Does Mullein Interact With Eliquis?

In our latest question and answer, our pharmacist discusses the potential interaction between Eliquis and Mullein supplements.

Question

Will mullein leaf interact with blood thinners such as Eliquis?

Asked by Ron On Apr 13, 2024

Answered by
Medical Content Reviewed By HelloPharmacist Staff

Published Apr 13, 2024
Last updated Nov 05, 2024

Key points

  • While mullein contains some compounds that may affect blood coagulation, it is unlikely to have a clinically significant interaction with blood-thinning drugs like Eliquis.

Answer

Thanks for contacting us!

Mullein, a popular herbal supplement used mostly to support respiratory conditions, is known to be relatively safe based on the limited studies that have been done on it. It's one I often recommend for folks I think would benefit from it.

In regard to interactions, our drug-supplement interaction checker does list a minor interaction between mullein and Eliquis (or any blood-thinning drug for that matter) based on the fact that mullein contains compounds that lab studies show may have minor anticoagulant effects.

Specifically, mullein, which has a large number of constituents, contains triterpene saponins. Triterpene saponins have been reported in some studies to affect the coagulation of blood.

It is important to point out that this interaction is theoretical. There have been no human studies that I could find that report that mullein affects blood coagulation in humans at typical supplement dosages, and no studies have specifically reported mullein interacting with blood-thinning drugs like Eliquis and warfarin (the theoretical interaction being an increase in blood-thinning effects).

Based on the information we have available to us, I would rate this interaction as 'minor' and unlikely to occur to a clinically significant degree in humans, especially at dosages of mullein found in dietary supplements. I'm not even aware of anecdotal reports of mullein causing problems with blood coagulation.

Nevertheless, as always, I always recommend caution with herbal supplements based on the lack of data available. Please reach out to your doctor before making changes to your medication regimen so you can be appropriately monitored.

Final Words

Thanks so much again for reaching out, and please do so again anytime.

References

  • Triterpenoid saponins from Verbascum songaricum, PubMed
  • Biological activity of common mullein, a medicinal plant, Science Direct
  • Common mullein, pharmacological and chemical aspects, Science Direct
  • Saponins as Modulators of the Blood Coagulation System and Perspectives Regarding Their Use in the Prevention of Venous Thromboembolic Incidents, PubMed

About the Pharmacist

Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD

Dr. Brian has been practicing pharmacy for over 13 years and has wide-ranging experiences in many different areas of the profession. From retail, clinical, program development, and administrative responsibilities, he's your knowledgeable and go-to source for all your pharmacy and medication-related questions! Dr. Brian Staiger also has herbalist training and educational certificates in the field of medical ethnobotany. Feel free to send him an email at [email protected]! You can also connect with Dr. Brian Staiger on LinkedIn.

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