Health benefits of Garlic

mechanisms, prevention of chromosomal damage etc. Garlic is known as allium sativum.

Health Benefit of Garlic
It appears that garlic may lower the risk of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), but not necessarily through lowering cholesterol levels. Garlic has antioxidant potential, may have anti-platelet activity and may also lower blood pressure.
Garlic anti-microbial activity in the mouth.
Eating just one clove of raw or cooked garlic daily may help protect against stomach, esophageal, and colon cancer. That's the conclusion reached by a researcher at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill who analyzed 17 international population studies examining the eating habits of more than 100,000 people. For example, the incidence of stomach cancer is low in a region of Italy where people commonly eat a garlic-rich pesto with their food, compared with other regions where much less garlic is consumed.
Garlic can combat intestinal parasites, perhaps fungal infections such as athlete's foot, and perhaps vaginal yeast infections.
Garlic reduces blood pressure in those who have hypertension.

Garlic and blood pressure - possible mechanism of action
Red blood cells process compounds from digested garlic and turn them into the cell messenger hydrogen sulfide (H2S), which relaxes blood vessels and increases blood flow. Therefore, eating garlic may improve blood flow, reduce blood pressure, and have positive benefits for the heart and cardiovascular system.
Those who are already on blood pressure medications are not likely to have significant side effects when adding fresh garlic to their diet. However, do discuss with your doctor that you are planning to take garlic and initially use only a small clove once a day. Over time you can gradually increase the amount of garlic you use while you monitor your blood pressure. Hopefully it may be possible to reduce the dosage of BP medications if the garlic helps reduce BP by a few points. Those concerned about garlic breath may consider taking odorless garlic pills.

Hydrogen sulfide mediates the vasoactivity of garlic.
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2007 November. Benavides GA, Squadrito GL, Mills RW, Patel HD, Isbell TS, Patel RP, Darley-Usmar VM, Doeller JE, Kraus DW. Departments of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
Human red blood cells convert garlic-derived organic polysulfides into hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S), an endogenous cardioprotective vascular cell signaling molecule. The vasoactivity of garlic compounds is synchronous with hydrogen sulfide production, and their potency to mediate relaxation increases with hydrogen sulfide yield, strongly supporting our hypothesis that hydrogen sulfide mediates the vasoactivity of garlic. Our results also suggest that the capacity to produce hydrogen sulfide can be used to standardize garlic dietary supplements.

Effects of Garlic on Blood Pressure in Patients With and Without Systolic Hypertension: A Meta-Analysis (December).
Ann Pharmacother. 2008 Nov 18. Reinhart KM, Coleman CI, Teevan C, Vachhani P, White CM. Cardiovascular Outcomes, Hartford Hospital, Hartford, CT.
We examined the effect of garlic on blood pressure in patients with and without elevated systolic blood pressure through meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials. A systematic search of MEDLINE, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials in humans evaluating garlic's effect on blood pressure. All databases were searched from their inception through 2008, using the key words garlic, Allium sativum, and allicin. Ten trials were included in the analysis; 3 of these had patients with elevated systolic blood pressure. Garlic reduced systolic blood pressure by 16 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure by 9 mmHg compared with placebo in patients with elevated systolic blood pressure. However, the use of garlic did not reduce systolic blood pressure or diastolic blood pressure in patients without elevated blood pressure. This meta-analysis suggests that garlic is associated with blood pressure reductions in patients with an elevated systolic blood pressure although not in those without elevated systolic blood pressure.

Garlic supplements lower blood pressure
Dr. Karin Ried and colleagues from The University of Adelaide in South Australia included recently published studies in their meta analysis, identifying 11 studies in which patients were randomly assigned to garlic or placebo. In most studies, participants given garlic took it in powdered form, as a standardized supplement. Doses ranged from 600 mg to 900 mg daily, which study participants took for 12 to 23 weeks. When Dr. Karin Ried and her team pooled the data from the trials, they found that garlic reduced systolic blood pressure by 4 mm Hg, on average. An analysis limited to people with high blood pressure showed garlic reduced systolic blood pressure by 8 mm Hg, on average, and diastolic blood pressure by 7 mm Hg. The higher a person's blood pressure was at the beginning of the study, the more it was reduced by taking garlic. The 600 mg to 900 mg dosage used in the studies is equivalent to 3 mg to 5 mg of garlic's active ingredient, allicin. A fresh clove of garlic contains 5 mg to 9 mg of allicin. BMC Cardiovascular Disorders, published online June 16, 2008.

