Super Miraforte with Standardized Lignans by Life Extension

INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE

• Allergic rhinitis (hay fever). Although there has been interest in using oral black pepper for allergic rhinitis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of black pepper for this purpose.
• Asthma. Although there has been interest in using oral black pepper for asthma, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of black pepper for this purpose.
• Athletic performance. Oral black pepper has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: One small clinical trial in untrained males shows that taking a supplement containing black pepper extract 10 mg, caffeine 400 mg, capsicum extract 66.7 mg, and niacin 40 mg as a single dose prior to exercise does not improve strength, time to exhaustion, or maximal oxygen consumption when compared with placebo (37873).
• Depression. Although there has been interest in using oral black pepper for depression, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of black pepper for this purpose.
• Diarrhea. Although there has been interest in using oral black pepper for diarrhea, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of black pepper for this purpose.
• Dysmenorrhea. Although there has been interest in using oral black pepper for dysmenorrhea, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of black pepper for this purpose.
• Dyspepsia. Although there has been interest in using oral black pepper for dyspepsia, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of black pepper for this purpose.
• Fall prevention. It is unclear if inhaling black pepper oil as aromatherapy is beneficial for fall prevention in older adults. Details: One small clinical study in older adults shows that applying black pepper oil near the right side of the nose as an olfactory stimulant improves stability while the eyes are closed during a one-minute trial when compared with the application of water. The improvement with black pepper oil is comparable to the improvement seen with the application of lavender oil (29160). It is unclear if any benefit persists after inhalation of black pepper oil.
• Fatigue. It is unclear if oral black pepper is beneficial in patients with fatigue. Details: One small clinical trial in adults with below-average energy levels shows that taking black pepper 2 grams as a single dose does not improve sustained attention, motivation to perform cognitive tasks, or feelings of mental energy and mental fatigue when compared with placebo (91731).
• Flatulence. Although there has been interest in using oral black pepper for flatulence, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of black pepper for this purpose.
• Headache. Although there has been interest in using oral black pepper for headache, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of black pepper for this purpose.
• Insect bite. Topical black pepper has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: One small clinical trial shows that applying a specific product (Trikatu) containing black pepper, long pepper, and ginger, as well as camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol, directly to mosquito bites does not reduce papule size, erythema, edema, or pruritis when compared with a control compound containing the same base ingredients but without the pepper and ginger components (89893).
• Obesity. Although there has been interest in using oral black pepper for obesity, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of black pepper for this purpose.
• Pain (chronic). Although there has been interest in using topical black pepper for chronic pain related to various etiologies, including osteoarthritis, postherpetic neuralgia, and peripheral neuropathy, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of black pepper for these conditions.
• Rhinosinusitis. Although there has been interest in using oral black pepper for rhinosinusitis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of black pepper for this purpose.
• Sexual desire. Although there has been interest in using oral black pepper for increasing sexual desire, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of black pepper for this purpose.
• Smoking cessation. It is unclear if inhaling black pepper essential oil as aromatherapy is effective for smoking cessation. Details: One small clinical trial in adult male smokers who were deprived from smoking overnight shows that inhaling a vapor from the essential oil of black pepper, as needed over a 3-hour period, reduces cigarette cravings, negative feelings, and anxiety when compared with a placebo vapor (29159). Another small clinical study in patients addicted to dipping, chewing, or smoking tobacco shows that placing a drop of black pepper essential oil on tissue paper and inhaling for 2 minutes at least three times a day for 3 days reduces nicotine cravings when compared to baseline (90502).
• Swallowing dysfunction. It is unclear if inhaling black pepper oil as aromatherapy is beneficial in patients with swallowing dysfunction. Details: One small clinical study in post-stroke residents of nursing homes shows that one minute of olfactory stimulation with black pepper oil before each meal for 30 days decreases swallowing reflex latency by 11 seconds and increases the number of swallowing movements by 3.3 when compared to baseline (29161). A small clinical trial in children with neurological disorders who were on long-term enteral nutrition shows that applying black pepper oil to the nostrils or nasal cavity for one minute improves the amount of oral intake and swallowing movement in 63% of patients. Although oral intake increased, the need for enteral nutrition was not eliminated (29162).
• Vitiligo. It is unclear if topical piperine oil, a constituent of black pepper, is beneficial in patients with vitiligo. Details: A small clinical study in patients with vitiligo shows that applying piperine oil 1% daily in addition to receiving narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) light therapy every other day for 3 months improves repigmentation more rapidly when compared with using NB-UVB alone (103820). More evidence is needed to rate black pepper for these uses.

