# Allium vineale (Wild Garlic)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/allium-vineale
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-04-05
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Vegetable
**Also Known As:** Wild garlic, Crow garlic, Field garlic, Stag's garlic, Wild onion, Compact onion, False garlic, Wild leek, Allium vineale L., Vineale allium

## Overview

Allium vineale, commonly called wild garlic or crow garlic, contains organosulfur compounds including diallyl disulfide (comprising 16.2–19.9% of its volatile oil) that may inhibit platelet aggregation and modulate lipid [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management). No human clinical trials have directly evaluated its supplemental use, so proposed benefits are extrapolated from its phytochemical profile and traditional ethnobotanical applications.

## Health Benefits

• No clinical evidence exists for health benefits in humans - research limited to chemical composition analysis only
• Contains sulfur compounds similar to cultivated garlic (16.2-19.9% diallyl disulfide) - potential benefits inferred but not studied
• Traditional use suggests cholesterol-lowering effects based on sulfur compound content - no clinical validation
• May share [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) properties with other Allium species based on compositional similarity - no direct evidence
• Used historically as culinary garlic substitute - health effects unstudied in clinical trials

## Mechanism of Action

Diallyl disulfide and related thiosulfinates in Allium vineale inhibit HMG-CoA reductase activity, the rate-limiting enzyme in hepatic cholesterol synthesis, analogous to mechanisms studied in cultivated garlic (Allium sativum). These organosulfur compounds also suppress thromboxane A2 synthesis by inhibiting cyclooxygenase pathways, reducing platelet aggregation. Additionally, allicin-like compounds may modulate nitric oxide bioavailability in vascular endothelium, potentially supporting vasodilation.

## Clinical Summary

No human clinical trials have been conducted specifically on Allium vineale as a supplement or therapeutic agent. Available research is limited to phytochemical analyses identifying its volatile oil composition, including diallyl disulfide as the dominant sulfur compound. Proposed health effects — including cholesterol reduction and [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) activity — are inferred by analogy from robust trials on Allium sativum, where doses of 600–1200 mg/day of aged garlic extract showed modest LDL reductions of 4–8% in meta-analyses. Until dedicated trials are conducted, evidence strength for Allium vineale specifically must be rated as insufficient.

## Nutritional Profile

Nutritional data for Allium vineale is sparse compared to cultivated garlic, but based on available phytochemical analyses: Bioactive sulfur compounds are the most characterized constituents, with diallyl disulfide comprising 16.2–19.9% of volatile oil content, alongside allicin precursors (alliin), diallyl sulfide, and diallyl trisulfide in smaller proportions. Flavonoids including quercetin and kaempferol derivatives are present, consistent with other wild Allium species. As a leafy green bulbous plant, macronutrient composition is estimated to mirror wild garlic relatives: low caloric density (approximately 30–40 kcal per 100g fresh weight), low fat (<0.5g/100g), moderate carbohydrates (4–6g/100g), and modest protein (1.5–2.5g/100g). Dietary fiber is estimated at 1.5–2g/100g. Micronutrients likely include vitamin C (wild Allium species typically 10–20mg/100g), vitamin B6, manganese, and selenium, though species-specific measurements are absent from literature. Phenolic acids including caffeic and ferulic acid have been detected in related wild Allium species. Chlorophyll content is present in aerial parts. Bioavailability note: Allicin and related thiosulfinates are enzymatically released upon tissue damage (chopping, chewing); heat degrades these compounds significantly, so raw consumption maximizes sulfur compound bioavailability. All micronutrient values are extrapolated from Allium ursinum and Allium sativum data due to absence of direct compositional studies on A. vineale.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges, forms, or standardization details are available for Allium vineale, as no human trials exist. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Wild garlic shares the safety profile concerns of other Allium species; high doses of organosulfur compounds can cause gastrointestinal irritation, including heartburn, nausea, and flatulence. Because diallyl disulfide inhibits platelet aggregation, concurrent use with anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications such as warfarin, clopidogrel, or aspirin may increase bleeding risk. Allium vineale may also enhance the hypoglycemic effects of insulin or oral diabetes medications, warranting [blood glucose](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) monitoring. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should avoid supplemental doses beyond typical culinary amounts, as safety data in these populations is absent.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), or meta-analyses specifically on Allium vineale were identified in available sources. Research is limited to chemical composition analyses via GC-MS, with no PubMed PMIDs for clinical studies on wild garlic efficacy or safety in humans.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Allium vineale has been used historically as a culinary substitute for garlic (A. sativum) and in herbal medicine for flavoring and potential health benefits, consistent with other wild Allium species. Its sulfur compounds contribute to traditional onion-like flavor and reputed cholesterol-lowering effects when consumed regularly.

