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.

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