Herbs

Garlic extract

Also called: garlic, aged garlic, allicin

Garlic in pill form.

Why people take it
Blood pressure, cholesterol, colds.
What the evidence says
Small reductions in blood pressure and cholesterol.
How it is usually taken
Usually 600 to 1,200 mg of aged garlic extract a day.
Be careful
Raises bleeding risk with blood thinners and before surgery. Bad breath and heartburn.
Medicines it can interact with
Adds to bleeding risk with warfarin, aspirin and clopidogrel; stop 1 to 2 weeks before surgery. Reduces some HIV medicine levels.

Other herbs

EchinaceaElderberryGingerPeppermint oilMilk thistleSaw palmettoSt John's wortValerianChamomileLemon balmPassionflowerKavaRhodiolaGinkgoMoringaFenugreekCinnamonBlack seedLicoriceBoswellia

Common questions

What is Garlic extract?

Garlic in pill form.

Why do people take Garlic extract?

Blood pressure, cholesterol, colds.

Does Garlic extract work?

Small reductions in blood pressure and cholesterol.

How much Garlic extract do people take?

Usually 600 to 1,200 mg of aged garlic extract a day.

Is Garlic extract safe?

Raises bleeding risk with blood thinners and before surgery. Bad breath and heartburn.

Does Garlic extract interact with medicines?

Adds to bleeding risk with warfarin, aspirin and clopidogrel; stop 1 to 2 weeks before surgery. Reduces some HIV medicine levels.

Sources and further reading

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu.

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For information only, not medical advice. Supplements are not medicines: they are not tested and approved like drugs before they are sold, and they can interact with medicines. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before you start one, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take regular medicines, or have kidney, liver or heart disease.