Garlic is encapsulated in different forms. Sometimes, garlic is dried and sold as a powder. Aged garlic extract and garlic infused in oil are other options. Scientific studies show that garlic may offer a variety of health benefits, however, consult with your doctor before trying to prevent, treat or cure any condition with garlic capsules.
Blood Pressure
Garlic may be useful for people with uncontrolled hypertension. A study published in October 2010 in "Maturitas" found that in a sample of patients treated with blood-pressure-lowering medications, garlic enhanced the effect. The participants took 960 mg of aged garlic extract with 2.4 mg S-allylcysteine daily for 12 weeks. S-allylcysteine is a compound in garlic with cell-protective abilities.
Parkinson's
Some evidence shows that garlic pills may help people with Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's is a neurodegenerative condition that leads to physical immobility that worsens over time. A study published in 2010 in "The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry" found that garlic pills protected neurons and also improved locomotion by 35 percent in a Parkinson's disease mouse model.
Brain Injury
Garlic capsules show evidence as a potential protector against brain injury. A study published in February 2008 in the "American Institute of Physics" showed that aged garlic extract effectively reduced the area of infarct, or cell death, in mice exposed to clinically induced cerebral ischemia. Cerebral ischemia refers to the death of brain cells caused by a lack of oxygen.
Potential Interaction
Taking garlic pills may cause an interaction with certain medications. For example, a study published in 2010 in "Biopharmaceutics & Drug Disposition" found that garlic pill supplementation reduced the effectiveness of anti-HIV medications. Specifically, it interfered with gastrointestinal enzymes that are responsible for absorption of the medications.
References
- "Maturitas"; Aged Garlic Extract Lowers Blood Pressure in Patients with Treated but Uncontrolled Hypertension: A Randomised Controlled Trial; K. Ried, O.R. Frank, & N.P. Stocks; October 2010
- "SciVerse"; S-Allylcysteine, a Garlic Compound, Protects Against Oxidative Stress in 1-Methyl-4-Phenylpyridinium-Induced Parkinsonism in Mice; Patricia Rojas, Norma Serrano-García, Omar N. Medina-Campos, et al.; 2010
- American Institute of Physics: Evaluation of Aged Garlic Extract Neuroprotective Effect in a Focal Model of Cerebral Ischemia; Penelope Aguilera, Perla D. Maldonado, Alma Ortiz-Plata, et al,; February 2008
- "Biopharmaceutics & Drug Disposition": HIV Protease Inhibitors: Garlic Supplements and First-Pass Intestinal Metabolism Impact on the Therapeutic Efficacy; Katja Berginc, Tina Trdan, Jurij Trontelj, et al.; December 2010
Member Comments