title: Consumption of garlic positively affects hedonic perception of axillary body odour.
abstract: Beneficial health properties of garlic, as well as its most common adverse effect - distinctive breath odour - are well-known. In contrast, analogous research on the effect of garlic on axillary odour is currently missing. Here, in three studies varying in the amount and nature of garlic provided (raw garlic in study 1 and 2, garlic capsules in study 3), we tested the effect of garlic consumption on the quality of axillary odour. A balanced within-subject experimental design was used. In total, 42 male odour donors were allocated to either a "garlic" or "non-garlic" condition, after which they wore axillary pads for 12 h to collect body odour. One week later, the conditions were reversed. Odour samples were then judged for their pleasantness, attractiveness, masculinity and intensity by 82 women. We found no significant differences in ratings of any characteristics in study 1. However, the odour of donors after an increased garlic dosage was assessed as significantly more pleasant, attractive and less intense (study 2), and more attractive and less intense in study 3. Our results indicate that garlic consumption may have positive effects on perceived body odour hedonicity, perhaps due to its health effects (e.g., antioxidant properties, antimicrobial activity).
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, Prague, 128 43, Czech Republic; National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, Klecany, 250 67, Czech Republic. Electronic address: jitka.fialova@natur.cuni.cz.
authors.forename: Jitka
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Fialová
authors.affiliation: School of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, UK. Electronic address: craig.roberts@stir.ac.uk.
authors.forename: S Craig
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Roberts
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, Prague, 128 43, Czech Republic; National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, Klecany, 250 67, Czech Republic. Electronic address: jhavlicek@natur.cuni.cz.
authors.forename: Jan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Havlíček
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight; D005260:Female; D005737:Garlic; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D057228:Masculinity; D009812:Odorants / Q000032:analysis*; D055696:Olfactory Perception; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Allium sativum; Antioxidant; Diet; Health; Sexual selection