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Dietary supplement

Spirulina Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by ZHOU

Tablet Or Pill Category: Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Spirulina is a dietary supplement by ZHOU with 2 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for general nutrition and energy, antioxidant support, cholesterol and metabolic health.Based on those ingredients, 628 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are California grown Spirulina. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Spirulina by ZHOU

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

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 5 of its 5 active ingredients.
  • “California grown Spirulina” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label gives one combined amount (3 Gram(s)) without saying how much of each component you get.

ZHOU Spirulina is a 5-ingredient supplement built around California-grown spirulina (a nutrient-dense algae) plus four active compounds extracted or derived from it: zeaxanthin and total carotenoids (plant pigments linked to eye health), chlorophyll (the green pigment in plants), gamma-linolenic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid), and C-phycocyanin (a protein pigment unique to algae). The tablet also contains inactive ingredients — cellulose, vegetable magnesium stearate, and silica — that help bind and protect 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

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

Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports its ingredients for:

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

Evidence for zeaxanthin supports its use for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of vision loss in older adults, where it's rated possibly effective. For zeaxanthin's role in age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease, the evidence isn't established enough to rate.

The same holds for claims about asthma, breast cancer, and lung health. For the other active ingredients in this product — chlorophyll, C-phycocyanin, gamma-linolenic acid, and total carotenoids — the data on file rates evidence as insufficient or contains no ratings, meaning we can't confirm their effectiveness for the conditions studied.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Blue-green Algae Zeaxanthin Chlorophyll

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

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

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 2 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 2 of 2.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 2 of 2.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Zeaxanthin is generally well tolerated at typical supplement doses. Chlorophyll is also generally well tolerated in short-term use, though high-quality long-term safety data are limited.

The most common reported side effect of oral chlorophyll is photosensitization — increased skin sensitivity to sunlight — and in rare cases, a condition resembling pseudoporphyria (blistering skin) has been reported after oral use. For pregnancy: the safety data advises against using chlorophyll — there isn't enough reliable information.

Zeaxanthin is rated likely safe in pregnancy, but supplement safety hasn't been well studied, so use caution and talk with your doctor. For breastfeeding: chlorophyll should be avoided unless your doctor advises otherwise, as safety is unknown.

Zeaxanthin food sources are fine, but concentrated supplement safety while breastfeeding hasn't been established. We hold no pregnancy or breastfeeding data for the other three ingredients.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Blue-green Algae Zeaxanthin Chlorophyll

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 — Chlorophyll, Zeaxanthin.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 412 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 you take ZHOU Spirulina, check your medications against these types: methotrexate (especially high-dose IV forms — chlorophyll may delay its clearance), photosensitizing drugs such as certain antibiotics and NSAIDs (chlorophyll may add to photosensitivity risk, rated Moderate), and antidiabetes drugs (zeaxanthin may theoretically raise hypoglycemia risk, rated Moderate). No interactions are documented for the three ingredients we could not check.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

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

This product may help with age-related vision loss, but it's not for everyone. If you take methotrexate, photosensitizing drugs, or antidiabetes medications, check with your pharmacist first — these interactions can be serious.

Pregnant or breastfeeding? Talk to your doctor before starting, especially about chlorophyll.

Run your medications through the checker below.

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

Assessment coverage: 2 of 5 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated May 22, 2021.

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 Spirulina, straight from the product label.

Brand ZHOU
Barcode (UPC) 859805006331
Net contents 180 Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD May 22, 2021
DSLD ID 250138
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
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 Spirulina by ZHOU, 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:
6 Tablet(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
6 Tablet(s)
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
859805006331
IngredientAmount% DV
Zeaxanthin2.9 mg--
Chlorophyll30 mg--
C-Phycocyanin185 mg--
Gamma-Linolenic Acid30 mg--
Protein2 Gram(s)4%
Total Carotenoids11 mg--
California grown Spirulina3 Gram(s)--

Other ingredients: Cellulose, Vegetable Magnesium Stearate, Silica

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

Greatness by Nature

Long live you #howizhou Facebook Instagram

Formulation

Sustainably grown in California

Pesticides & herbicides free Made with Non-GMO ingredients

California grown Longevity superfood

Energy & vitality support

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: Supplement a healthy diet with 6 spirulina tablets (1 serving) per day.

Precautions

Caution: Do not exceed recommended dose.

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

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

Keep out of reach of children.

Do not use if safety seal is damaged or missing.

Seals/Symbols

GMP Good Manufacturing Practice Consistent quality Pesticides & herbicides free Made with Non-GMO ingredients

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

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.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

See for yourself

Spirulina by ZHOU label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Spirulina by ZHOU

These are the 2 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size6 Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill Servings per container30 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Protein

2 Gram(s) per serving

California grown Spirulina

Interacts with
327 drugs
3 Gram(s) per serving

Blue-green algae are nutrient-rich aquatic microorganisms (such as spirulina and Klamath Lake algae) taken as a supplement for energy, nutrition, and...

