Natural Medicines Newsletter

Volume 1, Issue 39, 10/15/2009

Question

What are some common herbal or natural medicines that have antiplatelet properties or increase the risk for bleeding?

Answer

The use of herbal or natural medicines is increasing among patients and many of these products share pharmacologic properties with medications that require a prescription.(1)  It is also well known that oral antiplatelet medications (such as aspirin, clopidogrel, prasugrel, ticlopidine, dipyridamole/aspirin) for the prevention and/or treatment of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and oral anticoagulants, such as warfarin, for the prevention and/or treatment of thrombotic related disorders are common across the world.  This risk for bleeding due to antiplatelet effects can also be increased with the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).  Their use may be initiated by a healthcare provider or by patients themselves since they can purchase them over-the-counter (OTC) for any pain related problems.  In fact, the use of self-initiated NSAIDs is fairly common.  According to a survey of 4,263 people in 2002 by the National Consumer League, ibuprofen was the... 

The complete answer to this question comes with a table that summarizes the common herbs known to have antiplatelet properties or increase for bleeding.

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