Effects of Garlic on Atherosclerosis

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fects of Garlic on Atherosclerosis

JoAnn Guest

Jan 07, 2007 08:59 PST

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Effects of Garlic on Atherosclerosis

http://www.enzy.com/abstracts/display.asp?id=1566

 

Author:

 

Orekhov AN, Grunwald J

 

Source:

 

Nutrition. 1997; 13(7-8):656-663.

 

Abstract:

 

This review discusses the use of garlic and garlic preparations as

agents for prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis and

atherosclerosis-related diseases. Garlic indirectly effects

atherosclerosis by reduction of hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and

probably diabetes mellitus and prevents thrombus formation. In

addition,

in animal models, garlic causes direct antiatherogenic (preventive)

and

antiatherosclerotic (causing regression) effects at the level of

artery

wall. Garlic's direct effect on atherosclerosis may be explained by

its

capacity to reduce lipid content in arterial cells and to prevent

intracellular lipid accumulation. This effect, in turn, is

accompanied

by other atherosclerotic manifestations, i.e., stimulation of cell

proliferation and extracellular matrix synthesis. Clinical trials

are

currently being carried out to reveal the possible effect of garlic

therapy on human atherosclerosis. Positive results of these trials

may open a new era in the use of garlic for prevention and treatment

of many atherosclerosis-related diseases.

 

 

JoAnn Guest

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