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Dietary supplement

VenoFlow Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Life Extension

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

VenoFlow is a dietary supplement by Life Extension with 2 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for heart and circulatory health, blood clot prevention, high blood pressure.Based on those ingredients, 494 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Pycnogenol French Maritime Pine extract, Nattokinase. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of VenoFlow by Life Extension

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

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Low disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Low

Most active ingredients don't disclose an individual amount — you can't tell how much of each you're getting.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 0 of its 2 active ingredients.
  • “VenoFlow Proprietary Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (200 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

VenoFlow contains two active ingredients. Nattokinase is an enzyme derived from fermented soybeans (natto) that has blood-thinning properties.

Pycnogenol French Maritime Pine extract is a plant-based compound from pine bark that also affects blood flow and has antioxidant activity. The product is made up with inactive ingredients including microcrystalline cellulose, vegetable cellulose, dextrin, stearic acid, and silica.

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: circulation and vein health support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), Varicose veins, Venous insufficiency, Peripheral arterial disease (PAD), Cardiovascular disease (CVD), Hypertension — and 4 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Maritime Pine is rated "Possibly Effective" for Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Maritime Pine is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Atherosclerosis, Hemorrhoids, Hypertension, Varicose veins, and more.
  • Also on file: Nattokinase is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Atherosclerosis.

The evidence we hold is mixed and often limited. For nattokinase, we have insufficient reliable evidence to rate it for angina, atherosclerosis, cancer, cardiovascular disease, or chronic fatigue syndrome — meaning studies haven't established whether it works for these purposes.

For Pycnogenol French Maritime Pine extract, the data shows it's possibly effective for osteoarthritis and chronic venous insufficiency (poor circulation in the legs), and possibly effective for asthma, but possibly ineffective for high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia).

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Nattokinase Maritime Pine

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

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

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

Nattokinase is generally tolerated short-term, but because it thins the blood, it requires caution in anyone with bleeding risk. It should not be used during pregnancy — there isn't enough safety data.

It should also be avoided while breastfeeding. Pycnogenol French Maritime Pine extract is generally well tolerated in studies, though gastrointestinal complaints, dizziness, and headache have been reported.

Long-term safety is not fully established. Like nattokinase, it should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data.

A small number of cases of chest pain and heart failure worsening have been reported, though a direct link to the extract is unclear.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Nattokinase Maritime Pine

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 — Maritime Pine, Nattokinase.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 494 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.

Check before starting if you take blood thinners (anticoagulants/antiplatelets) like warfarin, aspirin, or clopidogrel — both ingredients increase bleeding risk, and there's a documented case of brain bleeding. Also double-check with your pharmacist if you're on blood pressure medications, diabetes drugs, or immunosuppressants.

Maritime Pine extract may lower blood sugar or weaken immune medications, and nattokinase may increase blood pressure-lowering effects.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

VenoFlow may be worth considering if you're interested in supporting circulation and you're not on blood thinners or blood pressure medications. If you take any prescription drugs — especially anticoagulants, antiplatelets, blood pressure meds, immunosuppressants, or diabetes drugs — check with your pharmacist before starting.

People with natto allergies should avoid this product, and it's not appropriate during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

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

Assessment coverage: 2 of 2 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Aug 23, 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 VenoFlow, straight from the product label.

Brand Life Extension
Barcode (UPC) 737870210238
Net contents 30 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Aug 23, 2020
DSLD ID 232321
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for VenoFlow by Life Extension, 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 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
UPC/BARCODE
737870210238
IngredientAmount% DV
Nattokinase0 NP--
VenoFlow Proprietary Blend200 mg--
Pycnogenol French Maritime Pine extract0 NP--

Other ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Vegetable Cellulose, Dextrin, Stearic Acid, 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.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Read the entire label and follow the directions carefully prior to use. Directions: Take one (1) capsule daily, with or without food, or as recommended by a healthcare practitioner.

1 Daily

Precautions

Caution: Consult your healthcare provider before use if taking medication (especially those affecting blood coagulation or blood pressure), being treated for a medical condition (especially bleeding disorders), under the age of 18, pregnant or lactating.

Caution: Consult your healthcare provider before use if taking medication (especially those affecting blood coagulation or blood pressure), being treated for a medical condition (especially bleeding disorders), under the age of 18, pregnant or lactating.

Warnings: Keep out of reach of children.

Do not exceed recommended dose. Do not purchase if outer seal is broken or damaged.

When using nutritional supplements, please consult with your physician if you are undergoing treatment for a medical condition or if you are pregnant or lactating.

Contains soybeans.

To report a serious adverse event or obtain product information, contact 1-866-280-2852.

Storage

Store tightly closed in a cool, dry place.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Pycnogenol is a registered trademark of Horphag Research Ltd.

