Fenugreek - Plavix (Clopidogrel) Interaction

Interaction Details

Clopidogrel is classified as belonging to the following category: Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, fenugreek might have additive effects when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Some of the constituents in fenugreek have antiplatelet effects in animal and in vitro research. However, common fenugreek products might not contain sufficient concentrations of these constituents for clinical effects. A clinical study in patients with coronary artery disease or diabetes shows that taking fenugreek seed powder 2.5 grams twice daily for 3 months does not affect platelet aggregation, fibrinolytic activity, or fibrinogen levels .

Interaction Rating

Likelihood of Occurrence

Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Pharmacist Analysis

It is important to note that most studies evaluating the anticoagulant and antiplatelet effects of fenugreek have only been done in a lab setting or in animals. Human studies are scarce.

However, there have been a few case reports suggesting that fenugreek can potentiate the effects of warfarin. This seems to be uncommon but we don't know what could put any specific individual at more risk for an interaction occurring.

Overall, the risk of additive 'blood-thinning' effects seems to be quite low, but is nevertheless important to be aware of.

If you take blood-thinning drugs, it is important you speak with your doctor before starting fenugreek so you can be appropriately monitored.

References

• Lambert J, Cormier J. Potential interaction between warfarin and boldo-fenugreek. Pharmacotherapy 2001;21:509-12.
• Bordia A, Verma SK, Srivastava KC. Effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) and fenugreek (Trigonella foenumgraecum L.) on blood lipids, blood sugar and platelet aggregation in patients with coronary artery disease. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty
• Parvizpur, A., Ahmadiani, A., and Kamalinejad, M. Probable role of spinal purinoceptors in the analgesic effect of Trigonella foenum (TFG) leaves extract. J Ethnopharmacol 3-8-2006;104(1-2):108-112.

Interaction Details

Clopidogrel is classified as belonging to the following category: Clopidogrel (Plavix)

Theoretically, fenugreek seed might alter the clinical effects of clopidogrel by inhibiting its conversion to the active form.
Animal research shows that fenugreek seed 200 mg/kg daily for 14 days increases the maximum serum concentration of clopidogrel by 21%. It is unclear how this affects the pharmacokinetics of the active metabolite of clopidogrel; however, this study found that concomitant use of fenugreek seed and clopidogrel prolonged bleeding time by an additional 11%.

Interaction Rating

Likelihood of Occurrence

Interaction 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

• Alkharfy K, Jan B, Alotaibi K, et al. Clopidogrel-herb Interactions: A Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Assessment in a Rat Model. Curr Drug Metab 2021;22(12):969-977.

Clopidogrel Overview

• 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.

Fenugreek - More Interactions

Fenugreek interacts with 384 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.