California grown Spirulina monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Cellulose, Vegetable Magnesium Stearate, Silica. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Spirulina by ZHOU Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Spirulina?

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
628Drugs
628 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Spirulina with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

California grown Spirulina3 drug types · 327 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, spirulina blue-green algae might increase the risk of bleeding if used with other anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs. However, this is unlikely.
Spirulina blue-green algae have shown antiplatelet and anticoagulant effects in vitro. However, one preliminary study in 24 patients receiving spirulina blue-green algae 2.3 grams daily for 2 weeks showed no effect on platelet activation or measures of clotting time.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking blue-green algae with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Human research shows that spirulina blue-green algae can have hypoglycemic effects in patients with diabetes, at least some of whom were using antidiabetes drugs. However, blue-green algae does not seem to improve glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels in patients with diabetes. A meta-analysis of animal studies also suggests that spirulina blue-green algae have hypoglycemic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, concurrent use of blue-green algae might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Blue-green algae have been shown to stimulate the immune system.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

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

ZHOU

See all ZHOU products
Name
ZHOU Nutrition Zhou, Inc.
City
Park City
State
UT
ZipCode
84098
Phone Number
1-855-700-9468
Web Address
zhounutrition.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Spirulina by ZHOU: Common Questions

Does Spirulina by ZHOU interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Spirulina has a known interaction with 628 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Spirulina contains 2 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Is zeaxanthin the main reason people take this supplement?
Zeaxanthin is one key ingredient — it's rated possibly effective for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). But this is a multi-ingredient spirulina product, so it also includes chlorophyll, C-phycocyanin, gamma-linolenic acid, and total carotenoids. We don't have enough evidence to rate most of those others.
Can I take this if I'm on diabetes medication?
Zeaxanthin may theoretically increase the risk of low blood sugar when combined with antidiabetes drugs. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor before starting — they can check your specific medication and dosage.
What's chlorophyll doing in here?
Chlorophyll is the green pigment in this spirulina product. It's been studied for wound healing and other uses, but the evidence isn't strong enough to rate. Its main side effect concern is photosensitization — it can make your skin overly sensitive to sun exposure.
Is this safe if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Zeaxanthin is rated likely safe in pregnancy, but chlorophyll is not — there isn't enough reliable safety data. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before starting, because this product contains both.
Will this help my eyesight?
Zeaxanthin is possibly effective for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). For other vision or eye-health claims, the evidence isn't established enough to confirm. Talk to your eye doctor about whether it's right for you.
What are the inactive ingredients?
The tablet contains cellulose, vegetable magnesium stearate, and silica — standard binders and fillers to hold the formula together.

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

Not sure if Spirulina is safe with your meds?

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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.

Spirulina label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Spirulina'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 31 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.

Zeaxanthin 4 references
  1. Montonen J, Knekt P, Jarvinen R, Reunanen A. Dietary antioxidant intake and risk of type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care 2004;27:362-6. PubMed
  2. Leermakers ET, Darweesh SK, Baena CP, et al. The effects of lutein on cardiometabolic health across the life course: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Clin Nutr 2016;103(2):481-94. PubMed
  3. Kou L, Du M, Zhang C, Dai Z, Li X, Zhang B. The Hypoglycemic, Hypolipidemic, and Anti-Diabetic Nephritic Activities of Zeaxanthin in Diet-Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Sprague Dawley Rats. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2017;182(3):944-955. PubMed
  4. Xu X, Zhao X, Berde Y, Low YL, Kuchan MJ. Milk and Plasma Lutein and Zeaxanthin Concentrations in Chinese Breast-Feeding Mother-Infant Dyads With Healthy Maternal Fruit and Vegetable Intake. J Am Coll Nutr 2019;38(2):179-184. PubMed

See these in context on the Zeaxanthin monograph →

Chlorophyll 5 references
  1. Mathews-Roth MM. Carotenoids in erythropoietic protoporphyria and other photosensitivity diseases. Ann N Y Acad Sci, 1993; 691:127-38. PubMed
  2. Belen'kii, G. B. and Krikun, B. L. [Treatment of herpes simplex and herpes zoster by chlorophyll preparations]. Sov.Med. 1971;34(1):151-152.
  3. Brooks SL, Sanders J, Seymour JF, Mellor JD. A case of delayed methotrexate clearance following administration of a complementary medication containing chlorophyll. J Oncol Pharm Pract. 2014 Jun;20(3):225-8. PubMed
  4. Rossi E, Borchard K, Cole JM. Pseudoporphyria following self-medication with chlorophyll. Australas J Dermatol. 2015 Feb;56(1):47-8. PubMed
  5. Zhao CY, Frew JW, Muhaidat J, et al. Chlorophyll-induced pseudoporphyria with ongoing photosensitivity after cessation - a case series of four patients. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2016;30(7):1239-42. PubMed