Seals/Symbols

Non GMO LE Certified

Formulation

Non GMO LE Certified

Promotes healthy venous blood flow

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

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.

See for yourself

VenoFlow by Life Extension label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in VenoFlow by Life Extension

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

Serving size1 Vegetarian Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule 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.

VenoFlow Proprietary Blend

200 mg per serving

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

Interaction report

VenoFlow by Life Extension Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against VenoFlow?

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
494Drugs
494 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in VenoFlow 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.

Pycnogenol French Maritime Pine extract3 drug types · 327 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, maritime pine bark extract might increase the risk of bleeding when used with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs.
Clinical research suggests that maritime pine bark extract inhibits platelet aggregation. However, the clinical significance of this effect is unclear.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, maritime pine bark extract might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when used with antidiabetes drugs.
One clinical study shows that maritime pine bark extract decreases blood sugar in patients with diabetes being treated with antidiabetes agents. Monitor blood glucose levels closely. Dose adjustments might be necessary.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, maritime pine bark extract might decrease the effectiveness of immunosuppressant therapy.
In vitro and animal research suggests that maritime pine bark extract has immunostimulant activity. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Nattokinase2 drug types · 289 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Nattokinase might increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs.
Nattokinase has thrombolytic and anticoagulant effects. There is a case report of intracranial hemorrhage in a patient who added nattokinase to aspirin therapy.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, nattokinase might increase the risk of hypotension when used with antihypertensive drugs.
Some clinical research suggests that nattokinase may reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

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

Life Extension

See all Life Extension products
Name
Quality Supplements and Vitamins, Inc.
City
Ft. Lauderdale
State
FL
ZipCode
33309
Phone Number
1-866-280-2852
Web Address
LifeExtension.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

VenoFlow by Life Extension: Common Questions

Does VenoFlow by Life Extension interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, VenoFlow has a known interaction with 494 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
VenoFlow 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.
Can I take VenoFlow if I'm on aspirin or warfarin?
No — both ingredients in VenoFlow thin the blood, and combining them with blood thinners like aspirin or warfarin raises your bleeding risk significantly. There's even a case report of someone who had brain bleeding after adding nattokinase to aspirin. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor before taking this product if you're on any blood thinner.
Can I take VenoFlow while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. The safety data for both ingredients is insufficient during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so they should be avoided. If you're planning pregnancy, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding, discuss this product with your doctor first.
Will VenoFlow lower my blood sugar if I'm diabetic?
It might. Pycnogenol French Maritime Pine extract has been shown in one study to lower blood sugar in people taking diabetes medications. If you're on diabetes drugs, monitor your glucose closely and talk to your pharmacist about whether you need a dose adjustment.
Can I be allergic to VenoFlow?
Yes. Nattokinase can trigger severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, in people sensitive to natto or its components. Symptoms can happen quickly — within two hours — and affect the throat and airway. If you have a natto sensitivity, avoid this product.
What does Pycnogenol do in this product?
Pycnogenol French Maritime Pine extract is included for its effects on blood flow and circulation. The evidence shows it's possibly effective for chronic venous insufficiency (poor leg circulation) and osteoarthritis. It works partly by affecting how blood cells stick together, which is why it can interact with blood thinners.
Are there any common side effects I should watch for?
Both ingredients are generally well tolerated, but Pycnogenol can cause gastrointestinal upset, dizziness, headache, or vertigo in some people. Nattokinase is associated with rare cases of bleeding. If you notice unusual bruising, bleeding, dizziness, or stomach problems, stop taking it and contact your pharmacist.

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

Not sure if VenoFlow 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.

VenoFlow label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

VenoFlow'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 23 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.