Effect of garlic on blood pressure: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
BMC Cardiovascular Disorders. 2008 June. Ried K, Frank OR, Stocks NP, Fakler P, Sullivan T. Discipline of General Practice, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia.
Our meta-analysis suggests that garlic preparations are superior to placebo in reducing blood pressure in individuals with hypertension.

Garlic and Allicin
An ingredient in garlic appears to prevent a potentially deadly type of high blood pressure affecting the lungs, at least in rats. The garlic ingredient, called allicin, seems to ward off pulmonary hypertension, or high blood pressure in the arteries that bring blood to the lungs. In humans, pulmonary hypertension can lead to potentially fatal complications in the heart and blood vessels. Humans would need to eat two cloves of garlic every day to equal the rats' dose of allicin.

Garlic extract
Garlic pills are sold in various extracts, including aged garlic and garlic extract with 2% Allicin. I prefer to eat a fresh garlic clove rather than to take a garlic supplement, but each person has a different preference. Each garlic clove weighs about 2 to 5 grams.

Garlic side effects or caution
Besides the obvious garlic bad breath, it may be a good idea to not consume high doses of garlic if you plan to have surgery because of the possible blood thinning properties of garlic. Very high intake of garlic may cause easy bruising.

Garlic breath
Consider the use of mint, parsley, or fennel seeds to partially counteract garlic breath.

Garlic is a good antioxidant
Effects of garlic consumption on plasma and erythrocyte antioxidant parameters in elderly subjects.
Gerontology. 2008;54(3):173-6. Department of Biochemistry, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.
The effects of ingesting garlic on plasma and erythrocyte antioxidant parameters of elderly subjects were investigated in this study. 13 subjects ingested garlic at the daily dose of 0.1 g/kg body weight for 1 month. Before and after this period, fasting blood samples were obtained, and oxidant [malondialdehyde (MDA) and xanthine oxidase (XO)] and antioxidant [superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase (CAT)] parameters were studied in erythrocytes, and MDA levels were studied in plasma samples obtained from the subjects. Our results show that ingestion of garlic leads to significantly lowered plasma and erythrocyte MDA levels and to increased activities of some antioxidant enzymes, which indicates that consumption of garlic decreases oxidation reactions.

Garlic and cholesterol
Three forms of garlic -- including raw garlic and two types of commercial garlic supplements -- did not significantly reduce LDL cholesterol during a six-month trial. Crushing garlic triggers the formation of a compound known as allicin, which has been shown to prevent the formation of cholesterol in the laboratory. However, clinical trials on garlic as a cholesterol-lowering agent in humans have been inconsistent. Christopher D. Gardner, PhD, Stanford University Medical School, and colleagues enrolled 192 adults age 30 to 65 who had moderately high LDL levels (130 to 190 milligrams per deciliter) beginning in November 2002. Forty-nine participants were randomly assigned to receive raw garlic, 47 to take a powdered garlic supplement, 48 to take an aged garlic supplement and 48 to take placebo. The amount of garlic consumed in the three garlic groups was the equivalent of an average-sized garlic clove each day, six days per week. Fasting blood cholesterol levels were assessed monthly, and the chemical composition of the supplements was checked regularly. There were no statistically significant effects of the three forms of garlic on LDL cholesterol concentrations. Levels of other types of cholesterol -- including HDL, triglycerides and total cholesterol–high density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio -- also remained the same. No serious adverse events occurred, although bad body and breath odor were reported to occur often or almost always 57% in the raw garlic group.

Garlic and blood pressure
A combination of garlic supplements and vitamin C reduced blood pressure back to normal levels in people with mildly elevated levels. Garlic ingredients or garlic extract alone increases endothelial cell nitric oxide production, an effect that was shown to be enhanced by the combination with antioxidant vitamins. Drs. Mousa and Mousa recruited six subjects with marginally elevated blood pressure (140/90 mmHg) and assigned them to take placebo for 10 days; followed by one-week washout, then vitamin C (2000 mg) for 10 days, a further week of wash-out period, then garlic tablets (650 mg of bulb powder) for 10 days. Finally, after the last washout, garlic and vitamin C were given together for 10 days. They report that the daily vitamin C alone did not have any effect on blood pressure, while garlic alone resulted in a significant decrease in systolic but not diastolic blood pressure. When the supplements were given together mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures reduced to reference values of 110-120 and 75-80 mmHg, respectively. Blood pressure increased when the combined supplement was stopped. Measurements of nitric oxide levels after garlic administration showed a two-fold increase, relative to placebo, while administration of both garlic and vitamin C resulted in a three-fold increase, relative to the control. Nutrition Research, Volume 27, Issue 2, Pages 119-123. "Cellular effects of garlic supplements and antioxidant vitamins in lowering marginally high blood pressure in humans: pilot study" Authors: A.S. Mousa and S.A. Mousa.

