Fenugreek is an annual herb used for its medicinal properties and it is native to parts of Europe, Asia and Africa. It has a distinct maple flavor and aroma that also make it a popular seasoning and flavoring for many foods. Fenugreek is used to lower blood sugar and lower cholesterol. Coumadin is an anticoagulant medication used to prevent blood clot formation after heart attack and stroke. Because they have some similar properties you should not use fenugreek and Coumadin at the same time unless advised to do so by your physician.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek, scientific name Trigonella foenum-graecum, is cultivated in many places around the world. Its name translates to "Greek hayseed." The seeds are collected in the fall and used to make herbal supplements. The seeds contain plenty of iron, vitamins, flavonoids, trigonelline and saponins. Medicinally, Fenugreek is most often used to lower blood sugar in Type 2 diabetes and to lower cholesterol. It is also used to lower triglyceride levels and increase milk production in lactating women. Fenugreek has not been widely studied as yet and has not been evaluated for safety and efficacy by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. You should only take fenugreek under your doctor's supervision, particularly if you have diabetes or a blood-clotting disorder.
Coumadin
Coumadin, generic name warfarin, is a powerful blood-thinning medication used to prevent blood clot formation in the leg veins, lungs and following heart valve replacement surgery. It is also used to prevent further clot formation after heart attack and stroke. It works by blocking production of substances involved in the blood clotting process. According to Drugs.com, there are a host of medications and herbs that interact with Coumadin to increase the chances of developing severe bleeding. Fenugreek is one of those herbs; it can enhance the anticoagulant effects of Coumadin and should not be taken along with it.
Similar Properties
Fenugreek and Coumadin both have anticoagulant properties. Coumadin is taken by many for that very reason. Taking Fenugreek and Coumadin at the same time may increase your risk of bleeding, including severe internal bleeding. The medical journal "Pharmocotherapy" reported in 2001 on a patient who was given warfarin while taking fenugreek and experienced a marked increase in bleeding time. If you are taking either Coumadin or fenugreek, you should advise your physician before adding any other medications or herbal supplements to your regimen.
Precautions
There are other medications and herbs with anticoagulant effects that should not be taken with fenugreek or Coumadin. Drugs.com states those drugs include aspirin, ibuprofen, heparin, naproxen and nabumetone. Other herbs with anticoagulant properties include gingko biloba, St. John's wort and garlic. You should only take medication and herbal supplements under the supervision a qualified healthcare professional. It is imperative to inform your healthcare provider of all medications and herbal supplements you are taking to avoid potentially dangerous interactions between them.
