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Herb Groups
High Vitamin K
Botanicals

Definition

High Vitamin K-containing Herbs

introduction:
Several plants, principally edible vegetables of the Brassicaceae (Cabbage) family, contain significant levels of phylloquinone, the naturally occurring plant form of vitamin K. Regular consumption of high levels of these plants may, at least theoretically, lead to resistance to anticoagulant medications that interfere with the formation of vitamin K dependent cofactors in the clotting cascade. In those individuals with normal clotting physiology, dietary vitamin K intake has insignificant effect.

food/herb affecting drug performance: Anticoagulants drugs including Heparin and Warfarin

• Vitamin K containing herbs may interact with the use of vitamin K antagonist drugs to reduce the effectiveness of their anticoagulant action. PT/INR times should be monitored.

herbal synergy:
Indirect interaction with other herbs may take place through various physiologic mechanisms including herbs from the following groups:
Platelet Interactors

» Herbs:
Common herbs and food plants with high levels of vitamin K:
Beta vulgaris (Beet root and greens)
Brassica oleracea v. acephala (Collard leaves)
Brassica oleracea v. capita (Cabbage leaves)
Brassica oleracea v. fruticosa (Kale leaves)
Brassica oleracea v. gemmifera (Brussels sprouts) 200mcg/100g
Brassica campestris v. pekinensis (Chinese Cabbage)
Brassica rapa (Turnip leaves) 650mcg/100g
Glycine max (Soy bean)
Lactuca sativa (Lettuce leaves)
Medicago sativa (Alfalfa plant)
Nasturtium officinale (Watercress)
Petroselinum crispum (Parsley leaves)
Plantago major (Plantain leaves)
Spinacea oleracea (Spinach leaves)
Urtica spp. (Stinging Nettles plant)


Footnotes

Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. Second edition. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Institute Inc, 1998.

Harris JE. Interaction of dietary factors with oral anticoagulants: Review and application. J Am Diet Assoc 1995 May;95(5):580-584. (Review)

Holt GA. Food and Drug Interactions. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998.

Kempin SJ. Warfarin resistance caused by broccoli. N Engl J Med 1983 May 19;308(20):1229-1230. (Letter)

Tatro D, (ed.) Anticoagulants-quinine derivatives. In: Drug Interaction Facts. St. Louis, MO. Facts and Comparisons, Jul 1993.