(Read more about BLACK PEPPER)

INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE

• Athletic performance. Preliminary clinical research shows that taking chrysin orally, in combination with androgen precursors, does not enhance resistance training outcomes in athletes. Taking a combination of chrysin 625 mg with androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), tribulus, indole-3-carbinole, and saw palmetto daily for 8 weeks does not affect testosterone concentrations, body composition, or strength in response to resistance training (7514). More evidence is needed to rate chrysin for this use.

(Read more about CHRYSIN)

INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE

• Age-related testosterone deficiency. It is unclear if oral maca is beneficial for age-related testosterone deficiency. Details: A moderate-size clinical study in eugonadal males age 65 years on average with symptoms related to late-onset hypogonadism shows that taking maca 1.66 grams three times daily for 12 weeks improves physical, sexual, and psychological symptom scores when compared with placebo. However, maca did not lead to a significant difference in testosterone levels between groups (112012). The interpretation of these findings is limited by the use of patient-reported outcomes.
• Amenorrhea. Although there has been interest in using oral maca for amenorrhea, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of maca for this purpose.
• Anemia of chronic disease. Although there has been interest in using oral maca for anemia of chronic disease, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of maca for this purpose.
• Antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction. It is unclear if oral maca is beneficial in patients with sexual dysfunction due to antidepressants. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that taking maca 1.5 grams twice daily for 12 weeks modestly increases remission rates in females experiencing antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction (90278).
• Athletic performance. It is unclear if oral maca is beneficial for athletic performance. Details: A small clinical study in male elite athletes shows that taking maca 2500 mg twice daily for 8 weeks may improve some measures of physical performance, including grip strength, power, or agility, when compared to baseline (112014). However, the interpretation of this study is limited by the lack of a control group, inconsistent results among the various types of athletes included in the study, and unreported habitual activities, such as diet, that may confound results.
• Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Although there has been interest in using oral maca for CFS, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of maca for this purpose.
• Depression. Although there has been interest in using oral maca for depression, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of maca for this purpose.
• Fatigue. Although there has been interest in using oral maca for fatigue, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of maca for this purpose.
• Leukemia. Although there has been interest in using oral maca for leukemia, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of maca for this purpose.
• Male infertility. It is unclear if oral maca is beneficial for male infertility. Details: Clinical research shows that taking a specific maca product (Maca Gelatinizada La Molina, Laboratorios Hersil) 1.5-3 grams daily for 4 months increases semen volume, sperm count, and sperm motility in healthy males aged 22-44 years (18289). Conversely, a meta-analysis of 2 small clinical studies in males with infertility shows that taking 2-2.8 grams of maca daily for 12-16 weeks does not improve the concentration of semen when compared with placebo (112011). However, the interpretation of this finding is limited by the heterogeneity of the included studies.
• Memory. Although there has been interest in using oral maca for memory, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of maca for this purpose.
• Osteoporosis. Although there has been interest in using oral maca for osteoporosis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of maca for this purpose.
• Postmenopausal conditions. It is unclear if oral maca is beneficial for postmenopausal conditions. Details: Two small clinical trials show that taking powdered maca (Maca Power, Incan Food, Healthychoices) 3.3 or 3.5 grams daily as a single dose or in two divided doses for 6 weeks modestly reduces anxiety, depression, and sexual dysfunction when compared with placebo (90606,99792). However, these changes are generally small and of questionable clinical significance (90606).
• Sexual desire. It is unclear if oral maca improves male sexual desire; it has not been evaluated for female sexual desire. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that taking a specific maca product (Maca Gelatinizada La Molina, Laboratorios Hersil), 1.5-3 grams daily in three divided doses for 12 weeks can increase subjective feelings of sexual desire in healthy males aged 21 to 57 years (9928).
• Tuberculosis. Although there has been interest in using oral maca for tuberculosis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of maca for this purpose. More evidence is needed to rate maca for these uses.

