Atractylodes - Plavix (Clopidogrel) Interaction
Herbal: Atractylodes
Also Known As: Atractylodes lancea, AMK, ATR, Atractylenolide, Bai Zhu, Byaki-Jutsu, Cang Zhu, Chang Zhe, Jutsu, Khod Kha Mao, Paekch'ul, So-Jutsu
Drug: Clopidogrel
Brand names:
Plavix
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
May 04, 2025
Interaction Details
Clopidogrel is classified as belonging to the following category: Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs
Theoretically, atractylodes might increase the risk of bleeding when used concomitantly with anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs.
Laboratory research suggests that atractylenolides II and III, constituents of atractylodes, reduce platelet activation. So far, this has not been shown 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
References
- Chen Y, Yang W, Guo L, Wu X, Zhang T, Liu J, Zhang J. Atractylodes lactone compounds inhibit platelet activation. Platelets. 2017 Mar;28(2):194-202.
Interaction Details
Clopidogrel is classified as belonging to the following category: Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates
Theoretically, atractylodes might decrease the levels of CYP1A2 substrates.
In animals, atractylodes administered at high doses has been shown to induce CYP1A2 activity. This effect has not been shown 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
References
- Muhamad N, Plengsuriyakarn T, Na-Bangchang K. Atractylodes lancea for cholangiocarcinoma: Modulatory effects on CYP1A2 and CYP3A1 and pharmacokinetics in rats and biodistribution in mice. PLoS One 2022;17(11):e0277614.
Interaction Details
Clopidogrel is classified as belonging to the following category: Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates
Theoretically, atractylodes might increase the levels of CYP3A4 substrates.
In animals, atractylodes administered at high doses has been shown to inhibit CYP3A1 activity, which is a homolog to the human CYP3A4 enzyme. This effect has not been shown 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
References
- Muhamad N, Plengsuriyakarn T, Na-Bangchang K. Atractylodes lancea for cholangiocarcinoma: Modulatory effects on CYP1A2 and CYP3A1 and pharmacokinetics in rats and biodistribution in mice. PLoS One 2022;17(11):e0277614.
Atractylodes Overview
Atractylodes is a genus of flowering plants native to eastern Asia, with its roots being used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), traditional Japanese medicine (Kampo), and traditional Thai medicine. It is found in formulations like ninjin-yoei-to and shenling baizhu san. Pharmacokinetic studies show that atractylodin, a major bioactive compound, is absorbed rapidly after oral administration, with peak plasma concentrations reached within 0.5-2 hours. The root contains sesquiterpenoids, sterols, and essential oils, with constituents like atractylenolides and atractylon. These compounds contribute to various purported pharmacological effects, including anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and gastrointestinal effects, but more research is needed for a better understanding of its overall effectiveness in these areas.
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.
Atractylodes - More Interactions
Atractylodes interacts with 778 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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