Bear's Garlic - Aleve (Naproxen) 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: Naproxen
Brand names:
Naprosyn, Naprelan, Anaprox, Anaprox DS, Naproxyn, Navalbine, Naproxen, Naprosyn EC, Napro-Na, Aleve, Arthroxen, Synflex, EC-Naprosyn
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
May 25, 2025
Interaction Details
Naproxen 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.
Naproxen Overview
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Prescription naproxen is used to relieve pain, tenderness, swelling, and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis (arthritis caused by a breakdown of the lining of the joints), rheumatoid arthritis (arthritis caused by swelling of the lining of the joints), juvenile arthritis (a form of joint disease in children), and ankylosing spondylitis (arthritis that mainly affects the spine). Prescription naproxen tablets, extended-release tablets, and suspension are also used to relieve shoulder pain caused by bursitis (inflammation of a fluid-filled sac in the shoulder joint), tendinitis (inflammation of the tissue that connects muscle to bone), gouty arthritis (attacks of joint pain caused by a build-up of certain substances in the joints), and pain from other causes, including menstrual pain (pain that happens before or during a menstrual period). Nonprescription naproxen is used to reduce fever and to relieve mild pain from headaches, muscle aches, arthritis, menstrual periods, the common cold, toothaches, and backaches. Naproxen is in a class of medications called NSAIDs. It works by stopping the body's production of a substance that causes pain, fever, and inflammation.
Bear's Garlic - More Interactions
Bear's Garlic interacts with 121 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. |
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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.
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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!
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