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Herbs And Drugs Interact In Dangerous Ways

Posting Date: 07/31/2000

Ginkgo biloba is another herb that may pose a risk of interacting with medications. This natural product, which has become popular because of its reputation for protecting the brain, can keep blood platelets from forming a clot.

In combination with other anti-clotting medicines such as aspirin or Coumadin (warfarin), ginkgo might increase the risk of dangerous bleeding. A few cases of hemorrhage have been reported.

A number of other dietary supplements might also interact with Coumadin. Feverfew, garlic, ginger and onion may have the potential to increase its anticlotting activity. Coenzyme Q10, ginseng and green tea, on the other hand, might actually reduce its effectiveness.

Anyone who is interested in such interactions may wish to refer to our drug and herb libraries or consult our Guides to Herbal Remedies, Ginkgo, Coumadin and St. John's wort.

Before combining alternative therapies and standard pharmaceuticals it is prudent to learn if they are compatible. Neither prescription drugs nor dietary supplements provide much information about interactions on their labels.