep support and relaxation.
  • We looked for evidence on: Insomnia, Stress, Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), Adjustment disorders, Anxiety, Sleep quality — and 1 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Passion Flower is rated "Possibly Effective" for Pre-procedural anxiety (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Passion Flower is rated "Possibly Effective" for Insomnia.
  • Also on file: Passion Flower is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Adjustment disorders, Stress.

According to our data, theanine is possibly effective for supporting cognitive function, though evidence for age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease is insufficient. Passionflower is possibly effective for insomnia and pre-procedural anxiety.

The evidence we hold on red raspberry doesn't establish effectiveness for any condition, and we have no effectiveness data on file for chamomile flower extract or black elderberries in this product.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient German Chamomile Passion Flower Theanine Red Raspberry Elderberry

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.

Theanine is generally well tolerated in healthy adults for short-term use, though long-term safety hasn't been well studied. Reported side effects include headaches, drowsiness, and increased dream activity.

Passionflower is also generally well tolerated short-term but commonly causes drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, and sedation. Red raspberry is generally well tolerated, though it may cause diarrhea, stomach upset, and abdominal discomfort at higher doses — these aren't common at typical doses.

For pregnancy, theanine and passionflower both have insufficient safety data, so it's best to avoid them during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Red raspberry is often used in late pregnancy but safety isn't well established — talk with your provider if you're considering it.

We don't have safety data on file for black elderberries or chamomile flower extract in pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient German Chamomile Passion Flower Theanine Red Raspberry Elderberry

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 — Red Raspberry, Passion Flower, German Chamomile, Theanine.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 1,208 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 Sambucus PM, check if you take blood pressure medications — theanine may lower your pressure further. If you're on insulin or blood thinners, ask your pharmacist specifically about red raspberry juice concentrate.

Anyone using sedating medications (sleeping pills, anti-anxiety drugs, or pain relievers that cause drowsiness) should confirm this product won't layer on too much sedation. Use the medication checker below to scan your exact drugs.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glancePartially disclosed formula with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Sambucus PM is designed to support sleep and relaxation with passionflower and theanine, both backed by some evidence. However, if you take blood pressure medication, insulin, blood thinners, or any sedating drug, you need to check your specific medications before starting — the interactions here could affect how your drugs work.

Talk with your pharmacist or doctor before adding this to your routine.

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 May 19, 2022.

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 Sambucus PM, straight from the product label.

Brand Nature's Answer
Barcode (UPC) 083000260476
Net contents 4 fl. Oz.; 120 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD May 19, 2022
DSLD ID 264123
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Kosher, Gluten 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 Sambucus PM by Nature's Answer, 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:
5 mL
Maximum serving Sizes:
5 mL
Servings per container
24
UPC/BARCODE
083000260476
IngredientAmount% DV
Calories20 Calorie(s)--
Total Carbohydrates5 Gram(s)2%
Proprietary Herbal Extract Blend100 mg--
Total Sugars1 Gram(s)--
Suntheanine L-Theanine100 mg--
Chamomile flower extract0 NP--
Red Raspberry juice concentrate9 mg--
Passionflower aerial parts extract0 NP--
Black Elderberries5000 mg--
Black Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) juice concentrated extract1.5 Gram(s)--

Other ingredients: Glycerin, Water, Purified, Citric Acid

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

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

Discover Nature's Answer and trust the Difference... The True Nature of Our Standards go way beyond the herb...

Suntheanine is a registered trademark of Taiyo International, Inc.

Nature's Answer Since 1972

Nature's Answer Discover Nature's Answer

Copyright 2018 Nature's Answer

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.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

Seals/Symbols

K Parve (Kosher) Non GMO Project Verified nongmoproject.org

Formula

K Parve (Kosher)

Black Elderberry infused Made From 5,000 mg of Black Elderberries per serving

Formulation

Gluten Free Non GMO Project Verified nongmoproject.org

Advanced Botanical Fingerprint Technology Immune Support Nighttime Formula

Vegetarian Vegan

Absolutely No Preservatives

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement, take one (1) teaspoon (5 mL) 30 minutes to an hour before bedtime in a small amount of water. Shake well before use.

Precautions

Warning: Keep Out of Reach of Children.

Do not use if safety seal is damaged or missing.

If you are pregnant, nursing, taking any medications, planning any medical procedure or have a medical condition, consult with your healthcare practitioner before use.

General Statements

For product information, call (800) 439-2324.

