Tocotrienols - Heparin Interaction
Herbal: Tocotrienols
Also Known As: Alpha-Tocotrienol, Beta-Tocotrienol, Delta-Tocotrienol, Gamma-Tocotrienol
Drug: Heparin
Brand names:
Heparin
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
May 18, 2025
Interaction Details
Heparin is classified as belonging to the following category: Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs
Concomitant use of tocotrienols with anticoagulant or antiplatelet agents might increase the risk of bleeding. However, this has not been reported in humans.
Taking tocotrienols orally inhibits experimentally-induced platelet aggregation in humans. Theoretically tocotrienols might increase the risk of bleeding if taken with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs. However, tocotrienols 400-800 mg daily have been used with aspirin and/or clopidogrel for 1 year with no clear cumulative antiplatelet effects and no reports of bleeding.
Interaction Rating
Likelihood of Occurrence
UnlikelyInteraction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.
References
- Mensink RP, van Houwelingen AC, Kromhout D, Hornstra G. A vitamin E concentrate rich in tocotrienols had no effect on serum lipids, lipoproteins, or platelet function in men with mildly elevated serum lipid concentrations. Am J Clin Nutr 1999;69:213-9.
- Slivka A, Rink C, Paoletto D, Sen CK. Platelet function in stroke/transient ischemic attack patients treated with tocotrienol. FASEB J. 2020;34(9):11838-11843.
Tocotrienols Overview
Tocotrienols are a type of vitamin E, a fat-soluble vitamin found in a variety of foods. They are structurally similar to tocopherols, the more commonly known form of vitamin E, but have a different molecular structure. Tocotrienols are found in smaller amounts in certain plant-based foods, such as palm oil, rice bran oil, and barley. Unlike tocopherols, tocotrienols are known for their potent antioxidant properties and have been studied for their potential health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, and certain types of cancer. Additionally, tocotrienols have been studied for their ability to regulate cholesterol levels and protect the brain from oxidative damage. Drug interactions with tocotrienols are unlikely, but should be used cautiously if you are taking anticoagulants.
Heparin Overview
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Heparin is used to prevent blood clots from forming in people who have certain medical conditions or who are undergoing certain medical procedures that increase the chance that clots will form. Heparin is also used to stop the growth of clots that have already formed in the blood vessels, but it cannot be used to decrease the size of clots that have already formed. Heparin is also used in small amounts to prevent blood clots from forming in catheters (small plastic tubes through which medication can be administered or blood drawn) that are left in veins over a period of time. Heparin is in a class of medications called anticoagulants ('blood thinners'). It works by decreasing the clotting ability of the blood.
Tocotrienols - More Interactions
Tocotrienols interacts with 121 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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