Fwd: Heart Disease Prevention - The Science of Garlic

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From: "JoAnn Guest" Thu, 07 Oct 2004 04:31:28 -0000 Heart Disease Prevention - The Science of GarlicHeart Disease Prevention - The Science of Garlic By Decker Weiss: NMD, AACVPR http://heartspring.net/heart_disease_prevention.html Today, garlic is one of the most researched plant medicines. By 1996, more than 1,800 scientific studies had investigated garlic's medicinal properties.2 Through these studies, garlic has been verified as an important natural supplement in the treatment of many health problems. Why is garlic so beneficial? Garlic chemistry is very complex. It's rich in many active components, including 75 different

sulfur compounds. Allicin, the substance that gives garlic its characteristic odor (and to those who partake of its goodness —garlic breath) is the compound that's most prized. Most garlic producers strive to grow garlic plants with a high allicin yield.3 Without allicin, garlic might not have any benefits at all. However, as important as allicin is to garlic growers and harvesters alike, the concentration of allicin in an intact clove of garlic is astonishingly small. This is because allicin is protected in the clove by cell walls. It is only after the cell walls are crushed or cut that garlic cloves release their allicin.3 While allicin itself has beneficial health effects, its greatest strength is in what it yields. Once allicin is released, many compounds are formed. These compounds are responsible for most of garlic's health benefits. 4 Allicin itself is highly unstable. In fact, allicin

cannot be detected in the bloodstream or urine at any time after eating garlic.5 Allicin is also destroyed by stomach acid. Many commercial garlic products are enteric-coated. The tablets go through the stomach intact without dissolving. This delivers the garlic tablet to the small intestine, where the tablet dissolves and releases its allicin. From the small intestine, allicin's many compounds are formed and then enter the bloodstream. This form of supplementation also avoids the development of garlic breath.5 Is it true that garlic is good for the heart? Garlic has many beneficial properties that improve the health of the heart and circulation. These include: antioxidant activity6 anti-clotting agent7,8 inhibition of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)9 reducing "bad" cholesterol levels in the blood10 raising "good" cholesterol levels in the blood11 lowering blood pressure12,13

Recently, there have been some reports in the news that discount garlic's ability to lower cholesterol. Why is there such a difference in garlic research results? Prior to 1995, studies consistently concluded garlic lowered cholesterol levels. However, since 1995, many clinical trials have concluded garlic has no effect in lowering cholesterol levels in the blood. Researchers, concerned about these findings decided to determine why this occurred.5 The researchers, under the direction of Dr. Larry D. Lawson, examined the garlic supplements used in the studies that found no beneficial effect. One such study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association in 1998, concluded that garlic had no effect on serum cholesterol.14 While allicin cannot be detected in blood or urine, it can be detected in the breath. Using the exact products previously studied (same lot numbers and year of

manufacture), Dr. Lawson measured the JAMA study's test product, a garlic oil. When Dr. Lawson tested study subject's breath after taking the garlic oil, minimal allicin was detected. However, when Dr. Lawson encapsulated the same oil in gelatin capsules and had study subjects swallow the capsules, the same oil produced three times as much allicin.5 A recent meta-analysis (a large review study of several other studies with statistical analysis) of clinical trials concluded the use of garlic to lower cholesterol was, at best, of questionable value. Most of the studies published after 1995 that concluded garlic had no effect on serum cholesterol used non-enteric-coated tablets.15 Dr. Lawson studied the tablets used in these trials and determined the tablets dissolved in the stomach. The allicin was released too early, was destroyed by stomach acid, and never reached the bloodstream. 5 Dr. Lawson concluded

the trials used poor-quality products. He further concluded that when enteric coated tablets are manufactured using garlic containing high allicin potential, serum cholesterol lowering effect should be noted. He urged new clinical trials with such supplements.5 There has also been some controversy comparing the effectiveness of supplements made with fresh garlic and those made from aged garlic extract. Is there any way to determine which type of garlic supplement is the most effective? Some manufacturers of garlic supplements believe allicin is not the effective compound in garlic. These companies manufacture aged-garlic extract (AGE) products. They have initiated, funded, and conducted many studies regarding the safety of garlic juice, garlic powder, and enteric-coated garlic tablets. The studies have compared these products to their AGE products. The studies frequently conclude fresh garlic and

