Consumption of a Garlic Clove a Day Could be Beneficial in Preventing Thrombosis

This section is compiled by Frank M. Painter, D.C.
Send all comments or additions to:   Frankp@chiro.org

FROM:   Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 1995 (Sep);   53 (3):   211–2

Ali M, Thomson M

Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Kuwait University, Safat, Kuwait

The effect of the consumption of a fresh clove of garlic on platelet thromboxane production was examined. A group of male volunteers in the age range 40-50 years participated in the study. Each volunteer consumed one clove (approximately 3 g) of fresh garlic daily for a period of 16 weeks. Each participant served as his own control. Thromboxane B2 (TXB2, a stable metabolite of thromboxane A2), cholesterol and glucose were determined in serum obtained after blood clotting. After 26 weeks of garlic consumption, there was an approximately 20% reduction of serum cholesterol and about 80% reduction in serum thromboxane. No change in the level of serum glucose was observed. Thus, it appears that small amounts of fresh garlic consumed over a long period of time may be beneficial in the prevention of thrombosis.

Return to the GARLIC Page

Since 10-01-1998