Nattokinase 9 references
  1. Suzuki Y, Kondo K, Matsumoto Y, et al. Dietary supplementation of fermented soybean, natto, suppresses intimal thickening and modulates the lysis of mural thrombi after endothelial injury in rat femoral artery. Life Sci 2003;73:1289-98.. PubMed
  2. Sumi H, Hamada H, Nakanishi K, Hiratani H. Enchancement of fibrinolytic activity in plasma by oral administration of nattokinase. Acta Haematol 1990;84:139-43.
  3. Chang, Y. Y., Liu, J. S., Lai, S. L., Wu, H. S., and Lan, M. Y. Cerebellar hemorrhage provoked by combined use of nattokinase and aspirin in a patient with cerebral microbleeds. Intern Med 2008;47(5):467-469. PubMed
  4. Kim, J. Y., Gum, S. N., Paik, J. K., Lim, H. H., Kim, K. C., Ogasawara, K., Inoue, K., Park, S., Jang, Y., and Lee, J. H. Effects of nattokinase on blood pressure: a randomized, controlled trial. Hypertens.Res 2008;31(8):1583-1588. PubMed
  5. <p>Maruyama M, Sumi H (eds): Effect of natto diet on blood pressure, in Basic and Clinical Aspects of Japanese Traditional Food Natto II. Japan Technology Transfer Association (JTTAS), 1998, pp 1–3.</p>
  6. Kurosawa Y, Nirengi S, Homma T, et al. A single-dose of oral nattokinase potentiates thrombolysis and anti-coagulation profiles. Sci Rep 2015;5:11601. PubMed
  7. Ramachandran L, Aqeel A, Jafri A, Sidhu Y, Mohamed Djirdeh T. Nattokinase-associated hemoperitoneum in an elderly woman. Cureus 2021;13(12):e20074. PubMed
  8. Awatani-Yoshidome K, Hashimoto T, Satoh T. Anaphylaxis from nattokinase in a patient with fermented soybean (natto) allergy. Allergol Int 2022;71(1):153-4. PubMed
  9. Suzuki K, Nakamura M, Sato N, Futamura K, Matsunaga K, Yagami A. Nattokinase, a subtilisin family serine protease, is a novel allergen contained in the traditional Japanese fermented food natto. Allergol Int 2022.

See these in context on the Nattokinase monograph →

Maritime Pine 14 references
  1. Rice-Evans CA, Packer L, eds. Flavonoids in Health and Disease. Manhattan, NY: Marcel Dekker, Inc., 1998.
  2. Liu FJ, Zhang YX, Lau BH. Pycnogenol enhances immune and haemopoietic functions in senescence-accelerated mice. Cell Mol Life Sci 1998;54:1168-72. PubMed
  3. Putter M, Grotemeyer KH, Wurthwein G, et al. Inhibition of smoking-induced platelet aggregation by aspirin and pycnogenol. Thromb Res 1999;95:155-61. PubMed
  4. Kohama T, Inoue M. Pycnogenol alleviates pain associated with pregnancy. Phytother Res 2006;20:232-4.
  5. Liu X, Zhou HJ, Rohdewald P. French maritime pine bark extract pycnogenol dose-dependently lowers glucose in type 2 diabetic patients (letter). Diabetes Care 2004;27:839. PubMed
  6. Liu X, Wei J, Tan F, et al. Antidiabetic effect of Pycnogenol French maritime pine bark extract in patients with diabetes type II. Life Sci 2004;75:2505-13. PubMed
  7. Wilson D, Evans M, Guthrie N et al. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled exploratory study to evaluate the potential of pycnogenol for improving allergic rhinitis symptoms. Phytother Res 2010;24:1115-9.
  8. Araghi-Niknam, M., Hosseini, S., Larson, D., Rohdewald, P., and Watson, R. R. Pine bark extract reduces platelet aggregation. Integr.Med. 3-21-2000;2(2):73-77. PubMed
  9. Trebaticka, J., Kopasova, S., Hradecna, Z., Cinovsky, K., Skodacek, I., Suba, J., Muchova, J., Zitnanova, I., Waczulikova, I., Rohdewald, P., and Durackova, Z. Treatment of ADHD with French maritime pine bark extract, Pycnogenol. Eur.Child Adolesc.Psychi PubMed
  10. Suzuki, N., Uebaba, K., Kohama, T., Moniwa, N., Kanayama, N., and Koike, K. French maritime pine bark extract significantly lowers the requirement for analgesic medication in dysmenorrhea: a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
  11. Cisar, P., Jany, R., Waczulikova, I., Sumegova, K., Muchova, J., Vojtassak, J., Durackova, Z., Lisy, M., and Rohdewald, P. Effect of pine bark extract (Pycnogenol) on symptoms of knee osteoarthritis. Phytother.Res. 2008;22(8):1087-1092.
  12. Enseleit, F., Sudano, I., Periat, D., Winnik, S., Wolfrum, M., Flammer, A. J., Frohlich, G. M., Kaiser, P., Hirt, A., Haile, S. R., Krasniqi, N., Matter, C. M., Uhlenhut, K., Hogger, P., Neidhart, M., Luscher, T. F., Ruschitzka, F., and Noll, G. Effects
  13. Schoonees, A., Visser, J., Musekiwa, A., and Volmink, J. Pycnogenol(R) (extract of French maritime pine bark) for the treatment of chronic disorders. Cochrane.Database.Syst.Rev. 2012;4:CD008294.
  14. Wang S, Tan D Zhao Y et al. The effect of pycnogenol on the microcirculation, platelet function and ischemic myocardium in patients with coronary artery diseases. Eur Bull Drug Res 1999;7:19-25.

See these in context on the Maritime Pine 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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