enteric-coated garlic are harmful to stomach lining and can cause ulcers.16,17 However, recently at the American Herbal Products Association's International Garlic Symposium, several noted garlic researchers and experts disagreed with these findings. During a roundtable discussion, the consensus determined there have been no successful independent replications of the AGE studies. Furthermore, the roundtable concluded that several ethnic groups consume large amounts of raw garlic every day without any associated ill effects. There has never been a clinically noted association of garlic consumption and ulcer formation. And, finally, the scientists questioned the validity of the study results due to sponsor-associated bias.18 What evidence is there for the anticancer benefits of garlic? Much research has examined garlic's role in the inhibition and prevention of various types of cancer. Some of these

studies have evolved from the observations that certain ethnic groups who eat a lot of garlic in their diet have a low incidence of certain types of cancers.19 In a recent meta-analysis, the authors concluded garlic was especially effective in preventing stomach and colon cancers.20-22 Are there any other scientifically documented health benefits to garlic? Garlic is a powerful detoxifying agent that can protect against various liver toxins. In an experimental study, garlic protected against acetaminophen (Tylenol®)-induced liver toxicity.23 This means that individuals who are taking Tylenol® may find garlic is beneficial. Garlic can also kill harmful bacteria, fungi, and viruses.24-26 Is there a recommended daily dosage for allicin? Based on a great deal of clinical research, a medically validated commercial garlic product should provide a daily dose of a total allicin potential of 4,000

micrograms (mcg). This dosage equates to roughly one to four cloves of fresh garlic.19 Be sure to read labels; demand products that deliver a guaranteed yield of allicin and are enteric-coated to prevent premature release in the stomach. Conclusion Garlic is indeed a unique plant. It has a long and colorful history as both food and medicine, and is highly valued as both. Scientific study has provided understanding of the many benefits of garlic as a supplement. And, most importantly, many loyal enthusiasts worldwide attest to healthier hearts and improved lives simply from using garlic supplements. [Top] References 1. Riddle JM. Garlic's history as a medicine. Presentation at the American Herbal Products Association International Garlic Symposium. July 31, 2001. 2. Garlic. In: Blumenthal M, ed. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Austin, Tex: American Botanical Council;

2000:139-148. 3. Ellmore GS, Milano E, Feldberg RS. Navigating the clove: mapping bioactive compounds in garlic (Allium sativum). Presentation at the American Herbal Products Association International Garlic Symposium. July 31, 2001. 4. Robbers JE, Tyler VE. Garlic. In: Tyler's Herbs of Choice. New York, NY: The Haworth Herbal Press; 1999:132-137 5. Lawson LD, Wang ZJ, Papadimitrou D. Allicin release under simulated gastrointestinal condition for garlic powder tablets employed in clinical trials on serum cholesterol. Planta Med. 2001;67:13-18. 6. Ho SE, Ide N, Lau BH. S-allyl cysteine reduces oxidant load in cells involved in the atherogenic process. Phytomedicine. 2001;8:39-46. 7. Ali M, Thomson M. Consumption of a garlic clove a day could be beneficial in preventing thrombosis. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 1995;53:211-212. 8. Gadkari JV, Joshi VD. Effect of ingestion of raw

garlic on serum cholesterol level, clotting time and fibrinolytic activity in normal subjects. J Postgrad Med. 1991;37:128-131. 9. Orekhov AN, Grunwald J. Effects of garlic on atherosclerosis. Nutrition. 1997;13:656-663. 10. Silagy C, Neil garlic as a lipid lowering agent—a meta-analysis. J R Coll Physicians Lond. 1994;28:39-45. 11. Morcos NC. Modulation of lipid profile by fish oil and garlic combination. J Natl Med Assoc. 1997;89:673-678. 12. Al-Qattan KK, Khan I, Alnaqeeg MA, Ali M. Thromboxane-B2, prostaglandin-E2 and hypertension in the rat 2-kidney 1-clip model: a possible mechanism of the garlic induced hypotension. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2001;64:5-10. 13. Qidwai W, Qureshi R, Hasan SN, Azam SL. Effect of dietary garlic (Allium Sativum) on the blood pressure in humans-a pilot study. J Pak Med Assoc. 2000;50:204-207. 14. Berthold HK, Sudhop T, von Bergmann K. Effect of a

