# Bear's Garlic (Allium ursinum)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/bear-s-garlic
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-24
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Herb
**Also Known As:** Allium ursinum, Ramsons, Wild garlic, Wood garlic, Broad-leaved garlic, Buckrams, Bear leek

## Overview

Bear's garlic (Allium ursinum) is a wild-harvested plant containing high concentrations of phenolic compounds including quercetin, kaempferol, and gallic acid. These compounds demonstrate [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) by donating protons to neutralize free radicals and terminate oxidative chain reactions.

## Health Benefits

• [Antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant): Contains compounds that act as proton donors and react with free radicals to terminate radical chain reactions (laboratory evidence only) • Rich phenolic content: Fresh leaves contain 75.8-322.5 mg·100 g⁻¹ of gallic acid plus other phenolics including quercetin and kaempferol (compositional analysis only) • [Antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) properties: Some extracts exhibited moderate antifungal properties in laboratory testing (in vitro evidence only) • High organosulfur content: Contains volatile sulfur compounds including di-2-propenyl disulfide and methyl-2-propenyl trisulfide (compositional analysis only) • Nutrient-dense profile: Leaves are significantly richer in total polyphenols, flavonoids, and condensed tannins compared to bulbs (compositional analysis only)

## Mechanism of Action

Bear's garlic's phenolic compounds, particularly quercetin and kaempferol, act as electron donors that scavenge [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and terminate lipid peroxidation chains. The gallic acid content (75.8-322.5 mg per 100g fresh leaves) contributes to antioxidant capacity by chelating metal ions and preventing oxidative damage to cellular membranes. These flavonoids may also modulate antioxidant enzyme systems including superoxide dismutase and catalase.

## Clinical Summary

Current evidence for bear's garlic is limited to laboratory studies examining antioxidant capacity in vitro. Fresh leaves demonstrate significant phenolic content with gallic acid concentrations ranging from 75.8 to 322.5 mg per 100 grams. No human clinical trials have been conducted to evaluate safety, efficacy, or optimal dosing. The [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) observed in laboratory settings requires validation through controlled human studies to establish clinical relevance.

## Nutritional Profile

Bear's Garlic (Allium ursinum) fresh leaves provide approximately 30-40 kcal per 100g. Macronutrients: protein ~2.5-3.5g/100g, carbohydrates ~4-6g/100g, dietary fiber ~2-3g/100g, fat ~0.5g/100g. Vitamin C content is notably high at approximately 150-200mg/100g fresh weight, exceeding common garlic (Allium sativum). Vitamin A precursors (carotenoids) present at moderate levels (~1-2mg/100g beta-carotene equivalent). Minerals include potassium (~300-400mg/100g), calcium (~100mg/100g), magnesium (~20-30mg/100g), and iron (~1-2mg/100g). Key bioactive organosulfur compounds include allicin (formed enzymatically from alliin upon tissue damage), ajoene, and vinyl dithiins, though concentrations vary by season and growth stage; allicin content is generally comparable to but slightly lower than cultivated garlic (~1-5mg/g fresh weight). Phenolic profile: total phenolics 75.8-322.5mg gallic acid equivalents/100g fresh weight (compositional data confirmed), including quercetin, kaempferol, and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives. Chlorophyll content contributes to [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) capacity. Bioavailability note: organosulfur compounds are heat-labile and significantly reduced by cooking; phenolics show moderate bioavailability influenced by the food matrix and co-consumed fats. Adenosine and lectin-like compounds have also been detected. Seasonal variation is significant, with highest nutrient density in young spring leaves before flowering.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges are available for bear's garlic in any form (extract, powder, or standardized preparation). The research focuses on phytochemical composition rather than clinical dosing protocols. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Bear's garlic safety profile in humans has not been established through clinical trials. As a member of the Allium family, it may cause gastrointestinal irritation, allergic reactions, or blood thinning effects similar to garlic. Potential interactions with anticoagulant medications like warfarin should be considered due to possible additive effects. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid use due to insufficient safety data, and individuals with bleeding disorders should exercise caution.

## Scientific Research

The available research consists entirely of phytochemical characterization studies and in vitro [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) testing rather than clinical trials. No human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), or meta-analyses evaluating bear's garlic for specific health outcomes were found in the provided literature.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Bear's garlic is described as a medicinal plant largely recommended in culinary preparations and traditional medicine for its therapeutic properties as well as common garlic. However, specific traditional medicine systems, conditions treated, and historical timeline are not detailed in the available sources.

## Synergistic Combinations

Garlic, Black Garlic, Quercetin, Green Tea Extract, Vitamin C

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How much gallic acid does bear's garlic contain?

Fresh bear's garlic leaves contain 75.8-322.5 mg of gallic acid per 100 grams. This phenolic compound contributes significantly to the plant's antioxidant properties by neutralizing free radicals and preventing oxidative damage.

### What flavonoids are found in bear's garlic?

Bear's garlic contains quercetin and kaempferol as primary flavonoid compounds. These molecules demonstrate antioxidant activity by donating electrons to reactive oxygen species and may support cellular protection against oxidative stress.

### Is bear's garlic the same as regular garlic?

Bear's garlic (Allium ursinum) is a wild-harvested relative of common garlic but represents a distinct species. While both belong to the Allium family, bear's garlic has broader leaves and different phenolic profiles compared to cultivated garlic varieties.

### Can bear's garlic interact with blood thinning medications?

Bear's garlic may potentially interact with anticoagulant medications due to its Allium family relationship with garlic, which affects blood clotting. Individuals taking warfarin or other blood thinners should consult healthcare providers before using bear's garlic supplements.

### What evidence supports bear's garlic antioxidant claims?

Laboratory studies demonstrate bear's garlic's ability to scavenge free radicals and terminate oxidative chain reactions through its phenolic compounds. However, no human clinical trials have validated these antioxidant effects or established therapeutic dosing guidelines for health benefits.

### What is the difference between fresh bear's garlic and dried or powdered forms in terms of nutrient content?

Fresh bear's garlic leaves contain the highest concentration of phenolic compounds, with gallic acid levels ranging from 75.8–322.5 mg per 100g depending on growing conditions and harvest timing. Drying and processing typically reduce heat-sensitive compounds like some flavonoids, though exact losses depend on the specific preparation method used. Powdered supplements may offer convenience but generally provide lower bioavailable phenolic content compared to fresh leaves.

### Is bear's garlic safe to consume during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Limited safety data exists for bear's garlic use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so medical consultation is recommended before supplementation during these periods. While traditional use in culinary amounts is likely safe, concentrated extracts or supplements lack adequate clinical studies in pregnant or nursing women. Healthcare providers should assess individual risk factors before recommending supplemental bear's garlic.

### How does bear's garlic's antimicrobial potency compare to other allium species like garlic or onion?

Bear's garlic demonstrates moderate antimicrobial activity in laboratory extracts, though direct comparative studies against common garlic (Allium sativum) or onion remain limited in published research. The antimicrobial effects observed are primarily from extract-based assessments rather than whole-food consumption data. Clinical evidence comparing the antimicrobial efficacy of bear's garlic to other Allium species in human subjects is currently insufficient to draw definitive conclusions.

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