Coumadin is the brand name of a medication commonly used as an anticoagulant, or blood thinner. People using Coumadin should avoid any medications, dietary supplements or foods that can significantly decrease or increase the drug's proper function. Fennel seed extracts and oil contain a compound that can magnify Coumadin's blood-thinning ability. Speak to your doctor about the potential dangers of fennel use if you have been prescribed Coumadin or any other blood-thinning drug.
Coumadin
Coumadin is one of several brand names for warfarin, a drug that inhibits specific clotting proteins in the blood, making it less likely to clot. Coumadin is used primarily to decrease the risk of stroke, heart attack and clot formation in people who have a history of cardiovascular disease, venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism or individuals with synthetic heart valves. Coumadin use can cause fatigue, hair loss, vomiting or diarrhea and is not recommended for individuals who consume alcohol regularly or who have diabetes, cancer, kidney disease, thyroid disorders or bleeding problems. Pregnant or nursing women should avoid Coumadin.
Interaction with Fennel
Fennel is an herb native to certain parts of Asia and Europe. It has been used since ancient times as a poison antidote and lactation stimulant and as a treatment for indigestion and digestive system disorders. According to the website Wellness, you should not consume fennel -- particularly giant fennel, or Ferula communis -- if you are taking Coumadin because it may significantly increase the risk of uncontrolled bleeding. This includes fennel eaten as a food or consumed in supplement form. Fennel has this magnifying effect on Coumadin because it contains coumarin, a phytochemical compound that prevents blood clotting by inhibiting the action of the protein prothrombin.
Other Possible Interactions
If you take Coumadin, you also should not take any other product that can increase its blood-thinning action. These include medications like ibuprofen, naproxen, acetaminophen, aspirin, diclofenac and celecoxil; oral contraceptives; herbal teas that have plants like sweet clover or tonka beans as an ingredient; any cranberry product, including juice, fresh berries or extracts; and dietary supplements like Ginkgo biloba, bromelain, ginseng or St. John's wort. You also should avoid foods with a high vitamin K concentration, because they can inhibit Coumadin's function. These include dark leafy green vegetables such as spinach, kale, collard greens, broccoli, asparagus and mustard greens; soy products; all types of lettuce; scallions; and canola oil. Fennel also can magnify the action of other anticoagulants like heparin and anti-platelet drugs like clopidogrel, And fennel use may inhibit the effectiveness of ciprofloxacin.
Considerations
Fennel supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Because of this, they are not checked for purity, effectiveness or safety. There is no reputable scientific evidence to support fennel's use as a treatment or preventative measure for any condition. Do not use any type of fennel supplement without first consulting your doctor and discussing any possible interactions with your current medications or dietary supplements. Similarly, do not make large changes in your eating habits or begin taking any type of herb while you are on Coumadin unless you are under supervision of your doctor.
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