NutriStack
Garlic Extract and Sertraline, a caution.
Sertraline depletes platelet serotonin and impairs aggregation; concentrated garlic extracts (allicin, ajoene) inhibit platelet aggregation by 70-95% in laboratory assays. Combined antiplatelet activity raises bleeding risk, particularly with concurrent NSAIDs, aspirin, or anticoagulants.
One pair, every claim cited. The two substances, the type, the mechanism, the recommendation, and the primary literature.
Same shape as the other 1,729 pairs in the public database.
From the interaction database
What the row says.
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At a glance
- Substances
- Garlic Extract and Sertraline
- Pair type
- Caution
- Evidence (highest tier)
- Emerging
- Source citations
- 2 sources
- Stack Score effect
- −5 to your Stack Score (per scored caution row).
- Scope
- Supplement × Prescription
- Last verified
- May 30, 2026
Caution · Emerging evidence
Caution
What is happening. Sertraline depletes platelet serotonin and impairs aggregation; concentrated garlic extracts (allicin, ajoene) inhibit platelet aggregation by 70-95% in laboratory assays. Combined antiplatelet activity raises bleeding risk, particularly with concurrent NSAIDs, aspirin, or anticoagulants.
Mechanism. Sertraline blocks platelet SERT, depleting 5-HT needed for normal aggregation. Garlic-derived ajoene and allicin inhibit platelet aggregation through thromboxane suppression and direct effects on platelet membranes.
Recommendation. Culinary amounts of garlic are fine. Avoid concentrated garlic supplements while on sertraline if you take NSAIDs, aspirin, or anticoagulants, and stop garlic supplements 7-10 days before any planned surgery.
Sources (2)
- Andrade C, Sandarsh S, Chethan KB, Nagesh KS. Serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants and abnormal bleeding: a review for clinicians and a reconsideration of mechanisms. J Clin Psychiatry. 2010;71(12):1565-75. PMID 21190637
- Izzo AA, Ernst E. Interactions between herbal medicines and prescribed drugs: a systematic review. Drugs. 2001;61(15):2163-75. PMID 11772128
Stack Score
How this pair moves the number.
Effect on the composite score
If both Garlic Extract and Sertraline are in the same stack, this pair applies −5 to your Stack Score (per scored caution row).
The full algorithm, the clamping rules, and four worked stacks are documented at /methodology/stack-score.
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