Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 1 of 3 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

UT Defense Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Ortho Molecular Products

Capsule Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

UT Defense is a dietary supplement by Ortho Molecular Products with 3 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for water retention (diuretic), digestive upset, liver and gallbladder support.Based on those ingredients, 457 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Dandelion Leaf Extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of UT Defense by Ortho Molecular Products

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 3 of its 3 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

UT Defense has 3 active ingredients: dandelion leaf extract, Ellirose, and Anthocran. Dandelion is a traditional herb that has been studied for various uses, though the evidence in our data is insufficient to rate how well it works for the conditions listed on this product.

The other two active ingredients have not been evaluated in our monographs. The capsule also contains inactive ingredients — microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide, and a vegetable capsule shell — which are standard excipients used for texture and capsule structure.

Does it work?

Insufficient 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
Insufficient

There isn't enough reliable clinical evidence to rate this product's ingredients for its stated purpose.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: urinary tract health support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Urinary tract infections (UTIs), urinary tract function, bladder health, urinary comfort.
  • The closest evidence on file: Dandelion is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Urinary tract infections (UTIs) (Natural Medicines).

The evidence we hold for dandelion leaf extract is insufficient to rate its effectiveness for joint pain, tonsillitis, postoperative swelling, or postoperative pain. We have no effectiveness data on file for Ellirose or Anthocran.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Dandelion

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 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Dandelion is generally well tolerated as a food, though supplement-strength doses are less studied. The most common side effects from oral use are diarrhea, heartburn, and stomach discomfort.

A small number of people may experience contact dermatitis if it touches their skin. Rare but serious reactions include anaphylaxis in those sensitive to dandelion, and allergic reactions if the product contains dandelion pollen — including allergic rhinitis and asthma.

If you're allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, or other plants in the same family (Asteraceae), you may react to dandelion. Safety data while breastfeeding is limited, so check with your doctor or pharmacist before use if you're nursing.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Dandelion

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?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Dandelion.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; diabetes medications; lithium.
  • For scale: 457 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 UT Defense, ask your pharmacist about any diabetes medications, blood thinners (anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs), potassium-sparing diuretics, lithium, quinolone antibiotics, or medications cleared through your liver via CYP1A2 or glucuronidation pathways — dandelion has documented moderate interactions with all of these.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

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

If you take diabetes drugs, blood thinners, potassium-sparing water pills, lithium, or fluoroquinolone antibiotics, talk to your pharmacist before starting this product — the dandelion ingredient can interact with all of these. It's generally well tolerated for most people, but allergies and stomach upset are possible, and pregnant or breastfeeding people should check with their doctor first.

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

Assessment coverage: 1 of 3 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Aug 23, 2023.

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 UT Defense, straight from the product label.

Brand Ortho Molecular Products
Barcode (UPC) 615033015008
Net contents 30 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Aug 23, 2023
DSLD ID 294155
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), 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 UT Defense by Ortho Molecular Products, 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 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
615033015008
IngredientAmount% DV
Dandelion Leaf Extract225 mg--
Ellirose200 mg--
Anthocran120 mg--

Other ingredients: natural Vegetable Capsules, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide

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

Professional strength: Not for sale through Amazon.com

Learn more

Learn more about us at OrthoMolecularProducts.com

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use: 1 capsule per day or as recommended by your health care professional.

Formulation

Formulated to be free of allergens derived from: Gluten, corn, yeast, artificial colors and flavors.

Vcaps (vegetarian)

Immune health

Precautions

If you are pregnant or nursing, consult your physician before taking this product.

As with all dietary supplements, some individuals may not tolerate or may be allergic to the ingredients used. Please read the ingredient panel carefully prior to ingestion.

Cease taking this product and consult your physician if you have negative reactions upon ingestion.

Keep out of reach of children.

This product was sealed for your protection. Do not use if outer logoed neck seal or inner seal is missing or damaged.

Do not accept if label shows signs of tampering

Storage

Keep container tightly closed. Store at room temperature.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

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

Brand IP Statement(s)

Anthocran

Because Efficacy Matters

Anthocran and the Anthocan logo are trademarks of Indena S.p.A., Italy. Ellirose is a trademark of Naturex Inc.

Seals/Symbols

Vcaps (vegetarian)

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

See for yourself

UT Defense by Ortho Molecular Products label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in UT Defense by Ortho Molecular Products

These are the 3 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule 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.

Dandelion Leaf Extract

Interacts with
457 drugs
225 mg per serving

Dandelion is a common plant used in food and traditional medicine, often promoted as a natural 'water pill' and digestive aid. Human evidence for thes...

