Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 5 of 8 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Super-Gest Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Viva Vitamins

Super-Gest label
See full label image
Tablet Or Pill Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Super-Gest 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

Super-Gest is a dietary supplement by Viva Vitamins with 8 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for inflammation and swelling, sinus and nasal congestion, digestion support.Based on those ingredients, 436 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Fenugreek seed powder, Bromelain, Betaine HCl. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

Jump to a section

Check Your Meds Against Super-Gest by Viva Vitamins

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Super-Gest by Viva Vitamins — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Super-Gest by Viva Vitamins

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 17, 2026

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 8 of its 8 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Super-Gest is a digestive enzyme blend with 8 active ingredients. Bromelain, a protein-digesting enzyme from pineapple, works alongside pepsin and papain—two more proteolytic enzymes that break down dietary proteins.

Pancreatin contains enzymes harvested from pig pancreas to aid fat, protein, and carbohydrate digestion. Betaine HCl and glutamic acid hydrochloride boost stomach acid to support the digestive process.

Fenugreek seed powder is included as a herbal component, and ox bile extract helps emulsify and digest fats. The tablet also contains inactive ingredients—dicalcium phosphate, microcrystalline cellulose, and croscarmellose—plus herbal additions of peppermint, gotu kola, fennel, papaya powder, and hawthorn.

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: digestive enzyme support for protein digestion.
  • We looked for evidence on: Dyspepsia, Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Exercise-induced muscle soreness, Indigestion, Bloating, Gas.
  • The closest evidence on file: Papain is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Exercise-induced muscle soreness (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Betaine Hydrochloride is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Dyspepsia.
  • Also on file: Fenugreek is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

The effectiveness of Super-Gest's individual components is not well established in the data we hold. Bromelain, pepsin, and papain all show insufficient reliable evidence for the conditions they're typically marketed for—including wound healing, enzyme replacement, and muscle recovery.

Betaine HCl similarly lacks established evidence for heartburn or food sensitivity support. Fenugreek seed, by contrast, is rated possibly effective for sexual dysfunction, sexual arousal, dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain), and diabetes.

Overall, the enzyme blend's ability to improve digestion has not been formally rated in our data.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Bromelain Betaine Hydrochloride Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases) Fenugreek Papain

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 5 of the 5 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 5 of 5.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 5 of 5.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Bromelain is generally well tolerated short-term, though long-term safety data is limited; common side effects are diarrhea, flatulence, stomach upset, and headache. Rare allergic reactions (IgE-mediated) can occur, and inhaled bromelain may trigger asthma or throat irritation.

Betaine HCl can irritate the stomach and is not safe for people with ulcers, gastritis, or true acid reflux, and may cause heartburn. Pepsin is generally well tolerated but may cause digestive upset or allergic reactions; occupational exposure has caused allergic rhinitis or asthma.

Papain is generally tolerated as a food but can irritate the digestive tract and cause allergic reactions in sensitive people; rare high-dose use may cause esophageal perforation or severe gastritis. Fenugreek is generally well tolerated in food amounts, but supplement doses may cause abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, or nausea; rare severe allergic reactions including bronchospasm have occurred.

Pregnancy safety is not established for bromelain, betaine HCl, or pepsin—they are best avoided. Fenugreek is likely unsafe in pregnancy; papain is possibly unsafe.

Lactation safety is limited or unknown for bromelain, betaine HCl, pepsin, and papain; fenugreek is possibly safe but should be discussed with your provider first.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Bromelain Betaine Hydrochloride Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases) Fenugreek Papain

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 5 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Papain, Betaine Hydrochloride, Fenugreek, Bromelain.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 436 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 Super-Gest, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs (warfarin, clopidogrel, aspirin), diabetes medications, H2-blockers, antacids, or proton pump inhibitors (Moderate to Minor severity concerns). Also confirm if you take theophylline, phenytoin, sildenafil, or metoprolol—fenugreek in this product may interfere with how these work.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Super-Gest is a multi-enzyme digestive supplement whose individual components show limited evidence of effectiveness in our data, though fenugreek seed within it is possibly effective for sexual function and dysmenorrhea. It's generally well tolerated short-term, but it carries Moderate-severity interactions with blood thinners (warfarin, clopidogrel, aspirin), diabetes medications, and several heart and seizure drugs, as well as Minor interactions with acid-reflux treatments.

