The antiatherosclerotic effect of Allium sativum.
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.
Koscielny
J
J
Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Immunohematology, University Clinic Charité of the Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany.
Klüssendorf
D
D
Latza
R
R
Schmitt
R
R
Radtke
H
H
Siegel
G
G
Kiesewetter
H
H
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality; D017536:Carotid Artery, Common / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000401:mortality; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005263:Femoral Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005737:Garlic / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010946:Plants, Medicinal; D012016:Reference Values; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D015996:Survival Rate; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014463:Ultrasonography