Garlic allergy
Q. I see many advertisements about immune system and garlic. I have discovered that I am allergic to garlic and byproducts. Is there any research on the subject of garlic allergy?
A. Diallyl disulphide is the major allergen in garlic and onion. Garlic use may cause allergic reactions (allergic contact dermatitis, generalized urticaria, angiedema, pemphigus, anaphylaxis and photoallergy), alteration of platelet function and coagulation (with a possible risk of bleeding). Contact dermatitis, particularly affecting the fingertips, can be caused by garlic allergy.

Garlic Research Update
Comparison of the Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Potentials of Fresh and Cooked Polish, Ukrainian, and Israeli Garlic.
J Agric Food Chem. 2005 Apr 6;53(7):2726-2732.
Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is an essential part of Polish, Ukrainian, and Israeli cuisine. The aim of this investigation was to compare the changes in bioactive compounds, proteins, and antioxidant potentials in fresh Polish, Ukrainian, and Israeli garlic samples after subjection to cooking temperature. Dietary fiber and essential trace elements were comparable. The antioxidant potentials were determined by four scavenging methods using beta-carotene, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), nitric oxide (NO), and 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS(*)(+)) radical cation with K(2)S(2)O(8) or MnO(2) assays. Polyphenols, tocopherols, proteins, and antioxidant potentials were higher in Polish garlic, but not significantly (P > 0.05). The SDS- and native-PAGE electrophoretic patterns of all three fresh garlic samples were without significant differences. Most of the proteins were in the molecular mass range of 24-97 kDa, and the more intensive major bands were concentrated at 50 and 12 kDa. The 50 kDa protein nearly disappears and the intensity of the 12 kDa lectin bands slightly decreases during cooking. It was observed that the bioactive compounds, antioxidant potential, and proteins in garlic decrease significantly after 20 min of cooking at 100 degrees C. In conclusion, (a) the bioactive compounds, electrophoretic patterns, and antioxidant potential of fresh Polish, Ukrainian, and Israeli garlic samples are comparable; (b) garlic samples subjected to 100 degrees C during 20 min preserve their bioactive compounds, antioxidant potential, and protein profile and are comparable with fresh garlic; and (c) fresh garlic should be added to dishes cooked at 100 degrees C in the last 20 min of the cooking process.

he efficacy of cholesterol-lowering action and side effects of garlic enteric coated tablets in man.
J Med Assoc Thai. 2004 Oct;87(10):1156-61.
The present study aimed at investigating the cholesterol-lowering and side effects of garlic enteric coated tablets in comparison with placebo tablets. The study is a randomized double-blinded crossover design involving 116 volunteers. However, 16 of them did not complete the study. The remaining 100 volunteers were divided into two groups: 45 were in the trial group and the remaining 55 in the control group. The volunteers in the trial group were asked to take garlic tablets in the first three months, placebo in the second three months and discontinue all tablets in the last three months, while the volunteers in the control group started with three months of placebo followed by three months of garlic tablets and ended up with three months of tablets discontinuity. The results showed that there were no significant differences in the total serum cholesterol levels between the two groups at the end of three months or six months of the study. Side effects included headache, itching and complaints of garlic smell. No serious side effects relating to liver, kidney functions or hematologic side effects were detected.

Effect of garlic (Allium sativum) powder tablets on serum lipids, blood pressure and arterial stiffness in normo-lipidaemic volunteers: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
Br J Nutr. 2004 Oct;92(4):701-6.
Recent studies have cast doubt on the proposed lipid-lowering and blood pressure-lowering effects of garlic. We tested the effect of dried garlic (Allium sativum) powder on blood lipids, blood pressure and arterial stiffness in a 12-week randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Seventy-five healthy, normo-lipidaemic volunteers (men and women aged 40-60 years) were assigned to dried garlic powder tablets (10.8 mg alliin (3-(2-propenylsulfinyl)-L-alanine)/d, corresponding to about three garlic cloves) or placebo. Sixty-two subjects were eligible for the per-protocol analysis. The primary outcome measure was serum total cholesterol concentration. Secondary outcome measures were LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and triacylglycerol concentrations, blood pressure and arterial stiffness (assessed by pulse wave velocity). No significant differences between the garlic and placebo groups were detected for any of the outcome measures. However, garlic powder was associated with a near-significant decrease (12 %) in triacylglycerol concentration (P=0.07). In conclusion, garlic powder tablets have no clinically relevant lipid-lowering and blood pressure-lowering effects in middle-aged, normo-lipidaemic individuals. The putative anti-atherosclerotic effect of garlic may be linked to risk markers other than blood lipids.

