| Warafarin drug herb interactions: Alfalfa - Possible Harmful Interaction Asian Ginseng - Possible Harmful Interaction Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) - Possible Harmful Interaction Chondroitin – Possible Harmful Interaction Danshen - Harmful Interaction Devil's Claw - Possible Harmful Interaction Dong Quai - Possible Harmful Interaction Feverfew - Possible Harmful Interaction Garlic - Possible Harmful Interaction Ginger - Possible Harmful Interaction Ginkgo - Possible Harmful Interaction Green Tea - Possible Harmful Interaction Ipriflavone - Possible Harmful Interaction Papain, Bromelain - Possible Harmful Interaction PC-SPES - Possible Harmful Interaction Policosanol - Possible Harmful Interaction Reishi - Possible Harmful Interaction St. John's Wort - Possible Harmful Interaction Vinpocetine - Possible Harmful Interaction Vitamin A - Possible Harmful Interaction Vitamin C - Possible Harmful Interaction Vitamin E - Possible Harmful Interaction Vitamin K - Possible Harmful Interaction White Willow - Possible Harmful Interaction Alfalfa Possible Harmful Interaction The herb alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is promoted for a variety of conditions. The high vitamin K content in alfalfa could, in theory, reduce the effectiveness of warfarin. Vitamin K directly counteracts warfarin's blood-thinning effects. Asian Ginseng Possible Harmful Interaction The herb Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) is promoted as an adaptogen, a treatment that helps the body adapt to stress and resist illness in general. According to one case report, Asian ginseng might decrease warfarin's blood-thinning effects. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) Possible Harmful Interaction Coenzyme Q10 is a vitamin-like substance that plays a fundamental role in the body's energy production. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is somewhat similar in structure to vitamin K, and reportedly, it too can reduce the therapeutic effects of warfarin. In three case reports, CoQ10 was found to interfere with warfarin's blood- thinning effects. A double-blind study found no interaction between CoQ10 and warfarin. Chondroitin Possible Harmful Interaction Based on chondroitin’s chemical similarity to the anticoagulant drug heparin, it has been suggested that chondroitin might have anticoagulant effects as well. There are no case reports of any problems relating to this, and studies suggest that chondroitin has at most a mild anticoagulant effect. Danshen Harmful Interaction The herb danshen, the root of Salvia miltorrhiza, is used for treating heart disease in traditional Chinese medicine. Preliminary evidence, including several case reports, suggests that danshen can dangerously increase the effects of warfarin and cause significant bleeding problems. Devil's Claw Possible Harmful Interaction The herb devil's claw (Harpogophytum procumbens) is used for various types of arthritis and digestive problems. According to one case report, devil's claw might increase the risk of abnormal bleeding when taken with warfarin. Dong Quai Possible Harmful Interaction The herb dong quai (Angelica sinensis) is used for menstrual disorders. According to one case report, dong quai may add to the blood-thinning effects of warfarin, thus increasing the risk of abnormal bleeding. Feverfew Possible Harmful Interaction The herb feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is primarily used for the prevention and treatment of migraine headaches. In vitro studies suggest that feverfew thins the blood by interfering with the ability of blood platelets to clump together. This raises the concern that feverfew might increase the risk of abnormal bleeding when combined with warfarin. However, there is as yet no evidence that the blood-thinning effect of feverfew is significant in humans. Garlic Possible Harmful Interaction The herb garlic (Allium sativum) is taken to lower cholesterol, among many other proposed uses. One of the possible side effects of garlic is an increased tendency to bleed. This blood-thinning effect has been demonstrated in a double-blind trial of garlic in 60 volunteers, as well as in other studies and a case report. According to two other case reports, the blood-thinning effects of warfarin were greatly enhanced in individuals taking garlic. This could amplify the risk of bleeding problems. Ginger Possible Harmful Interaction The herb ginger (Zingiber officianale) is used for nausea associated with motion sickness, morning sickness in pregnancy, and the post surgical period. Ginger appears to thin the blood by interfering with the ability of blood platelets to clump together. As with feverfew, this raises the concern that ginger might increase the risk of abnormal bleeding when taken with warfarin. However, there is no evidence at present that the blood-thinning effect of ginger is significant in humans. Ginkgo Possible Harmful Interaction The herb ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) has been used to treat Alzheimer's disease and ordinary age-related memory loss, among many other uses. Ginkgo appears to reduce the ability of platelets (blood-clotting cells) to stick together. Several case reports suggest that this blood-thinning effect of ginkgo may be associated with an increased risk of serious abnormal bleeding episodes in individuals taking the herb. These findings raise concern that ginkgo might add to the blood-thinning effects of warfarin, and there is one report of abnormal bleeding in an individual who had been taking the herb and drug together. A double-blind study found no interaction between ginkgo and warfarin. Green Tea Possible Harmful Interaction Green tea contains strong antioxidant substances and may have cancer-preventive effects. Because green tea (Camellia sinensis) contains vitamin K, which directly interferes with warfarin's blood-thinning action, drinking large amounts of it might reduce the therapeutic effects of the drug. Ipriflavone Possible Harmful Interaction Ipriflavone, a synthetic isoflavone that slows bone breakdown, is used to treat osteoporosis. Warfarin use increases the risk of osteoporosis. Papain, Bromelain Possible Harmful Interaction One case report suggests that papain, a digestive enzyme found in papaya extract (Carica papaya), might add to warfarin's blood-thinning effect. Vinpocetine Possible Harmful Interaction The substance vinpocetine is sold as a dietary supplement for the treatment of age-related memory loss and impaired mental function. Vinpocetine is thought to inhibit blood platelets from forming clots. For this reason, it should not be combined with medications or natural substances that impair the blood’s ability to clot normally, as this may lead to excessive bleeding. One study found only a minimal interaction between the blood- thinning drug warfarin (Coumadin) and vinpocetine (and it actually involved an increased tendency for blood clotting). St. John's Wort Possible Harmful Interaction The herb St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) is primarily used to treat mild to moderate depression. Evidence suggests that St. John's wort may interfere with warfarin, possibly requiring an increased dosage of the drug to maintain the proper therapeutic effect. Seven cases have been reported in which the blood- thinning effects of warfarin have been impaired in individuals taking St. John's wort. White Willow Possible Harmful Interaction The herb white willow (Salix alba), also known as willow bark, is used to treat pain and fever. White willow contains a substance that is converted by the body into a salicylate similar to the blood-thinner aspirin. Because white willow, like aspirin, may enhance the blood-thinning effects of warfarin, this combination should be avoided unless medically supervised. |
Drug Interactions
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