(Read more about MACA)

INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE

• Erectile dysfunction (ED). Preliminary clinical research in middle-aged men with ED shows that taking two capsules of a specific combination product (Revactin, MD Concepts LLC) containing muira puama, ginger root, guarana, and L-citrulline twice daily for 3 months improves scores related to erectile function and intercourse satisfaction, but does not improve sexual desire or orgasmic function scores, when compared to baseline (103224). This study is limited by the lack of a placebo control, the use of per-protocol analysis, and a high dropout rate. In fact, 44% of patients withdrew in order to resume use of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. Further, it is unclear if these effects are due to muira puama, other ingredients, or the combination.
• Sexual dysfunction. Preliminary clinical research in women with a low sex drive shows that taking 2-6 tablets of a specific combination product (Herbal vX) containing muira puama extract (HV-430) 350-1050 mg and ginkgo extract 32-96 mg modestly improves sexual desire and the frequency of sexual intercourse when compared with baseline (63920). The lack of control group limits the validity of these findings. Further, it is unclear if these effects are due to muira puama, ginkgo, or the combination. More evidence is needed to rate muira puama for these uses.

(Read more about MUIRA PUAMA)

INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE

• Pain (acute). Although there has been interest in using oral and topical Norway spruce for acute pain, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of Norway spruce for this purpose.
• Respiratory tract infections. Although there has been interest in using oral Norway spruce for respiratory tract infections, including bronchitis, the common cold, and tuberculosis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of Norway spruce for this purpose. More evidence is needed to rate Norway spruce for these uses.

(Read more about NORWAY SPRUCE)

INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE

• Dyspepsia. Oral olive leaf extract has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: A small study in healthy adults shows that taking a specific combination product containing olive leaf extract 24% and prickly pear cactus 33% (Mucosave, Bionap S.R.L.) 400 mg daily for 8 weeks seems to improve dyspepsia and other gastrointestinal symptoms when compared with placebo (105904). It is unclear if this benefit would occur in patients with clinically diagnosed dyspepsia.
• Exercise-induced respiratory infections. It is unclear if oral olive leaf extract is beneficial for reducing respiratory infections from exercise. Details: A small clinical study in high school athletes shows that taking one tablet of olive leaf extract providing eleuropein 100 mg daily for 2 months during training season does not reduce the incidence of the common cold when compared with placebo. While it may reduce the number of sick days by 28%, a sub-group analysis suggests that this reduction is only evident in female athletes (101860).
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Although there is interest in using oral olive leaf for GERD, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of olive for this condition.
• Herpes zoster (shingles). Although there is interest in using oral olive leaf for shingles, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of olive for this condition.
• Influenza. Although there is interest in using oral olive leaf for influenza, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of olive for this condition.
• Metabolic syndrome. It is unclear if oral olive leaf extract is beneficial for improving body composition and cardiovascular risk factors in patients with metabolic syndrome. Details: A small clinical trial in overweight, middle-aged males at risk for metabolic syndrome shows that taking four capsules of olive leaf extract providing oleuropein 51.1 mg and hydroxytyrosol 9.7 mg daily for 12 weeks improves insulin sensitivity by 15% when compared with placebo. However, body composition, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and other cardiovascular risk factors were not improved (92245).
• Osteoarthritis. It is unclear if oral olive fruit or leaf extract is beneficial for improving osteoarthritis. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that taking a freeze-dried aqueous extract of olive fruit 400 mg daily for 8 weeks decreases pain and increases mobility in people with osteoarthritis (14844). Other preliminary clinical research in adults with knee osteoarthritis shows that taking olive leaf extract 50.1 mg daily for 4 weeks improves overall pain measurements by 14%, compared to only 4% in the placebo group. However, many individual measurements of pain are not improved (92252).
• Osteoporosis. It is unclear if oral olive leaf extract is beneficial for osteoporosis. Details: Clinical research shows that taking olive leaf extract (Bonolive, BioActor BV) 250 mg daily for 12 months, along with elemental calcium 400 mg daily, increases osteocalcin levels by about 32% when compared to baseline; this increase was significant when compared to those taking calcium 400 mg plus placebo, who showed a 6% decrease in osteocalcin levels. However, taking olive leaf extract does not significantly increase bone mineral density of the lumbar spine or femur neck when compared with placebo (92247).
• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It is unclear if oral olive fruit extract is beneficial for improving RA symptoms. Details: Preliminary clinical research in adults with RA shows that taking an aqueous freeze-dried extract of olive fruit 400 mg daily for 8 weeks does not improve symptoms when compared with control (14844). More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of olive for these uses.

