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Naturally found growing in the United States and many other regions
of the world, herbalists everywhere consider garlic to be one of the
most important and effective herbal medicines. It has been used as
both food and medicine in many cultures for thousands of years and
continues its popularity even today.
The Miracle of
Garlic
For many decades, individuals have been using
garlic and garlic supplements to prevent a myriad of health
conditions including atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, flu,
colds, coughs, bronchitis, gastrointestinal problems, and menstrual
pain. Studies have shown that garlic can kill many types of
bacteria, some viruses, a number of fungal infections, and in some
cases even intestinal parasites. Additionally, garlic is also
considered an effective antioxidant that can boost the body’s immune
system and may even help prevent certain cancers such as colon
cancer.
However, garlic is best known for its favorable
effects on cardiovascular health. Garlic is believed to be effective
in preventing and treating high cholesterol and triglyceride levels,
atherosclerosis, and respiratory infections. one study showed that
Garlic was able to reduced arterial plaque formation by nearly 20%
in some participlants, the benefits being most notable in
women.
The main active ingredient in garlic is alliin. Alliin
is an odorless chemical that is similar in chemical structure to the
sulfur-containing amino acid, cysteine. When garlic bulbs are
crushed, alliin is converted into another compound called allicin
which in turn produces other compounds: ajoene, allyl sulfides, and
vinyldithiins. Allicin and its deratives are what give garlic its
characteristic odor and many of its medicinal
effects.
Side Effects and Possible
Interactions
Aside from the smell, no severe side
effects have been reported by those take garlic
supplements.
There have been reports of a possible
interaction between garlic and warfarin that could increase risk of
bleeding. Therefore, if you are taking anticoagulant
(blood-thinning) medications such as aspirin, warfarin,
dipyridamole, or indomethacin, you should refrain from consuming
large amounts of garlic, either fresh or commercially
processed.
Dosage and
Administration
The most common form garlic
supplementation is in capsules. In capsule form, a commonly
recommended dosage is 1000 to 3000 mg daily. In oil form take 0.03
to 0.12 mL three times a day. However, always follow manufacturers
recommendations.
Supporting
Literature
Ackermann RT, Mulrow CD, Ramirez
G, Gardner CD, Morbidoni L, Lawrence VA. Garlic shows promise for
improving some cardiovascular risk factors. Arch Intern Med.
2001;161:813-824.
Berthold HK, Sudhop T. Galic preparation for
prevention of atherosclerosis. Curr Opin Lipidol.
1998:565-569.
Fugh-Berman A. Herbs and dietary supplements in the
prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease. Prev Cardiol.
2000;3:24-32.
Warshafsky S, Kamer R, and Sivak S. Effect of
garlic on total serum cholesterol: A meta-analysis. Ann Int Med
1993;119:599–605.
Silagy C, Neil A. Garlic as a lipid-lowering
agent—a meta-analysis. J R Coll Phys London
1994;28:39–45.
McCrindle BW, Helden E, and Conner WT. Garlic
extract therapy in children with hypercholesterolemia. Arch Pediatr
Adolesc Med 1998;152:1089–1094.
Isaacsohn JL, Moser M, Stein EA,
et al. Garlic powder and plasma lipids and lipoproteins. Arch Intern
Med 1998;158:1189–1194.
Koscielny J, Klüendorf D, and Latza R.The
antiatherosclerotic effect of Allium sativum. Atherosclerosis
1999;144:237–249.
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