Dandelion Leaf Extract monograph & interactions

Ellirose

200 mg per serving Form: Hibiscus Flower Extract

Anthocran

120 mg per serving Form: Cranberry Fruit Extract

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

Interaction report

UT Defense by Ortho Molecular Products Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against UT Defense?

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
457Drugs
457 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in UT Defense 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.

Dandelion Leaf Extract7 drug types · 457 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, taking dandelion root along with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
In vitro research suggests that dandelion root inhibits platelet aggregation.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, dandelion might increase the risk for hypoglycemia when used with antidiabetes drugs.
Laboratory research suggests that dandelion extract may have moderate alpha-glucosidase inhibitor activity and might also increase insulin secretion. Also, in a case report, a 58-year-old woman with type 2 diabetes who was being treated with insulin developed hypoglycemia 2 weeks after beginning to eat salads containing dandelion.

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

Theoretically, dandelion might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2.
Laboratory research suggests that dandelion might inhibit CYP1A2. So far, this interaction has not been reported in humans. However, until more is known, watch for an increase in the levels of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2 in patients taking dandelion.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Glucuronidated Drugs

Theoretically, dandelion might increase the clearance of drugs that are UDP-glucuronosyltransferase substrates.
There is some preliminary evidence that dandelion might induce UDP-glucuronosyltransferase, a phase II enzyme.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Lithium

Theoretically, through diuretic effects, dandelion might reduce excretion and increase levels of lithium.
Animal research suggests that dandelion has diuretic properties. As diuretics can increase serum lithium levels, the dose of lithium might need to be decreased when taken with dandelion.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Potassium-Sparing Diuretics

Theoretically, dandelion might increase the risk of hyperkalemia when taken with potassium-sparing diuretics.
Dandelion contains significant amounts of potassium.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Quinolone Antibiotics

Theoretically, dandelion might lower fluoroquinolone levels.
Animal research shows that dandelion reduces absorption of ciprofloxacin and can lower levels by 73%. However, this effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for UT Defense, from the product label.

Ortho Molecular Products

See all Ortho Molecular Products products
Name
Ortho Molecular Products, Inc.
Street Address
1991 Duncan Place
City
Woodstock
State
IL
ZipCode
60098
Web Address
OrthoMolecularProducts.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

UT Defense by Ortho Molecular Products: Common Questions

Does UT Defense by Ortho Molecular Products interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, UT Defense has a known interaction with 457 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
UT Defense contains 3 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
What is dandelion leaf extract supposed to do in this product?
According to the label, it's included for joint pain, tonsillitis, and postoperative swelling or pain. However, we don't have enough reliable evidence to rate how well it actually works for any of these uses.
What are the most common side effects?
Diarrhea, heartburn, and stomach discomfort are the most common. Some people may also get contact dermatitis from touching the product. Allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, are rare but serious, especially if you're sensitive to dandelion or related plants like ragweed.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant?
The pregnancy safety data is limited. We don't have enough information to know either way, so talk with your doctor or pharmacist before using it if you're pregnant.
Is it safe to take while breastfeeding?
There isn't enough reliable information on safety while breastfeeding, so caution is advised. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to see if it's right for you.
What if I'm allergic to ragweed or daisies — can I take this?
Dandelion is in the same plant family as ragweed, daisies, chrysanthemums, and marigolds. If you're allergic to any of those, you may react to dandelion, so avoid this product and talk to your pharmacist.

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

Not sure if UT Defense is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

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

UT Defense label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

UT Defense'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 27 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.