garlic oil preparation on serum lipoproteins and cholesterol metabolism: a randomized controlled trial. JAM 1998;279:1900-1902. 15. Stevinson C, Pittler MH, Ernst E. Garlic for treating hypercholesteremia: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Ann Intern Med. 2000;133:420-429. 16. Sumiyoshi H. New pharmacological activities of garlic and its constituents. Nippon Yakurigaku Zasshi. 1997;1:93-97. 17. Kasuga S, Uda N, Kyo E, Ushijima M, Morihara N, Itakura Y. Pharmacologic activities of aged garlic extract in comparison with other garlic preparations. J Nutr. 2001;131:1080-1084. 18. Amagase H, Block E, Bordia A, Lawson LD. The controversial issues surrounding allicin versus non-allicin containing products. Presentation at the American Herbal Products Association International Garlic Symposium. Aug. 1, 2001. 19. Reuter HD, Koch HP, Lawson LD. Anticancer effects. In: Koch HP, Lawson LD. Garlic:

The Science and Therapeutic Application of Allium sativum and Related Species. Baltimore, Md: Williams & Wilkins; 1998:176-187. 20. Fleischauer AT, Arab L. Garlic and cancer: a critical review of the epidemiologic literature. J Nutr. 2001; 131:1032S-1041S. 21. Knowles LM, Milner J Possible mechanism by which allyl sulfides suppress neoplastic cell proliferation. J Nutr. 2001;131:1061S-1066S. 22. Lamm DL, Riggs DR. Enhanced immunocompetence by garlic: role in bladder cancer and other malignancies. J Nutr. 2001;131:1067S-1070S. 23. Hu JJ, Yoo JS, Lin M, Wang EJ, Yang CS. Protective effects of diallyl sulfide on acetaminophen-induced toxicities. Food Chem Toxicol. 1996;34:963-969. 24. Guo NL, Lu DP, Woods GL, et al. Demonstration of the anti-viral activity of garlic extract against human cytomegalovirus in vitro. Chin Med J (Engl). 1993;106:93-96. 25. O'Gara EA, Hill DJ, Maslin DJ. Activities of

garlic oil, garlic powder, and their diallyl constituents against Helicobacter pylori. Appl Environ Microbiol. 2000;66:2269-2273. 26. Ledezma E, Marcano K, Jorquera A, et al. Efficacy of ajone in the treatment of tinea pedis: a double blind and comparative study with terbinafine. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2000;43:829-832. --- Post subject: Garlic: For Maximum Benefit, Choose the Right Product! -- Introduction Garlic has been used throughout history virtually all over the world as a medicine. Its usage predates written history. Sanskrit records document the use of garlic remedies approximately 5,000 years ago, while the Chinese have been using it for at least 3,000 years. The Codex Ebers, an Egyptian medical papyrus dating to about 1,550 B.C.,

mentions garlic as an effective remedy for a variety of ailments, including high blood pressure, headache, bites, worms, and tumors. Hippocrates, Aristotle and Pliny cited numerous therapeutic uses for garlic. Stories, verse and folklore (such as its alleged ability to ward off vampires) also give historical documentation to garlic's healing power. Sir John Harrington in The Englishman's Doctor, written in 1609, summarized garlic's virtues and faults: Garlic then have power to save from death Bear with it though it maketh unsavory breath, And scorn not garlic like some that think It only maketh men wink and drink and stink. Another favorite saying about garlic is "Eat garlic and gain your health, but lose your friends." Fortunately, there are now commercial preparations that provide all of the health benefits of garlic without the social consequences. What are the scientifically confirmed effects of

garlic? Garlic has a wide range of well-documented effects including helping to fight infection and boost immune function; preventing cancer prevention; and the cardiovascular benefits of lowering cholesterol and blood pressure. All of these beneficial effects of garlic are attributed to its sulfur-containing compounds: allicin, diallyl disulfide, diallyl trisulfide, and others. Allicin is mainly responsible for the pungent odor of garlic. It is formed by the action of the enzyme alliinase on the compound alliin. The enzyme is activated by heat, oxygen, or water. This fact accounts for the fact that cooked garlic as well as "aged garlic preparations" and garlic oil products produce neither as strong an odor as raw garlic nor nearly as powerful medicinal effects. 1 Do "odor controlled" or "odorless" garlic products contain allicin? Some do and some do not. Since allicin is the component in garlic