Effect of garlic on lipid profile and psychopathologic parameters in people with mild to moderate hypercholesterolemia.
Isr Med Assoc J. 2003 Sep;5(9):637-40.
The beneficial effect of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutyaryl co-enzyme A reductase inhibitors on cardiovascular risk reduction has been clearly established. Concerns have been raised that lowering blood cholesterol by other hypolipidemic drugs or by a non-pharmacologic approach may have deleterious effects on psychopathologic parameters. Garlic is one of the most commonly used herbal remedies and is considered to have hypocholesterolemic as well as other cardioprotective properties. Its effect on psychopathologic parameters has never been reported. To evaluate the effect of garlic on lipid parameters and depression, impulsivity, hostility and temperament in patients with primary type 2 hyperlipidemia. In a 16 week prospective double-blind placebo-controlled study, 33 patients with primary hypercholesterolemia and no evidence of cardiovascular disease were randomly assigned to receive either garlic or placebo. Garlic in the form of alliin 22.4 mg/day was given to 13 patients, and placebo to 20. Both groups received individual dietary counseling. The changes in lipid profile and the various psychopathologic parameters were determined at the beginning and end of the trial. The differences in lipid parameters were evaluated by Student's t-test. The psychological data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures and Neuman-Keuls test. No significant changes were observed in levels of total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol and triglycerides, or in the psychopathologic parameters evaluated. Short-term garlic therapy in adults with mild to moderate hypercholesterolemia does not affect either lipid levels or various psychopathologic parameters.

No effect of garlic extract supplement on serum lipid levels in hypercholesterolemic subjects.
J Med Assoc Thai. 2003 Aug;86(8):750-7.
The authors assessed the effects of an enteric-coated Thai garlic extract tablet standardized for allicin-releasing potential on serum lipid levels in hypercholesterolemic subjects. The authors performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 136 hypercholesterolemic subjects (cholesterol concentrations > or = 5.2 mmol/L; mean age +/- SD: 47 +/- 6.6 yr). All subjects were given dietary advice to lower fat intake within 4 weeks and were advised to eat normally during the study period. The subjects were randomly assigned to receive an enteric-coated Thai garlic extract tablet once daily (standardized to 1.12% allicin or 5.6 mg/tablet), or placebo after the evening meal for 12 weeks. Seventy subjects (32.9% male; mean age +/- SD and BMI of 47.0 +/- 6.6 yr and 24.6 +/- 3.3 kg/m2) received the garlic extract treatment while 66 subjects (37.9% male, mean age +/- SD and BMI of 47 +/- 6.0 yr and 24 +/- 3.4 kg/m2) received placebo. There were no statistically significant changes in serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol after the 12-week treatment as analyzed on repeated measures by analysis of variance. In addition, no changes in plasma glucose, liver and renal functions were found. Treatment with an enteric garlic-coated Thai garlic extract and dietary advice did not produce any significant changes in lipid levels in subjects with hypercholesterolemia.

Antimicrobial activity of garlic, tea tree oil, and chlorhexidine against oral microorganisms.
Int Dent J. 2002 Dec;52(6):433-7.
To compare the antimicrobial activity of tea tree oil, garlic, and chlorhexidine solutions against oral microorganisms. METHOD: The five-week study consisted of thirty subjects. The first week was considered baseline. All subjects used a control solution (second week), and were randomly divided into the three groups (third week): G1-0.12% chlorhexidine; G2 - 2.5% garlic (Allium sativum, L.); and G3 - 0.2% tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia). Dishes containing blood agar and Mitis Salivarius Bacitracin agar (MSB) were inoculated with the subjects' saliva (collected twice a week). Total microorganisms and mutans streptococci were counted in blood agar and MSB, respectively. Chlorhexidine and garlic groups showed antimicrobial activity against mutans streptococci, but not against other oral microorganisms. The tea tree oil group showed antimicrobial activity against mutans streptococci and other oral microorganisms. Maintenance of reduced levels of microorganisms was observed only for garlic and tea tree oil during the two consecutive weeks (fourth and fifth). Unpleasant taste (chlorhexidine 40%, tea tree oil 30%, garlic 100%), burning sensation (chlorhexidine 40%, tea tree oil 60%, garlic 100%), bad breath (chlorhexidine 40%, tea tree oil 20%, garlic 90%), and nausea (chlorhexidine 0%, tea tree oil 10%, garlic 30%) were reported. Garlic and tea tree oil might be an alternative to chlorhexidine.

