Effects of Garlic Oil on Platelet Aggregation, Serum Lipids and Blood Pressure in Humans
Article Type: TBD
Vol. 2. No. 1 1987, ABSTRACT | The effect of oral ingestion of garlic oil was studied in 20 healthy human volunteers in a double-blind, two period, cross-over trial. The individuals were randomly divided into two groups. Each group rotated for four week periods through 2 different sequences of oral supplementation including: 18 mg of garlic oil (extracted from 9 grams of fresh garlic) and placebo. The amount of platelet aggregation decreased significantly (p< .005) during garlic administration. Serum cholesterol levels and mean blood pressure both decreased significantly (p<.011, p<.009) during garlic supplementation. Serum high density lipoprotein levels rose significantly (p.<.001) during garlic ad- ministration. There was a significant rise in arachidonic acid in red cell phospholipids following garlic administration. The results of this study (the first double-blind, crossover study) suggest that garlic has therapeutic potential as an anti-atherosclerotic, antithrombotic and anti- hypertensive agent in normal healthy adults.