See these in context on the Chlorophyll monograph →

Blue-green Algae 22 references
  1. Jensen GS, Ginsberg DJ, Huerta P, et al. Consumption of Aphanizomenon flos-aquae has rapid effects on the circulation and function of immune cells in humans. A novel approach to nutritional mobilization of the immune system. JANA 2000;2:50-6.
  2. Iwasa M, Yamamoto M, Tanaka Y, et al. Spirulina-associated hepatotoxicity. Am J Gastroenterol 2002;97:3212-13. PubMed
  3. Hayashi O, Katoh T, Okuwaki Y. Enhancement of antibody production in mice by dietary Spirulina platensis. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo) 1994;40:431-41.. PubMed
  4. Vitale S, Miller NR, Mejico LJ, et al. A randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover clinical trial of super blue-green algae in patients with essential blepharospasm or Meige syndrome. Am J Ophthalmol 2004;138:18-32. PubMed
  5. Mani UV, Desai S, Iyer U. Studies on the long-term effect of spirulina supplementation on serum lipid profile and glycated proteins in NIDDM patients. J Nutraceut 2000;2(3):25-32. DOI
  6. Chiu HF, Yang SP, Kuo YL, et al. Mechanisms involved in the antiplatelet effect of C-phycocyanin. Br J Nutr 2006;95:435-40. PubMed
  7. Hsiao G, Chou PH, Shen MY, et al. C-phycocyanin, a very potent and novel platelet aggregation inhibitor from Spirulina platensis. J Agric Food Chem 2005;53:7734-40.
  8. Katz M, Levine AA, Kol-Degani H, Kav-Venaki L. A compound herbal preparation (CHP) in the treatment of children with ADHD: a randomized controlled trial. J Atten Disord 2010;14:281-91. PubMed
  9. Madhyastha, H. K., Radha, K. S., Sugiki, M., Omura, S., and Maruyama, M. Purification of c-phycocyanin from Spirulina fusiformis and its effect on the induction of urokinase-type plasminogen activator from calf pulmonary endothelial cells. Phytomedicine PubMed
  10. Mazokopakis, E. E., Karefilakis, C. M., Tsartsalis, A. N., Milkas, A. N., and Ganotakis, E. S. Acute rhabdomyolysis caused by Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis). Phytomedicine. 2008;15(6-7):525-527. PubMed
  11. Halidou, Doudou M., Degbey, H., Daouda, H., Leveque, A., Donnen, P., Hennart, P., and Dramaix-Wilmet, M. [The effect of spiruline during nutritional rehabilitation: systematic review]. Rev.Epidemiol.Sante Publique 2008;56(6):425-431.
  12. Konno, T., Umeda, Y., Umeda, M., Kawachi, I., Oyake, M., and Fujita, N. [A case of inflammatory myopathy with widely skin rash following use of supplements containing Spirulina]. Rinsho Shinkeigaku 2011;51(5):330-333. PubMed
  13. Le TM, Knulst AC, Röckmann H. Anaphylaxis to Spirulina confirmed by skin prick test with ingredients of Spirulina tablets. Food Chem Toxicol 2014;74:309-10. PubMed
  14. Rzymski P, Niedzielski P, Kaczmarek N, Jurczak T, Klimaszyk P. The multidisciplinary approach to safety and toxicity assessment of microalgae-based food supplements following clinical cases of poisoning. Harmful Algae 2015;46:34-42. DOI
  15. Petrus M, Culerrier R, Campistron M, et al. First case report of anaphylaxis to spirulin: identification of phycocyanin as responsible allergen. Allergy 2010;65(7):924-5. PubMed
  16. Marles RJ, Barrett ML, Barnes J, et al. United States Pharmacopeia safety evaluation of spirulina. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2011;51(7):593-604. PubMed
  17. Majdoub H, Ben Mansour M, Chaubet F, et al. Anticoagulant activity of a sulfated polysaccharide from the green alga Arthrospira platensis. Biochim Biophys Acta 2009;1790(10):1377-81. PubMed
  18. Cha BG, Kwak HW, Park AR, et al. Structural characteristics and biological performance of silk fibroin nanofiber containing microalgae spirulina extract. Biopolymers 2014;101(4):307-18. PubMed
  19. Jensen GS, Drapeau C, Lenninger M, Benson KF. Clinical safety of a high dose of phycocyanin-enriched aqueous extract from Arthrospira (Spirulina) platensis: results from a randomized, double-Blind, placebo-controlled study with a focus on anticoagulant ac
  20. Hamedifard Z, Milajerdi A, Reiner Z, Taghizadeh M, Kolahdooz F, Asemi Z. The effects of spirulina on glycemic control and serum lipoproteins in patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized con
  21. Moradi S, Zobeiri M, Feizi A, Clark CCT, Entezari MH. The effects of spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) supplementation on anthropometric indices, blood pressure, sleep quality, mental health, fatigue status and quality of life in patients with ulcerative
  22. Ghanbari F, Amerizadeh A, Behshood P, Moradi S, Asgary S. Effect of microalgae arthrospira on biomarkers of glycemic control and glucose metabolism: a systematic Review and meta-analysis. Curr Probl Cardiol 2022;47(10):100942. PubMed

See these in context on the Blue-green Algae 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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