(Read more about OLIVE)

LIKELY SAFE ...when used orally in amounts commonly found in foods. Black pepper has Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status in the US (4912).

POSSIBLY SAFE ...when black pepper oil is applied topically. Black pepper oil is nonirritating to the skin and is generally well tolerated (11). ...when black pepper oil is inhaled through the nose or as a vapor through the mouth, short-term. Black pepper oil as a vapor or as an olfactory stimulant has been used with apparent safety in clinical studies for up to 3 days and 30 days, respectively (29159,29160,29161,90502). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of black pepper when used orally in medicinal amounts.

CHILDREN: LIKELY SAFE
when used orally in amounts commonly found in foods (11).

CHILDREN: POSSIBLY UNSAFE
when used orally in large amounts. Fatal cases of pepper aspiration have been reported in some patients (5619,5620). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of topical pepper oil when used in children.

PREGNANCY: LIKELY SAFE
when used orally in amounts commonly found in foods (11).

PREGNANCY: LIKELY UNSAFE
when used orally in large amounts. Black pepper might have abortifacient effects (11,19); contraindicated. There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of topical pepper when used during pregnancy.

LACTATION: LIKELY SAFE
when used orally in amounts commonly found in foods (11). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of black pepper when used in medicinal amounts during breast-feeding.

(Read more about BLACK PEPPER)

There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of chrysin.

PREGNANCY AND LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

(Read more about CHRYSIN)

LIKELY SAFE ...when maca is consumed in food amounts (9926).

POSSIBLY SAFE ...when used orally and appropriately, short term. Maca appears to be safe in doses up to 3 grams daily for 4 months (9928,10218,18289,90278,108603).

PREGNANCY AND LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

(Read more about MACA)

POSSIBLY SAFE ...when used orally and appropriately, short-term. Taking muira puama 500-1050 mg daily, as part of a combination product, has been used with apparent safety for 1 month (63920,103224). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of muira puama when used long-term.

PREGNANCY AND LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

(Read more about MUIRA PUAMA)

There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of hemlock spruce.

PREGNANCY AND LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

(Read more about NORWAY SPRUCE)

LIKELY SAFE ...when olive fruit is used orally and appropriately in amounts commonly found in foods.

POSSIBLY SAFE ...when olive leaf extract is used orally and appropriately. Olive leaf extract providing 51-100 mg oleuropein daily has been used with apparent safety for 6-8 weeks (92245,92247,101860). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of olive fruit extract when used in amounts greater than those found in foods.

PREGNANCY AND LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; stick with amounts commonly found in foods.

(Read more about OLIVE)

AMOXICILLIN (Amoxil, Trimox) Interaction Rating = Minor Be watchful with this combination. Severity = Mild •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, black pepper might increase the effects and side effects of amoxicillin.  Details Animal research shows that taking piperine, a constituent of black pepper, with amoxicillin increases plasma levels of amoxicillin (29269). This has not been reported in humans.

