Garlic … Safety & Interactions
Da Suan · Bulbus Allii Sativi
Use with caution. Practitioner review recommended before use.
Contraindications
- Active bleeding tendency
- Perioperative use of concentrated garlic supplements
- Marked Stomach heat or mucosal irritation aggravated by pungent foods
Cautions
- MSK notes that garlic can alter platelet function and should be stopped at least 7 days before surgery when used as a supplement.
- Food-level garlic and concentrated garlic extracts are not interchangeable from an interaction or bleeding-risk standpoint.
- Topical garlic can cause chemical burns and should not be treated like a harmless household skin treatment.
Drug Interactions
| Drug Class / Substrate | Mechanism | Severity | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs - possible increased bleeding risk. | |||
| Insulin or glucose-lowering medications - garlic supplements may have additive hypoglycemic effects. | |||
| CYP2C9, CYP2C19, or CYP3A4 substrate drugs - garlic may alter metabolism. | |||
| P-glycoprotein substrate drugs - garlic extract may reduce activity of these drugs. | |||
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal medicines, especially if you take prescription medications.