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

See for yourself

Sambucus PM by Nature's Answer label

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

Sambucus PM 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 Sambucus PM by Nature's Answer

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

Serving size5 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container24 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 Herbal Extract Blend

100 mg per serving

Suntheanine L-Theanine

Interacts with
565 drugs
100 mg per serving

Theanine (usually L-theanine) is an amino acid found naturally in tea leaves that many people take to feel calmer and less stressed without strong dro...

Suntheanine L-Theanine monograph & interactions

Red Raspberry juice concentrate

Interacts with
135 drugs
9 mg per serving

Red raspberry leaf is a traditional herbal remedy most often used as a tea in late pregnancy and for menstrual discomfort, but solid scientific eviden...

Red Raspberry juice concentrate monograph & interactions

Black Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) juice concentrated extract

Interacts with
121 drugs
1.5 Gram(s) per serving

Elderberry is a popular herbal supplement, mainly taken to help with colds and flu. Some small studies suggest it may modestly shorten cold or flu sym...

Black Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) juice concentrated extract monograph & interactions
  • › Black Elderberries

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

Interaction report

Sambucus PM by Nature's Answer Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Sambucus PM?

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
1,297Drugs
1,202 Moderate 95 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Chamomile flower extract 960
Passionflower aerial parts extract 836
Suntheanine L-Theanine 565
Red Raspberry juice concentrate 135
Black Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) juice concentrated extract 121

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Sambucus PM interact with 1,297 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

5 of the 5 ingredients in Sambucus PM interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Chamomile flower extract Passionflower aerial parts extract Suntheanine L-Theanine Red Raspberry juice concentrate Black Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) juice concentrated extract

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Sambucus PM 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.

Chamomile flower extract9 drug types · 960 drugs

Cns Depressants

Theoretically, German chamomile might have additive effects when used with CNS depressants.
German chamomile has mild sedative effects. Theoretically, concomitant use with drugs with sedative properties can cause additive effects and side effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Contraceptive Drugs

Theoretically, large amounts of German chamomile might reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.
In vitro, German chamomile has demonstrated antiestrogenic activity. Theoretically, concomitant use of large amounts of German chamomile might interfere with contraceptive drugs through competition for estrogen receptors.

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

Theoretically, German chamomile might inhibit CYP2C9 and increase levels of drugs metabolized by these enzymes.
In vitro evidence shows that German chamomile might inhibit CYP2C9. So far, this interaction has not been reported in humans. However, there might be an increase in the levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C9 in patients taking German chamomile.

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

Theoretically, German chamomile might inhibit CYP2D6 and increase levels of drugs metabolized by these enzymes.
In vitro evidence shows that German chamomile might inhibit CYP2D6. So far, this interaction has not been reported in humans. However, there might be an increase in the levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6 in patients taking German chamomile.

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

Theoretically, German chamomile might inhibit CYP3A4 and increase levels of drugs metabolized by these enzymes.
In vitro evidence shows that German chamomile might inhibit CYP3A4. So far, this interaction has not been reported in humans. However, there might be an increase in the levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4 in patients taking German chamomile.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Estrogens

Theoretically, large amounts of German chamomile might reduce the effectiveness of estrogens.
In vitro, German chamomile has demonstrated antiestrogenic activity. Theoretically, large amounts of German chamomile might interfere with hormone replacement therapy through competition for estrogen receptors.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Tamoxifen (Nolvadex)

Theoretically, large amounts of German chamomile might interfere with the activity of tamoxifen.
In vitro, German chamomile has demonstrated antiestrogenic activity.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

German chamomile might increase the effects of warfarin and increase the risk of bleeding.
In one case, a 70-year-old female taking warfarin developed retroperitoneal hematoma and bilateral recti muscle bleeding along with an INR of 7.9 following ingestion of German chamomile tea 4-5 cups daily and use of a topical chamomile-based lotion applied 4-5 times daily.

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

Theoretically, German chamomile might inhibit CYP1A2 and increase levels of drugs metabolized by these enzymes.
In vitro and animal research shows that German chamomile might inhibit CYP1A2. So far, this interaction has not been reported in humans. However, there might be an increase in the levels of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2 in patients taking German chamomile.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Chamomile flower extract full monograph & interactions

Passionflower aerial parts extract3 drug types · 836 drugs

Cns Depressants

Concomitant use of passion flower with sedative drugs might cause additive effects and side effects.
Research in animals and humans shows that passion flower has sedative effects which can be additive when used with sedative medications like lorazepam.

