Maitake Mushroom - Coumadin (Warfarin Sodium) Interaction
Herbal: Maitake Mushroom
Also Known As: Grifola frondosa, Champignon Dansant, Champignon des Fous Dansants, Champignon Maitake, Dancing Mushroom, Grifola, Hen Of The Woods, Hongo Maitake, King Of Mushrooms, Maitake, Monkey's Bench, Mushroom, Ram's Head, Roi des Champignons, Sheep's Head, Shelf Fungi
Drug: Warfarin Sodium
Brand names:
Coumadin, Panwarfin, Sofarin
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
May 18, 2025
Interaction Details
Warfarin Sodium is classified as belonging to the following category: Warfarin (Coumadin)
There is limited evidence that maitake mushroom may increase the anticoagulant effects of warfarin.
In a case report, a patient previously stabilized on warfarin developed an elevated international normalized ratio (INR) of 5.1 after taking maitake mushroom (Grifron-Pro Maitake D-Fraction) 1 drop/kg daily in three divided doses for one week. The elevated INR resolved after holding warfarin for two days, then reducing the dose by 11%. It is thought that the beta-glucan constituent of maitake mushroom might cause warfarin dissociation from proteins, resulting in increased free warfarin levels and increased warfarin effects.
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
- Hanselin MR, Vande Griend JP, Linnebur SA. INR elevation with maitake extract in combination with warfarin. Ann Pharmacother 2010;44:223-4.
Maitake Mushroom Overview
Maitake mushrooms, also known as Grifola frondosa or "hen of the woods," are a type of edible mushroom native to Japan and parts of China and North America. They have a distinctive, fan-shaped appearance and are often found growing at the base of trees.
Maitake mushrooms are known for their flavor and texture, as well as their purported health benefits. They are high in antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory, immune-boosting, and blood sugar-regulating effects.
In traditional Japanese medicine, maitake mushrooms have been used to treat a variety of conditions, including high blood pressure and diabetes. Supplements containing maitake mushrooms often highlight the "D-fraction" of beta-glucan and a type of protein called "SX-fraction".
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.
Maitake Mushroom - More Interactions
Maitake Mushroom interacts with 255 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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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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