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. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2011 Feb 9.
Published in final edited form as: J Am Coll Cardiol. 2010 Feb 9;55(6):515–525. doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2009.07.074

Table 4.

Herbal Products That May Interfere With Digoxin Level and Assays

Herb Extent of Interference Comments
Chan su High Active components (eg, bufalin) cross-react with digoxin assay;
Monitoring free digoxin eliminates interference
Danshen Moderate Falsely increases (FPIA) or falsely decreases low levels (MEIA) of digoxin;
Monitoring free digoxin eliminates interference
Asian ginseng Moderate Falsely increases elevated (FPIA) or falsely decreases low (MEIA) digoxin level;
Monitoring free digoxin does not eliminate interference
Siberian ginseng Moderate Falsely increases elevated (FPIA) or falsely decreases low (MEIA) digoxin;
Monitoring free digoxin does not eliminate interference
Uzara root (diuretic) NA Increases effect with digoxin;
Interferes with digoxin assay

Abbreviations: FPIA, fluorescence polarization immunoassay; MEIA, microparticle enzyme immunoassay; NA, not available.

Adapted from Dasgupta A. Review of abnormal laboratory test results and toxic effects due to use of herbal medicines. Am J Clin Pathol. 2003 Jul;120(1):127–37. Used with permission.