## Synergistic Combinations

Allium sativum (garlic), Allium ursinum (bear garlic), vitamin C, selenium, quercetin

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Is wild garlic (Allium vineale) the same as cultivated garlic?

No, Allium vineale is a distinct wild species from Allium sativum (cultivated garlic), though both belong to the Allium genus and share similar organosulfur chemistry. Wild garlic contains diallyl disulfide as its primary volatile compound (16.2–19.9% of volatile oil) but differs in overall phytochemical ratios, flavor intensity, and has no dedicated clinical research compared to the extensive trial record for cultivated garlic.

### What compounds in wild garlic are responsible for its health effects?

The primary bioactive compounds are organosulfur molecules, chiefly diallyl disulfide (DADS), along with smaller fractions of diallyl trisulfide and thiosulfinates generated when plant tissue is crushed. These compounds inhibit HMG-CoA reductase for potential cholesterol lowering and suppress cyclooxygenase-mediated thromboxane A2 synthesis to reduce platelet stickiness. Flavonoids and phenolic acids present in the leaves may contribute antioxidant activity, though their concentrations in Allium vineale have not been fully quantified.

### Can wild garlic lower cholesterol?

No human studies have tested Allium vineale directly for cholesterol reduction. The hypothesis is extrapolated from its diallyl disulfide content, since this compound inhibits HMG-CoA reductase in laboratory models, and from clinical trials on Allium sativum showing LDL reductions of roughly 4–8% at 600–1200 mg/day doses. Until controlled trials on wild garlic are completed, claiming a definitive cholesterol-lowering effect is not scientifically supported.

### Are there any drug interactions with wild garlic supplements?

Wild garlic's organosulfur compounds can potentiate the effects of anticoagulants like warfarin and antiplatelet drugs like aspirin or clopidogrel by independently inhibiting platelet aggregation, raising the risk of abnormal bleeding. There is also a theoretical interaction with antidiabetic medications including metformin and insulin, as garlic-type compounds may have additive blood glucose-lowering effects. Patients on these medications should consult a healthcare provider before using wild garlic in supplemental amounts.

### Is wild garlic safe to eat or supplement with?

Culinary use of Allium vineale leaves and bulbs is generally considered safe and is practiced traditionally across Europe and North America, with gastrointestinal discomfort (bloating, heartburn) being the most commonly reported side effect at higher intakes. No formal toxicity studies or maximum tolerated dose data exist for isolated wild garlic extracts in humans. Foragers should also exercise caution because Allium vineale can be confused with toxic plants such as Colchicum autumnale (autumn crocus), which causes severe poisoning.

### What is the current state of clinical research on wild garlic (Allium vineale) for human health?

Clinical research on wild garlic in humans is extremely limited, with no published human studies validating specific health benefits. Current scientific knowledge is restricted to chemical composition analysis showing high levels of sulfur compounds like diallyl disulfide (16.2-19.9%), similar to cultivated garlic. Any potential health effects remain theoretical and inferred from laboratory studies rather than demonstrated through human trials. More rigorous clinical research is needed before definitive health claims can be made about wild garlic supplementation.

### How does wild garlic compare to cultivated garlic in terms of supplement efficacy?

While wild garlic contains comparable sulfur compound concentrations to cultivated garlic, no direct efficacy comparison studies exist in humans. Cultivated garlic has substantially more clinical research demonstrating potential cholesterol and cardiovascular benefits, whereas wild garlic lacks this human evidence base. The similar chemical profiles suggest potentially equivalent effects, but this remains unproven in actual supplementation studies. Cultivated garlic remains the better-evidenced choice for those seeking garlic-based health support.

### What populations should be cautious about using wild garlic supplements?

Individuals taking anticoagulants or antiplatelet medications should consult healthcare providers before using wild garlic, as sulfur compounds may have mild anticoagulant properties similar to cultivated garlic. People with bleeding disorders, those scheduled for surgery, and individuals with severe gastrointestinal sensitivities should exercise caution due to the concentrated sulfur content. Pregnant and nursing women should avoid supplementation due to insufficient safety data in these populations. Those with known allergies to Allium species (garlic, onions, leeks) should avoid wild garlic entirely.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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