Interactions between herbal medicines and the anticoagulant warfarin

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Complementary medicines are used widely in our community. Products are advertised as safe despite the fact that many have never been systematically tested for either efficacy or safety. Little is known about the potential for herbal medicines to interact with conventional medicines which may lead to potentially serious consequences. Clinical reports suggest that there is potential for an interaction between warfarin and herbal medicines. Interactions with warfarin in patients receiving the drug as part of their therapy can be life threatening. Identifying and avoiding significant drug interactions with warfarin can reduce patient problems caused by excessive bleeding, reduce length of hospital stay and decrease the need for frequent blood monitoring. The present study design will also provide a valuable insight into possible interactions with other medicines by understanding the mechanism of possible herb-drug interactions.