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

Theoretically, passion flower might decrease the effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
In vitro research suggests that passion flower can induce CYP3A4 enzymes, albeit to a much lower degree than rifampin, a known CYP3A4 inducer.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Organic Anion-Transporting Polypeptide Substrates (Oatp)

Theoretically, passion flower might reduce the bioavailability of OATP2B1 and OATP1A2 substrates.
In vitro research shows that the passion flower constituents apigenin and vitexin inhibit OATP2B1 and OATP1A2. This inhibition may be dose-dependent. One specific high-flavonoid passion flower extract (Valverde) seems to inhibit OATP2B1 and OATP1A2, while another extract with a lower flavonoid concentration (Arkocaps) shows less potent inhibition. OATPs are responsible for the uptake of drugs and other compounds into the body; however, the specific activities of OATP2B1 and OATP1A2 are not well characterized.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Passionflower aerial parts extract full monograph & interactions

Suntheanine L-Theanine3 drug types · 565 drugs

Antihypertensive Drugs

Theanine might lower blood pressure, potentiating the effects of antihypertensive drugs.
Animal research shows that theanine can lower blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive animals. Theoretically, concomitant use of theanine and antihypertensive drugs might potentiate the antihypertensive activity.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cns Depressants

Theoretically, theanine might have additive sedative effects when used in conjunction with CNS depressants. However, it is unclear if this concern is clinically relevant.
Theoretically, theanine may compete with glutamate and/or increase plasma gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels, which could cause CNS depression. In one clinical study, some subjects taking oral theanine reported drowsiness.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Serotonergic Drugs

Clinical studies regarding the effects of L-theanine on serotonin levels are conflicting. Some studies suggest it can increase serotonin levels in the brain while others report that it may decrease them. Nevertheless, there have been no reports of l-theanine being a causative agent in serotonergic-related side effects or serotonin syndrome.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence C
Suntheanine L-Theanine full monograph & interactions

Red Raspberry juice concentrate2 drug types · 135 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, taking red raspberry leaf with anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs might increase the risk of bleeding.
In vitro research suggests that red raspberry leaf extract has antiplatelet activity and enhances the in vitro effects of the antiplatelet medication cangrelor. This interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Insulin

Red raspberry leaf might reduce glucose levels in patients being treated with insulin.
In one case report, a 38-year-old patient with gestational diabetes, whose blood glucose was being controlled with medical nutrition therapy and insulin, developed hypoglycemia after consuming two servings of raspberry leaf tea daily for 3 days beginning at 32 weeks' gestation. The patient required an insulin dose reduction. The hypoglycemia was considered to be probably related to use of red raspberry leaf tea.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Red Raspberry juice concentrate full monograph & interactions

Black Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) juice concentrated extract2 drug types · 121 drugs

Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Elderberry has immunostimulant activity, increasing the production of cytokines, including interleukin and tumor necrosis factor.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Pazopanib (Votrient)

Theoretically, elderberry might interact with pazopanib, potentially increasing the risk of adverse effects.
In one case, a 65-year-old patient taking pazopanib for 4 weeks for soft-tissue sarcoma developed severe nausea, loose stools, and elevated alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase levels and was diagnosed with grade 3 liver injury. The patient reported taking elderberry supplements for 2 years, dose unspecified, and was also taking a multivitamin and a calcium supplement. The patient's symptoms and liver enzyme levels improved upon discontinuation of pazopanib and all supplements. Pazopanib treatment was re-initiated, at a lower dose, with no further evidence of liver injury. It was unclear in this case report if the elderberry supplements were derived from the berry, the flower, or the combination.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Black Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) juice concentrated extract full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Sambucus PM, from the product label.

Nature's Answer

See all Nature's Answer products
Name
Nature's Answer
City
Hauppauge
State
NY
ZipCode
11788-3943
Phone Number
(800) 439-2324
Web Address
www.naturesanswer.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Sambucus PM by Nature's Answer: Common Questions

Does Sambucus PM by Nature's Answer interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Sambucus PM has a known interaction with 1,297 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Sambucus PM 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.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Two of the main ingredients — theanine and passionflower — don't have enough safety data for pregnancy or breastfeeding, so it's best to avoid them during these times. Red raspberry is sometimes used in late pregnancy, but safety isn't firmly established, so talk with your doctor or midwife if you're considering it. We don't have safety information on file for the other ingredients.
What's theanine and why is it in a sleep product?
Theanine is an amino acid found in tea that promotes relaxation without sedation — it can help you feel calm and focused. It's included here to support the relaxing effects of the passionflower and other herbal ingredients designed for sleep support.
Will this make me drowsy the next morning?
Passionflower commonly causes drowsiness, dizziness, and sedation, and some people report increased sleep duration with theanine. If you're sensitive to these effects or have morning activities that require alertness, start with a small dose and see how you feel the next day. Everyone's response is different.
Is this safe to take long-term?
Theanine is generally well tolerated short-term in healthy adults, but long-term safety hasn't been well studied. Passionflower is also considered generally well tolerated short-term. If you're thinking of using it regularly for weeks or months, check in with your pharmacist or doctor.
What are the side effects I should watch for?
Common side effects from the active ingredients include drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, headaches, and increased dreaming. Red raspberry may cause stomach upset or diarrhea at higher doses, though this is uncommon at typical amounts. If you notice an unusual reaction, stop and talk with your pharmacist.
Does this product have any fillers?
Yes — it contains glycerin, purified water, and citric acid as inactive ingredients to deliver the formula and preserve it.

