What compound in yarrow affects blood coagulation, leading to increased bleeding risk with anticoagulants?

Answer

Achilleine

Yarrow is composed of several active constituents, one of which is the alkaloid named Achilleine. This compound possesses a distinct biochemical action: it notably slows down the time required for blood to form a clot, thus impacting coagulation. While this property historically made yarrow useful for staunching immediate external wounds, it becomes a significant liability when the herb is used concurrently with pharmaceutical blood thinners such as warfarin or aspirin, which are prescribed as anticoagulants or antiplatelet agents. The combination of yarrow's blood-thinning effect with prescription anticoagulants drastically elevates the danger profile, significantly increasing the likelihood of severe bruising, uncontrolled excessive bleeding episodes, or internal hemorrhage. Consequently, anyone scheduled for any surgical procedure must cease yarrow use at least two weeks beforehand to ensure the clotting mechanisms are functioning optimally and to mitigate intraoperative or postoperative bleeding complications.

What compound in yarrow affects blood coagulation, leading to increased bleeding risk with anticoagulants?

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