that is responsible for its easily identifiable odor, some manufacturers have developed highly sophisticated methods in an effort to provide the full benefits of garlic - they provide "odorless" garlic products concentrated for alliin because alliin is relatively "odorless" until it is converted to allicin in the body. Products concentrated for alliin and other sulfur components provide all of the benefits of fresh garlic if they are manufactured properly, but are more "socially acceptable." Because alliin and alliinase are very stable when garlic is properly processed, there is a method to insure that the allicin is not produced until the garlic powder mixes with the fluids of the intestinal tract. This method is coating the specially prepared garlic in such a manner so that the tablet does not break down until after it has passed through the stomach. This method is referred to as "enteric-coating." If a

non-enteric coated garlic preparation is used, the stomach acid will destroy the majority of the formed allicin. So, these preparations are not likely to produce as good of results as a high quality, enteric coated product. The same can be said for aged garlic and garlic oil products as these forms of garlic contain absolutely no allicin or allicin degradation products. What should I look for in a garlic supplement? There are a couple of vital considerations when choosing a garlic product. First of all, it is important to make sure that the product provides a sufficient level of allicin. Since allicin is not actually in the product at any significant levels, manufacturers often refer to the allicin potential or allicin yield. These terms signify the amount of allicin produced when allinase is activated in the garlic tablet or powder. The next issue is not so simple to tell from a label. It involves the

quality and character of the enteric coating of the tablet. In order for the allicin to be liberated within the intestinal tract, the tablet must not only be resistant to the stomach's acid, it must disintegrate rapidly when it reaches the small intestine. According to research conducted by the renowned garlic expert, Dr. Larry D. Lawson, when 24 brands of enteric-coated garlic were analyzed for tablet dissolution using an approved method (USP dissolution method 724A) only one brand released the amount of allicin claimed on the label.2 The second best brand released only 44% of label claim and 75% of the brands released less than 10% of label claim. Failure to deliver an effective dosage of allicin will most assuredly lead to failure to lower cholesterol or blood pressure. Why did so many garlic products fail to deliver allicin? Dr. Lawson discovered that there were basically two major problems. First of

all, many of the garlic products contained little allinase activity. There was plenty of alliin, but since the activity of allinase was low the level of allicin formed was also low. Next, Dr. Lawson found that many of the tablets contained excipients (e.g., binders and fillers) that actually inhibit allinase activity. The allinase activity in 63% of the brands was less than 10% of expected activity. The inability to release an effective dose of allicin would explain why so many of the studies with garlic supplements fail to show benefit in lowering cholesterol or blood pressure.3 For example, studies done with one particular garlic supplement prior to 1993 were mostly positive. In fact, the results from these positive studies were the main reason garlic supplements have been allowed in German and in the U.S. to refer to cholesterol lowering activity. While the authors of the negative studies on

garlic have felt that the underlying reason for the results was a better-designed study, a more likely explanation is that they are due to a poorer quality tablet. Specifically, research conducted by Dr. Lawson has shown that tablets manufactured before 1993 were twice as resistant to disintegration in acid as tablets manufactured after 1993 and that the older tablets released three times the amount of allicin as the more recently manufactured tablets.3 Examination of the package labels shows several changes in tablet excipients between the pre- and post 1993 tablets. Again, these excipients are believed to block allinase activity. Can garlic really lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels? Yes, but there are some important caveats as mentioned above. The studies showing a positive effect of garlic and garlic preparations are those that deliver a sufficient dosage of allicin. The negative studies do

not. In the positive double-blind studies in patients with initial cholesterol levels greater than 200 mg/dl, supplementation with garlic preparations providing a daily dose of at least 10 mg alliin or a total allicin potential of 4,000 mcg total serum cholesterol levels dropped by about 10% to 12%, LDL cholesterol decreased by about 15%, HDL cholesterol levels usually increased by about 10%, and triglyceride levels dropped by 15%.4-9 Blood pressure readings also dropped with typical reductions of 11 mm Hg for the systolic and 5.0 in the diastolic within a one to three month period. 10,11 What About Aged Garlic? Since aged garlic does not contain allicin, it does not produce any significant benefits on either blood pressure or cholesterol levels.12 It may provide some other benefits on the cardiovascular system, but the significance of these effects has not been fully evaluated. What brand do you

