Effects of Garlic Oil on Platelet Aggregation, Serum Lipids and Blood Pressure in Humans
Stephen A. Barrie, N.D., Jonathan V. Wright, M.D., And Joseph E. Pizzorno, N.D.
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 suppplementation including: 18 mg of garlic oil (extracted from
9 grams of fresh garlic) and placebo. The amount of platelet aggregation
decreased significantly (p< 0.005) during garlic administration. Serum
cholesterol levels and mean blood pressure both decreased significantly
(p< 0.011, p< 0.009) during garlic supplementation. Serum high density
lipoprotein levels rose significantly (p< 0.001) during garlic
administration. There was a significant rise in arachidonic acid in red
cell phospholipids following garlic administration. The results of this
study ( the first double-blind, cross-over study) suggest that garlic
has therapeutic potential as an anti-atherosclerotic, antithrombotic and
anti-hypertensive agent in normal healthy adults.
