Background

Japanese persimmon is a tree. People eat the fruit. The fruit and leaf are used for medicine.

Japanese persimmon is used for high blood pressure, fluid retention, constipation, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support many of these uses.

Safety Safety definitions

When taken by mouth: Japanese persimmon is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken as a medicine. It has been used in clinical research without reported adverse effects. The fruit might cause allergic reactions in some people, but this is uncommon. Eating the fruit in very large amounts might cause blockage of the intestines.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of Japanese persimmon during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Bleeding disorders: Taking Japanese persimmon might slow blood clotting. This might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding in people with bleeding disorders.

Low blood pressure: Japanese persimmon might lower blood pressure. There is some concern that it might make low blood pressure worse or interfere with treatment intended to raise low blood pressure.

Surgery: Japanese persimmon might lower blood pressure or slow blood clotting. This might interfere with blood pressure control or increase the chance of excessive bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using Japanese persimmon at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Effectiveness

Dosing & administration

The appropriate dose of Japanese persimmon depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for Japanese persimmon. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

Interactions with pharmaceuticals

Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Japanese persimmon seems to decrease blood pressure. Taking Japanese persimmon along with medications for high blood pressure might cause your blood pressure to go too low.

Some medications for high blood pressure include captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), losartan (Cozaar), valsartan (Diovan), diltiazem (Cardizem), amlodipine (Norvasc), hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDiuril), furosemide (Lasix), and many others.

Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Japanese persimmon might slow blood clotting. Taking Japanese persimmon along with medications that also slow clotting might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding.

Some medications that slow blood clotting include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, indomethacin (Indocin), ticlopidine (Ticlid), warfarin (Coumadin), and others.

Interactions with herbs & supplements

Herbs and Supplements That Might Lower Blood Pressure: Japanese persimmon might lower blood pressure. Using it along with other products that have this same effect might cause blood pressure to drop too low. Avoid this combination. Some products that might lower blood pressure include andrographis, casein peptides, cat's claw, coenzyme Q-10, fish oil, L-arginine, lycium, stinging nettle, theanine, and others.
Herbs and supplements that might slow blood clotting: Japanese persimmon might slow blood clotting. Taking Japanese persimmon along with herbs that also slow clotting might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding. These herbs include angelica, clove, danshen, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, Panax ginseng, red clover, willow, and others.

Interactions with foods

There are no known interactions with foods.

Action

Japanese persimmon contains chemicals that might lower blood pressure. There isn't enough information to know how Japanese persimmon works for other conditions.