recommend? Based upon Dr. Lawson's new research as well as the research conducted by Natural Factors, I am now endorsing Garlic Factors. I feel that it gives a person the best chance of getting all the benefits of fresh garlic minus the odor. How much garlic do I need? Based on the results of the positive clinical trials, the dosage of a commercial garlic product should provide a daily dose of at least 10 mg alliin or a total allicin potential of 4,000 mcg. This dosage equates to roughly one to four cloves of fresh garlic. Is garlic safe? Garlic preparations taken orally, even "odorless" products, can produce a garlic odor on the breath and through the skin. Gastrointestinal irritation and nausea are the most frequent side effects. Beware of the propaganda on the dangers of allicin. I do not argue that acute and prolonged feeding of large amounts of raw garlic to rats results in anemia, weight

loss and failure to grow, and even death.13,14 However, the dosages of fresh garlic used in these studies to produce these toxic effects were incredibly high, e.g., 500 mg of fresh garlic per 100 g of body weight. Does garlic interact with any drugs? Theoretically, garlic preparations may potentiate the effects of the blood thinning drug Coumadin® (warfarin) as well as enhance the antiplatelet effects of drugs like aspirin and Ticlid® (ticlopidine). If you are taking these drugs, please consult a physician before taking a garlic product. Garlic may also increase the effectiveness of drugs that lower blood sugar levels in the treatment of non-insulin dependent diabetes (type 2 diabetes) such as glyburide (Diabeta, Micronase). References: Koch H and Lawson L (eds.): Garlic: The Science and Therapeutic Application of Allium Sativum L and Related Species, 2nd Edition. Williams & Wilkins, Baltimore,

MD, 1996. Lawson LD and Wang ZJ. Tablet quality: A major problem in clinical trials with garlic supplements. Forsch Kmplmentaermed 7:45, 2000. Lawson LD, Wang ZJ and Papdimitrou D. Allicin release under simulated gastrointestinal conditions from garlic powder tablets employed in clinical trials on serum cholesterol. Planta Medica 2001;67:13-18. Stevinson C, Pittler MH and Erst E. Garlic for treating hypercholesterolemia: A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Ann Intern Med 133:420-9, 2000. Kleijnen J, et al.: Garlic, onions and cardiovascular risk factors: A review of the evidence from human experiments with emphasis on commercially available preparations. Br J Clin Pharmacol 28:535-44, 1989. Warshafsky S, Kamer RS and Sivak SL: Effect of garlic on total serum cholesterol. Ann Intern Med 119:599-605, 1993. Jain AK, et al.: Can garlic reduce levels of serum lipids? A controlled clinical study. Am J Med

94:632-5, 1993. Rotzch W, et al.: Postprandial lipaemia under treatment with Allium sativum. Controlled double-blind study in healthy volunteers with reduced HDL2- cholesterol levels. Arzneim Forsch 42:1223-7, 1992. Mader FH: Treatment of hyperlipidemia with garlic-powder tablets. Arzneim Forsch 40:1111-6, 1990. Silagy CA and Neil HA: A meta-analysis of the effect of garlic on blood pressure. J Hypertens 12:463-8, 1994. Reuter HD: Allium sativum and Allium ursinum: Part 2. Pharmacology and medicinal application. Phytomed 2:73-91, 1995. Steiner M, et al.: A double-blind crossover study in moderately hypercholesterolemic men that compared the effect of aged garlic extract and placebo administration on blood lipids. Am J Clin Nutr 64:866-70, 1996. Nakagawa S, et al.: Effect of raw and extracted-aged garlic juice on growth of young rats and their organs after perioral administration. J Toxicol Sci 5:91-112, 1980. Joseph

