What is one of the natural products that increases bleeding risk?

• A. Glucosamine
• B. Ibuprofen
• C. Acetaminophen
• D. Aspirin

Answer: (A)

Glucosamine is a natural product often used as a dietary supplement for joint health and to alleviate symptoms of osteoarthritis. While glucosamine has numerous reported benefits, it can increase the risk of bleeding, particularly when taken in conjunction with anticoagulants or antiplatelet medications. This interaction arises because glucosamine can affect platelet aggregation, similar to the way that some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and other agents can influence bleeding risk.

In contrast, while ibuprofen and aspirin are both known to increase bleeding risk due to their mechanisms of inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, they are not considered natural products. Acetaminophen, while a common analgesic, does not significantly influence bleeding in the same manner and is not associated with increased bleeding risk. Therefore, among the provided options, glucosamine stands out as a natural supplement that can carry a risk of increased bleeding, especially when not monitored in patients taking other medications that also affect hemostasis.