EFFECT OF GARLIC ON PLATELET-AGGREGATION IN HUMANS - A STUDY IN HEALTHY-SUBJECTS AND PATIENTS WITH CORONARY-ARTERY DISEASE

Garlic's value in preventing cardiovascular disease has been reported by several research groups. Garlic and its components are known to pos sess antiplatelet activity which has been demonstrated mostly in vitro . It was found that garlic oil administration to healthy subjects and patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) inhibited platelet aggrega tion ex vivo. Though garlic components leave the body quickly, a slow build-up of the active ingredients may take place. This was evident fr om the observation that though a 2-3 fold higher dose was not effectiv e in inhibiting platelet aggregation when administered once, a lower d ose became effective in long-term administration.