Hypotensive effect of long-acting garlic tablets allicor (a double-blind placebo-controlled trial)]
Ter Arkh. 2002;74(3):76-8.
AIM: To evaluate a hypotensive action of long-acting garlic powder tablets allicor in patients with mild or moderate hypertension and to compare allicor effects with those of foreign analog--kwai garlic tablets. A double-blind, randomized and placebo-controlled study enrolled 85 patients with mild or moderate hypertension. The patients were divided into 4 groups: group 1 received allicor in a dose 600 mg/day, group 2--2400 mg/day, group 3--kwai in a dose 900 mg/day, group 4--placebo. Allicor produced reaction in both systolic and diastolic pressure. An increase of allicor daily dose to 2400 mg does not provide an additional hypotensive effect. Kwai results in only systolic but not diastolic arterial pressure lowering. Allicor is more effective than kwai in reduction of diastolic blood pressure. It can be recommended as a hypotensive treatment in mild and moderate arterial hypertension.

Anti-arrhythmic profile of a garlic dialysate assayed in dogs and isolated atrial preparations.
J Ethnopharmacol. 1994 Jun;43(1):1-8.
The effects of garlic (Allium sativum L., Liliaceae) dialysate were studied on arrhythmias induced in anaesthetized dogs and on isolated left rat atria. Garlic dialysate suppressed premature ventricular contractions (PVC) and ventricular tachycardia (VT) in ouabain-intoxicated dogs as well as the ectopic rhythms induced by isoprenaline (10(-6) M) and aconitine (10(-8) M) on electrically driven left rat atria. The effective refractory period (ERP) and the sinus node recovery time (SNRT) of isolated rat atria were prolonged in a dose-dependent manner by the administration of this extract. Garlic dialysate decreased the positive inotropic and chronotropic effects of isoprenaline in a concentration-dependent manner. These last effects were increased by propranolol. The results suggest that garlic dialysate has a significant antiarrhythmic effect in both ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmias.

Garlic clove -- garlic has diallyl sulfide which inhibits chemical carcinogens activated by CYP2E1. Garlic has hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic, antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant and anticancer effects. Garlic odor or garlic breath is caused by conversion of alliin to volatile sulfur compounds. Heated, cooked, or roasted garlic is less healthy. Garlic bread is not a good way to get the benefit of garlic since there is little actual garlic and much of the ingestion is white bread with no nutritional value.

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) has been used as an herbal medicine, but there is no report on the health benefits of the skin or peel. The extract of garlic skins (peels) showed strong antioxidant activity, and some responsible constituents were isolated and identified. These compounds were phenylpropanoids, N-trans-Coumaroyloctopamine, N-trans-feruloyloctopamine, guaiacylglycerol-beta-ferulic acid ether, and guaiacylglycerol-beta-caffeic acid ether were identified as were trans-coumaric acid and trans-ferulic acid.

Garlic has long been used medicinally, most recently for its cardiovascular, antineoplastic, and antimicrobial properties. Sulfur compounds, including allicin, appear to be the active components in the root bulb of the garlic plant. Studies show significant but modest lipid-lowering effects and antiplatelet activity. Significant blood pressure reduction is not consistently noted. There is some evidence for antineoplastic activity and insufficient evidence for clinical antimicrobial activity. Side effects generally are mild and uncommon. Garlic appears to have no effect on drug metabolism, but patients taking anticoagulants should be cautious. It seems prudent to stop taking high dosages of garlic seven to 10 days before surgery because garlic can prolong bleeding time.

