Burdock - Plavix (Clopidogrel) Interaction
Herbal: Burdock
Also Known As: Arctium lappa, Arctium, Bardana, Bardana-minor, Bardanae Radix, Bardane, Beggar's Buttons, Burdock Root Extract, Burr Seed, Cocklebur, Cockle Buttons, Fox's Clote, Gobo, Glouteron, Grande Bardane, Great Bur, Great Burdocks, Hardock, Harebur, Lappa, Love Leaves, Niubang, Niu Ba
Drug: Clopidogrel
Brand names:
Plavix
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
Apr 20, 2025
Interaction Details
Clopidogrel is classified as belonging to the following category: Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs
Theoretically, taking burdock with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs might increase the risk of bleeding.
In vitro research shows that lignans from burdock reduce rabbit platelet aggregation by inhibiting platelet activating factor. This interaction has not been reported in humans.
Interaction Rating
Likelihood of Occurrence
PossibleInteraction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
Pharmacist Analysis
It is important to be cautious when taking medication or supplements that can 'thin' the blood.
Preliminary studies that that burdock may possess blood-thinning effects, but this has only been seen in animal studies. Human studies are lacking.
While there is a risk of a combined blood-thinning effect when burdock and clopidogrel are used together, this hasn't been reported in humans.
Nevertheless, always be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking so you can be monitored appropriately.
- Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmDReferences
- Iwakami S, Wu JB, Ebizuka Y, Sankawa U. Platelet activating factor (PAF) antagonists contained in medicinal plants: lignans and sesquiterpenes. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) 1992;40:1196-8.
Burdock Overview
Burdock is a plant that is native to Europe and Asia. It is a member of the daisy family and is known for its long, tapering roots and large, prickly leaves.
Burdock is often used in traditional medicine and is purported to have a number of health benefits. The roots and leaves of the plant are thought to have diuretic, diaphoretic, and expectorant properties. It has been used for a variety of conditions, including fever, sore throat, and digestive disorders. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, burdock is used to rid the body of toxins.
Clopidogrel Overview
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Clopidogrel is used alone or with aspirin to prevent serious or life-threatening problems with the heart and blood vessels in people who have had a stroke, heart attack, or severe chest pain. This includes people who have percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI; angioplasty; a type of heart surgery) that may involve inserting coronary stents (metal tubes surgically placed in clogged blood vessels to improve blood flow) or who have coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG; a type of heart surgery). Clopidogrel is also used to prevent serious or life-threatening problems with the heart and blood vessels in people who have peripheral arterial disease (poor circulation in the blood vessels that supply blood to the legs). Clopidogrel is in a class of medications called antiplatelet medications. It works by preventing platelets (a type of blood cell) from collecting and forming clots that may cause a heart attack or stroke.
Burdock - More Interactions
Burdock interacts with 120 drugs
Interaction Rating Key
These severity listings are for informational use only. Never start, stop or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.
| Major | The combined use of these agents is strongly discouraged as serious side effects or other negative outcomes could occur. |
| Moderate | Use cautiously under the care of a healthcare professional or avoid this combination. A significant interaction or negative outcome could occur. |
| Minor | Be aware that there is a chance of an interaction. Watch for warning signs of a potential interaction. |
| Unknown | No interactions have been reported or no interaction data is currently available. |
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Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Drug descriptions are provided by MedlinePlus.
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Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
In addition to being a clinical pharmacist specializing in pharmacotherapy, Dr. Brian Staiger is a registered herbalist through the American Herbalist Guild. He has combined his passion for pharmacy practice with the study of medical ethnobotany to improve patient care. Feel free to reach out about any of your herbal or medication questions!
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