PK, Rao KR and Sundaresh CS. Toxic effects of garlic extract and garlic oil in rats. Indian J Exp Biol 27:977-9, 1989. - GARLIC BETTER THAN STATIN DRUGS FOR PREVENTING HEART ATTACK -- GARLIC BETTER THAN STATIN DRUGS FOR PREVENTING HEART ATTACKS by Alan Tillotson, Ph.D., AHG Recent TV ads from major cholesterol-lowering drugs like Lipitor flash language stating that the medicines do not prevent heart attacks or heart disease. In comparison, the below scientific reports deal with the much more important purpose of lowering cholesterol - to prevent vessel clogging, how garlic effects can be made stronger with fish oils, and finally estimates on the core issue of garlic's effectiveness in preventing real heart attacks. The antiatherosclerotic effect

of Allium sativum. Koscielny J, Klussendorf D, Latza R, Schmitt R, Radtke H, Siegel G, Kiesewetter H. Atherosclerosis 1999 May;144(1):237-49 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 * Randomized Controlled Trial J Natl Med Assoc 1997 Oct;89(10):673-8 Modulation of lipid profile by fish oil and garlic combination. Morcos NC. Division of Cardiology, University of California, Irvine 92717, USA. Fish consumption has been shown to influence epidemiology of heart disease, and garlic has been shown to influence triglyceride levels. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of fish oil and garlic combinations as a dietary supplement on the lipid subfractions. Forty consecutive subjects with lipid profile abnormalities were enrolled in a single-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study. Each subject received placebo for 1 month and fish oil (1800 mg of eicosapentanoic acid [EPA] + 1200 mg of

docosahexanoic acid) with garlic powder (1200 mg) capsules daily for 1 month. Lipid fractionation was performed prior to study initiation, after the placebo period, and after the intervention period. Subjects all had cholesterol levels > 200. Subjects were instructed to maintain their usual diets. Supplementation for 1 month resulted in an 11% decrease in cholesterol, a 34% decrease in triglyceride, and a 10% decrease in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels, as well as a 19% decrease in cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein (HDL) risk. Although not significant, there was a trend toward increase in HDL. There was no significant placebo effect. These results suggest that in addition to the known anticoagulant and antioxidant properties of both fish oil and garlic, the combination causes favorable shifts in the lipid subfractions within 1 month. Triglycerides are affected to the largest extent. The cholesterol

lowering and improvement in lipid/HDL risk ratios suggests that these combinations may have antiatherosclerotic properties and may protect against the development of coronary artery disease. Publication Types: * Clinical Trial * Randomized Controlled Trial Wien Med Wochenschr 1999;149(8-10):217-24 [Pleiotropic effects of garlic] [Article in German] Siegel G, Walter A, Engel S, Walper A, Michel F. Institut fur Physiologie, Universitatsklinikums Benjamin Franklin, Freien Universitat Berlin, Deutschland. siegel Garlic as a herbal remedy reduces a multitude of risk factors which play a decisive role in the genesis and progression of arteriosclerosis: decrease in total and LDL-cholesterol, increase in HDL-cholesterol, reduction of serum triglyceride and fibrinogen concentration, lowering of arterial blood pressure and promotion of organ perfusion, and, finally, enhancement in

fibrinolysis, inhibition of platelet aggregation, and diminution of plasma viscosity. In a prospective, 4-year clinical trial with primary endpoint 'arteriosclerotic plaque volume' it was proven not only a 9 to 18% reduction and 3% regression in plaque volume of the total collective under the influence of standardized garlic powder dragees (900 mg/die LI 111), but also of some facets of the phytopharmacologic pleiotropy of this herb: decrease in LDL level by 4%, increase in HDL concentration by 8%, and lowering in blood pressure by 7%. The reduction of arterial blood pressure is due to an additional opening of K(Ca) ion channels in the membrane of vascular smooth muscle cells that effects its hyperpolarization. This membrane hyperpolarization closes about 20% of the L-type Ca2+ channels, consequence of which is vasodilatation. In human coronary arteries, the increase in vascular diameter by 4% is closely

associated with an improvement of coronary perfusion by 18%. These pleiotropic effects of garlic result in a reduction of relative cardiovascular risk for infarction and stroke by more than 50%. Comments: Alan Keith Tillotson, PhD, AHG 1008 Milltown Rd., Wilm., DE 19808 USA (302) 994-0565 (302) 995-0653 fax Email: AlanT3 - Post subject: Four Year Study Shows Garlic Reduces Arterial Plaque -- Four Year Study Shows Garlic Reduces Arterial Plaque J.Koscielny, D. Kluessendorf, R. Latza, R. Schmitt, H. Radtke, G. Siegel and H. Kiesewetter The information on this website is not a substitute for diagnosis and treatment by a qualified professional. This article was provided by: American Botanical Council