ANTICOAGULANT/ANTIPLATELET DRUGS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, black pepper might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs.  Details In vitro research shows that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, seems to inhibit platelet aggregation (29206). This has not been reported in humans.

ANTIDIABETES DRUGS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, black pepper might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.  Details Animal research shows that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, can reduce blood glucose levels (29225). Monitor blood glucose levels closely. Dose adjustments might be necessary.

ATORVASTATIN (Lipitor) Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, black pepper might increase blood levels of atorvastatin.  Details Animal research shows that taking piperine, a constituent of black pepper, 35 mg/kg can increase the maximum serum concentration of atorvastatin three-fold (104188). This has not been reported in humans.

CARBAMAZEPINE (Tegretol) Interaction Rating = Minor Be watchful with this combination. Severity = Mild •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = B Theoretically, black pepper might increase blood levels of carbamazepine, potentially increasing the effects and side effects of carbamazepine.  Details One clinical study in patients taking carbamazepine 300 mg or 500 mg twice daily shows that taking a single 20 mg dose of purified piperine, a constituent of black pepper, increases carbamazepine levels. Piperine may increase carbamazepine absorption by increasing blood flow to the GI tract, increasing the surface area of the small intestine, or inhibiting cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) in the gut wall. Absorption was significantly increased by 7-10 mcg/mL/hour. The time to eliminate carbamazepine was also increased by 4-8 hours. Although carbamazepine levels were increased, this did not appear to increase side effects (16833). In vitro research also shows that piperine can increase carbamazepine levels by 11% in a time-dependent manner (103819).

CYCLOSPORINE (Neoral, Sandimmune) Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = High •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, black pepper might increase the effects and side effects of cyclosporine.  Details In vitro research shows that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, increases the bioavailability of cyclosporine (29282). This has not been reported in humans.

CYTOCHROME P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) SUBSTRATES Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, black pepper might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP1A1.  Details In vitro research suggests that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, inhibits CYP1A1 (29213). This has not been reported in humans.

CYTOCHROME P450 2B1 (CYP2B1) SUBSTRATES Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, black pepper might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2B1.  Details In vitro research suggests that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, inhibits CYP2B1 (29332). This has not been reported in humans.

CYTOCHROME P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) SUBSTRATES Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, black pepper might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.  Details In vitro research suggests that some constituents of black pepper inhibit CYP2D6 (29207,29212,38375). This has not been reported in humans.

CYTOCHROME P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) SUBSTRATES Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, black pepper might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.  Details In vitro research shows that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, as well as the pepper fruit seem to inhibit CYP3A4 (14375,29212). This has not been reported in humans.

LITHIUM Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Probable •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, black pepper might increase blood levels of lithium due to its diuretic effects. The dose of lithium might need to be reduced.  Details Black pepper is thought to have diuretic properties (11).

NEVIRAPINE (Viramune) Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Mild •  Occurrence = Probable •  Level of Evidence = D Black pepper might increase blood levels of nevirapine.  Details Clinical research shows that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, increases the plasma concentration of nevirapine. However, no adverse effects were observed in this study (29209).

P-GLYCOPROTEIN SUBSTRATES Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, black pepper might increase levels of P-glycoprotein substrates.  Details In vitro research shows that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, seems to inhibit P-glycoprotein (14375,29281,29283).

PENTOBARBITAL (Nembutal) Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = High •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, black pepper might increase the sedative effects of pentobarbital.  Details Animal research shows that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, increases pentobarbital-induced sleeping time (29214).

PHENYTOIN (Dilantin) Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = High •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = B Black pepper might increase blood levels of phenytoin.  Details Clinical research shows that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, seems to increase absorption, slow elimination, and increase levels of phenytoin (537,14442). Taking a single dose of black pepper 1 gram along with phenytoin seems to double the serum concentration of phenytoin (14375). Consuming a soup with black pepper providing piperine 44 mg/200 mL of soup along with phenytoin also seems to increase phenytoin levels when compared with consuming the same soup without black pepper (14442).