If you take any prescription medications—especially blood thinners, diabetes drugs, or heartburn medicines—talk it over with your doctor or pharmacist before starting this product.

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

Assessment coverage: 5 of 8 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Nov 21, 2020.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Super-Gest, straight from the product label.

Brand Viva Vitamins
Barcode (UPC) 726899580743
Net contents 90 Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Nov 21, 2020
DSLD ID 238970
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Dairy Free, Sugar 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 Super-Gest by Viva Vitamins, 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:
1 Tablet(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Tablet(s)
Servings per container
90
UPC/BARCODE
726899580743
IngredientAmount% DV
Bromelain50 mg--
Betaine HCl100 mg--
Pepsin150 mg--
Pancreatin300 mg--
Fenugreek seed powder50 mg--
Glutamic Acid Hydrochloride50 mg--
Papain75 mg--
Ox Bile extract100 mg--

Other ingredients: Dicalcium Phosphate, Microcrystaline Cellulose, Croscarmellose, Peppermint, Gotu Kola, Fennel, Papaya powder, Hawthorne

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.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: Take one or two tablets before meals, or as directed by your health care professional.

Formula

Super-Gest contains high potencies of digestive aids, plus additional protein and fat enzymes for individuals who are on high protein diets. Super-Gest is suitable for anyone who needs a heavy duty digestive enzyme product.

Digestive Enzymes

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place and away from direct light.

Precautions

Keep out of reach of children.

Do not use if safety seal under cap is broken or missing.

Brand IP Statement(s)

2018 Manufactured exclusively for Viva Vitamins

General Statements

For more information, visit www.vivavitamins.com

In God we trust

We always use the highest quality ingredients Premium formulas

Formulation

Made in the USA

Non-GMO

Manufactured in an NSF - GMP Certified facility

To aid with digestive function

Contains No: Sugar, salt, yeast, corn, soy, wheat, lactose, citrus, milk, egg, fish products, artificial flavoring, or preservatives.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

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

See for yourself

Super-Gest by Viva Vitamins label

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

Super-Gest 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 Super-Gest by Viva Vitamins

These are the 8 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill Servings per container90 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.

Bromelain

Interacts with
141 drugs
50 mg per serving Form: Pineapple

Bromelain is a group of protein-digesting enzymes from pineapple that people take mainly for inflammation, swelling, and sinus problems. Some early st...

Bromelain monograph & interactions

Betaine HCl

Interacts with
36 drugs
100 mg per serving

Betaine hydrochloride is a supplement used to temporarily increase stomach acid in people who may have low acid levels. Evidence for its benefits is l...

Betaine HCl monograph & interactions

Pepsin

No known
interactions
150 mg per serving

Proteolytic enzymes are proteins that help break down other proteins, and common examples include bromelain (from pineapple), papain (from papaya), tr...

Pepsin monograph & interactions

Pancreatin

300 mg per serving

Fenugreek seed powder

Interacts with
389 drugs
50 mg per serving

Fenugreek is a common kitchen spice that is also taken as a supplement, mainly for blood sugar, cholesterol, and to support breast milk production. So...

Fenugreek seed powder monograph & interactions

Glutamic Acid Hydrochloride

50 mg per serving

Papain

Interacts with
2 drugs
75 mg per serving Form: Papaya

Papain is a protein-digesting enzyme from the papaya plant that is used in digestive supplements and some topical products. While it has clear food an...

Papain monograph & interactions

Ox Bile extract

100 mg per serving Form: Ox Bile

Other (inactive) ingredients: Dicalcium Phosphate, Microcrystaline Cellulose, Croscarmellose, Peppermint, Gotu Kola, Fennel, Papaya powder, Hawthorne. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Super-Gest by Viva Vitamins Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Super-Gest?

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
436Drugs
224 Moderate 212 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Fenugreek seed powder 389
Bromelain 141
Betaine HCl 36
Papain 2

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Super-Gest interact with 436 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

4 of the 8 ingredients in Super-Gest interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Fenugreek seed powder Bromelain Betaine HCl Papain

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Super-Gest 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.

