Garlic tablets contain the antioxidant allicin, which is responsible for a number of benefits, from reducing atherosclerosis to improving digestion. In addition, garlic tablets might also convey blood pressure benefits. Garlic tablets reduce blood pressure in individuals with high blood pressure. Consult your health care provider before taking garlic supplements.
Time-Released
In research reported in the June 2009 issue of "Hypertension Research," scientists from the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences in Russia investigated the effects of time-released garlic powder tablets on men with mild to moderate hypertension. They discovered that subjects taking 600mg of Allicor, a time-released garlic tablet, experienced decreases in blood pressure compared with those consuming a placebo.
High Blood Pressure
Similar results were also seen in another study conducted by researchers from Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research in India. They observed that patients with high blood pressure consuming 250mg of garlic supplementation per day for two months lowered their blood pressure, according to findings reported in the November 2004 issue of the "Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry."
Normotensive
Garlic extract might decrease blood pressure in hypertensives, but not in people with normal blood pressure. Researchers from Ankara University in Turkey separated patients with high cholesterol into two groups: hypertensive and normotensive. Both groups received garlic extract daily for four months. Scientists reported in the June 2004 issue of the "Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry" that hypertensive subjects reduced their blood pressure, whereas normotensive subjects experienced no changes in blood pressure.
Side Effects and Interactions
Garlic supplements are generally considered safe, but may cause bloating, upset stomach and nausea. In addition, they may interact with certain medications, including antiplatelet medications and protease inhibitors, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
References
- "Hypertension Research"; Time-Released Garlic Powder Tablets Lower Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure in Men with Mild and Moderate Arterial Hypertension; I.A. Sobenin et al.; June 2009
- "Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry"; Effect of Garlic Supplementation on Oxidized Low Density Lipoproteins and Lipid Peroxidation in Patients of Essential Hypertension; V. Dhawan and S. Jain; November 2004
- "Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry"; Effects of Garlic Extract Consumption on Blood Lipid and Oxidant/Antioxdant Parametes in Humans with High Blood Cholesterol; I. Durak et al.; June 2004
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Garlic; Steven D. Ehrlich, N.M.D.; November 2008
