Fact Check: Can Lauki replace blood thinners?

An Instagram post claims that Lauki can replace blood thinners. The claim is FALSE.

Claim

In an Instagram post, it is claimed that Lauki can replace blood thinners. In the reel, user dr.rohit.sane says, "Lauki has such a powerful ability to thin the blood, then even if we consume just one lauki in the form of juice or stuffed in a paratha at any time during the day, our blood will become thin because of it. So now, the blood-thinning tablets that we take every day — which end up damaging our kidneys, liver, and stomach and cause ulcers — those ulcers will heal because of lauki, and we will never need to take blood-thinning medicines again, since lauki itself will keep our blood thin."

The post can be accessed here.

Fact Check

The claim by the user is FALSE. While lauki may support a healthy lifestyle and may have certain cardiovascular benefits it cannot replace Blood Thinners.

What are Blood Thinners?

Blood thinners are medications used to prevent the formation of blood clots or to stop existing clots from growing, thereby reducing the risk of serious conditions like venous thromboembolism, stroke, and heart attacks. Despite the name, blood thinners do not actually dilute or “thin” the blood; instead, they work by interfering with the body’s natural clotting processes. These drugs are broadly categorized into anticoagulants, which inhibit specific clotting factors, and antiplatelet agents, which prevent platelets from clumping together. Blood thinners are essential in the management and prevention of clot-related disorders, especially in high-risk or vulnerable patient populations.

What are the Health Benefits of Lauki?

Bottle gourd, commonly known as lauki or ghiya, offers numerous health benefits due to its rich nutritional and phytochemical profile. It is high in water content, making it an excellent hydrating and cooling vegetable, especially beneficial during hot climates. It supports digestion, relieves constipation, and aids in weight loss due to its high fiber and low fat content. The juice is traditionally used to manage conditions like urinary disorders, insomnia, and even liver ailments. Its high choline content also supports brain health and memory. Additionally, its seeds possess natural antibiotic properties.

Can Lauki replace blood thinners?

No, lauki cannot replace medically prescribed blood thinners. While it has general health benefits, there is no credible scientific evidence or medical consensus that it can replace blood thinners.

Bottle gourd, also known as lauki, has a rich nutritional profile. According to a study published in the European Journal of Botany, Plant Sciences and Phytology, bottle gourd contains significant amounts of beneficial bioactive secondary metabolites, including fatty acids, omega-3 fatty acids, and flavonoids, which contribute to a healthy life. 

Lauki has also been examined for its cardioprotective properties. A study by Seerat Gupta et. al. found it beneficial in managing various health conditions, including cardiac disorders. The study noted that its rich potassium content helps effectively control blood pressure in patients with hypertension. 

Lauki offers several health benefits, including potential cardiovascular support, but there is no scientific evidence or medical consensus to support the claim that it can replace blood thinners.

Dr Prem, MD (Medicine), DNB (Cardiology) Director, Sanjeevan Hospital, Daryaganj, Delhi, said, "As a medical professional, I want to clarify an important misconception: Lauki (bottle gourd) cannot and should not be considered a substitute for blood thinners. This claim is false and can be dangerous.

Blood thinners and newer anticoagulants are scientifically developed and clinically validated to prevent blood clots, reduce stroke risk, and treat serious conditions like atrial fibrillation, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and pulmonary embolism. These medications are prescribed after thorough evaluation and their effects are carefully monitored.

Lauki, on the other hand, is a nutritious vegetable with hydrating and digestive benefits, but it has no proven anticoagulant properties. There is no clinical evidence to show that drinking Lauki juice or consuming it in any form can thin the blood or prevent clot formation.

Replacing prescribed blood thinners with Lauki or any home remedy can lead to life-threatening consequences, such as heart attacks, strokes, or organ damage due to clot formation. This kind of misinformation, even when well-intentioned, poses a serious public health risk.

It’s essential to understand that natural does not always mean safe or effective when dealing with complex conditions like cardiovascular disease. Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your medication."

Dr PRLN Prasad, Consultant - Interventional Cardiologist, Gleneagles BGS Hospital Kengeri, Bengaluru, said, "Traditional blood thinners, such as those used after implanting cardiac devices like stents or valves, have been extensively studied and used for decades. These medications have been tested across various populations worldwide and have consistently proven effective in both primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular and neurological diseases. They have stood the test of time for over 50–60 years and continue to save lives every day.

Despite this, some people suggest that certain vegetables or fruits—like Lauki (bottle gourd)—have blood-thinning properties. Patients must not stop taking their prescribed anticoagulants based on such unverified claims. Discontinuing these medications without proper medical supervision can have serious, even fatal consequences. For example, a malfunctioning heart valve or a blocked stent due to clot formation can lead to life-threatening complications or death.

It’s crucial to remember that patients on blood thinners, such as warfarin or aspirin, already have to manage strict dietary restrictions. Certain foods, including fruits and vegetables, can either enhance or reduce the effects of these medications, impacting their safety and efficacy.

Therefore, any claim that a food item can replace medical therapy must be approached with caution. Always consult your treating physician before making any changes to your treatment plan. Your doctor understands your individual health needs and will guide you with evidence-based advice."

Medical Dialogues Final Take

The claim that Lauki can replace blood thinners is FALSE. While lauki can be part of a healthy diet, it cannot replace prescription blood thinners and there is no scientific evidence or medical consensus to back the claim by the user.

Hence, the claim is FALSE.