Is the mangosteen fruit dangerous if used by a person on Coumadin therapy due to its antioxidant properties?
The use of antioxidants with Coumadin is hotly debated and no clear answer exists. For the moment, without proof to the contrary, I believe that there need be no major concern when using Coumadin and mangosteen. However, if anyone is seriously worried about the potential food/drug interactions, they should consume a fixed amount of mangosteen juice daily for three or four days. On the fourth or fifth day they should contact their physician and have blood test (INR) done to see if there is a need to change Coumadin dosage. Coumadin is taken daily, but no single days dose can alter the blood-thinning effect since it takes several doses to bring about a change. Foods containing vitamin K lower the drugs effect. Mangosteen does not have an unfounded fear that mangosteen will amplify the drugs blood-thinning effect. Coumadin users worry, justifiably, about the drugs fluctuating effects. Therefore, I recommend the testing be done for purposes of reassurance.
