"chico chupacabra" > wrote in message ...
> pearl wrote:
>
> > > <...>
> > > > > Part of the problem is simply education. Some people don't even
> > > > > know of the medicinal properties of garlic,
> > > >
> > > > Can you cite any double blind studies, preferably written and
> > > > available in English, which demonstrate "medicinal properties" of
> > > > garlic?
> > >
> > > How effective is garlic?
> > > Research on medicinal uses of allicin in
> > > fresh garlic indicate it can lower blood pressure
> > > and cholesterol. Ajoene may be useful in
> > > slowing blood clotting. In this way, garlic
> > > protects against heart disease and stroke. These
> > > results do not apply to garlic supplements,
> > > however. Studies also show that fresh garlic, in
> > > large quantities, can lower cholesterol levels.
> > > Because garlic thins the blood, it may lower
> > > blood pressure.
> > > Other findings suggest that high levels of
> > > garlic may prevent development of cancer by
> > > stimulating the immune system and hindering
> > > growth of cancer cells. Labora-
> > > tory studies show that garlic can
> > > inhibit bacteria growth and may
> > > fight infection. However, those
> > > results are unproven in humans.
> > > http://tinyurl.com/zb3qt
> > >
> > > Not much, eh. Just as I suspected.
> >
> > Not much! If it was a drug, you'd be SINGING its praises!
>
> Correct,
So, I see you've moved the goalposts. You also omitted the section
on limitations from your post. In reference to what was considered:
'Limitations
Notable limitations in summarizing findings from garlic research
include the substantial variability in types of garlic and garlic
preparations that have been studied and an inadequate definition
of the active, biologically available constituents in the various
preparations. In addition, many trials that evaluated the effects of
garlic on cardiovascular-related endpoints are limited by short
durations; inadequate randomization and blinding procedures;
lack of clear specification of contents of garlic preparations-
including their constituents and dissolution properties; lack of
intention-to-treat analyses; and incomplete reporting of data.
The meta-analysis we performed is limited by some missing data
at different time points and by the need to impute variability data
from some trials.
http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/epcsums/garlicsum.htm
Too busy messing about with animals, 'disease' and chemicals, innit.
Treatment with garlic can't, and isn't meant to replace a healthy diet.
It has its place as an aid in treatment, and as part of a healthy diet.
Nutrition in Clinical Care
Volume 3 Page 145 - June 2000
doi:10.1046/j.1523-5408.2000.00043.xVolume 3 Issue 3 Garlic and
Cardiovascular Disease
Michelle H. Loy Richard S. Rivlin, MD Nutr Clin Care. 2000;3:145-152
Abstract
The goal of this review is to evaluate the current status of knowledge
concerning cardiovascular effects of allium derivatives from garlic and
to identify potential areas of future research. To date, the cardiovascular
actions most studied include lipoprotein metabolism, hypertension,
thrombosis, and antioxidant capacity. There are also some preliminary
findings suggesting that garlic may lower elevated serum levels of
homocysteine. Epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory studies have
reported that garlic contains many biologically and pharmacologically
active compounds. The majority of studies show that garlic lowers
total serum cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol; inhibition of HMG-CoA
reductase or squalene epoxidase appears to be the major mechanism.
Lowering of blood pressure likely results from inhibition of angiotensin-
converting enzyme activity. Antithrombosis effects may be related to
inhibition of adenosine deaminase. Antioxidant effects may be related
to the inhibition of lipoxygenase. The published studies in their aggregate
suggest that appropriate usage of allium derivatives from garlic may
potentially play a role in the maintenance of optimal cardiac function.
Further research is needed to examine the structure-function relationships
of the various allium derivatives of garlic, the amounts in foods and
supplements required for efficacy, and the possible effects of combining
garlic with other nutrients and medications. The mechanisms of action of
allium derivatives on various aspects of cardiac function require further
clarification.
http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/lin...8.2000.00043.x