Fenugreek seed powder9 drug types · 389 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, fenugreek might have additive effects when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Some of the constituents in fenugreek have antiplatelet effects in animal and in vitro research. However, common fenugreek products might not contain sufficient concentrations of these constituents for clinical effects. A clinical study in patients with coronary artery disease or diabetes shows that taking fenugreek seed powder 2.5 grams twice daily for 3 months does not affect platelet aggregation, fibrinolytic activity, or fibrinogen levels .

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, fenugreek seed might have additive hypoglycemic effects when used with antidiabetes drugs.
Clinical research shows that fenugreek seed can reduce fasting blood glucose and 2-hour postprandial glucose levels in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Clopidogrel (Plavix)

Theoretically, fenugreek seed might alter the clinical effects of clopidogrel by inhibiting its conversion to the active form.
Animal research shows that fenugreek seed 200 mg/kg daily for 14 days increases the maximum serum concentration of clopidogrel by 21%. It is unclear how this affects the pharmacokinetics of the active metabolite of clopidogrel; however, this study found that concomitant use of fenugreek seed and clopidogrel prolonged bleeding time by an additional 11%.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Metoprolol (Toprol)

Theoretically, fenugreek seed might have additive hypotensive effects when used with metoprolol.
Animal research shows that fenugreek seed 300 mg/kg daily for 2 weeks decreases systolic and diastolic blood pressure by 9% and 11%, respectively, when administered alone, and by 15% and 22%, respectively, when given with metoprolol 10 mg/kg.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Phenytoin (Dilantin)

Theoretically, fenugreek might decrease plasma levels of phenytoin.
Animal research shows that taking fenugreek seeds for 1 week decreases maximum concentrations and the area under the curve of a single dose of phenytoin by 44% and 72%, respectively. This seems to be related to increased clearance. So far, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Sildenafil (Viagra)

Theoretically, concurrent use of sildenafil and fenugreek might reduce levels and therapeutic effects of sildenafil.
Animal research shows that taking fenugreek seeds for 1 week reduces maximum concentrations and the area under the curve of a single dose of sildenafil by 27% and 48%, respectively. So far, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Theophylline

Theoretically, fenugreek may reduce the levels and clinical effects of theophylline.
Animal research shows that fenugreek 50 grams daily for 7 days reduces the maximum serum concentration (Cmax) of theophylline by 28% and the area under the plasma drug concentration-time curve (AUC) by 22%.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, fenugreek might have additive effects with warfarin and increase the international normalized ratio (INR).
Some fenugreek constituents have antiplatelet effects, although these might not be present in concentrations that are clinically significant. In one case report, a patient taking warfarin experienced an increased INR when starting to take fenugreek in combination with boldo.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antihypertensive Drugs

Fenugreek may also have an additive effect on blood pressure-lowering medications. Studies on animals have shown that fenugreek seed can decrease both systolic and diastolic blood pressure by up to 22% when combined with metoprolol. Therefore, it is essential to monitor your blood pressure regularly if you are taking fenugreek and metoprolol together or any other antihypertensive drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence C
Fenugreek seed powder full monograph & interactions

Bromelain2 drug types · 141 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
There is one case report of a patient experiencing minor bruising while taking bromelain with naproxen. Bromelain is thought to have antiplatelet activity. Whether this interaction is of concern with topical bromelain is unclear. Interference with coagulation of burn wounds has been reported in a patient receiving bromelain-based enzymatic debridement. However, observational research has found that topical bromelain debridement is not associated with increases or decreases in laboratory markers of coagulation when compared with surgical debridement.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Tetracycline Antibiotics

Theoretically, bromelain might increase levels of tetracycline antibiotics.
Laboratory research suggests that bromelain might increase the absorption of tetracycline antibiotics. However, a study in healthy adults reported no difference in tetracycline plasma levels when a 500 mg dose was taken with or without bromelain 80 mg.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Bromelain full monograph & interactions

Betaine HCl3 drug types · 36 drugs

Antacids

Betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity and could decrease the effects of antacids.
In human research, betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity. Antacids are taken to decrease stomach acidity. Theoretically, taking betaine hydrochloride along with antacids might decrease the effects of the antacids.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
H2-Blockers

Betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity and could decrease the effects of H2-blockers.
In human research, betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity. H2-blockers are used to decrease stomach acidity. Theoretically, taking betaine hydrochloride along with H2-blockers might decrease the effects of H2-blockers.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Proton Pump Inhibitors (Ppis)

Betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity and could decrease the effects of PPIs.
In human research, betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity. PPIs are used to decrease stomach acidity. Theoretically, taking betaine hydrochloride along with PPIs might decrease the effects of PPIs

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Betaine HCl full monograph & interactions

Papain1 drug type · 2 drugs

Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, papain might increase the effects and side effects of warfarin.
In one case report, a patient previously stable on warfarin was found to have an international normalization ratio (INR) of 7.4, which was attributed to ingestion of a supplement containing papain from papaya extract.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Papain full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Super-Gest, from the product label.

