Warning as 3 common spices could STOP your life-saving medication working – are you at risk?

The Sun

14-05-2025

A DASH of spice can do wonders to a meal - whether it's sprinkled over your morning porridge or heaped into a hearty curry.
But three common spices could interfere with lifesaving medication and stop it from working, experts have warned.
A recent study by the University of Mississippi flagged that cinnamon - a favourite for flavouring puddings and cakes - could make certain drugs less effective.
People with chronic health conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes were urged to "be cautious" when using the popular kitchen ingredient.
It's not the only spice that could pose a risk to patients.
A bright yellow spice that gives curries and soups a vivid colour and a peppery background note can affect how drugs like antidepressants and antibiotics are metabolised.
Another baking staple - particularly known for adding a zing to biscuits - could be a risky combination with blood thinning medication.
Here are three common spices that could interfere with your prescription meds.
1. Cinnamon
Cinnamon has been linked to a range of potential health benefits, according to Dipa Kamdar, a senior lecturer in pharmacy practice at Kingston University.
Writing in the The Conversation, she the warming spice contains compounds like cinnamaldehyde, eugenol and coumarin.
Lab tests carried out by scientists at the University of Mississippi found that the cinnamaldehyde activated receptors that speed up how drugs are cleared from the body – potentially making them less effective.
"While this research is still in the early stages and hasn't yet been tested in humans, it raises important questions about how cinnamon interacts with modern medicines," Dipa said.
Drugs you must never mix with caffeine
The type of cinnamon can make a difference too.
The study found cinnamon oil poses almost no risk of drug interactions.
But cinnamon bark, particularly Cassia cinnamon that's found in supermarkets as ground cinnamon, contains high levels of coumarin - a blood thinner.
"In contrast, true cinnamon from Sri Lanka carries a lower risk due to its reduced coumarin content," study author Amar Chittiboyina noted.
"Coumarin's anticoagulant properties can be hazardous for individuals on blood thinners."
Dipa said there have been a few case reports indicating that cinnamon supplements may increase the risk of bleeding if they're taken along with blood thinning medication - "probably due to coumarin affecting liver enzymes responsible for breaking down drugs like warfarin".
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Other research suggests cinnamon could interact with other medications, including painkillers, antidepressants, anti-cancer drugs and diabetes medications, the pharmacist added.
"But before you throw out your spice rack, it's important to remember: the risks come from high doses, particularly in supplement form," she stressed.
"A light sprinkle of cinnamon on your porridge is unlikely to cause problems."
Shabana Khan, a principal scientist involved in the above study, said: "People who suffer from chronic diseases - like hypertension, diabetes, cancer, arthritis, asthma, obesity, HIV, AIDS or depression – should be cautious when using cinnamon or any other supplements.
"Our best advice is to talk to a health care provider before using any supplements along with the prescription medicine."
2. Turmeric
Known for its vivid yellow colour, turmeric may also potentially interact with prescription drugs.
Dipa noted that information on turmeric's interactions with medications is still limited.
"Most of what we know comes from lab and animal studies, which don't always translate directly to humans.
"Still, there's evidence that curcumin can affect how some drugs are metabolised, particularly by interfering with liver enzymes.
"This means it could potentially interact with antidepressants, blood pressure medications, chemotherapy drugs and certain antibiotics.
Certain foods can interact with medications, potentially altering their effectiveness or causing side effects.
Common examples include grapefruit, leafy green vegetables, and certain dairy products.
It's important to be aware of potential interactions and consult with a doctor or pharmacist for guidance.
Here are some key food interactions:
Grapefruit
Grapefruit and its juice can interfere with the absorption and metabolism of many medications, including statins (cholesterol-lowering drugs) and some blood pressure medications.
Leafy green vegetables
Leafy green vegetables like spinach, kale, and broccoli are rich in vitamin K, which can affect the effectiveness of blood thinners like warfarin (Coumadin).
Dairy products
Dairy products, especially those high in calcium, can interfere with the absorption of certain antibiotics (tetracycline, ciprofloxacin) and some iron supplements.
Alcohol
Alcohol can interact with many medications, potentially enhancing their effects (like drowsiness) or reducing them.
Turmeric also has natural blood thinning properties, which could amplify the effects of medications like warfarin or aspirin.
"Animal studies suggest turmeric may also lower blood sugar, meaning it could increase the effects of anti-diabetic drugs or insulin.
"Additionally, turmeric has been shown to reduce blood pressure, which, when combined with blood pressure medications, could cause an excessive drop.
But Dipa stressed: "As with cinnamon, these effects are most often linked to high dose supplements, not the small amounts used in food."
3. Ginger
Ginger could also potentially affect how medications work due to its active compounds, including gingerol, Dipa added.
"Ginger can act as a mild blood thinner, which means combining it with anticoagulants could raise the risk of bleeding," the pharmacists said.
"The evidence is mixed when it comes to ginger and diabetes: while some studies suggest it may lower blood sugar, more research is needed to fully understand the effect it may have when taken alongside anti-diabetic medications."
The pharmacist once against stressed that while these spices may affect how the body processes certain medications, according to lab studies, most of these adverse effects have come about from high doses of the spices from supplements
She urged people taking blood thinners, diabetes medicines, or chemotherapy drugs to speak to their doctor or pharmacist before starting any new herbal supplements.