Garlic drug interactions

Garlic s proven mechanisms of action include (a) inhibition of platelet function, (b) increased levels of two antioxidant enzymes, catalase and glutathione peroxidase, and (c) inhibition of thiol enzymes such as coenzyme A and HMG coenzyme A reductase. Garlic s anti-hyperlipidemic effects are believed to be in part due to the HMG coenzyme A reductase inhibition since prescription medications for hyperlipidemia have that mechanism of action (statins). It is unknown whether garlic would have the same drug interactions, side effects, and need for precautions as the statins. 

In view of the multiplicity of CYPs and the many possible botanical-drug interactions, highly efficient clinical study designs using CYP probe cocktails have been explored. Following successful application to St. John s wort, other botanicals that have been evaluated in this fashion include echinacea (42), saw palmetto (43), garlic (39), peppermint oil, and ascorbyl palmitate (44). The results are summarized in Table 1. Curbicin, a botanical... 

Botanical Products-Drug Interactions Focus on Garlic, Ginkgo and Ginseng... 

Lam VWF, Ernst E. Garlic, ginkgo and ginseng herb-drug interactions. In Lam YW, Huang S-M, Hall SD, eds. Herbal Supplements— Drug Interactions. Taylor Francis, 2006. 

Neuman, M. Metabolic effects and drug interactions provoked by certain vegetables Grapefruit, St. John s wort and garlic. Presse Med. 2002, 31 (30), 1416-1422. 

There are no documented drug interactions, but garlic s antiplatelet effect might be dangerous in patients taking warfarin or antiplatelet agents such as aspirin, clopidogrel, ticlopidine, or dipyridamole. 

Borrelli F, Capasso R, Izzo AA (2007) Garlic Allium sativum L.) adverse effects and drug interactions in humans. Mol Nutr Food Res 51(11) 1386-1397. doi 10.1002/ mnfr.200700072... 

Table 1 Case Reports and Pharmacokinetic Study of Interactions Between Garlic and Prescription Drugs... 

Garlic regimen Sex/age Diagnosis Interacting drug dosage/duration Other concomitant drugs Clinical result of interaction Possible mechanism... 

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