P.O. Box 144345 Austin, TX 78714-4345 Phone 512-926-4900 Email ab- Website www.herbalgram.org 1) Koscielny, J, D. Kluessendorf, R. Latza, R. Schmitt, H. Radtke, G. Siegel and H. Kiesewetter. The antiatherosclerotic effect of Allium sativum. Atherosclerosis. 1999; Vol. 1444, pp. 237-249. 2) Lichtwer Pharma U.S., Inc. Consumer Information: Executive Summary, Kwai Product Background & History, Common Questions and Answers. May 1999 Numerous clinical studies have found that dietary supplementation with garlic may reduce the risk of coronary artery disease in a variety of ways, including lowering total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol and inhibiting its oxidation, lowering triglycerides, inhibiting platelet aggregation, lowering blood pressure, lowering fibrinogen concentration, and enhancing fibrinolytic activity. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled

study followed the effects of long-term garlic supplementation on plaque formation in both the carotid (neck) and femoral (leg) arteries of 152 male and female subjects (61 in the garlic supplement group and 91 in the placebo group) over a 48-month period. For inclusion in the study, the subjects had to be diagnosed with advanced atherosclerotic plaques as measured by ultrasound and have at least one of the established risk factors for heart disease such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes or smoking. Subjects in the garlic group received 900 milligrams a day of garlic powder (Lichtwer Pharma AG, Berlin, Germany) and the placebo group received tablets that were identical in appearance, but contained no garlic powder (also provided by Lichtwer Pharma). This study is significant in that it may represent the longest study on a phytomedicine published to date. High-resolution

sonography was used to measure plaque volumes in the subjects' arteries. High-resolution ultrasound provides noninvasive imaging of single wall structures of major arteries. The combined intimal-medial thickness (IMT) was used as an indicator of arterial vessel wall morphology. It is a strong predictor of the progression rate of atherosclerosis. The ultrasonographic measurement of the regression or progression of atherosclerotic plaques in the common carotid and the femoral artery was the primary endpoint of the study. Plaques in the common carotid artery appear to be associated with a 2.1-fold increase in the incidence of myocardial infarction (heart attack). Plaques present in the femoral arteries in subjects suffering from peripheral arterial occlusive disease are associated with a 2.4 fold increase in risk for ischemic coronary disease (inadequate blood supply to the heart muscle). Plasma viscosity,

platelet aggregation, total blood cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose determinations were performed. In addition, a Doppler pressure assessment of the brachial (in the upper arm), dorsal pedal (in the foot), and posterior tibial artery (in the foot), blood pressure and heart rates were also obtained, but are not reported in this summary. The plaque volumes of the arteries measured in each person were summed up to a total volume and plotted at the respective time or age. In the placebo group, the arteriosclerotic plaque volume increased by 15.6% over four years, whereas in the garlic group, a 2.6% decrease, or regression in plaque volume, was observed. At the end of the study, asignificant difference of 18.3% in plaque volume was found between the placebo group and the garlic group. The result were most

dramatic for the women, where those receiving the placebo experienced a 53.1% increase in plaque volume compared to a 4.6% plaque regression in those receiving garlic supplements. However, among the women, the age composition was not equal in the placebo and treatment groups (due to drop-outs, the placebo group was predominately younger women and the garlic group predominately older women). After adjusting for this age discrepancy, the authors concluded that only 4.6% of the plaque regression could be rated as a genuine garlic effect. The authors concluded that their study substantiates that continuous supplementation of high-dose garlic can reduce the increase in arteriosclerotic plaque volume by 6-18% or even cause a regression within four years. Such an effect can be considered clinically relevant. They suggests that garlic is a remedy that simultaneously influences a variety of systems or metabolic

processes. These remedies are characterized as "pleiotropic" substances and may provide more benefit than conventional medications, which typically target one effect against the disease being treated. - Densie Webb, Ph.D. Enclosure: 1) Reprinted from Atherosclerosis, 144: 237-249, 1999, Bin #166 with permission from Elsevier Science 2) Copyright © 1999, Lichtwer Pharma U.S. Inc. Reprinted with permission. - Post subject: Garlic Reduces Plaque Mass in Arteries -- This new study provides conclusive evidence that garlic prevents and reduces plaque build up in carotid (heart) arteries and femoral (thigh) arteries. When fatty 'plaque', like cholesterol, builds up in the arteries, it increases the risk of heart attacks. German

