The antiatherosclerotic effect of Allium sativum

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, the plaqu e volumes in both carotid and femoral arteries of 152 probationers were det ermined by B-mode ultrasound. Continuous intake of high-dose garlic powder dragees reduced significantly the increase in arteriosclerotic plaque volum e by 5-18% or even effected a slight regression within the observational pe riod of 48 months. Also the age-dependent representation of the plaque volu me shows an increase between 50 and 80 years that is diminished under garli c 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 subs tantiated that not only a preventive but possibly also a curative role in a rteriosclerosis therapy (plaque regression) may be ascribed to garlic remed ies. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.