II. International Garlic Symposium. Berlin,March 7.-10.,1991

Abstract: This report summarizes the results presented at the 2. International Garlic Symposium concerning pharmacy, pharmacology and clinical application of Allium sativum L. Up to now the compound(s) responsible for the various effects of garlic could not be identified. Concerning the antiatherosclerotic effects it is generally accepted that neither alliin nor allicin is the antiatherosclerotic effective principle of garlic, but its metabolites such as the vinyldithiins, the ajoenes and other sulfur-containing substances. Pharmacokinetic investigations in the isolated perfused rat liver have shown, that allicin undergoes a rapid first pass degradation. Studies concerning the effect of garlic constituents on the metabolism of arachidonic acid suggest that mainly the degradation products of allicin, e.g. dithiins and ajoeness are the most effective inhibitors of cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase. Besides its effects on platelet function garlic exhibits antioxidant and free radical scavenging effects. The latter effect is of special interest with respect to the antitumor-activity of garlic. During the last 2 years the effects of garlic on microcirculation and vasoregulation have been confirmed. Further pharmacological and clinical studies have shown the effects of garlic powder preparations on spontaneous platelet aggregation, fibrinolysis and blood lipids. In two randomized multicenter studies the effect of garlic powder preparations on cholesterol and triglyzerides could be demonstrated. Also garlic oilmacerates are effective concerning the reduction of blood cholesterol levels. Besides the antiarteriosclerotic effects of garlic constituents the antimicrobial efficacy of garlic could be confirmed.

Keyword(s): Garlic pharmacy

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