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Herbs & Supplements
Amachazuru
Scientific Name: Gynostemma
Other Names: Gynostemma pentaphyllum, Jiaogulan, Miracle Grass, Southern Ginseng, Vitis pentaphyllum, Xianxao
What interactions should I watch for?
Prescription Drugs
In studies, gynostemma has been shown to increase the time blood needs to clot. When it is taken with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs, the effect of the drug may be increased, resulting in uncontrolled bleeding.
- Antiplatelets include clopidogrel and Ticlid
- Anticoagulants include heparin and warfarin
Because it can affect immune system function, gynostemma may interfere with the effects of drugs used to suppress the immune system after organ transplants or in other conditions. Taking gynostemma is not recommended for patients who take drugs such as:
- azathioprine (Imuran)
- CellCept
- cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)
- Prograf
- Rapamune
- Zenapax
Non-prescription Drugs
Gynostemma can reduce the ability of blood to clot after an injury. Aspirin can also decrease clotting, so gynostemma should not be taken at the same time as aspirin.
Herbal Products
Theoretically, if gynostemma is used with other herbs that affect blood clotting, bleeding may occur. Some of the most common herbal products that might inhibit blood clotting are:
- Danshen
- Devil's Claw
- Eleuthero
- Garlic
- Ginger (in high amounts)
- Ginkgo
- Horse Chestnut
- Panax Ginseng
- Papain
Some interactions between herbal products and medications can be more severe than others. The best way for you to avoid harmful interactions is to tell your doctor and/or pharmacist what medications you are currently taking, including any over-the-counter products, vitamins, and herbals. For specific information on how gynostemma interacts with drugs, other herbals, and foods and the severity of those interactions, please use our Drug Interactions Checker to check for possible interactions.
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Note: The above information is not intended to replace the advice of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not meant to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
In general, herbal products are not subject to review or approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are not required to be standardized, meaning that the amounts of active ingredients or contaminants they contain may vary between brands or between different batches of the same brand. Not all of the risks, side effects, or interactions associated with the use of herbal products are known because few reliable studies of their use in humans have been done.
This information is provided for your education only. Please share this information with your healthcare provider and be sure that you talk to your doctor and pharmacist about all the prescription and non-prescription medicines you take before you begin to use any herbal product.
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What interactions should I watch for?