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.

Sambucus PM label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Sambucus PM’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

German Chamomile

Interacts with 960 drugs

German chamomile is a widely used herbal remedy taken mainly as a tea for calming, sleep, and digestive complaints. Early research suggests possible benefits for mild anxiety and some skin o...

Read the full German Chamomile monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Passion Flower

Interacts with 836 drugs

Passion flower is a traditional calming herb that many people use for anxiety and sleep. Early studies hint it may help with mild anxiety and restlessness, but the evidence is limited and mo...

Read the full Passion Flower monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Theanine

Interacts with 565 drugs

Theanine (usually L-theanine) is an amino acid found naturally in tea leaves that many people take to feel calmer and less stressed without strong drowsiness. Early research suggests it may...

Read the full Theanine monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Red Raspberry

Interacts with 135 drugs

Red raspberry leaf is a traditional herbal remedy most often used as a tea in late pregnancy and for menstrual discomfort, but solid scientific evidence for these uses is limited. It is gene...

Read the full Red Raspberry monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Elderberry

Interacts with 121 drugs

Elderberry is a popular herbal supplement, mainly taken to help with colds and flu. Some small studies suggest it may modestly shorten cold or flu symptoms, but the evidence is limited and n...

Read the full Elderberry monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Sambucus PM'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 54 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.

Theanine 6 references
  1. Yokogoshi H, Kobayashi M. Hypotensive effect of gamma-glutamylethylamide in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Life Sci 1998;62:1065-8.
  2. Haskell, C. F., Kennedy, D. O., Milne, A. L., Wesnes, K. A., and Scholey, A. B. The effects of L-theanine, caffeine and their combination on cognition and mood. Biol.Psychol. 2008;77(2):113-122. PubMed
  3. Yokogoshi, H., Kato, Y., Sagesaka, Y. M., Takihara-Matsuura, T., Kakuda, T., and Takeuchi, N. Reduction effect of theanine on blood pressure and brain 5-hydroxyindoles in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Biosci.Biotechnol.Biochem. 1995;59(4):615-618. PubMed
  4. Lyon MR, Kapoor MP, Juneja LR. The effects of L-theanine (Suntheanine®) on objective sleep quality in boys with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Altern Med Rev. 2011;16(4):348-
  5. Hidese S, Ota M, Wakabayashi C, et al. Effects of chronic l-theanine administration in patients with major depressive disorder: an open-label study. Acta Neuropsychiatr 2017;29(2):72-9.
  6. Tsuchiya T, Honda H, Oikawa M, et al. Oral administration of the amino acids cystine and theanine attenuates the adverse events of S-1 adjuvant chemotherapy in gastrointestinal cancer patients. Int J Clin Oncol 2016;21(6):1085-90. PubMed

See these in context on the Theanine monograph →

German Chamomile 15 references
  1. Subiza J, Subiza JL, Hinojosa M, et al. Anaphylactic reaction after the ingestion of chamomile tea; a study of cross-reactivity with other composite pollens. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1989;84:353-8. PubMed
  2. Budzinski JW, Foster BC, Vandenhoek S, Arnason JT. An in vitro evaluation of human cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibition by selected commercial herbal extracts and tinctures. Phytomedicine 2000;7:273-82. PubMed
  3. Viola H, Wasowski C, Levi de Stein M, et al. Apigenin, a component of Matricaria recutita flowers, is a central benzodiazepine receptors-ligand with anxiolytic effects. Planta Med 1995;61:213-6.
  4. van Ketel WG. Allergy to Matricaria chamomilla. Contact Dermatitis 1982;8:143. PubMed
  5. van Ketel WG. Allergy to Matricaria chamomilla. Contact Dermatitis 1987;16:50-1. PubMed
  6. Hormann HP, Korting HC. Evidence for the efficacy and safety of topical herbal drugs in dermatology: part I: anti-inflammatory agents. Phytomedicine 1994;1:161-71. PubMed
  7. Avallone R, Zanoli P, Puia G, et al. Pharmacological profile of apigenin, a flavonoid isolated from Matricaria chamomilla. Biochem Pharmacol 2000;59:1387-94. PubMed
  8. Kassi E, Papoutsi Z, Fokialakis N, et al. Greek plant extracts exhibit selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM)-like properties. J Agric Food Chem 2004;52:6956-61. PubMed
  9. Maliakal PP, Wanwimolruk S. Effect of herbal teas on hepatic drug metabolizing enzymes in rats. J Pharm Pharmacol 2001;53:1323-9. PubMed
  10. Segal R, Pilote L. Warfarin interaction with Matricaria chamomilla. CMAJ 2006;174:1281-2. PubMed
  11. Loggia RD, Traversa U, Scarcia V, et al. Depressive effects of Chamomilla recutita (L.) Rausch, tubular flowers, on central nervous system in mice. Pharmacol Res Commun 1982;14(2):153-162. PubMed
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See these in context on the German Chamomile monograph →