Viva Vitamins

Name
Viva Vitamins
Web Address
www.VivaVitamins.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Super-Gest by Viva Vitamins: Common Questions

Does Super-Gest by Viva Vitamins interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Super-Gest has a known interaction with 436 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Super-Gest contains 8 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 Super-Gest if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Safety data during pregnancy and lactation is limited or unfavorable for most ingredients in this product. Bromelain, betaine HCl, and pepsin should be avoided during pregnancy; fenugreek is likely unsafe in pregnancy and papain is possibly unsafe. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before using this product.
What are the most common side effects?
The main ingredients—bromelain, betaine HCl, and fenugreek—can cause digestive upset including diarrhea, flatulence, stomach discomfort, and nausea. Allergic reactions are possible, especially in sensitive individuals. Most people tolerate the product short-term without serious problems.
Does this product actually help with digestion?
The effectiveness of Super-Gest as a digestive aid is not formally established in the data we hold. The individual enzyme components (bromelain, pepsin, pancreatin, papain) show insufficient reliable evidence for common digestive claims.
Why does this product contain fenugreek?
Fenugreek seed is included in the blend as a herbal component. In our data, fenugreek is possibly effective for sexual function, sexual arousal, dysmenorrhea, and blood sugar management in diabetes—though it carries several drug interactions worth checking before you start.
Is it safe to take if I have a history of stomach ulcers or acid reflux?
No. Betaine HCl in this product increases stomach acid and is not safe for people with ulcers, gastritis, or true acid reflux; it may cause heartburn or worsen these conditions. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before using this product if you have a history of stomach problems.
Can I take this with my heartburn or acid reflux medication?
Probably not without checking first. Betaine HCl in Super-Gest works against H2-blockers, antacids, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)—it increases stomach acid while those drugs decrease it, so it may weaken your medication's effects. Confirm with your doctor or pharmacist before combining them.

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.

Super-Gest label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Super-Gest’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Bromelain

Interacts with 141 drugs

Bromelain is a group of protein-digesting enzymes from pineapple that people take mainly for inflammation, swelling, and sinus problems. Some early studies are promising, but the overall evi...

Read the full Bromelain monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Betaine Hydrochloride

Interacts with 36 drugs

Betaine hydrochloride is a supplement used to temporarily increase stomach acid in people who may have low acid levels. Evidence for its benefits is limited and mostly based on tradition rat...

Read the full Betaine Hydrochloride monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases)

Proteolytic enzymes are proteins that help break down other proteins, and common examples include bromelain (from pineapple), papain (from papaya), trypsin, chymotrypsin, and pancreatin. Peo...

Read the full Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases) monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Fenugreek

Interacts with 389 drugs

Fenugreek is a common kitchen spice that is also taken as a supplement, mainly for blood sugar, cholesterol, and to support breast milk production. Some early research is encouraging for blo...

Read the full Fenugreek monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Papain

Interacts with 2 drugs

Papain is a protein-digesting enzyme from the papaya plant that is used in digestive supplements and some topical products. While it has clear food and laboratory uses, strong human evidence...

Read the full Papain monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Super-Gest'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 65 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.

