Elderberry - Coumadin (Warfarin Sodium) Interaction
Herbal: Elderberry
Also Known As: Sambucus nigra, Arbre de Judas, Baccae, Baises de Sureau, Black-Berried Alder, Black Elder, Black Elderberry, Boor Tree, Bountry, Common Elder, Elder, Elder Berry, Elderberries, Elderberry Fruit, Ellanwood, Ellhorn, European Alder, European Black Elder
Drug: Warfarin Sodium
Brand names:
Coumadin, Panwarfin, Sofarin
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
Apr 13, 2024
Interaction Details
There were no interactions found between Warfarin Sodium and Elderberry. This does not mean the potential for an interaction does not exist, however. There is often a lack of studies and data surrounding traditional medicine, especially concerning drug interactions, so it is important to always consult your provider before making any changes to your medication regimen.
Pharmacist Analysis
Elderberry is not known to interfere with the functioning of the blood-thinning mechanism of warfarin and elderberry itself is not known to have blood-thinning properties.
However, it is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before combining any new medications or supplements. This is especially important for people taking warfarin, as the medication has a narrow therapeutic window and requires careful monitoring to avoid complications.
Elderberry is not known to have anticoagulant or antiplatelet (i.e., 'blood-thinning') effects and is not known to interact with these drugs.
Additionally, elderberry doesn't appear to significantly affect CYP metabolizing enzymes, and isn't thought to change the metabolism of blood-thinning drugs.
Although specific studies evaluating the use of elderberry and blood-thinning drugs are sparse, no interaction would be anticipated. This includes with Coumadin.
Elderberry is not known to interfere with the functioning of the blood-thinning mechanism of warfarin and elderberry itself is not known to have blood-thinning properties.
However, it is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before combining any new medications or supplements. This is especially important for people taking warfarin, as the medication has a narrow therapeutic window and requires careful monitoring to avoid complications.
There is no known interaction between elderberry and Coumadin.
Elderberry Overview
Elderberry (Sambucus) is a plant that belongs to the Adoxaceae family. It is native to Europe, Asia, and North America, and has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. The Elderberry plant has distinctive dark purple or black berries, which are often used in different types of food, including jams, jellies, and syrups. In traditional medicine, elderberry is one of the most popular over-the-counter supplements due to its purported immune-stimulating effects and is used to treat colds, flu, and other respiratory infections. Some studies have suggested that elderberry may have antiviral and immune-boosting properties, but more research is needed to confirm these effects. It is important to note that there are several different species of elderberry, including American elder (Sambucus canadensis) and black elder (Sambucus nigra). Black elder is more commonly used in dietary supplements.
Warfarin Sodium Overview
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Warfarin is used to prevent blood clots from forming or growing larger in your blood and blood vessels. It is prescribed for people with certain types of irregular heartbeat, people with prosthetic (replacement or mechanical) heart valves, and people who have suffered a heart attack. Warfarin is also used to treat or prevent venous thrombosis (swelling and blood clot in a vein) and pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in the lung). Warfarin is in a class of medications called anticoagulants ('blood thinners'). It works by decreasing the clotting ability of the blood.
Elderberry - More Interactions
Elderberry interacts with 111 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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