Benefits of taking High Allicin Garlic
Garlic has been a popular supplement for many years. It is famous for its heart healthy and natural antibiotic functions. Actually, these actions reflect garlic’s anti-inflammatory properties, of which numerous studies have been done.
In recent years, the Journal of Nutrition has devoted two editions to research updates on garlic (March 2001 and March 2006). Each issue contains multiple articles that discuss the various anti-inflammatory and health-promoting functions of garlic. At the bottom of the page is a list of papers that are examples of some of the garlic research that is being conducted.
This modern garlic research represents an extension of our historical interest in this herb. For example, Hippocrates prescribed garlic for a variety of conditions. Garlic was given to the original Olympic athletes in Greece, as perhaps one of the earliest "performance enhancing" agents. Ancient medical texts from Rome, China and India also prescribed medical applications for garlic. In many cultures, garlic was administered to provide strength and increase work capacity for laborers (1).
Supplementation with garlic suggests that we utilize products that deliver at least 5 mg of allicin daily (2). As mentioned in other sections, garlic and other anti-inflammatory herbs should be used with caution in patients who are taking blood thinners such as coumadin, and perhaps with other anti-inflammatory medications as well. Please check with your doctor if this applies to you.
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Khalid Rahman K, Lowe GM. Garlic and Cardiovascular Disease: A Critical Review. J Nutr. 2006; 136:736S-740S
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Budoff MM. Aged Garlic Extract Retards Progression of Coronary Artery Calcification. J Nutr. 2006; 136:741S-744S
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Yeh YY, Ye S. Homocysteine-Lowering Action Is Another Potential Cardiovascular Protective Factor of Aged Garlic Extract. J Nutr. 2006 136:745S-749S
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Weiss N et al. Aged Garlic Extract Improves Homocysteine-Induced Endothelial Dysfunction in Macro- and Microcirculation. J Nutr. 2006; 136:750S-754S
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Singh DK, Porter TD. Inhibition of Sterol 4-Methyl Oxidase Is the Principal Mechanism by Which Garlic Decreases Cholesterol Synthesis. J Nutr. 2006; 136:759S-764S
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Lau BH. Suppression of LDL Oxidation by Garlic Compounds Is a Possible Mechanism of Cardiovascular Health Benefit. J Nutr. 2006 136: 765S-768S
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Thomson M et al. Including Garlic in the Diet May Help Lower Blood Glucose, Cholesterol, and Triglycerides. J Nutr. 2006; 136:800S-802S
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Borek C. Garlic Reduces Dementia and Heart-Disease Risk. J Nutr. 2006 136: 810S-812S
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Ross SA. Allyl Sulfur Compounds from Garlic Modulate Aberrant Crypt Formation. J Nutr. 2006; 136:852S-854S
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El-Bayoumy K et al. Cancer Chemoprevention by Garlic and Garlic-Containing Sulfur and Selenium Compounds. J Nutr. 2006; 136:864S-869S
References
1. Rivlin RS. Historical perspective on the use of garlic. J Nutr. 2001; 131:951S-54S
2. Kuhn MA, Winston D. Herbal therapy & supplements: A scientific & traditional approach. Philadelphia: Lippincott; 2000; p.142-48