Quick answer: A third-party review site reports that CardioFlush contains 0.7 mcg of chromium picolinate and a 200 mg proprietary blend of 22 ingredients, including maca, grape seed, guarana, green tea, ginseng and L-arginine. Individual amounts are not disclosed. Check the Supplement Facts on your bottle.
From the label
First, a note on sources
Reported, not confirmed: the ingredient details here come from a third-party review site, which quotes chromium picolinate (0.7 mcg) plus a 200 mg proprietary blend of 22 ingredients. That site also describes a 60 mL bottle, while the label in the brand's images says 30 mL and 30 servings. Treat the list as provisional and read the Supplement Facts on your bottle.
All 22 reported blend ingredients
Maca root, grape seed extract, guarana seed extract, African mango seed extract, Eleutherococcus (Siberian ginseng) root, astragalus root, green tea leaf extract, Gymnema leaf extract, Coleus forskohlii root, capsicum fruit extract, grapefruit fruit extract, Panax ginseng, raspberry ketones, L-glutamine, L-tyrosine, L-arginine, beta-alanine, monoammonium glycyrrhizinate, GABA, L-ornithine HCl, L-tryptophan, L-carnitine.
The 200 mg problem
Twenty-two ingredients sharing 200 mg works out to about 9 mg each on average. Most of these were studied at hundreds of milligrams to several grams a day, so the amounts are likely small.
The ingredients that matter most
L-Arginine
An amino acid the body uses to make nitric oxide, which helps blood vessels relax. Blood pressure studies used grams a day, far more than a share of a 200 mg blend.
MedlinePlus on L-arginineGrape seed extract
Rich in proanthocyanidins. Small studies suggest slight effects on blood pressure and circulation. It may add to the effect of blood thinners.
NCCIH on grape seed extractGuarana and green tea
Both contain caffeine. That may explain an energy feel, but caffeine can raise heart rate and is a concern for people with heart rhythm problems.
FDA on caffeinePanax and Siberian ginseng
Traditional tonics with small, mixed studies on energy. Ginseng can affect blood sugar and interact with warfarin.
NCCIH on Asian ginsengLicorice compound (glycyrrhizinate)
Glycyrrhizin from licorice can raise blood pressure and lower potassium when taken regularly. An odd fit for a heart-support product, so check your label.
NCCIH on licorice rootWeight-focused extras
African mango, raspberry ketones, Coleus forskohlii, capsicum and Gymnema are usually marketed for weight. Evidence is weak, and Gymnema can lower blood sugar.
NIH ODS on weight-loss ingredientsKey cautions
- L-arginine may add to blood pressure medicine, nitrates and ED pills.
- Guarana and green tea add caffeine.
- Licorice compounds can raise blood pressure.
- Grape seed and ginseng may interact with blood thinners; Gymnema with diabetes medicine.
More on the how to use page. Read reading the reported formula.
References
- NHLBI: Heart-healthy living.
- CDC: Preventing heart disease.
- MedlinePlus: L-arginine.
- NCCIH: Licorice root.
- FDA: How much caffeine is too much?
- NIH ODS: What you need to know about dietary supplements.
Frequently asked questions
General information, not medical advice. CardioFlush is a dietary supplement and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.