Should You Take Garlic Supplements? by Ray Sahelian, M.D.
Garlic supplements are one of the best selling natural products around. But small amounts of garlic supplements given to patients with high cholesterol levels have not shown any dramatic improvement in cholesterol levels. These results have prompted certain skeptics of nutritional supplements to dismiss garlic as a beneficial herb. But don't write off garlic completely. Rejecting garlic as a healthful herb is premature. Garlic may not beneficial in lowering cholesterol levels, but it has many other health benefits. Based on the studies that I have read, garlic may help lower blood pressure, has antimicrobial activity, and could have anti-cancer potential. Plus, it tastes great. I prefer to eat raw garlic and I personally don't take a garlic supplement. Some evidence suggests that some of the benefits of raw garlic may be reduced when garlic is cooked or processed and packaged in pill form. Garlic supplements, including odorless garlic, are available in health food stores or online.

Garlic supplement emails
Q. I suspect you've all been asked this question many times before, but I thought I'd ask if you can briefly tell us if you believe that garlic or garlic supplements provide the health benefits so often claimed for them. If you believe garlic provides any or all of these benefits, are you also of the opinion that these benefits are nullified if the garlic supplements are not "enteric coated?"
A. I do think garlic, just like onions, is very valuable and should definitely be part one's diet, but not at the expense of other spices or vegetables. Each vegetable or spice has a role to play in health and a wide variety is crucial. We prefer eating fresh garlic as opposed to pills or capsules. We have not seen any studies regarding enteric coated... our instincts tell us that enteric coated garlic is not necessary.

Q. I took fresh garlic, liquified it with a little water, filtered it and applied the solution to my scrotum. The juice can burn a little so sometimes I have to add a little water to my balls-o-fire. I let it dry for an hour then rinse it off. It really makes me feel horny, brings on spontaneous erections, prolongs my erection and improves control. I have been doing this once a week and it really seems to be effective. What is your opinion of this and do you think there is anything in garlic that can do some damage? What do you think it contains that makes it work so well? If you try it, I'm sure you will add it to your list.
A. Congratulations on exploring a novel and quite creative approach to sexual enhancement. You certainly have balls! I can't see any harm from this approach, and perhaps I will ask a friend who has an interest in this approach to give it a try. This approach, using garlic on testicles, is certainly novel thinking outside the box.

Q. Does a garlic supplement interfere with 5-HTP nutrient, curcumin supplement, ahcc, or the herb saw palmetto?
A. Garlic has a mild effect and should not interact with any great degree with Curcumin or any of these supplements.

Q. I came across a site this morning that claims garlic can elevate testosterone levels, Since I have a history of low testosterone and currently have levels which are low/normal naturally I am interested in this claim. I visited your site immediately to see what information you had on garlic, but discovered there was no information regarding the role of garlic on testosterone levels. So I ask: is there anything to this claim on garlic raising testosterone levels. Thanks for a great site and your time.
A. Although there have been a few studies with garlic feeding in rodents that have shown conflicting results regarding testosterone levels, no such human studies could be found as of April 2008. Rodent studies regarding garlic supplementation are not reliable in terms of extrapolating to humans since, when animal studies are done, a very high amount of garlic is fed to them as opposed to humans who only eat at most a few cloves a day. Therefore, at this time, I see no evidence that eating small amounts of garlic will have any appreciable influence on testosterone levels in humans.

Q. When taking garlic, can one swallow the whole clove and get the same benefits as when you crush the garlic? Will the garlic be absorbed into the body if swallowed whole?
A. Probably, especially if the garlic clove is small.

Q. I have been taking garlic tablets for a long time but it seems to have stopped working as my blood pressure goes up and down and my sugar level now is staying higher then normal thy have tasted my kidney, So could it be possible that the garlic tablets are not working on my body anymore I'm 68 and on a lot of medication.
A. The influence of garlic tablets on blood pressure is minimal, perhaps 2 to 8 points maximum, and blood pressure fluctuates throughout the day sometimes by significant amounts. Various medications can sometimes influence blood pressure.

Q. It is known that vasodilators such as nitrates combined with sildenafil citrate can cause severe hypotension, resulting to heart failure and death. It is also known that garlic also dilates blood vessels. Can a combination of garlic capsules used as a preventive measure for arterial cholesterol buildup and sildenafil citrate; or even the consumption of a clove of garlic per day and sildenafil citrate can cause a dangerous state of hypotension due to garlic's vasodilation effect? Let me specify, that we are talking about normal quantities or amounts of garlic used along with acceptable mg of sildenafil citrate (25 to 50 mg before intercourse) taken by healthy adults without prior health problems or using other medications.
A. I seriously doubt there would be any untoward reactions or side effects with the combination of sildenafil and garlic. The influence of garlic herb on vasodilation is minimal compared to the effects of sildenafil.