Evening Formula is a dietary supplement manufactured in the USA for Coral Club. Each capsule carries six declared ingredients, and the bottle holds 60 capsules — a 60-day supply at the directed one capsule daily with a meal.
Read this first: the formula contains St John's wort
Each capsule includes 100 mg of St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) herb extract. St John's wort has the best-documented record of drug interactions among botanicals used in supplements: it activates the pregnane X receptor and induces the enzyme CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein, which lowers the blood level and effectiveness of many medicines.
Medicines affected include hormonal contraceptives, the immunosuppressants cyclosporine and tacrolimus, warfarin, digoxin, simvastatin, alprazolam, and several HIV medicines. It can also add to the effect of antidepressants and other serotonergic medicines. Anyone taking any prescription medicine should speak to a physician or pharmacist before starting.
Within Coral Club's own range, Griffonia supplies 5-HTP, a serotonin precursor; the two should not be combined without medical advice.
St John's wort can also increase the skin's sensitivity to light. Sources are listed under Research.
What is in a capsule
L-theanine 100 mg, lemon balm leaf extract 100 mg, hops flower extract 100 mg, St John's wort herb extract 100 mg, skullcap root extract 50 mg, and magnesium as glycinate 75 mg — the last at 18% of the Daily Value. Full detail is set out under Ingredients.
About the name
The name points to the evening, but the US label sets no time of day: it directs one capsule daily with a meal. The card makes no statement about drowsiness, so none is made here; hops and skullcap are plants traditionally associated with relaxation.
What the manufacturer states
Coral Club's US card for this product sets out the composition and directions. Magnesium, present at 18% of the Daily Value, is recognized as contributing to normal nervous system and muscle function and to energy metabolism.*
The capsule is gelatin
The capsule shell is made of gelatin and water, so the product is not suitable for a vegetarian or vegan diet.
Pregnancy, storage and shelf life
Coral Club's stated precaution is that anyone pregnant or nursing should consult a healthcare practitioner before taking the product. Shelf life is 2 years. Protect from heat, light and moisture, and store in a dry place at a maximum of 25°C (77°F), out of reach of children.