Dandelion 27 references
  1. Maliakal PP, Wanwimolruk S. Effect of herbal teas on hepatic drug metabolizing enzymes in rats. J Pharm Pharmacol 2001;53:1323-9. PubMed
  2. Williams CA, Goldstone F, Greenham J. Flavonoids, cinnamic acids and coumarins from the different tissues and medicinal preparations of Taraxacum officinale. Phytochemistry 1996;42:121-7. PubMed
  3. Hussain Z, Waheed A, Qureshi RA, et al. The effect of medicinal plants of Islamabad and Murree region of Pakistan on insulin secretion from INS-1 cells. Phytother Res 2004;18:73-7. PubMed
  4. Racz-Kotilla E, Racz G, Solomon A. The action of Taraxacum officinale extracts on the body weight and diuresis of laboratory animals. Planta Med 1974;26:212-7. PubMed
  5. Zhu M, Wong PY, Li RC. Effects of taraxacum mongolicum on the bioavailability and disposition of ciprofloxacin in rats. J Pharm Sci 1999;88:632-4. PubMed
  6. Jovanovic M, Mimica-Dukic N, Poljacki M, Boza P. Erythema multiforme due to contact with weeds: a recurrence after patch testing. Contact Dermatitis 2003;48:17-25. PubMed
  7. Chivato T, Juan F, Montoro A, Laguna R. Anaphylaxis induced by ingestion of a pollen compound. J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol 1996;6:208-9.
  8. Cohen SH, Yunginger JW, Rosenberg N, Fink JN. Acute allergic reaction after composite pollen ingestion. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1979;64:270-4. PubMed
  9. Lovell CR, Rowan M. Dandelion dermatitis. Contact Dermatitis 1991;25:185-8. PubMed
  10. Agarwal SC, Crook JR, Pepper CB. Herbal remedies -- how safe are they? A case report of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation induced by herbal medication used for obesity. Int J Cardiol 2006;106:260-1. PubMed
  11. Martín-Muñoz MF, Bartolome B, Caminoa M, et al. Bee pollen: a dangerous food for allergic children. Identification of responsible allergens. Allergol Immunopathol (Madr) 2010;38:263-5. PubMed
  12. Neef H, Cilli F, Declerck PJ, et al. Platelet anti-aggregating activity of Taraxacum officinale Weber. Phytotherapy Research 1996;10:s138-s140.
  13. Cuzzolin L, Zaffani S, and Benoni G. Safety implications regarding use of phytomedicines. Eur.J Clin Pharmacol. 2006;62:37-42. PubMed
  14. Posadzki, P., Watson, L. K., and Ernst, E. Adverse effects of herbal medicines: an overview of systematic reviews. Clin Med 2013;13(1):7-12. PubMed
  15. Wakelin, S. H., Marren, P., Young, E., and Shaw, S. Compositae sensitivity and chronic hand dermatitis in a seven-year-old boy. Br J Dermatol 1997;137(2):289-291. PubMed
  16. Ingber, A. Seasonal allergic contact dermatitis from Taraxacum officinale (dandelion) in an Israeli florist. Contact Dermatitis 2000;43(1):49.
  17. Rodriguez, B., Rodriguez, A., de Barrio, M., Tornero, P., and Baeza, M. L. Asthma induced by canary food mix. Allergy Asthma Proc. 2003;24(4):265-268.
  18. Syhaieva, I. A. [Efficiency of specific immunotherapy in treatment of patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis]. Lik.Sprava. 2006;(1-2):51-53.
  19. Catania, M. A., Oteri, A., Caiello, P., Russo, A., Salvo, F., Giustini, E. S., Caputi, A. P., and Polimeni, G. Hemorrhagic cystitis induced by an herbal mixture. South.Med.J. 2010;103(1):90-92. PubMed
  20. Goksu, E., Eken, C., Karadeniz, O., and Kucukyilmaz, O. First report of hypoglycemia secondary to dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) ingestion. Am J Emerg.Med 2010;28(1):111-112. PubMed
  21. Fernandez-Gonzalez, D., Gonzalez-Parrado, Z., Vega-Maray, A. M., Valencia-Barrera, R. M., Camazon-Izquierdo, B., De, Nuntiis P., and Mandrioli, P. Platanus pollen allergen, Pla a 1: quantification in the atmosphere and influence on a sensitizing populati
  22. Liang, K. L., Su, M. C., Shiao, J. Y., Wu, S. H., Li, Y. H., and Jiang, R. S. Role of pollen allergy in Taiwanese patients with allergic rhinitis. J Formos.Med Assoc. 2010;109(12):879-885. PubMed
  23. Yang, Y., Zhao, Y., Wang, C. S., Wang, X. D., and Zhang, L. [Prevalence of sensitization to aeroallergens in 10 030 patients with allergic rhinitis]. Zhonghua Er.Bi Yan.Hou Tou.Jing.Wai Ke Za Zhi 2011;46(11):914-920.
  24. Davies, M. G. and Kersey, P. J. Contact allergy to yarrow and dandelion. Contact Dermatitis 1986;14(4):256-257. PubMed
  25. Collins JM and Miller DR. Dandelion green bezoar following antrectomy and vagotomy - case report. J Kansas Med Soc 1966;67(6):303-304.
  26. Moriarty B, Pinney JH, Owen-Casey MP, Rustin MH, Deroide F, Laing C, Davenport A. Digital necrosis from dandelion tea. Br J Dermatol. 2013 Jul;169(1):227-30. PubMed
  27. Onal S, Timur S, Okutucu B, Zihnioglu F. Inhibition of alphaglucosidase by aqueous extracts of some potent antidiabetic medicinal herbs. Prep Biochem Biotechnol 2005;35:29-36.

See these in context on the Dandelion 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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