researchers studied 280 participants over a 4 year period. Participants were given either 900mg of garlic per day or a placebo. Those who took the garlic had 18% less plaque than those who took a placebo. Men who took the placebo had a 5.5% increase in plaque build up and those who took garlic had only a 1.1% increase. Women who took the garlic had a 4.6% decrease in plaque build up, while those who took the placebo had an increase of 53%. Researchers believe that garlic reduces blood aggregation (blood stickiness) and thus helps stop the plaque sticking to the artery walls. This study clearly reveals that continuous taking of high dose garliccan reduce the plaque volume by 6-18% or a regression within 4 years. The Authors of this study state that, "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". REFERENCES (Reuters Health) Reference : Koscielny,J et al. The antiatherosclerotic effect of Allium sativum. Atherosclerosis 1999;144(1):237-49 -- Modulation of Lipid Profile by Fish Oil and Garlic Combination -- Medical Abstract Title: Modulation of Lipid Profile by Fish Oil and Garlic Combination http://www.enzy.com/abstracts/display.asp?id=2765 Author: Morcos NC Source: J Natl Med Assoc. 1997;89:673-678. Abstract: Fish consumption has been shown to influence epidemiology of heart disease, and garlic has been shown to influence triglyceride levels. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of fish oil and garlic

combinations as a dietary supplement on the lipid subfractions. Forty consecutive subjects with lipid profile abnormalities were enrolled in a single-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study. Each subject received placebo for 1 month and fish oil (1800 mg of eicosapentanoic acid [EPA) + 1200 mg of docosahexanoic acid) with garlic powder (1200 mg) capsules daily for 1 month. Lipid fractionation was performed prior to study initiation, after the placebo period, and after the intervention period. Subjects all had cholesterol levels >200. Subjects were instructed to maintain their usual diets. Supplementation for 1 month resulted in an 11% decrease in cholesterol, a 34% decrease in triglyceride, and a 10% decrease in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels, as well as a 19% decrease in cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein (HDL) risk. Although not significant, there was a trend toward increase in HDL. There was no

significant placebo effect. These results suggest that in addition to the known anticoagulant and antioxidant properties of both fish oil and garlic, the combination causes favorable shifts in the lipid subfractions wiithin 1 month. Triglycerides are affected to the largest extent. The cholesterol lowering and improvement in lipid/HDL risk ratios suggests that these combinations may have antiatherosclerotic properties and may protect against the development of coronary artery disease. ---A Garlic Derivative, Ajoene, Inhibits Platelet Deposition - Medical Abstract Title: A Garlic Derivative, Ajoene, Inhibits Platelet Deposition on Severely Damaged Vessel Wall in an in Vivo Porcine Experimental Model Author: Apitz-Castro R, Badimon JJ, Badimon L

Source: Thromb Res. 1994; 75(3):243-249. Abstract: Ajoene, (E,Z)-4,5,9-trithiadodeca-1,6,11-triene 9-oxide, is a potent antiplatelet compound isolated from alcoholic extracts of garlic. In vitro, ajoene reversibly inhibits platelet aggregation as well as the release reaction induced by all known agonists. We used a well characterized perfusion chamber to study the in vivo effects of ajoene on platelet deposition onto a highly thrombogenic, severely damaged arterial wall, obtained by stripping off the intimal layer and exposing tunica media. Platelet-vessel wall interaction and the effect of ajoene was studied under flow conditions of high and low local shear rate that mimics laminar blood flow in small and medium size arteries (1690 sec-1 and 212 sec-1). Our results indicate that administration of ajoene to heparinized animals, significantly prevents thrombus formation at local low blood shear rate.

Ajoene does not inhibit binding of vWF to GPIb, therefore, it does not affect platelet adhesion. In fact, although ajoene impairs fibrinogen and vWF (less efficient) binding to GPlIb/IIIa, it does not totally inhibit platelet deposition to the substrates at any of the shear rates used in this study. Our present results, under in vivo flow conditions and in the presence of physiological calcium levels, suggest that ajoene may be potentially useful for the acute prevention of thrombus formation induced by severe vascular damage, mainly in sites with local low shear rates. http://www.enzy.com/abstracts/display.asp?id=1573 ________________JoAnn Guest mrsjoguest DietaryTipsForHBP www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/GenesPlease pass this message or article on to someone else so that they may

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