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Review
. 2018 May;59(5):230-239.
doi: 10.11622/smedj.2018051.

Traditional Chinese medicine: herb-drug interactions with aspirin

Jia Wei Lim  1 , Siow Xian Chee  2 , Wen Jun Wong  2 , Qiu Ling He  2 , Tang Ching Lau  1   3
Affiliations
Review

Traditional Chinese medicine: herb-drug interactions with aspirin

Jia Wei Lim et al. Singapore Med J. 2018 May.

Abstract

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)-based herbal therapies have gained increasing popularity worldwide, raising concerns of its efficacy, safety profile and potential interactions with Western medications. Antithrombotic agents are among the most common prescription drugs involved in herb-drug interactions, and this article focused on aspirin, one of the most widely used antiplatelet agents worldwide. We discussed herbs that have potential interactions by exploring Western and TCM approaches to thrombotic events. Common TCM indications for these herbs were also highlighted, including possible scenarios of their concurrent usage with aspirin. With greater awareness and understanding of potential herb-drug interactions, TCM and Western physicians may collaborate more closely to identify, treat and, most importantly, prevent adverse drug events.

Keywords: antiplatelet; aspirin; herb-drug interactions; traditional Chinese medicine.

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Figures

Box 1
Box 1
Questions to ask when screening for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)/herbal supplement use.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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