Bromelain 19 references
  1. Nettis E, Napoli G, Ferrannini A, Tursi A. IgE-mediated allergy to bromelain. Allergy 2001;56:257-8. PubMed
  2. Taussig SJ, Batkin S. Bromelain, the enzyme complex of pineapple (Ananas comosus) and its clinical application. An update. J Ethnopharmacol 1988;22:191-203.. PubMed
  3. Bradbrook ID, Morrison PJ, Rogers HJ. The effect of bromelain on the absorption of orally administered tetracycline. Br J Clin Pharmacol 1978;6:552-4. PubMed
  4. Bush TM, Rayburn KS, Holloway SW, et al. Adverse interactions between herbal and dietary substances and prescription medications: a clinical survey. Altern Ther Health Med 2007;13:30-5.
  5. Brien S, Lewith G, Walker AF, et al. Bromelain as an adjunctive treatment for moderate-to-severe osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized placebo-controlled pilot study. QJM 2006;99:841-50. PubMed
  6. Mori S, Ojima Y, Hirose T, et al. The clinical effect of proteolytic enzyme containing bromelain and trypsin on urinary tract infection evaluated by double blind method. Acta Obstet Gynaecol Jpn 1972;19:147-53.
  7. Glaser D, Hilberg T. The influence of bromelain on platelet count and platelet activity in vitro. Platelets 2006;17:37-41. PubMed
  8. Heinicke R M, van der Wal L, Yokoyama M. Effect of bromelain (Ananase) on human platelet aggregation. Experientia 1972;28:844-5. PubMed
  9. Gailhofer, G., Wilders-Truschnig, M., Smolle, J., and Ludvan, M. Asthma caused by bromelain: an occupational allergy. Clin Allergy 1988;18(5):445-450. PubMed
  10. Mattei, O., Fabri, G., and Farina, G. [Occupational health experience regarding four cases of asthma due to bromelain (author's transl)]. Medicina del Lavoro 1979;70(5):404-409.
  11. Galleguillos, F. and Rodriguez, J. C. Asthma caused by bromelin inhalation. Clin Allergy 1978;8(1):21-24. PubMed
  12. Perez-Camo I, Quirce S, Duran MA, and et al. Latex allergy: evidence of cross-reactivity with papain and bromelain [abstract]. Allergy 1996;51(suppl 31):48.
  13. Martin GJ, Ehrenreich J, and Asbell N. Bromelain: pineapple proteases with anti-edema activity. Exp Med Surg 1962;20:227-247.
  14. Kasemsuk T, Saengpetch N, Sibmooh N, Unchern S. Improved WOMAC score following 16-week treatment with bromelain for knee osteoarthritis. Clin Rheumatol. 2016 Oct;35(10):2531-40. PubMed
  15. Kutlu Ö, DemirbaS A, Elmas ÖF, Güvenç U, Metin A. Fixed drug eruption: a new side effect of bromelain. Contact Dermatitis 2020. Online ahead of print. PubMed
  16. Shoham Y, Shapira E, Haik J, et al. Bromelain-based enzymatic debridement of chronic wounds: Results of a multicentre randomized controlled trial. Wound Repair Regen 2021;29(6):899-907. PubMed
  17. Pfister P, Garcia Wendel PD, Kim BS, et al. Coagulation side effects of enzymatic debridement in burned patients. Burns 2022. PubMed
  18. Hasham S, Riyat H, Fletcher A, O'Boyle CP, Alexander S. To bleed or not to bleed? Case series and discussion of haemorrhage risk with enzymatic debridement in burn injuries. Scars Burn Heal 2023;9:20595131231168333. PubMed
  19. Leelakanok N, Petchsomrit A, Janurai T, Saechan C, Sunsandee N. Efficacy and safety of bromelain: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutr Health 2023. PubMed

See these in context on the Bromelain monograph →

Betaine Hydrochloride 2 references
  1. Yago MR, Frymoyer A, Benet LZ, Smelick GS, Frassetto LA, Ding X, Dean B, Salphati L, Budha N, Jin JY, Dresser MJ, Ware JA. The use of betaine HCl to enhance dasatinib absorption in healthy volunteers with rabeprazole-induced hypochlorhydria. AAPS J. 2014 PubMed
  2. Yago MR, Frymoyer AR, Smelick GS, Frassetto LA, Budha NR, Dresser MJ, Ware JA, Benet LZ. Gastric reacidification with betaine HCl in healthy volunteers with rabeprazole-induced hypochlorhydria. Mol Pharm. 2013 Nov 4;10(11):4032-7. PubMed

See these in context on the Betaine Hydrochloride monograph →

Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases) 3 references
  1. Weeks JA, Harper RA, Simon RA, Burdick JD. Assessment of sensitization risk of a laundry pre-spotter containing protease. Cutan Ocul Toxicol. 2011;30(4):272-9. PubMed
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Papain 11 references
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DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

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