The antiatherosclerotic effect of Allium sativum

Atherosclerosis. 1999 May;144(1):237-49. doi: 10.1016/s0021-9150(99)00060-x.

Abstract

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, the plaque volumes in both carotid and femoral arteries of 152 probationers were determined by B-mode ultrasound. Continuous intake of high-dose garlic powder dragees reduced significantly the increase in arteriosclerotic plaque volume by 5-18% or even effected a slight regression within the observational period of 48 months. Also the age-dependent representation of the plaque volume shows an increase between 50 and 80 years that is diminished under garlic treatment by 6-13% related to 4 years. It seems even more important that with garlic application the plaque volume in the whole collective remained practically constant within the age-span of 50-80 years. These results substantiated that not only a preventive but possibly also a curative role in arteriosclerosis therapy (plaque regression) may be ascribed to garlic remedies.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Arteriosclerosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Arteriosclerosis / drug therapy*
  • Arteriosclerosis / mortality
  • Carotid Artery, Common / diagnostic imaging
  • Coronary Artery Disease / diagnostic imaging
  • Coronary Artery Disease / drug therapy
  • Coronary Artery Disease / mortality
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Femoral Artery / diagnostic imaging
  • Garlic / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Linear Models
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Phytotherapy*
  • Plants, Medicinal*
  • Reference Values
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Survival Rate
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ultrasonography