Red Raspberry 8 references
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  2. Parsons M, Simpson M, Ponton T. Raspberry leaf and its effects on labour: safety and efficacy. Aust Coll Midwives Inc J 1999;12:20-5.
  3. Simpson M, Parsons M, Greenwood J, Wade K. Raspberry leaf in pregnancy: its safety and efficacy in labor. J Midwifery Womens Health 2001;46:51-9.. PubMed
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  6. Cheang KI, Nguyen TT, Karjane NW, Salley KE. Raspberry Leaf and Hypoglycemia in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus. Obstet Gynecol. 2016;128(6):1421-4. PubMed
  7. Dudzinska D, Bednarska K, Boncler M, Luzak B, Watala C. The influence of Rubus idaeus and Rubus caesius leaf extracts on platelet aggregation in whole blood. Cross-talk of platelets and neutrophils. Platelets. 2016;27(5):433-9.
  8. Henrotin Y, Cozannet RL, Fança-Berthon P, et al. Rubus idaeus extract improves symptoms in knee osteoarthritis patients: results from a phase II double-blind randomized controlled trial. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2022;23(1):650. PubMed

See these in context on the Red Raspberry monograph →

Passion Flower 19 references
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  2. The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
  3. Fisher AA, Purcell P, Le Couteur DG. Toxicity of Passiflora incarnata L. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 2000;38:63-6.
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  5. Farnsworth N, Bingel A, Cordell G, et al. Potential value of plants as sources of new antifertility agents I. J Pharm Sci 1975;64:535-98. DOI
  6. Mori A, Hasegawa K, Murasaki M, et al. Clinical evaluation of Passiflamin (passiflora extract) on neurosis - multicenter double blind study in comparison with mexazolam. Rinsho Hyoka (Clinical Evaluation) 1993;21:383-440.
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  8. Speroni E., Minghetti A. Neuropharmacological activity of extracts from Passiflora incarnata. Planta Med. 1988;54:488-91.
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  11. Smith, G. W., Chalmers, T. M., and Nuki, G. Vasculitis associated with herbal preparation containing Passiflora extract. Br J Rheumatol. 1993;32(1):87-88.
  12. Soulimani, R., Younos, C., Jarmouni, S., Bousta, D., Misslin, R., and Mortier, F. Behavioural effects of Passiflora incarnata L. and its indole alkaloid and flavonoid derivatives and maltol in the mouse. J Ethnopharmacol. 1997;57(1):11-20. PubMed
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See these in context on the Passion Flower monograph →

Elderberry 6 references
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  2. Elderberry (Sambucus species). The Poison Plant Patch, Novia Scotia Museum, 2007. Available at: http://museum.gov.ns.ca/poison/?section=species&id=117 (Accessed 16 October 2009).
  3. European elder. Canadian Poisonous Plants Information System. Available at: http://www.cbif.gc.ca/pls/pp/ppack.jump?p_null=all&p_psn=121&p_type=all&p_sci=comm&p_x=px (Accessed 16 October 2009).
  4. Raus K, Pleschka S, Klein P, Schoop R, Fisher P. Effect of an echinacea-based hot drink versus oseltamivir in Influenza treatment: a randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, multicenter, noninferiority clinical trial. . Curr Ther Res Clin Exp. 2015;20;77:6 PubMed
  5. Ramachandran A, Antala D, Pudasainee P, Panginikkod S, Gupta H. A Plausible Association Between the Use of Elderberry and Autoimmune Hepatitis. Cureus 2022;14(4):e24250. PubMed
  6. Agarwal N, Mangla A. Elderberry interaction with pazopanib in a patient with soft-tissue sarcoma: A case report and literature review. Mol Clin Oncol 2024;20(5):36. PubMed

See these in context on the Elderberry monograph →

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

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