Bear's Garlic - Heparin Interaction
Herbal: Bear's Garlic
Also Known As: Allium ursinum, Ail des Bois, Ail à Feuilles Larges, Ail des Ours, Ail Pétiolé, Ajo de Oso, Ajo Silvestre, Baerlauch, Bear Garlic, Broad-leaved Garlic, Hog's Garlic, Ramsons, Wild Garlic, Wood Garlic
Drug: Heparin
Brand names:
Heparin
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
Jul 22, 2023
Interaction Details
Heparin is classified as belonging to the following category: Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs
In vitro research shows that bear's garlic and some of its constituents can inhibit platelet aggregation. Theoretically, bear's garlic might increase the risk of bleeding when used with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs.
Some anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, ticlopidine (Ticlid), warfarin (Coumadin), and others.
Interaction Rating
Likelihood of Occurrence
PossibleInteraction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
References
- Carotenuto A, De Feo V, Fattorusso E, et al. The flavonoids of Allium ursinum. Phytochem 1996;41:531-6.
- Bobak M, Skodova Z, Marmot M. Beer and obesity: a cross-sectional study. Eur J Clin Nutr 2003;57:1250-53.
- Koh-Banerjee P, Chu N, Spiegelman D, et al. Prospective study of the association of changes in dietary intake, physicial activity, alcohol consumption, and smoking with 9-y gain in waist circumference among 16 587 US men. Am J Clin Nutr 2003;78:719-27..
Bear's Garlic Overview
Bear's garlic, also known as wild garlic or Allium ursinum, is a perennial plant native to Europe and parts of Asia. The herb and bulb of bear's garlic are commonly used in culinary applications, prized for their mild garlic flavor. Bear's garlic contains various beneficial compounds, including glucopyranoside, kaempferol, and flavonoids, although levels of alliin, a compound found in garlic, are lower in bear's garlic. It's important to note that many of these compounds are degraded if the plant is dried.
Research suggests that bear's garlic exhibits cardioprotective effects, with in vitro studies showing promising results. It moderately inhibits the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), which could contribute to its purported cardioprotective and blood pressure-lowering effects. Additionally, bear's garlic leaf extract has been found to inhibit platelet aggregation in vitro, mainly through the inhibition of the ADP pathway. Specific non-sulphur constituents, such as 1,2-di-O-alpha-linolenoyl-3-O-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-sn-glycerol and beta-sitosterol-3-O-beta-D-glucoside, appear to be the most active antiplatelet constituents, along with some flavonoids.
Heparin Overview
-
Heparin is used to prevent blood clots from forming in people who have certain medical conditions or who are undergoing certain medical procedures that increase the chance that clots will form. Heparin is also used to stop the growth of clots that have already formed in the blood vessels, but it cannot be used to decrease the size of clots that have already formed. Heparin is also used in small amounts to prevent blood clots from forming in catheters (small plastic tubes through which medication can be administered or blood drawn) that are left in veins over a period of time. Heparin is in a class of medications called anticoagulants ('blood thinners'). It works by decreasing the clotting ability of the blood.
Bear's Garlic - More Interactions
Bear's Garlic interacts with 118 drugs
Interaction Rating Key
These severity listings are for informational use only. Never start, stop or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.
| Major | The combined use of these agents is strongly discouraged as serious side effects or other negative outcomes could occur. |
| Moderate | Use cautiously under the care of a healthcare professional or avoid this combination. A significant interaction or negative outcome could occur. |
| Minor | Be aware that there is a chance of an interaction. Watch for warning signs of a potential interaction. |
| Unknown | No interactions have been reported or no interaction data is currently available. |
Return to the main herbal interaction checker page
Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Drug descriptions are provided by MedlinePlus.
Ask A Pharmacist About Your Herbal Questions!
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
In addition to being a clinical pharmacist specializing in pharmacotherapy, Dr. Brian Staiger is a registered herbalist through the American Herbalist Guild. He has combined his passion for pharmacy practice with the study of medical ethnobotany to improve patient care. Feel free to reach out about any of your herbal or medication questions!
Ask A Pharmacist