Herbal blood thinners
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Herbal Blood Thinners: Efficacy and Safety
Introduction to Herbal Blood Thinners
Herbal remedies have been used for centuries to treat various ailments, including blood-related disorders. Some herbs are believed to have "blood thinning" properties, which can affect coagulation and platelet function. This article explores the efficacy and safety of commonly used herbal blood thinners, focusing on Curcuma longa (Turmeric), Angelicae sinensis (Dong Quai), and Panax Ginseng (Ginseng).
Effects of Turmeric, Dong Quai, and Ginseng on Hemostasis
Platelet Function and Thrombin Generation
A comprehensive study investigated the effects of Turmeric, Dong Quai, and Ginseng on platelet function and thrombin generation, both alone and in combination with aspirin. The study involved 75 healthy volunteers who were administered these herbs and aspirin in a controlled setting. The results showed that while these herbs did cause some impairment in platelet aggregation, the effects were not significant enough to compromise overall hemostatic function or cause clinical bleeding events1.
Interaction with Aspirin
The same study also examined the interaction between these herbs and aspirin. It was found that the addition of these herbs did not further impair platelet function tests (PFTs) or thrombin generation assays (TG assays) beyond the effects of aspirin alone. This suggests that the concurrent use of these herbs with aspirin is safe and does not increase the risk of bleeding complications1.
Broader Review of Herbal Remedies Affecting Coagulation
Bioactive Compounds and Their Effects
A review of various herbal remedies identified 65 herbs with antiplatelet, anticoagulant, or coagulating abilities. These herbs contain bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, taxanes, coumarins, saponins, fucoidans, and polysaccharides, which can influence the coagulation cascade. However, most of the evidence is based on in vitro assays, and there is contradictory evidence regarding the bleeding risks associated with these herbs2.
Safety Concerns and Recommendations
Given the potential for herb-drug interactions and the lack of comprehensive safety data, it is recommended that the use of herbal preparations be discontinued before undergoing any surgical procedures. This precaution helps mitigate the risk of unexpected bleeding complications2.
Conclusion
While Turmeric, Dong Quai, and Ginseng have shown some effects on platelet function and thrombin generation, these effects are not significant enough to cause clinical bleeding events. The concurrent use of these herbs with aspirin appears to be safe. However, caution is advised when using herbal remedies, especially before surgical procedures, due to the potential for herb-drug interactions and the lack of extensive safety data. Further research with larger sample sizes is needed to confirm these findings and ensure the safe use of herbal blood thinners.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
A Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Cross-over Study to Evaluate the Haemostatic Effects of Three Commonly Used Traditional Herbal Medicines, (Curcuma Longa, Angelicae Sinensis and Panax Ginseng)and Their Interactions with Aspirin
Tumeric, Dong Quai, and Ginseng all show normal hemostasis effects when taken with aspirin, but their interactions with aspirin may cause bleeding symptoms.
RCTHerbal remedies affecting coagulation: A review
Herbal remedies may affect coagulation, and their safety and effect on blood parameters remain unclear, so their use before any surgical procedure should be discontinued.
Systematic Review
Highly CitedThe Effect of Herbal Supplements on Blood Pressure: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Herbal supplements, such as resveratrol, cherry juice, beetroot juice, bergamot extracts, barberry, and pycnogenol, can effectively reduce blood pressure and prevent cardiovascular diseases, but proper dosage is crucial due to potential side effects.
Meta-Analysis
Rigorous JournalInteractions Between Herbal Medicines and Prescribed Drugs
Herbal medicines can interact with synthetic drugs, causing serious clinical consequences, and healthcare professionals should consider these interactions when prescribing herbal products.
Systematic ReviewHighly CitedInvestigation of adverse effects of interactions between herbal drugs and natural blood clotting mechanism
Herbal formulations containing Syzygium cumini and Camellia sinensis significantly prolong blood clotting time, highlighting the need for patients with bleeding tendencies or haemophilia to consider interactions with their blood clotting system.
In Vitro StudyRigorous JournalHerbal Medicines in Idiopathic Heavy Menstrual Bleeding: A Systematic Review
Herbal preparations like ginger and myrtle fruit syrup may reduce menstrual bleeding in women with idiopathic heavy menstrual bleeding.
Systematic ReviewHerbal remedies and anticoagulant therapy
Herbal remedies may interact with anticoagulant drugs like warfarin, increasing the risk of bleeding in patients.
A randomized, double-blind, placebo- controlled study on the anti-haemostatic effects of Curcuma longa, Angelica sinensis and Panax ginseng.
Curcuma longa, Angelica sinensis, and Panax ginseng do not pose significant bleeding risks when used alone or in combination with aspirin in healthy volunteers.
RCTRigorous Journal