PROPRANOLOL (Inderal) Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = B Black pepper might increase blood levels of propranolol.  Details Clinical research shows that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, seems to increase absorption and slow elimination of propranolol (538).

RIFAMPIN (Rifadin) Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = High •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = B Black pepper might increase blood levels of rifampin.  Details Clinical research shows that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, seems to increase absorption and serum levels of rifampin (14375,29284).

THEOPHYLLINE Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = High •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Black pepper might increase blood levels of theophylline.  Details Clinical research shows that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, seems to increase absorption and slow elimination of theophylline (538).

(Read more about BLACK PEPPER)

(Read more about CHRYSIN)

(Read more about MACA)

(Read more about MUIRA PUAMA)

(Read more about NORWAY SPRUCE)

(Read more about OLIVE)

General ...Orally, black pepper seems to be well tolerated when used in the amounts found in food or when taken as a medicine as a single dose. Topically and as aromatherapy, black pepper oil seems to be well tolerated.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Burning aftertaste, dyspepsia, and reduced taste perception.
Inhalation: Cough.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
Orally: Allergic reaction in sensitive individuals.

Gastrointestinal ...Orally, black pepper can cause a burning aftertaste (5619) and dyspepsia (38061). Single and repeated application of piperine, the active constituent in black pepper, to the tongue and oral cavity can decrease taste perception (29267). By intragastric route, black pepper 1.5 grams has been reported to cause gastrointestinal microbleeds (29164). It is not clear if such an effect would occur with oral administration.

Immunologic ...In one case report, a 17-month-old male developed hives, red eyes, facial swelling, and a severe cough following consumption of a sauce containing multiple ingredients. Allergen skin tests were positive to both black pepper and cayenne, which were found in the sauce (93947).

Ocular/Otic ...Topically, ground black pepper can cause redness of the eyes and swelling of the eyelids (5619).

Pulmonary/Respiratory ...When inhaled through the nose as an olfactory stimulant, black pepper oil has been reported to cause cough in one clinical trial (29162).

(Read more about BLACK PEPPER)

General ...There is currently a limited amount of information on the adverse effects of chrysin. No adverse effects have been reported in clinical trials (7514,42934).

(Read more about CHRYSIN)

General ...Orally, no adverse effects have been reported with the medicinal use of maca. However, a thorough evaluation of safety outcomes has not been conducted.

Gastrointestinal ...Consumption of fresh, uncooked maca may cause stomach pain (40231).

(Read more about MACA)

General ...No adverse effects have been reported. However, a thorough evaluation of safety outcomes has not been conducted.

(Read more about MUIRA PUAMA)

General ...None reported; however, a thorough evaluation of safety outcomes has not been conducted.

(Read more about NORWAY SPRUCE)

General ...Orally, olive fruit is well tolerated when used in typical food amounts. Olive leaf extract seems to be well tolerated.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Headache and stomach discomfort.

Dermatologic ...Orally, one patient in one clinical trial reported bad skin and acne after using olive leaf extract (101860).

Gastrointestinal ...Orally, three patients in one clinical trial reported stomach ache after using olive leaf extract (101860).

Neurologic/CNS ...Orally, three patients in one clinical trial reported headache after using olive leaf extract (101860).

Psychiatric ...In one case report, a 67-year-old female experienced irritability, anger, a lack of control, and feelings of sadness and negativity after consuming a multi-ingredient product containing olive leaf extract 5 grams, horseradish root, and eyebright daily for 38 days. All psychiatric symptoms disappeared within days of stopping the combined product. It is hypothesized that the hydroxytyrosol component of olive leaf extract contributed to these symptoms due to its chemical similarity to dopamine; however, it is not clear if these symptoms were due to the olive leaf extract or to the other ingredients (96245).

Pulmonary/Respiratory ...Olive tree pollen can cause seasonal respiratory allergy (1543).

(Read more about OLIVE)