Nasturtium officinale

Watercress/Drug Interactions:

  • AcetaminophenAcetaminophen: Consumption of watercress may cause a decrease in the levels of oxidative metabolites of acetaminophen, probably due to inhibition of oxidative metabolism of this drug (53). Ingestion of watercress reduced the area under the plasma cysteine acetaminophen (Cys-acetaminophen) concentration-time curve and in the peak plasma Cys-acetaminophen concentration by 28% +/- 3% and by 21% +/- 4% (mean +/- SE; N=7; p<0.005), respectively. The total urinary excretion of Cys-acetaminophen in 24 hours was also reduced. A decrease of mercapturate acetaminophen, a Cys-acetaminophen metabolite, was also shown in the plasma and urine samples.
  • Anticoagulant/antiplatelet agentsAnticoagulant/antiplatelet agents: Based on secondary sources, the high vitamin K content found in watercress may interfere with the anticoagulant effects of agents such as warfarin (Coumadin?) (22); consuming large amounts of watercress is not recommended.
  • Chlorazoxazone Chlorazoxazone (Parafon Forte?, Paraflex?): Concomitant use with chlorazoxazone may potentiate effects due to reduced metabolism and elimination (54).
  • Cytochrome P450 metabolized agentsCytochrome P450 metabolized agents: Preliminary evidence suggests watercress may inhibit cytochrome P450 specifically the 2A family (55; 56; 13; 19; 57).

    • Watercress/Herb/Supplement Interactions:

  • Anticoagulant herbs and supplementsAnticoagulant herbs and supplements: Theoretically, watercress may interfere with the anticoagulant effects of these agents because of its high vitamin K content.
  • Cytochrome P450 metabolized Herbs and supplementsCytochrome P450 metabolized Herbs and supplements: Preliminary evidence suggests watercress may inhibit cytochrome P450 specifically the 2A family (55; 56; 13; 19; 57).

    • Watercress/Food Interactions:

  • EthanolEthanol: Ethanol absorption is delayed when ingestion of watercress immediately precedes ethanol consumption (55).

    • Watercress/Lab Interactions:

  • Coagulation tests (INR, Prothrombin time, vitamin K)Coagulation tests (INR, Prothrombin time, vitamin K): Based on secondary sources, watercress may decrease vitamin K content in coagulation tests (22).